Connection structure of buried gas valves

Abstract

Regarding the connection structure of a buried gas valve installed in an opening in a wall panel, the aim is to facilitate the connection work between the gas valve body and the piping connection part, prevent the connection part from becoming larger, and allow the gas valve body to be easily removed from the opening. [Solution] The gas valve body (1) is inserted and connected to the pipe connection part (2) in a way that prevents it from coming loose by a C-shaped elastic ring (3). A notch (22) is provided from the downstream open end of the pipe connection part (2) to an inward annular groove (21) into which the C-shaped ring portion (31) of the C-shaped elastic ring (3) engages. An airtight seal is provided between the gas valve body (1) and the pipe connection part (2) when the connection is complete. A rotation-preventing member (23) is detachably provided to hold the gas valve body (1) in a state that prevents relative rotation to the pipe connection part (2). The removal of the rotation-preventing member (23) and the reduction of the diameter of the diameter-reducing operation part (32) of the C-shaped ring portion (31) can be performed through an opening (40).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection structure of an embedded gas plug, particularly to a connection structure between a gas plug body and a pipe connection part in an embedded gas plug installed in an opening of a wall panel or a floor panel.

Background Art

[0002] As shown in FIG. 9, the gas plug body (5) of the embedded gas plug is fixed to a gas plug fixing fitting (54) composed of a frame body (54a) and a back plate (54b) attached to a rectangular opening (40) formed in a wall (4) or a floor panel. The gas plug body (5) and the pipe connection part (51) are connected and fixed by a small screw (53), and a flexible pipe is connected to the pipe connection part (51).

[0003] In the connection structure of the conventional embedded gas plug, at predetermined positions on the outer peripheral surfaces of the upstream connection cylinder part of the gas plug body (5) and the downstream connection cylinder part of the pipe connection part (51), flange parts (50a) and (50b) protrude outward respectively. When the upstream connection cylinder part of the gas plug body (5) is inserted into the downstream connection cylinder part of the pipe connection part (51) in an airtight state, the flange part (50a) of the gas plug body (5) and the flange part (50b) of the pipe connection part (51) are set to abut. A screw insertion hole is formed in the flange part (50a) of the gas plug body (5), and a screw hole is formed in the flange part (50b) of the pipe connection part. By inserting a small screw (53) through the screw insertion hole in the flange part (50a) of the gas plug body (5) and screwing it into the screw hole in the flange part (50b) of the pipe connection part (51), the connection between the gas plug body (5) and the pipe connection part (51) is completed. When the gas plug body (5) is attached to the gas plug fixing fitting (54) so that the plug part (52) of the gas plug body (5) faces the opening (40) side and a decorative plate (55) is attached, the construction of the embedded gas plug is completed. If an abnormality is discovered in the gas valve body (5) after the installation of the buried gas valve, the decorative plate (55) can be removed, a screwdriver can be inserted through the opening (40) to remove the mounting screws of the gas valve body (5) and the gas valve fixing bracket (54), and then the small screws (53) can be removed to detach the gas valve body (5) from the pipe connection part (51), allowing only the gas valve body (5) to be removed for repair or replacement. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-40468 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] However, in the conventional buried gas valve described above, the gas valve body (5) and the pipe connection part (51) have flanges (50a) and (50b) that protrude outward, respectively. As a result, the connection between the gas valve body (5) and the pipe connection part (51) becomes bulky and large, which is a problem. Furthermore, since each flange portion (50a) (50b) is connected by screw fastening with a small screw (53), the connection work is cumbersome. Moreover, when removing the gas valve body (5) from the pipe connection portion (51), a screwdriver must be inserted through a small opening (40) provided in the wall plate (4) or floor plate, and the tip of the screwdriver must be engaged with the groove in the head of the small screw (53) which is positioned diagonally to the opening (40), and the screw (53) must be rotated to remove it, resulting in the inconvenience of making the removal work difficult.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and aims to simplify the structure of the connection between the gas valve body and the piping connection part in a buried gas valve connection structure to facilitate connection work, prevent the connection part from becoming larger, and furthermore, enable the gas valve body to be easily removed through an opening provided in a wall panel or floor panel. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The technical means to solve the above problem are: A connection structure for a recessed gas valve that is installed in an opening provided in a wall panel or floor panel, In a buried gas valve connection structure in which the upstream connecting cylinder portion of the gas valve body is inserted into the downstream connecting cylinder portion of the piping connection portion for connection, An outward-facing annular groove is formed along the entire circumferential surface of the upstream connecting cylinder portion of the gas valve body, opening outwards. The C-shaped ring portion of the C-type elastic ring is housed in the outward-facing annular groove in a manner that allows it to be reduced in diameter, and a diameter reduction operation part for reducing the diameter is provided at the open end of the C-shaped ring portion. An inward-facing annular groove is formed along the entire circumferential surface of the downstream connecting cylinder portion of the pipe connection portion, such that the elastically returned C-shaped ring engages simultaneously with the outward-facing annular groove and opens inward. A notch is provided that is cut out in the axial direction from the downstream open end of the pipe connection to the inward-facing annular groove. Between the upstream connecting cylinder portion of the gas valve body and the downstream open end of the piping connection portion, which are in the connected state, an airtight seal portion is provided to maintain an airtight seal around the outer circumference of both, and a rotation-preventing member is detachably provided to hold the upstream connecting cylinder portion of the gas valve body in a state that prevents relative rotation with respect to the piping connection portion. The removal operation of the anti-rotation member and the reduction operation of the diameter reduction operation part are characterized in that they can be performed through the opening.

