Saddle-type water splitter valve

Abstract

The purpose is to mitigate the load caused by an earthquake, suppress the displacement of the saddle-type water tap and the water distribution pipe, and prevent damage to joints, water supply pipes, etc. [Solution] The saddle-type water tap 100 comprises a water tap body 1 to which a water supply pipe is connected, a saddle 2 having a through hole 2c, and an annular first adapter 4 and a second adapter 5 positioned between the water tap body 1 and the saddle 2. The first adapter 4 has a saddle connecting portion 4c that screws into the through hole 2c. The second adapter 5 has an adapter connecting portion 5b that screws into the inner circumference of the first adapter 4 and a water tap connecting portion 5a that screws into the inner circumference of the water tap body 1. There is a rotation control mechanism that restricts relative rotation with the water tap body 1 when the rotational load acting between the first adapter 4 and the water tap body 1 is less than a predetermined value. The rotation control mechanism 60 comprises a first adapter 4 fixed to the saddle 2 and a stopper 6 that fixes the water tap body 1.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a saddle-type water distribution tap installed at a location where a water supply pipe branches from a water distribution pipe such as a main water pipe.

Background Art

[0002] The saddle-type water distribution tap supplies water from the water distribution pipe such as the main water pipe to each house etc. by connecting a joint etc. to the water supply pipe connection part of the saddle-type water distribution tap.

[0003] In recent years, earthquakes have occurred frequently. When the water distribution pipe moves during an earthquake, there is a risk that the saddle-type water distribution tap may move from the water distribution pipe and its mounting position may shift. For example, when the water distribution pipe moves during an earthquake or the like, there is a risk of shifting to the outside of the water stop member (saddle mounting gasket) that covers the hole drilled in the water distribution pipe.

[0004] Also, during an earthquake, a load is applied to the water supply pipe, so there is a risk that the water supply pipe connected to the saddle-type water distribution tap may be damaged or displaced. As a means to prevent the water distribution tap body, saddle, etc. from rotating and suppress water leakage during such an earthquake, a saddle-type water distribution tap described in Patent Document 1 is known.

[0005] The saddle-type water distribution tap described in Patent Document 1 has a rotation prevention member provided at the joining screw part that fixes the water distribution tap body and the saddle in order to suppress the rotation of the water distribution tap body and the saddle and water leakage during an earthquake. The rotation prevention member is composed of a pin, a set screw with a hexagonal hole, or a set screw with a seat.

[0006] In addition, although not aimed at earthquake resistance, there are an integral-type saddle-type water distribution tap in which the water supply pipe connection part of the saddle-type water distribution tap is integrated with a joint, and a saddle-type water distribution tap having a structure that expands, contracts, and is flexible. These saddle-type water distribution taps have the problem that the structure becomes complicated.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-22550 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The saddle-type water tap described in Patent Document 1 has a structure that makes the connection strong and prevents the screw from loosening and rotation by applying adhesive to the threaded connection between the water tap and the saddle, or by driving a pin into the saddle and the water tap.

[0009] Therefore, while the saddle-type water tap described in Patent Document 1 can prevent damage to the saddle-type water tap during an earthquake, there is a risk that the saddle-type water tap may become dislodged from the water pipe.

[0010] Furthermore, even if the saddle-type water tap described in Patent Document 1 moves as a single unit during an earthquake, there is a risk that the water supply piping may be subjected to load and damaged due to the movement of the saddle-type water tap and the water distribution pipe together.

[0011] This invention was created to solve these problems, and aims to provide a saddle-type water tap that can mitigate the load caused by an earthquake, suppress the displacement of the saddle-type water tap body and the water distribution pipe, and prevent damage to joints, water supply pipes, etc. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] To solve the aforementioned problems, the present invention provides a saddle-type branch valve comprising: a branch valve body to which a water supply pipe is connected; a saddle fixed to the outer circumference of a water distribution pipe and having a through hole; and an annular first adapter and a second adapter disposed between the branch valve body and the saddle, wherein the first adapter has a branch valve loose fitting portion that is fitted to the outer circumference of the branch valve body so as to be rotatable relative to it, and a saddle connecting portion that screws into the through hole; the second adapter has an adapter connecting portion that screws into the inner circumference of the first adapter, and a branch valve connecting portion that screws into the inner circumference of the branch valve body; the first adapter has a rotation control mechanism that restricts the relative rotation between the branch valve loose fitting portion and the branch valve body when the rotation load acting between the branch valve body and the branch valve loose fitting portion is less than a predetermined value; and the rotation control mechanism includes a stopper that fixes the first adapter fixed to the saddle and the branch valve body.