[0008] The above technical means work as follows: To connect the gas valve body to the pipe connection, first, the C-shaped ring portion of the C-shaped elastic ring is fitted onto the outward-facing annular groove of the upstream connection cylinder portion of the gas valve body, and the diameter reduction operation portion is operated to reduce the diameter so that the C-shaped ring portion does not protrude outward from the outward-facing annular groove. While maintaining this state, the upstream connection cylinder portion of the gas valve body is inserted into the downstream connection cylinder portion of the pipe connection. At this time, the diameter reduction operation portion moves axially within the notch provided in the pipe connection, and when the outward-facing annular groove and the inward-facing annular groove coincide, the C-shaped ring portion elastically returns to its original position, engaging so as to straddle both the outward-facing annular groove and the inward-facing annular groove. As a result, the upstream connection cylinder portion of the gas valve body is connected to the downstream connection cylinder portion of the pipe connection in a way that prevents it from coming loose, and the connection is maintained as long as the diameter reduction operation portion is not reduced in diameter.

[0009] Furthermore, since the notch is formed from the downstream open end of the pipe connection to the inward-facing annular groove, the diameter reduction operating portion of the C-shaped elastic ring that engages with the inward-facing annular groove is located within the notch. In the above connection state, an airtight seal is provided between the upstream connecting cylinder of the gas valve body and the downstream connecting cylinder of the piping connection, so that the gas valve body is connected to the piping connection in an airtight state around the periphery. Furthermore, by attaching an anti-rotation member, the two are held in a state where relative rotation is prevented. After that, the gas valve body is attached to the gas valve fixing bracket, and a decorative plate is attached to cover the opening, thereby completing the installation of the buried gas valve.

[0010] To remove the gas valve body connected in the manner described above from the piping connection, remove the decorative panel from the wall or floor panel, expose the gas valve body and piping connection through the opening, and remove the gas valve fixing bracket from the gas valve body. Furthermore, since the removal of the anti-rotation member and the reduction of the diameter of the diameter reduction operating part are set to be performed through the opening, the anti-rotation member can be removed through the opening, and the diameter reduction operating part of the C-shaped elastic ring can be reduced in diameter by using a finger or tool. This releases the engagement with the inward annular groove of the pipe connection part, so the gas valve body can be removed from the pipe connection part by pulling the upstream connecting cylinder part of the gas valve body out of the pipe connection part. To reattach the gas valve body to the pipe connection, the connection procedure described above should be performed through the opening.

[0011] In the above-described connection structure for buried gas valves, preferably, "when the connection between the gas valve body and the pipe connection portion is completed, the pipe connection portion is installed in a position where the notch portion faces the opening, and the anti-rotation member is provided on the notch portion side." In the completed installation of the buried gas valve, the notch provided at the pipe connection point is positioned facing an opening formed in the wall or floor panel. Therefore, the anti-rotation member located on the notch side can be removed from the opening, and the diameter reduction operation part of the C-shaped elastic ring located inside the notch can also be operated from the opening. In this way, both the removal of the anti-rotation member from the opening and the diameter reduction operation of the C-shaped elastic ring are made easy.

[0012] In the above-described connection structure for buried gas valves, preferably, "the anti-rotation member is configured to be attached to the gas valve body in an anti-rotation state and to engage with the notch at the same time." By engaging the anti-rotation member, which is attached to the gas valve body in an anti-rotation state, with the notch in the pipe connection, the gas valve body and the pipe connection are securely connected in a state where relative rotation is prevented via the anti-rotation member.

[0013] In the above-described connection structure for buried gas valves, preferably, the anti-rotation member is set to be attached to the gas valve body in an anti-rotation state and to engage with the diameter reduction operation portion of the C-shaped elastic ring at the same time. By engaging the anti-rotation member, which is attached to the gas valve body in an anti-rotation state, with the diameter reduction operating portion of the C-shaped elastic ring, the gas valve body and the C-shaped elastic ring are locked in place. Since the diameter reduction operating portion of the C-shaped elastic ring is located within the notch of the pipe connection portion, the pipe connection portion is locked in place relative to the C-shaped elastic ring. As a result, the gas valve body and the pipe connection portion are securely held in a state where relative rotation is prevented via the anti-rotation member and the C-shaped elastic ring.

[0014] In the above-described connection structure for buried gas valves, preferably, "the anti-rotation member is attached to the diameter reduction operating portion of the C-shaped elastic ring and is set to engage with an engaging portion provided on the gas valve body." By engaging the anti-rotation member, which is attached to the diameter reduction operating portion of the C-shaped elastic ring in a rotation-preventing manner, with an engaging portion provided on the gas valve body, the gas valve body and the C-shaped elastic ring are locked in place. Since the diameter reduction operating portion of the C-shaped elastic ring is located within the notch, the pipe connection portion is locked in place relative to the C-shaped elastic ring. As a result, the gas valve body and the pipe connection portion are securely held in a state where relative rotation is prevented via the anti-rotation member and the C-shaped elastic ring.

[0015] In the above-described connection structure for buried gas valves, preferably, "the anti-rotation member is shaped to cover the diameter reduction operation portion of the C-shaped elastic ring." By covering the diameter reduction operating portion of the C-shaped elastic ring with an anti-rotation member, the aesthetic appearance of the connection is improved, and unless the anti-rotation member is removed, the diameter reduction operating portion cannot be operated unintentionally. This prevents the inconvenience of the gas valve body being unintentionally pulled out of the piping connection due to the C-shaped elastic ring being reduced in diameter by tampering or other means.

[0016] In the above-described connection structure for buried gas valves, preferably, "the anti-rotation member is provided with a diameter reduction restricting means for restricting the reduction in diameter of the C-shaped ring portion." In the state where the anti-rotation member is attached, the C-shaped ring portion of the C-shaped elastic ring cannot be reduced in diameter by the diameter reduction restricting means, so it is possible to prevent the inconvenience that the C-shaped ring portion is inadvertently reduced in diameter and the gas plug body is pulled out or detached from the pipe connection portion. Further, when removing the gas plug body from the pipe connection portion, since the anti-rotation member is removed and the diameter reduction restricting means is also removed at the same time, the diameter reduction operation of the C-shaped elastic ring becomes possible, and the two can be separated without any problem.

[0017] In the connection structure of the above-mentioned embedded gas plug, preferably, "the airtight seal portion has a seal structure using a rubber O-ring". For example, a second outward annular concave groove in which an O-ring is accommodated in a state where it slightly protrudes is formed upstream of the outward annular groove provided in the upstream connection cylinder portion of the gas plug body, and the upstream connection cylinder portion of the gas plug body is inserted into the downstream connection cylinder portion of the pipe connection portion. Then, the O-ring accommodated in the second outward annular groove is pressed and deformed on the inner peripheral surface of the pipe connection portion, and adheres to the inner peripheral surface of the downstream connection cylinder portion of the pipe connection portion upstream of the inward annular groove. Thereby, airtightness between the gas plug body and the pipe connection portion is ensured.

Effect of the Invention

[0018] Since the present invention has the above configuration, it has the following specific effects. Since no flange portion or screw is required, the structure of the connection portion between the gas plug body and the pipe connection portion can be simplified, the entire gas plug can be miniaturized, and the materials used for the gas plug body and the pipe connection portion can be saved, so it can be manufactured at a low cost. In addition, since the gas plug body can be connected to the pipe connection part in a non-removable state only with the C-shaped elastic ring, the connection work becomes easy. Moreover, by providing a rotation prevention member, the posture of the gas plug body with respect to the pipe connection part can be surely stabilized. In the case of the embedded gas plug after construction, if the rotation prevention member is removed through the opening provided in the wall panel or floor panel and the diameter reduction operation part of the C-shaped elastic ring is operated to reduce the diameter, the gas plug body can be pulled out from the pipe connection part. Therefore, unlike the conventional method, it is not necessary to insert a driver from the opening into the wall cavity or under the floor, engage it with the head of the small screw in a forced posture, and rotate the driver, and the removal operation of the gas plug body becomes easy.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] It is a cross-sectional view showing the connection structure of the embedded gas plug according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a front view showing the connection structure of the embedded gas plug according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is an exploded perspective view of the connection structure of the embedded gas plug according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is an exploded perspective view of the connection structure of the embedded gas plug according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is an explanatory view showing the state before mounting the rotation prevention member of the connection structure of the embedded gas plug according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is an explanatory view showing the state after mounting the rotation prevention member of the connection structure of the embedded gas plug according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is an explanatory view showing the state before mounting the rotation prevention member of the connection structure of the embedded gas plug according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is an explanatory view showing the state after mounting the rotation prevention member of the connection structure of the embedded gas plug according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] It is an explanatory view showing the connection structure of the conventional embedded gas plug.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figures 1 and 2 show the connection structure of a buried gas valve according to the first embodiment, and show the connection between the gas valve body (1) installed in an opening (40) provided in a wall plate (4) and the piping connection part (2).

[0021] As shown in Figure 1, the outer circumferential surface of the upstream connecting cylinder portion (10) of the gas valve body (1) has first and second outward-facing annular grooves (11) and (12) that open outward, formed along the entire circumference, and a rubber airtight O-ring (30) as an airtight sealing member is housed in the second outward-facing annular groove (12) located on the upstream side.

[0022] A C-shaped elastic ring (3) is fitted into the first outward-facing annular groove (11), which is located downstream of the second outward-facing annular groove (12). The C-shaped elastic ring (3) is composed of a C-shaped ring portion (31) housed in the first outward-facing annular groove (11), and a pair of diameter-reducing operating portions (32)(32) formed in a substantially L-shape, each consisting of a protruding portion that extends outward from both open ends toward the outside of the first outward-facing annular groove (11) and an extension portion that extends downstream parallel to the outer circumferential surface of the upstream connecting cylinder portion (10). The axial width and depth of the first outward-facing annular groove (11) are set to be larger than the wire diameter of the C-shaped elastic ring (3). In the reduced diameter state, the C-shaped ring portion (31) can be housed within the first outward-facing annular groove (11). In the free state after elastic recovery, the C-shaped ring portion (31) is set so that its outer circumferential surface protrudes from the open end of the first outward-facing annular groove (11).

[0023] On the outer circumferential surface of the upstream connecting cylinder portion (10), a pair of engagement walls (13)(13) are provided projecting axially in parallel to each other near the upstream end on the plug portion (1a) side of the gas valve body (1), and the C-shaped ring portion (31) of the C-shaped elastic ring (3) is fitted into the first outward-facing annular groove (11) such that the diameter reduction operating portion (32)(32) is located between the engagement walls (13)(13).

[0024] A hollow rectangular box-shaped cover portion (23) capable of simultaneously housing a pair of diameter-reducing operating portions (32) (32) is fitted between the engaging walls (13) (13). The cover portion (23) is set to a size that allows it to slide from the lower area (S) of the plug portion (1a) to the engagement walls (13)(13).