[0013] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a saddle-type branch valve comprising a branch valve body to which a water supply pipe is connected, a saddle fixed to the outer circumference of a water distribution pipe and having a through hole, and an annular adapter disposed between the branch valve body and the saddle, wherein the adapter has a branch valve loose fitting portion that is fitted to the outer circumference of the branch valve body so as to be rotatable relative to the branch valve body, a saddle connecting portion that screws into the through hole, a branch valve connecting portion that screws into the inner circumference of the branch valve body, and a rotation control mechanism that restricts the relative rotation between the branch valve loose fitting portion and the branch valve body when the rotational load acting between the branch valve body and the branch valve loose fitting portion is less than a predetermined value, and the rotation control mechanism comprises a first adapter fixed to the saddle and a stopper that fixes the branch valve body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] The present invention provides a saddle-type water tap that can mitigate the load caused by an earthquake, suppress the displacement of the saddle-type water tap body and the water distribution pipe, and prevent damage to joints, water supply pipes, etc. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1]It is a front view having a partial cross-section of the saddle-type water faucet according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a plan view of the saddle-type water faucet showing the range in which the water faucet body rotates. [Figure 3] It is an enlarged side view having a partial cross-section of the saddle-type water faucet. [Figure 4] It is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] It is an exploded front view having a partial cross-section of the saddle-type water faucet. [Figure 6] It is a view showing a first modification of the saddle-type water faucet according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is an enlarged side view having a partial cross-section of the saddle-type water faucet. [Figure 7] It is a view showing a first modification of the saddle-type water faucet according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is an exploded side view having a partial cross-section of the saddle faucet. [Figure 8] It is a view showing a second modification of the saddle-type water faucet according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is an enlarged side view having a partial cross-section of the saddle-type water faucet.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] The saddle-type water faucet 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. When explaining the directions, the side of the saddle-type water faucet 100 shown in FIG. 1 is the upper side, the side of the pair of bolts B and nuts N is the left and right sides, and the axial direction of the water distribution pipe P is the front and rear sides for explanation. In addition, since the saddle-type water faucet 100 is formed in an overall left-right symmetric shape except for the water supply pipe connection portion 1e of the water faucet body 1 and the faucet rod 13, mainly one side on the left and right will be described and the description of the other side will be omitted as appropriate. Also, those having the same configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description is omitted.

[0017] ≪Saddle-Type Water Faucet≫ The saddle-type water distribution faucet 100 shown in Fig. 1 or Fig. 3 is a water distribution faucet used to branch a water supply pipe (not shown) for supplying water from a metal water distribution pipe P such as a main water pipe to each house or the like. The saddle-type water distribution faucet 100 includes a faucet body 1, a saddle 2, a band 3, a first adapter 4, a second adapter 5, a stopper 6, a rotation control mechanism 60, a first O-ring O1, a second O-ring O2, a pair of bolts B, and nuts N screwed onto the pair of bolts B respectively. The saddle-type water distribution faucet 100 includes two adapters composed of a first adapter 4 and a second adapter 5 between the faucet body 1 and the saddle 2.

[0018] In addition, the saddle-type water distribution faucet 100 includes a water stop mechanism 10 provided in the faucet body 1, a saddle mechanism 20 for attaching the saddle 2 and the band 3 around the water distribution pipe P, and a rotation control mechanism 60 that rotates when a load greater than or equal to a predetermined value is applied in the rotation direction between the faucet body 1 and the first adapter 4. The saddle-type water distribution faucet 100 is used in an appropriate size and shape according to the material and diameter of the water distribution pipe P.

[0019] The saddle-type water distribution faucet 100 is attached to the outer periphery of the water distribution pipe P by inserting the bolt B through the bolt insertion holes of the flange portion 2b of the saddle 2 and the flange portion 3b of the band 3 and tightening the nut N.

[0020] ≪Faucet Body≫ As shown in Fig. 1, the faucet body 1 is a housing that forms the outer case of the water stop mechanism 10. The faucet body 1 has a vertical hole 1a and a horizontal hole 1b, and is made of a metal hollow member such as bronze formed in a substantially cross shape when viewed from the front. In the faucet body 1, a vertical hole 1a, a horizontal hole 1b, a cylindrical portion 1c, a first adapter facing portion 1d, a water supply pipe connection portion 1e, an O-ring installation groove 1f, a second adapter connection portion 1g, a pin contact surface 1h, and a male screw portion 1j are formed. There is a gap S (see Figs. 3 and 4) between the first adapter facing portion 1d of the faucet body 1 and the faucet loose fitting portion 4a of the first adapter 4. Therefore, when there is no stopper 6, the faucet body 1 is arranged in a state of rotating with respect to the first adapter 4.

[0021] The water-stopping mechanism 10 is a device for temporarily or completely stopping the flow of water. The water-stopping mechanism 10 consists of a vertical hole 1a, a horizontal hole 1b, a ball valve 12 positioned in the center of the vertical hole 1a and the horizontal hole 1b, and a stopper rod 13 provided at the right end of the horizontal hole 1b.

[0022] The vertical hole 1a is formed to penetrate vertically along the axis of the water distribution valve body 1. A ball valve 12 is positioned in the center of the vertical hole 1a. A male threaded portion 1j for screwing on a cap 11 is formed on the outer circumference of the upper opening of the vertical hole 1a. A first O-ring O1 is fitted into the O-ring installation groove 1f on the lower side of the vertical hole 1a. In the water distribution valve body 1, a second adapter connecting portion 1g is formed along the axis below the O-ring installation groove 1f.

[0023] Furthermore, when drilling a hole Pa in the water pipe P for attaching the core 7, a drilling machine (not shown) is used. The drilling machine is inserted from the upper opening into the vertical hole 1a of the saddle-type branch valve 100 attached to the water pipe P by fastening the saddle mechanism 20 shown in Figure 1 to the water pipe P. The drilling machine (not shown) then drills a hole Pa in the water pipe P.

[0024] The horizontal hole 1b is formed perpendicular to the vertical hole 1a, penetrating the central part of the water distribution valve body 1 in the left-right direction. A water supply pipe connection part 1e is formed on the outside of the left end of the horizontal hole 1b. A stopper rod 13 connected to the ball valve 12 is attached to the right end of the horizontal hole 1b.