[0025] When the upstream connecting cylinder portion (10) of the gas valve body (1) is inserted into the downstream connecting cylinder portion (20) of the pipe connection portion (2) until it reaches the final insertion position, an inwardly opening annular groove (21) is formed over the entire circumference at a predetermined location on the inner circumferential surface of the pipe connection portion (2) corresponding to the first outwardly opening annular groove (11). Furthermore, the depth of the inward annular groove (21) is set to be shallower than the wire diameter of the C-shaped elastic ring (3), and the C-shaped ring portion (31) is set to elastically return to its original position when the first outward annular groove (11) and the inward annular groove (21) coincide.

[0026] A notch (22) is cut out in the axial direction from the downstream open end of the downstream connecting cylinder portion (20) of the pipe connection portion (2) to the inward annular groove (21). The width of the notch (22) is approximately equal to the distance between the engagement walls (13)(13) described above, and the vicinity of the base ends of the pair of diameter reduction operating portions (32)(32) can be accommodated in a free state.

[0027] To connect the upstream connecting pipe portion (10) of the gas valve body (1) to the downstream connecting pipe portion (20) of the piping connection portion (2), first, the C-shaped ring portion (31) of the C-shaped elastic ring (3) is fitted onto the first outward-facing annular groove (11) of the gas valve body (1) so that the diameter reduction operating portions (32)(32) are positioned between the engaging walls (13)(13). Then, the diameter reduction operating portions (32)(32) are grasped with a tool or the like and brought closer together to reduce the diameter of the C-shaped ring portion (31), so that it is housed in a non-protruding state within the first outward-facing annular groove (11). While maintaining that state, the engaging walls (13)(13) and the notch (22) are aligned in the same direction, and the airtight O-ring (30) inside the second outward annular groove (12) is compressed while inserting the upstream connecting cylinder portion (10) of the gas valve body (1) into the downstream connecting cylinder portion (20) of the piping connection portion (2).

[0028] While pinching the diameter reduction operating parts (32)(32) of the C-shaped elastic ring (3), insert the upstream connecting cylinder part (10) of the gas valve body (1) into the downstream connecting cylinder part (20) of the pipe connection part (2). When the first outward-facing annular groove (11) of the upstream connecting cylinder part (10) corresponds to the inward-facing annular groove (21) of the downstream connecting cylinder part (20) of the pipe connection part (2), release the diameter reduction of the C-shaped elastic ring (3). The C-shaped ring part (31), which was housed in the first outward-facing annular groove (11) in a reduced diameter state, elastically returns to its original position, expanding toward the inward-facing annular groove (21) of the pipe connection part (2), and engaging so as to straddle the first outward-facing annular groove (11) and the inward-facing annular groove (21).

[0029] As a result, the upstream connecting cylinder portion (10) of the gas valve body (1) is connected to the pipe connection portion (2) in a way that prevents it from coming loose by the elastically restored C-shaped ring portion (31), and the airtight O-ring (30) in the second outward annular groove (12) is pressed and deformed on the inner surface of the pipe connection portion (2), and adheres tightly to the inner surface of the pipe connection portion (2), thereby ensuring airtightness between the upstream connecting cylinder portion (10) of the gas valve body (1) and the pipe connection portion (2).

[0030] In the above connection state, the base end of the diameter reduction operating part (32)(32) is located within the notch (22), and the free end is located between the engagement walls (13)(13). Therefore, the cover part (23) is placed in the lower area (S) of the plug part (1a) of the gas valve body (1), and is slid from that position between the engagement walls (13)(13). As a result, with the diameter reduction operating part (32)(32) housed in the hollow interior (23a), the cover part (23) is fitted into the engagement walls (13)(13). By engaging the vicinity of the upstream end of the cover portion (23) with the notch (22) of the pipe connection portion (2), the cover portion (23) engages with the engaging walls (13)(13) and both sides of the notch (22), and the gas valve body (1) is held in a state where relative rotation is prevented with respect to the pipe connection portion (2). In other words, in the first embodiment, the cover portion (23) functions as an anti-rotation member.

[0031] Following the procedure described above, connect the gas valve body (1) to the pipe connection section (2), then connect the gas piping using a metal flexible pipe, and attach the gas valve body (1) to the gas valve fixing bracket (not shown) attached to the opening (40) in the wall panel (4). At this time, the plug part (1a) of the gas valve body (1) will be facing the opening (40). Then, attach the decorative panel (not shown) to the wall panel (4) so ​​as to cover the opening (40), and the installation of the buried gas valve is completed.

[0032] If a problem occurs with the buried gas valve after installation, or if it becomes necessary to remove the gas valve body (1) from the pipe connection part (2), first remove the decorative panel from the wall panel (4), and then remove the mounting screws connecting the gas valve body (1) and the gas valve fixing bracket from the opening (40). Since the engaging walls (13)(13) are positioned on the plug part (1a) side of the gas valve body (1), the cover part (23) located between the engaging walls (13)(13) can be removed by sliding it downstream through the opening (40) to the area (S) below the plug part (1a), and the diameter reduction operating parts (32)(32) of the C-shaped elastic ring (3) can be exposed between the engaging walls (13)(13). Then, by inserting a special tool (not shown) through the opening (40) and bringing the two together with the diameter reduction operating parts (32) (32) in between, the C-shaped ring part (31) is reduced in diameter so that it does not protrude outward from the outward annular groove (11), and the engagement of the C-shaped ring part (31) with the inward annular groove (21) of the pipe connection part (2) is released, and the upstream connecting cylinder part (10) of the gas valve body (1) can be removed from the pipe connection part (2). This makes it possible to repair or replace any malfunctions or defects in the gas valve body (1) or the pipe connection part (2).

[0033] To reconnect the gas valve body (1) to the pipe connection part (2) after repairing or replacing the gas valve body (1), as described above, the C-shaped ring portion (31) of the C-shaped elastic ring (3) is fitted into the first outward-facing annular groove (11) of the upstream connection cylinder portion (10) of the gas valve body (1) so that the diameter reduction operating portions (32)(32) are positioned between the locking walls (13)(13). Then, while bringing the diameter reduction operating portions (32)(32) closer with a tool, the upstream connection cylinder portion (10) of the gas valve body (1) is inserted into the downstream connection cylinder portion (20) of the pipe connection part (2) so that the plug portion (1a) faces the notch portion (22) of the pipe connection part (2) together with the diameter reduction operating portions (32)(32). The gas valve body (1) is connected to the pipe connection (2) in a non-loosening state by a C-shaped ring portion (31) that elastically returns when the first outward-facing annular groove (11) aligns with the inward-facing annular groove (21) of the pipe connection portion (2), and at the same time, it is connected in an airtight state around the periphery by an airtight O-ring (30) fitted onto the second outward-facing annular groove (12). Subsequently, by simultaneously fitting the cover portion (23) between (13)(13) and into the notch portion (22) in the manner described above, the gas valve body (1) is connected to the pipe connection portion (2) in a state that prevents relative rotation. After that, the gas valve body (1) and the gas valve fixing bracket are fixed with mounting screws.

[0034] Thus, when connecting the gas valve body (1) to the pipe connection part (2) and when removing it from the pipe connection part (2), all that is required is to bring the diameter reduction operation part (32)(32), which is visible from the opening (40) of the wall plate (4), closer. Compared to conventional connection structures in which the flanges of the gas valve body (1) and the pipe connection part (2) are screwed together with small screws, the connection and removal of the gas valve body (1) and the pipe connection part (2) can be easily performed through the opening (40), and since the flanges do not protrude outward, the connection part between the gas valve body (1) and the pipe connection part (2) does not become larger.

[0035] Figure 3 shows an exploded perspective view of the connection structure of a buried gas valve according to the second embodiment, and is an enlarged perspective view of the main part showing the relationship between the upstream connection cylinder portion (10) of the gas valve body (1) and the downstream connection cylinder portion (20) of the piping connection portion (2). In this design, the upstream connecting cylinder portion (10) of the gas valve body (1) is formed to have a smaller diameter than the downstream body portion (14), and the upstream connecting cylinder portion (10) is provided with a first outward-facing annular groove (11) for fitting a C-shaped elastic ring (3) and a second outward-facing annular groove (12) for fitting an airtight O-ring (30), similar to the first embodiment. Furthermore, a rectangularly cut-out engagement portion (15) is formed at the upstream end of the body portion (14) so ​​as to open towards the upstream connecting cylinder portion (10).

[0036] The C-shaped elastic ring (3) consists of a C-shaped ring portion (31) housed within the first outward-facing annular groove (11), and a pair of protrusions (33)(33) projecting outward from both open ends toward the outside of the first outward-facing annular groove (11). The C-shaped ring portion (31) can be reduced in diameter by grasping the protrusions (33)(33) with a tool and bringing them closer together. In other words, in this embodiment, the protrusions (33)(33) function as diameter reduction operating parts.

[0037] The downstream connecting cylinder portion (20) of the piping connection portion (2), into which the upstream connecting cylinder portion (10) of the gas valve body (1) is inserted, has an inward-facing annular groove (21) corresponding to the first outward-facing annular groove (11), similar to the first embodiment. However, the notch portion (22) is cut in a roughly rectangular shape that extends further upstream than the position where the inward-facing annular groove (21) is formed. The width of the notch (22) is set to be approximately the same as the width of the engaging portion (15), and the protruding portions (33)(33) are set to be accommodated within the notch (22) when the upstream connecting pipe portion (10) of the gas valve body (1) is inserted into the downstream connecting pipe portion (20) of the piping connection portion (2).

[0038] The protruding parts (33)(33), which serve as diameter reduction operating parts, are grasped with a tool or the like and brought close to reduce the diameter of the C-shaped ring portion (31) of the C-shaped elastic ring (3) and housed in the first outward-facing annular groove (11). In this state, the upstream connecting cylinder portion (10) of the gas valve body (1) is inserted into the downstream connecting cylinder portion (20) of the pipe connection portion (2) with the engaging portion (15) positioned on the side where the notch portion (22) is formed. When the C-shaped ring portion (31) engages so as to straddle the first outward-facing annular groove (11) and the inward-facing annular groove (21), the gas valve body (1) is connected to the pipe connection portion (2) in a way that prevents it from coming loose and is airtight on the outer circumference by the airtight O-ring (30) housed in the second outward-facing annular groove (12). At this time, a substantially rectangular recess is formed by the engaging portion (15) and the notch portion (22), and the protruding portions (33)(33) are arranged in a circumferential direction and protrude from approximately the center of the recess.

[0039] In the second embodiment, a cover portion (6) is provided that is sized and shaped to fit precisely into the recess. When fitted into the recess, each position of the cover portion (6) corresponding to the protrusions (33)(33) has two through holes (60)(60) through which the protrusions (33)(33) can be inserted. As the protruding portions (33)(33) are inserted through the through holes (60)(60), the cover portion (6) is fitted into the recess formed by the engaging portion (15) and the notch portion (22), thereby preventing the gas valve body (1) from rotating relative to the pipe connection portion (2). In other words, in this embodiment, the cover portion (6) functions as an anti-rotation member. Furthermore, when the gas valve body (1) is attached to the gas valve fixing bracket and the gas valve is installed inside the wall, the cover part (6) should be positioned on the side of the opening provided in the wall panel.