[0025] As shown in Figure 5, the cylindrical portion 1c is a cylindrical projection formed in the center of the lower end of the water distribution valve body 1. The opening of the cylindrical portion 1c communicates with the vertical hole 1a inside the water distribution valve body 1. The outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 1c has a first adapter opposing portion 1d and a pin contact surface 1h. The inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 1c has a second adapter connecting portion 1g and an O-ring installation groove 1f.

[0026] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the first adapter 4 is fitted with a stopper 6 whose tip is pressed against the pin contact surface 1h of the first adapter opposing part 1d, which has a cylindrical outer surface. Therefore, when a load below a predetermined value is applied in the rotational direction between the first adapter opposing part 1d and the water tap loose fitting part 4a, the tip of the stopper 6 prevents the water tap body 1 from rotating.

[0027] The first adapter opposing portion 1d restricts the rotation of the water tap body 1 by applying a load below a predetermined limit in the rotational direction between the first adapter opposing portion 1d and the water tap loose fitting portion 4a. The rotation control mechanism 60 will be described later.

[0028] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the water supply pipe connection part 1e is a part for attaching a water supply pipe (not shown) to the branch valve body 1. The water supply pipe connection part 1e consists of a male threaded portion to which a water supply branch pipe fitting (not shown) is screwed.

[0029] As shown in Figure 5, the O-ring installation groove 1f is the installation area where the first O-ring O1 for preventing water leakage is installed. The O-ring installation groove 1f consists of an annular groove provided at the top of the second adapter connecting portion 1g within the cylindrical portion 1c which is formed in the shape of a female screw (tube).

[0030] The second adapter connection portion 1g is the point to which the water tap connection portion 5a of the second adapter 5 is connected. The second adapter connection portion 1g consists of a female threaded portion to which the water tap connection portion 5a, which is made of male threads, is screwed. The inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 1c is provided with a first O-ring O1, which the O-ring contact portion 5c of the second adapter 5 contacts when the second adapter 5 is inserted into the second adapter connection portion 1g.

[0031] As shown in Figure 3, the pin contact surface 1h is the area to which the tip surface of the pin-shaped stopper 6 makes contact. The pin contact surface 1h consists of, for example, a shallow recess that is recessed compared to its surroundings, and engages with the tip of the stopper 6.

[0032] The pin contact surface 1h is formed such that when the stopper 6 is released, the water distribution valve body 1 can be rotated by 45 degrees or more on one side in the rotational direction relative to the first adapter 4. With this configuration, the saddle-type water tap 100, having a rotation control mechanism 60, can rotate 45 degrees on one side in the rotational direction during an earthquake or the like, effectively protecting the water supply piping from load.

[0033] <First Adapter> As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the first adapter 4 is a component that rotatably connects the saddle 2 fixed to the first adapter 4 to the water tap body 1, so that the water tap body 1 can rotate when subjected to a load, such as during an earthquake. The first adapter 4 is made of a stepped cylindrical member of metal such as a copper alloy. In other words, the first adapter 4 has an upper annular portion (water tap loose fitting portion 4a) with a large outer diameter and a small inner diameter, and a lower annular portion with a small outer diameter and a large inner diameter. As shown in Figure 5, the first adapter 4 has a water tap loose fitting portion 4a, a female threaded portion 4b for connecting to the second adapter, a saddle connecting portion 4c, a pin installation hole 4d, and a second O-ring installation groove 4e.

[0034] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the loose fitting portion 4a of the water tap is a portion that is rotatably inserted into the first adapter opposing portion 1d formed on the water tap body 1. The loose fitting portion 4a of the water tap consists of the inner surface of the cylindrical first adapter 4, which is rotatably inserted into the first adapter opposing portion 1d formed on the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 1c. Therefore, the aforementioned gap S (see Figures 3 and 4) is formed between the first adapter opposing portion 1d and the loose fitting portion 4a of the water tap.

[0035] The female threaded portion 4b for connecting the second adapter is a threaded portion for connecting the first adapter 4 to the second adapter 5 by screwing it into the adapter connecting portion 5b formed on the second adapter 5. The female threaded portion 4b for connecting the second adapter is formed at the lower end inside the cylindrical first adapter 4. The inner diameter of the female threaded portion 4b for connecting the second adapter is larger than the inner diameter of the loose fitting portion 4a of the water tap. The outer diameter of the saddle connecting portion 4c is larger than the loose fitting portion 4a of the water tap.

[0036] The saddle connecting portion 4c is a connecting portion for connecting the first adapter 4 to the saddle 2 by being fitted into the through hole 2c formed in the saddle 2. The saddle connecting portion 4c consists of a cylindrical male threaded portion that is screwed into the female threaded through hole 2c formed in the saddle 2. Therefore, the first adapter 4 is fixed in place by being screwed into the saddle 2 so as not to rotate.

[0037] Furthermore, the first adapter 4 has a female threaded portion 4b for connecting to the second adapter and a saddle connecting portion 4c, which holds the second adapter 5 in place so that it cannot be removed upwards, and is engaged with and fixed to the saddle 2. The saddle connecting portion 4c is formed at the lower end inside the first adapter 4.

[0038] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the pin mounting holes 4d are through holes into which a pair of pin-shaped stoppers 6 are inserted. The pin mounting holes 4d are formed to penetrate from the outer circumferential surface of the pin mounting holes 4d in the direction of the axial line.

[0039] The second O-ring installation groove 4e is an annular groove in which the second O-ring O2 is installed. The second O-ring installation groove 4e is formed in the axial center of the first adapter 4, and when the water tap connection part 5a of the second adapter 5 is connected to the second adapter connection part 1g, the O-ring contact part 5c is positioned opposite each other via the second O-ring O2.