[0040] To remove the gas valve body (1) from the pipe connection part (2) while it is connected, first remove the cover part (6) through the opening (40) provided in the wall panel, and then remove the mounting screws connecting the gas valve body (1) to the gas valve fixing bracket. After that, reduce the diameter of the protruding parts (33)(33) to release the engagement of the C-shaped ring part (31) with the inward annular groove (21), and then pull the gas valve body (1) out from the pipe connection part (2). To reconnect it, reduce the diameter of the protruding parts (33)(33) through the opening (40), connect the upstream connecting cylinder part (10) of the gas valve body (1) to the pipe connection part (2), and then put the cover part (6) back on. In this second embodiment, the engaging portion (15) of the gas valve body (1), the notch (22) of the pipe connection portion (2), and the protruding portions (33)(33) of the C-shaped elastic ring (3) are positioned and fixed by the cover portion (6), so that the gas valve body (1) is connected to the pipe connection portion (2) in a manner that prevents relative rotation. Furthermore, since the protruding portions (33)(33) are inserted through the through holes (60)(60) of the cover portion (6) and fixed in place, the protruding portions (33)(33) cannot be reduced in diameter unless the cover portion (6) is removed. In other words, the cover portion (6) also functions as a means of restricting the reduction in diameter of the C-shaped elastic ring (3).

[0041] Figure 4 shows an exploded perspective view of the connection structure of a buried gas valve according to the third embodiment. The upstream connection cylinder portion (10) of the gas valve body (1) is formed to have a smaller diameter than the body portion (14), and the C-shaped ring portion (31) of the C-shaped elastic ring (3) is fitted into the first outward annular groove (11), while an airtight O-ring (30) is fitted into the second outward annular groove (12) further upstream. The C-shaped elastic ring (3) has protruding portions (33) (33) that act as diameter reduction operating portions, which protrude outward from the first outward-facing annular groove (11) from both open ends of the C-shaped ring portion (31). When the upstream connecting cylinder portion (10) of the gas valve body (1) to which the C-shaped elastic ring (3) is attached is inserted into the downstream connecting cylinder portion (20) of the piping connection portion (2), an inward-facing annular groove (21) is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the downstream connecting cylinder portion (20) corresponding to the first outward-facing annular groove (11) of the upstream connecting cylinder portion (10), into which the elastically returned C-shaped ring portion (31) engages. Furthermore, the notch (22) is cut out in a substantially rectangular shape further upstream than the position where the inward-facing annular groove (21) is formed. Furthermore, the position of the second outward-facing annular groove (12) in the upstream connecting cylinder (10) is set such that the airtight O-ring (30) is pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the downstream connecting cylinder (20) of the pipe connection (2) upstream of the notch (22).

[0042] In the third embodiment, the cover portion (61), which serves as an anti-rotation member, is fixed to the body portion (14) of the gas valve body (1) by screw fastening. Specifically, a screw hole (16) is formed in the body (14) of the gas valve body (1), and the C-shaped ring portion (31) of the C-shaped elastic ring (3) is fitted into the first outward-facing annular groove (11) so that the protruding portion (33)(33) which serves as the diameter reduction operating portion is located just upstream of the screw hole (16), and the valve is then installed. Then, the protruding parts (33)(33) are brought close to each other, and the C-shaped ring part (31) is reduced in diameter, while the upstream connecting cylinder part (10) of the gas valve body (1) is inserted into the downstream connecting cylinder part (20) of the pipe connection part (2). At this time, the protruding parts (33)(33) are positioned within the notch (22), and the C-shaped ring part (31) of the C-shaped elastic ring (3) engages with the first outward annular groove (11) and the inward annular groove (21), so that the gas valve body (1) is connected to the pipe connection part (2) in a way that prevents it from coming loose and is airtight by the airtight O-ring (30).

[0043] The cover portion (61) is a vertically elongated rectangular plate that completely closes the notch portion (22) and has an arc along the outer surface of the body portion (14). Near the downstream end, there is a through hole (63) through which a small screw (62) is inserted, and near the upstream end, there are protruding insert pieces (64)(64) that are inserted into the notch portion (22). As described above, when the through hole (63) of the cover part (61) is aligned with the screw hole (16) of the body part (14) of the gas valve body (1), in which the upstream connecting cylinder part (10) is inserted into the downstream connecting cylinder part (20) of the pipe connection part (2) in a manner that prevents it from coming loose, the size and shape of the cover part (61) are set so that the notch part (22) is closed by the cover part (61). Therefore, by inserting the insertion pieces (64)(64) into the notch part (22) and screwing the small screw (62) into the screw hole (16) through the through hole (63), the cover part (61) can be attached to the body part (14) of the gas valve body (1). It is desirable that the protruding length of the protruding parts (33)(33) be set so that it is concealed by the cover part (61).

[0044] In other words, the gas valve body (1) and the pipe connection part (2), which are connected in a non-loosening state by the C-shaped elastic ring (3), are connected in a state where relative rotation is prevented. This is because the insertion pieces (64) (64) of the cover part (61), which is fixed to the body part (14) of the gas valve body (1) by screws, engage with both sides of the notch (22), causing the cover part (61) to function as a rotation-preventing member, and the gas valve body (1) is connected to the pipe connection part (2) in a state where relative rotation is prevented. Furthermore, when the gas valve body (1) is attached to the gas valve fixing bracket and installed inside the wall, the cover portion (61) will be located on the side of the opening provided in the wall panel.