[0040] The first adapter 4 and the water tap body 1, formed in this manner, are configured not to rotate when a load below a predetermined threshold is applied in the rotational direction between the first adapter opposing portion 1d and the water tap loose fitting portion 4a. Furthermore, the first adapter 4 and the water tap body 1 are provided with a rotation control mechanism 60 that rotates when a load above a predetermined threshold is applied in the rotational direction between the first adapter opposing portion 1d and the water tap loose fitting portion 4a, thereby enabling rotation.

[0041] <Second adapter> As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the second adapter 5 is fixed to the saddle 2 by screwing its adapter connecting part 5b into the female threaded part 4b for connecting the second adapter of the first adapter 4. Therefore, the second adapter 5 is fixed to the first adapter 4 so that it does not move. Furthermore, the second adapter 5 is connected to the water distribution valve body 1 by connecting its water distribution valve connecting part 5a to the second adapter connecting part 1g of the water distribution valve body 1.

[0042] As shown in Figure 5, the second adapter 5 has a water tap connecting portion 5a, an adapter connecting portion 5b, an O-ring contact portion 5c, a gasket engaging portion 5d, a core insertion hole 5e, and a second O-ring contact portion 5f.

[0043] The water tap connection part 5a is the part that connects to the second adapter connection part 1g formed on the water tap body 1. The water tap connection part 5a consists of a male threaded portion formed in the center of the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical second adapter 5.

[0044] The adapter connecting portion 5b is a threaded portion that is screwed into the female threaded portion 4b for connecting the second adapter, which is formed on the first adapter 4. The adapter connecting portion 5b is formed below the water tap connecting portion 5a on the outer surface of the second adapter 5 and is formed to be larger in diameter than the water tap connecting portion 5a.

[0045] The O-ring contact portion 5c is a part that is positioned to contact the first O-ring O1, which is provided inside the cylindrical portion 1c of the water distribution valve body 1. The O-ring contact portion 5c is formed in a cylindrical shape at the tip of the outer circumferential surface of the second adapter 5.

[0046] The gasket engagement portion 5d is positioned to fit the annular saddle mounting gasket 9 onto its outer surface and is the portion that holds the inner circumference of the saddle mounting gasket 9. As shown in Figure 3, the core insertion hole 5e is the part into which the upper outer surface of the cylindrical core 7 is inserted. The second O-ring contact portion 5f is the part where the second O-ring O2, which is provided in the opposing second O-ring installation groove 4e, makes close contact to seal the space between the first adapter 4 and the second adapter 5.

[0047] ≪Rotation Control Mechanism≫ The rotation control mechanism 60 is a device that prevents damage or leakage of water from the water supply piping (joints, water supply pipes, stopcocks, etc.) caused by the saddle-type water distribution valve 100 shifting from its position on the water distribution pipe P during an earthquake. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the rotation control mechanism 60 is a rotating device in which the water distribution valve body 1 rotates relative to the saddle 2 when a load exceeding a predetermined value is applied in the rotational direction to the joint where the water distribution valve body 1 and the saddle 2 are locked. As shown in Figure 5, the rotation control mechanism 60 is configured with a first adapter 4 fixed to the saddle 2 and a stopper 6 that fixes the lower part of the water distribution valve body 1. Therefore, if the stopper 6 breaks or is destroyed, the water distribution valve body 1 becomes rotatable relative to the first adapter 4.

[0048] Furthermore, the water distribution valve body 1 rotates relative to the first adapter 4 when the rotational load exceeds the frictional force between the tip of the stopper 6 and the water distribution valve body 1, in addition to when the stopper 6 breaks or is destroyed. Furthermore, the water distribution valve body 1 is restricted from rotating relative to the first adapter 4 by the stopper 6, while retaining a rotation range of 45 degrees or more in the tightening direction relative to the water distribution valve connection part 5a.

[0049] <Stopper> As shown in Figure 5, the stopper 6 consists of multiple (for example, two) metal rod-shaped members such as pins. The stopper 6 is a pin with a flange, which is integrally formed with a rod-shaped portion 6a that is inserted into the first adapter 4 and a head portion 6b formed at the end of the rod-shaped portion 6a that engages with the open end of the pin installation hole 4d.

[0050] The stopper 6 is inserted into a pin mounting hole 4d formed axially from the outer circumferential surface of the annular first adapter 4. The stopper 6 does not need to be removed and is installed and buried while still attached to the pin mounting hole 4d to prevent it from coming loose. The stopper 6 is pinned in at a position where the water distribution valve body 1 is rotated by 45° or more coaxially with the vertical hole 1a. The axial tip of the pin is positioned in contact with the opposing part 1d of the first adapter.

[0051] The stopper 6 is designed to withstand drilling and core insertion, and is configured to break or break if a load exceeding its strength for drilling and core insertion is applied to the saddle-type water tap 100. For this reason, the water tap body 1 is designed to rotate relative to the first adapter 4 if the stopper 6 breaks or breaks during an earthquake or the like.

[0052] The stopper 6 fixes the first adapter 4 and the water distribution valve body 1 during drilling and core insertion, and releases the fixation between the first adapter 4 and the water distribution valve body 1 when a load exceeding a specified amount is applied, making the first adapter 4 and the water distribution valve body 1 rotatable.

[0053] <First O-ring> As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the first O-ring O1 (O-ring) is a sealing member that prevents water from leaking between the cylindrical portion 1c of the water distribution valve body 1 and the O-ring contact portion 5c of the second adapter 5. Therefore, even if the water distribution valve body 1 rotates relative to the second adapter 5, the first O-ring O1 prevents water from leaking between the water distribution valve body 1 and the second adapter 5. The first O-ring O1 consists of an annular rubber member that is attached to the O-ring installation groove 1f inside the water distribution valve body 1 into which the O-ring contact portion 5c of the second adapter 5 is inserted.

[0054] <Second O-ring> The second O-ring O2 is positioned in close contact between the inner circumferential surface of the first adapter 4 and the outer circumferential surface of the second adapter 5, and is a sealing member that prevents water from leaking between the first adapter 4 and the second adapter 5. Therefore, even if the second adapter 5 rotates relative to the first adapter 4, the second O-ring O2 prevents water from leaking between the first adapter 4 and the second adapter 5. The second O-ring O2 consists of an annular rubber member that is inserted into the second O-ring installation groove 4e of the first adapter 4 and positioned in close contact with the second O-ring contact portion 5f of the second adapter 5. While it is preferable for the second O-ring O2 to be located on the saddle-type water splitter valve 100, it is not necessary as the saddle mounting gasket 9 provides waterproofing.

[0055] <Saddle mechanism> The saddle mechanism 20 is a mechanism for attaching the saddle 2 and the band 3 around the water pipe P. The saddle mechanism 20 is composed of the saddle 2, the band 3, the bolt B, the nut N, the upper insulator 81, the lower insulator 82, and the flat washer 83. The saddle mechanism 20 is constructed by inserting the bolt B through the bolt insertion hole 3c (not shown) in the flange portion 3b of the band 3 and the bolt insertion hole (not shown) in the flange portion 2b of the saddle 2, and screwing it with the nut N on the tip side of the bolt B.

[0056] <Saddle> As shown in Figure 1, the saddle 2 is the upper half of the saddle, positioned on the outer circumference of the water pipe P to embrace the upper outer circumference of the water pipe P and fixed to the water pipe P. The saddle 2 is attached to the lower end of the branch valve body 1. The saddle 2 has an embracing portion 2a, a pair of left and right flange portions 2b with bolt insertion holes (not shown) formed therein, and a through hole 2c. The saddle 2 is made of a metal member such as cast iron or copper alloy, which is strip-shaped and extends in the left-right direction when viewed from above. The saddle 2 has a through hole 2c in the center and bolt insertion holes (not shown) at both the left and right ends. When viewed from the front, the saddle 2 is formed in a roughly Ω shape, with the central embracing portion 2a formed in an arc shape and the flange portions 2b at both ends formed in a flat plate shape.

[0057] The gripping portion 2a is the part that grips the water pipe P from one side (the top side). When viewed from the front, the gripping portion 2a is formed in an arc shape. The flange portion 2b is a pair of left and right flat plate-shaped portions that protrude outward from both left and right ends of the holding portion 2a.

[0058] The bolt insertion holes (not shown) formed in the flange portion 2b are holes into which the male threaded portion Bc of bolt B is inserted. These bolt insertion holes (not shown) are formed in each of the pair of flange portions 2b.

[0059] The through hole 2c is a fixing hole into which the saddle connecting portion 4c of the first adapter 4 is fixed. The through hole 2c consists of a female threaded portion into which the saddle connecting portion 4c, which consists of a male threaded portion for saddle connection, is screwed. Therefore, the saddle 2 is connected to the second adapter 5 via the first adapter 4 and integrated together. The through hole 2c is formed in the center of the holding portion 2a.

[0060] <Band> Band 3 is positioned opposite saddle 2 with the water pipe P in between, and is the lower half for holding the water pipe P together with saddle 2. Band 3 has an arc-shaped holding portion 3a when viewed from the front, a pair of flange portions 3b projecting outward from both left and right ends of the holding portion 3a, and bolt insertion holes (not shown) formed in each of the pair of flange portions 3b. Band 3 is formed in a shape that is substantially symmetrical with respect to saddle 2 when viewed from the front. Band 3 is formed in a substantially inverted Ω shape when viewed from the front, with the central holding portion 3a formed in an arc shape and the flange portions 3b at both ends formed in a flat plate shape. Band 3 is made of a strip of metal extending in the left-right direction when viewed from above, and has bolt insertion holes (not shown) at both left and right ends.

[0061] <Bolt> The bolt B shown in Figure 1 is a pair of fastening members for connecting and fixing the saddle 2 and the band 3 to the outer circumference of the water pipe P. The bolt B is made of a commercially available bolt. The bolt B is inserted through the insulator guide 84, the lower insulator 82 fitted into the bolt insertion hole of the band 3, and the upper insulator 81 fitted into the bolt insertion hole of the saddle 2, and is screwed with a nut N with a flat washer 83 in between.

[0062] <Nut> Nut N is a fastener for fixing saddle 2 to band 3 by screwing it onto the male threaded portion Bc of bolt B and tightening it, thereby fastening it to the flange portion 2b of saddle 2 with a flat washer 83 and an insulator upper 81 interposed between them. Nut N consists of commercially available hexagonal nuts that are screwed onto each of the pair of bolts B. Nut N is screwed onto the male threaded portion Bc of bolt B through which the insulator upper 81, which is fitted inside the bolt insertion hole (not shown) of saddle 2, and the flat washer 83 which is placed on top of the insulator upper 81 are inserted.