[0045] To remove the gas valve body (1) of this third embodiment from the pipe connection part (2), the gas valve body (1) is removed from the gas valve fixing bracket, and then the small screw (62) is removed to remove the cover part (61), exposing the protruding parts (33)(33) of the C-shaped elastic ring (3) which act as diameter reduction operating parts to the opening. Then, by bringing the protruding parts (33)(33) closer together and reducing the diameter of the C-shaped ring part (31), the gas valve body (1) can be removed from the pipe connection part (2). Furthermore, since the protruding parts (33)(33) are completely covered by the cover part (61), the protruding parts (33)(33) will not be unintentionally reduced in diameter, and the aesthetic appearance of the connection part is also improved.

[0046] Figures 5 and 6 are explanatory diagrams of the connection structure of the buried gas valve according to the fourth embodiment. The upstream connecting cylinder portion (10) of the gas valve body (1) is formed to have a smaller diameter than the downstream body portion (14). The upstream connecting cylinder portion (10) is provided with a first outward-facing annular groove (11) into which a C-shaped elastic ring (3) is fitted, and a second outward-facing annular groove (30) into which an airtight O-ring (30) is fitted, similar to those in the embodiments described above. Furthermore, the upstream end of the body portion (14) has three small engagement portions (17) that are rectangularly cut out and open to the upstream connecting cylinder portion (10). The C-shaped elastic ring (3) adopts a shape in which a pair of substantially L-shaped diameter reduction operating parts (32)(32) extend from both open ends of the C-shaped ring portion (31), as in the first embodiment. However, in this fourth embodiment, the diameter reduction operating parts (32)(32) are mounted in the first outward-facing annular groove (11) in a position that extends toward the upstream side.

[0047] The pipe connection section (2) has a notch (22) that can accommodate the base end of the diameter reduction operating section (32)(32) of the C-shaped elastic ring (3). When the upstream connecting cylinder section (10) of the gas valve body (1) is inserted into the downstream connecting cylinder section (20) of the pipe connection section (2) so that the central small engaging section (17) corresponds to the center of the notch (22), the C-shaped ring section (31) of the elastically restored C-shaped elastic ring (3) prevents the gas valve body (1) from coming off the pipe connection section (2), and the airtight O-ring (30) ensures an airtight connection. At the same time, the diameter reduction operating sections (32)(32) extend beyond the notch (22) and along the outer surface of the pipe connection section (2) toward the upstream side.

[0048] As shown in Figure 5, the anti-rotation member (7) that prevents the gas valve body (1) in the connected state from rotating relative to the pipe connection part (2) is configured in a roughly convex shape, consisting of a base (71) having two through holes (70) (70) through which the diameter reduction operating parts (32) (32) can be inserted, and a protruding part (72) that protrudes from the center of the top surface of the base (71) located between the through holes (70) (70) and has a fitting part (72a) that can be fitted into one of the small engaging parts (17).

[0049] By inserting the extended end of the diameter reduction operating portion (32)(32) into the insertion hole (70)(70) from the top surface side of the base portion (71), and fitting the fitting portion (72a) into the central small engaging portion (17), the anti-rotation member (7) can be attached as shown in Figure 6. In this attached state, the gas valve body (1) and the C-shaped elastic ring (3) are in a state of rotation prevention, and since the base end of the diameter reduction operating portion (33)(33) of the C-shaped elastic ring (3) is located within the notch (22) of the pipe connection portion (2), the pipe connection portion (2) is in a state of rotation prevention relative to the C-shaped elastic ring (3). As a result, the gas valve body (1) and the pipe connection portion (2) are reliably held in a state of relative rotation prevention via the anti-rotation member (7) and the C-shaped elastic ring (3). Furthermore, since the diameter reduction operating parts (32)(32) are housed within the insertion holes (70)(70) of the base (71), the diameter reduction operating parts (32)(32) will not be unintentionally reduced in diameter when the anti-rotation member (7) is attached. In other words, the anti-rotation member (7) also functions as a diameter reduction restricting means that restricts the reduction of the diameter of the C-shaped elastic ring (3).

[0050] Furthermore, the orientation of the gas valve body (1) relative to the pipe connection part (2) can be finely adjusted by which of the three small engaging parts (17) the fitting part (72a) of the anti-rotation member (7) is fitted into. To remove the gas valve body (1) from the pipe connection part (2), slide the anti-rotation member (7) upstream, and remove the fitting part (72a) from the small engagement part (17) and the diameter reduction operating parts (32)(32) from the insertion hole (70). The anti-rotation member (7) can then be removed. After removing the anti-rotation member (7), in the same manner as in each of the embodiments described above, reduce the diameter of the diameter reduction operating parts (32)(32) to release the engagement of the C-shaped elastic ring (3) by the C-shaped ring part (31).

[0051] Figures 7 and 8 are explanatory diagrams of the connection structure of the buried gas valve according to the fifth embodiment. The upstream connecting cylinder portion (10) of the gas valve body (1) is formed to have a smaller diameter than the downstream body portion (14). The upstream connecting cylinder portion (10) is provided with a first outward-facing annular groove (11) into which a C-shaped elastic ring (3) is fitted, and a second outward-facing annular groove (30) into which an airtight O-ring (30) is fitted, similar to those in the embodiments described above. Furthermore, an engaging projection (18) is provided projecting axially from the upstream end of the body (14).

[0052] As in the first embodiment, the C-shaped elastic ring (3) has a shape in which a pair of substantially L-shaped diameter reduction operating portions (32)(32) extend from both open ends of the C-shaped ring portion (31) that is fitted into the first outward annular groove (11). The diameter reduction operating portions (32)(32) extend downstream and are set to extend beyond the upstream end of the body portion (14) of the gas valve body (1) and along the outer circumferential surface of the body portion (14) to both sides of the engaging projection (18).