[0063] <On the insulator> The insulator upper 81 is an elastic insulator that is pressed into the bolt insertion hole (not shown) of the saddle 2 and positioned on the inner wall and around the opening edge of the bolt insertion hole. The insulator upper 81 consists of a cylindrical resin member in which a cylindrical portion, a flange formed at the upper end of the cylindrical portion, and a locking claw formed at the lower end of the cylindrical portion are integrally formed.

[0064] <Under an insulator> The lower insulator 82, like the upper insulator 81, is an elastic insulator that is pressed into the bolt insertion hole (not shown) of the band 3 and positioned on the inner wall and around the opening edge of the bolt insertion hole. The lower insulator 82, like the upper insulator 81, consists of a roughly cylindrical resin member in which a cylindrical portion, a flange formed at the lower end of the cylindrical portion, and a locking claw formed at the upper end of the cylindrical portion are integrally formed.

[0065] <Insulator Guide> The insulator guide 84 is a component that is installed within a flange portion (not shown) and a guide covering portion (not shown) which are formed by bending the lower insulator 82 into an inverted concave shape when viewed from the side. The insulator guide 84 is made of a metal plate such as a stainless steel plate. The insulator guide 84 has a washer portion (not shown) with a bolt insertion hole (not shown), and bent pieces (not shown) that protrude downward from the front and rear ends of the washer portion.

[0066] <Flat washer> The flat washer 83 is a commercially available product. The flat washer 83 is interposed between the lower surface of the nut N and the flange portion of the insulator upper 81.

[0067] <core> As shown in Figure 1, the core 7 is a roughly cylindrical member that is installed inside the water distribution pipe P and in the core insertion hole 5e at the lower end of the cylindrical second adapter 5, and suppresses the shrinkage of the perforated hole Pa due to rust. The lower end of the core 7 is inserted into the perforated hole Pa, which is drilled by a drilling machine (not shown) inserted into the vertical hole 1a of the saddle-type water distribution valve 100. The upper end of the core 7 is installed inside the core insertion hole 5e. Note that the installation of the core 7 is optional.

[0068] [Function of a saddle-type water tap] Next, with reference to Figures 1 to 5, the operation of the saddle-type water tap 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be explained in accordance with the assembly procedure.

[0069] First, at the assembly plant for the saddle-type water splitter valve 100, the water splitter valve body 1, the first adapter 4, the second adapter 5, the first O-ring O1, and the second O-ring O2 are assembled. Next, the first adapter 4, to which adhesive has been applied, is screwed onto the saddle 2, and the second O-ring O2 is attached to the first adapter 4. Subsequently, the second adapter 5, to which adhesive has been applied, is screwed onto the first adapter 4. Finally, the water splitter valve body 1, to which the first O-ring O1 has been attached, is screwed onto the second adapter 5. At this time, the second adapter connecting portion 1g of the water distribution valve body 1 is set to have a rotation range of 45 degrees or more remaining in the tightening direction relative to the water distribution valve connecting portion 5a of the second adapter 5. Next, a pin mounting hole 4d for press-fitting the stopper 6 is made in the first adapter 4 and the water tap body 1, and in this state, the pin serving as the stopper 6 is press-fitted into the pin mounting hole 4d of the first adapter 4. As a result, the water tap body 1 is fixed in a state where rotation relative to the first adapter 4 is restricted by the stopper 6, while retaining a rotation range of 45 degrees or more in the tightening direction relative to the water tap connection part 5a. Next, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, a saddle mounting gasket 9 with adhesive applied is attached to the lower side of the first adapter 4.

[0070] Then, at the installation location of the saddle-equipped water tap 100, the saddle 2 is installed on the outer surface of the water distribution pipe P. Then, 3a is installed on the opposite side of saddle 2, with the water pipe P in between, and both are secured to the water pipe P by tightening them with bolt B and nut N.

[0071] After that, the cap 11 is removed and a drilling machine (not shown) is inserted into the vertical hole 1a of the water distribution valve body 1 to drill a hole Pa in the water distribution pipe P and install the core 7. At this time, the fixing strength of the stopper 6 is set to withstand the load caused by drilling by a drilling machine (not shown) and the installation of the core 7. Therefore, the stopper 6 will not come off.

[0072] As described above, the present invention is a saddle-type branch valve 100, as shown in Figure 1 or Figure 5, comprising a branch valve body 1 to which a water supply pipe is connected, a saddle 2 fixed to the outer circumference of a water distribution pipe P and having a through hole 2c, and an annular first adapter 4 and a second adapter 5 positioned between the branch valve body 1 and the saddle 2, wherein the first adapter 4 has a branch valve loose fitting portion 4a that is fitted to the outer circumference of the branch valve body 1 so as to be rotatable relative to it, and a saddle coupling that screws into the through hole 2c. The first adapter 4 has a part 4c and a second adapter 5 which has an adapter connecting part 5b that screws onto the inner circumference of the first adapter 4 and a water tap connecting part 5a that screws onto the inner circumference of the water tap body 1. The first adapter 4 has a rotation control mechanism 60 that restricts the relative rotation between the water tap loose fitting part 4a and the water tap body 1 when the rotation load is less than a predetermined value. The rotation control mechanism 60 includes a stopper 6 that fixes the first adapter 4 fixed to the saddle 2 and the water tap body 1.

[0073] With this configuration, the saddle-type water tap 100 of the present invention, by having a stopper 6, can be held in place without rotating even when a load below a predetermined limit is applied in the rotational direction between the first adapter opposing part 1d and the water tap loose fitting part 4a. Therefore, when no earthquake occurs, the saddle-type water tap 100 can firmly fix the first adapter 4 and the water tap body 1. Furthermore, the saddle-type water splitter 100 can rotate the water splitter body 1 relative to the first adapter 4 when a load exceeding a predetermined limit is applied in the rotational direction between the first adapter opposing part 1d and the water splitter loose fitting part 4a. Therefore, the saddle-type water splitter 100 can mitigate the load caused by an earthquake, suppress the displacement of the water splitter body 1 and the water distribution pipe P, and prevent damage to the joint, water supply pipe (not shown), etc. As a result, the saddle-type water splitter 100 can construct a robust water supply pipeline, prevent water outages, and supply tap water even during an earthquake.

[0074] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3 or Figure 5, the stopper 6 consists of a pin and is inserted into a pin mounting hole 4d formed axially from the outer circumferential surface of the annular first adapter 4, with the axial tip of the pin in contact with the first adapter opposing portion 1d formed on the water tap body 1.

[0075] With this configuration, the stopper 6 is fixed to the pin mounting hole 4d of the first adapter 4, and its axial tip is in contact with the opposing part 1d of the first adapter, thereby fixing the first adapter 4 to the water tap body 1 with an appropriate fixing force. For this reason, the stopper 6 can rotate the first adapter 4 when a load exceeding a predetermined amount is applied in the rotational direction between the opposing part 1d of the first adapter and the loose fitting part 4a of the water tap, such as during an earthquake.

[0076] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the saddle mounting gasket 9 is engaged with the second adapter 5.

[0077] With this configuration, the saddle mounting gasket 9 engages with the second adapter 5, allowing it to be fixed to the second adapter 5 without the need for special fixing members, thus reducing the number of parts and simplifying the structure.

[0078] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the water distribution valve body 1 is restricted from rotating by the stopper 6 while leaving a rotation range of 45 degrees or more in the tightening direction relative to the water distribution valve connection part 5a.

[0079] With this configuration, the stopper 6 is provided so as to be able to rotate within a range of 45 degrees or more in the tightening direction relative to the water supply valve connection part 5a, thereby reducing and protecting the load on the water supply piping in the event of an earthquake.

[0080] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3 and 5, the cylindrical portion 1c protruding from the outer circumference of the water distribution valve body 1 is provided with an O-ring (first O-ring O1) that contacts the O-ring contact portion 5c formed on the outer circumference of the second adapter 5 when the second adapter 5 is inserted into the second adapter connecting portion 1g formed on the water distribution valve body 1.

[0081] With this configuration, the cylindrical portion 1c of the water distribution valve body 1 is provided with a first O-ring O1 that contacts the O-ring contact portion 5c of the second adapter 5, thereby improving the airtightness with the second adapter 5 and preventing water leakage.

[0082] [First variation] Although the saddle-type water tap 100 according to this embodiment has been described in detail above with reference to Figures 1 to 5, the present invention is not limited thereto and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. Figure 6 is a diagram showing a first modified example of the saddle-type water tap 100 according to this embodiment of the present invention, and is an enlarged side view having a partial cross-section of the saddle-type water tap 100A. Figure 7 is a diagram showing a first modified example of the saddle-type water tap 100 according to this embodiment of the present invention, and is an exploded front view having a partial cross-section of the saddle-type water tap 100A.

[0083] For example, the saddle-type water tap 100 of the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 5 may have an adapter 4A that integrates the first adapter 4 and the second adapter 5 into a single unit, as shown in Figures 6 and 7.

[0084] In this case, the saddle-type water tap 100A comprises a water tap body 1 to which a water supply pipe is connected, a saddle 2 fixed to the outer circumference of a water distribution pipe P and having a through hole 2c, and an annular adapter 4A disposed between the water tap body 1 and the saddle 2, wherein the adapter 4A has a loose fitting portion 4Aa that is fitted to the outer circumference of the water tap body 1 so as to be rotatable relative to the water tap body, a saddle connecting portion 4Ac that screws into the through hole 2c, a water tap connecting portion 4Ag that screws into the inner circumference of the water tap body 1, and a rotation control mechanism 60A that restricts the relative rotation between the loose fitting portion 4Aa and the water tap body 1 when the rotational load acting between the water tap body 1 and the loose fitting portion 4Aa is less than a predetermined value, and it is preferable that the rotation control mechanism 60A comprises a first adapter 4 fixed to the saddle 2 and a stopper 6 that fixes the water tap body 1.

[0085] The adapter 4A has a water tap loose fitting portion 4Aa, a gasket engaging portion 4Ab, a saddle connecting portion 4Ac, a pin installation hole 4Ad, a core insertion hole 4Ae, and a water tap connecting portion 4Ag. The water tap loose fitting portion 4Aa is a location into which the first adapter opposing portion 1d of the water tap body 1 is fitted in a rotatable manner, similar to the water tap loose fitting portion 4a of the embodiment.

[0086] The gasket engagement portion 4Ab is the same as the gasket engagement portion 5d in the embodiment, and is the location where the saddle mounting gasket 9 is fitted. The saddle connecting portion 4Ac is the same as the saddle connecting portion 4c in the embodiment, and is the location to which the through hole 2c of the saddle 2 is screwed.

[0087] The pin mounting hole 4Ad is a through hole into which the stopper 6 is inserted, similar to the pin mounting hole 4d in the embodiment. The core insertion hole 4Ae is the location where the core 7 is inserted, similar to the core insertion hole 5e in the embodiment. The water distribution valve connection part 4Ag is the point where the cylindrical part 1c of the water distribution valve body 1 engages.