[0053] The pipe connection section (2) has a notch (22) with a width that can accommodate the base end of the diameter reduction operating section (32)(32) of the C-shaped elastic ring (3). When the upstream connecting cylinder section (10) of the gas valve body (1) is inserted into the downstream connecting cylinder section (20) of the pipe connection section (2) while the diameter reduction operating section (32)(32) is reduced in diameter, the C-shaped ring section (31) of the elastically restored C-shaped elastic ring (3) prevents it from coming loose, and the airtight O-ring (30) ensures an airtight connection.

[0054] The anti-rotation member (8) that connects the gas valve body (1) to the pipe connection part (2) in a state that prevents relative rotation is, as shown in Figure 7, a horizontally elongated rectangular body provided with two insertion holes (80) (80) through which the diameter reduction operating parts (32) (32) can be inserted, and the central part is cut out to open to the upstream side, forming a notched hole (81). By positioning the anti-rotation member (8) downstream of the extended end of the diameter reduction operating portion (32)(32) and moving it upstream along the outer circumferential surface of the body portion (14), the anti-rotation member (8) is installed in such a manner as shown in Figure 8, that the diameter reduction operating portion (32)(32) is inserted into the through hole (80)(80) from the upstream side, and the engaging projection (18) engages with the notched hole (81).

[0055] With the anti-rotation member (8) attached, the gas valve body (1) and the C-shaped elastic ring (3) are in an anti-rotation state, and the base end of the diameter reduction operating portion (33)(33) of the C-shaped elastic ring (3) is located within the notch (22) of the pipe connection portion (2), so the pipe connection portion (2) is in an anti-rotation state relative to the C-shaped elastic ring (3). As a result, the gas valve body (1) and the pipe connection portion (2) are held in a state of relative rotation prevention via the anti-rotation member (8) and the C-shaped elastic ring (3). Furthermore, since the diameter reduction operating parts (32)(32) are housed within the insertion holes (80)(80), the diameter reduction operating parts (32)(32) will not be unintentionally reduced in diameter when the anti-rotation member (8) is attached. In other words, the anti-rotation member (8) also functions as a diameter reduction restricting means that restricts the reduction of the diameter of the C-shaped elastic ring (3).

[0056] By positioning the engaging projection (18) and the notch (22) toward the opening (40) provided in the wall plate, the anti-rotation member (8) can be slid downstream from the opening (40) and removed. Once the anti-rotation member (8) is removed, the diameter reduction operation parts (32)(32) can be reduced in diameter, and the gas valve body (1) can be easily removed from the pipe connection part (2).

[0057] In the embodiments described above, we explained embedded gas valves installed in wall panels, but it goes without saying that they can also be installed in floor panels in the same way. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0058] (1) ········Gas valve body (2) ········Pipe connection (3) ········C-type elastic ring (4) · · · · Wall board (10)········Upstream connecting pipe section (11)········Outward-facing annular groove (20) ········ Downstream connecting pipe section (21)········Inward-facing annular groove (22)········Notch (23)········Cover part (anti-rotation member) (30)········Airtight O-ring (Airtight sealing part) (31)········C-shaped ring section (32)···········································− (40)········Opening

Claims

1. A connection structure for a recessed gas valve that is installed in an opening provided in a wall panel or floor panel, In a buried gas valve connection structure in which the upstream connecting cylinder portion of the gas valve body is inserted into the downstream connecting cylinder portion of the piping connection portion for connection, An outward-facing annular groove is formed along the entire circumferential surface of the upstream connecting cylinder portion of the gas valve body, opening outwards. The C-shaped ring portion of the C-type elastic ring is housed in the outward-facing annular groove in a manner that allows it to be reduced in diameter, and a diameter reduction operation part for reducing the diameter is provided at the open end of the C-shaped ring portion. An inward-facing annular groove is formed along the entire circumferential surface of the downstream connecting cylinder portion of the pipe connection portion, such that the elastically returned C-shaped ring engages simultaneously with the outward-facing annular groove and opens inward. A notch is provided that is cut out in the axial direction from the downstream open end of the pipe connection to the inward-facing annular groove. Between the upstream connecting cylinder portion of the gas valve body and the downstream open end of the piping connection portion, which are in the connected state, an airtight seal portion is provided to maintain an airtight seal around the outer circumference of both, and a rotation-preventing member is detachably provided to hold the upstream connecting cylinder portion of the gas valve body in a state that prevents relative rotation with respect to the piping connection portion. A connection structure for a buried gas valve, characterized in that the removal operation of the anti-rotation member and the reduction operation of the diameter reduction operation part are made possible through the opening.

2. A connection structure for a buried gas valve according to claim 1, wherein, in the state where the connection between the gas valve body and the pipe connection part is completed, the pipe connection part is installed in a position where the notch part faces the opening, and the anti-rotation member is provided on the notch part side.

3. A connection structure for a buried gas valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the anti-rotation member is attached to the gas valve body in an anti-rotation state and at the same time engages with the notch.

4. A connection structure for a buried gas valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the anti-rotation member is attached to the gas valve body in an anti-rotation state and is set to engage with the diameter reduction operation portion of the C-shaped elastic ring.

5. A connection structure for a buried gas valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the anti-rotation member is attached to the diameter reduction operating portion of the C-shaped elastic ring and is set to engage with an engaging portion provided on the gas valve body.

6. A connection structure for a buried gas valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the anti-rotation member is shaped to cover the diameter reduction operation portion of the C-shaped elastic ring.

7. A connection structure for a buried gas valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the anti-rotation member is provided with a diameter reduction restricting means for restricting the reduction of the diameter of the C-shaped ring portion.

8. A connection structure for a buried gas valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the airtight sealing portion is a sealing structure using a rubber O-ring.

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