[0088] With this configuration, the adapter 4A has a loose fitting portion 4Aa that engages with the adapter-facing portion (first adapter-facing portion 1d) of the water distribution valve body 1, a saddle connecting portion 4Ac that is fixed to the adapter-fixing portion (through hole 2c) of the saddle 2, and a water distribution valve connecting portion 4Ag that screws onto the inner circumference of the water distribution valve body 1. Therefore, even if the adapter 4A is made of a single component, it is interposed between the water distribution valve body 1 and the saddle 2 and functions as a component that connects the water distribution valve body 1 and the saddle 2, thus reducing the number of parts and component costs. Furthermore, the rotation control mechanism 60A restricts the relative rotation between the loose fitting portion 4Aa and the water tap body 1 when a rotation load less than a predetermined value is applied between the water tap body 1 and the loose fitting portion 4Aa, maintaining the state in which the water tap body 1 is fixed to the loose fitting portion 4Aa. Then, when a rotation load greater than or equal to the predetermined value is applied between the water tap body 1 and the loose fitting portion 4Aa, the rotation control mechanism 60A releases the restriction on rotation between the loose fitting portion 4Aa and the water tap body 1, allowing the water tap body 1 to rotate relative to the loose fitting portion 4Aa. In this way, the rotation control mechanism 60A prevents damage to the saddle-type water tap or displacement relative to the water pipe P, as the water tap body 1 rotates when a load greater than a predetermined value is applied during an earthquake.

[0089] [Second variation] Figure 8 shows a second modified example of the saddle-type water tap 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is an enlarged side view having a partial cross-section of the saddle-type water tap 100B. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the saddle-type water tap 100B can be made even more watertight by adding a third O-ring O3 at a position surrounded by the first adapter 4B, the second adapter 5, and the cylindrical portion 1c of the water tap body 1. The first adapter 4B has a third O-ring installation portion 4Bf formed on the inner peripheral edge of the lower end of the portion that is placed on the adapter connecting portion 5b of the second adapter 5, for installing the third O-ring O3. In this case, the second O-ring O2 can be omitted.

[0090] [Other variations] For example, in the above embodiment, the saddle 2 and the first adapter 4 were described as separate entities formed from different metals. However, the saddle 2 and the first adapter 4 may be integrally formed from the same material. In other words, the saddle-equipped water tap 100 and the second adapter 5 may sandwich the first adapter 4, which is integrally formed with the saddle 2, and insert the stopper 6. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1. Faucet body 1c Cylindrical part 1d First adapter opposing part (adapter opposing part) 1e Water supply pipe connection 1g Second adapter connection part 1h Pin contact surface 2 saddles 2b Flange section 2c Through hole (adapter fixing part) 4. First adapter 4A adapter 4a, 4Aa Water distribution valve loose fitting 4Ag water faucet connection part 4b Female threaded section for connecting the second adapter 4c, 4Ac Saddle connection part 4d pin mounting hole 5. Second adapter 5a Branch faucet connection part 5b Adapter connection section 5c O-ring contact area 6 Stopper 9. Saddle mounting gasket 60,60A Rotation control mechanism 100, 100A saddle-type branch valve O1 First O-ring (O-ring) P water pipe

Claims

1. The branch valve body to which the water supply pipe is connected, A saddle fixed to the outer circumference of a water pipe and having a through hole, An annular first adapter and a second adapter are positioned between the water distribution valve body and the saddle, A saddle-type water tap equipped with, The first adapter has a water tap loose fitting portion that is fitted to the outer circumference of the water tap body so as to be rotatable relative to it, and a saddle connecting portion that screws into the through hole, The second adapter has an adapter connecting portion that screws onto the inner circumference of the first adapter and a water tap connecting portion that screws onto the inner circumference of the water tap body, The first adapter has a rotation control mechanism that restricts the relative rotation between the loose fitting portion of the water distribution valve and the water distribution valve body when the rotational load acting between the water distribution valve body and the loose fitting portion of the water distribution valve is less than a predetermined value. The rotation control mechanism includes a first adapter fixed to the saddle and a stopper that secures the water distribution valve body. A water splitter valve with a saddle.

2. The stopper is, It consists of pins, It is inserted into a pin mounting hole formed axially from the outer circumferential surface of the annular first adapter, The axial tip of the aforementioned pin is positioned in contact with the first adapter-facing portion formed on the water distribution valve body. A saddle-type water tap according to claim 1.

3. The saddle mounting gasket is engaged with the second adapter. A saddle-type water tap according to claim 1.

4. The water distribution valve body is restricted from rotating by the stopper while retaining a range of rotation of 45 degrees or more in the tightening direction relative to the water distribution valve connection portion. A saddle-type water tap according to claim 1.

5. The cylindrical portion protruding from the outer circumference of the water distribution valve body is provided with an O-ring that contacts the O-ring contact portion formed on the outer circumference of the second adapter when the second adapter is inserted into the second adapter connecting portion formed on the water distribution valve body. A saddle-type water tap according to claim 1.

6. The branch valve body to which the water supply pipe is connected, A saddle fixed to the outer circumference of a water pipe and having a through hole, An annular adapter positioned between the water distribution valve body and the saddle, A saddle-type water tap equipped with, The adapter comprises a loose fitting portion for the water tap that is fitted to the outer circumference of the water tap body so as to be rotatable relative to it, a saddle connecting portion that screws into the through hole, a water tap connecting portion that screws into the inner circumference of the water tap body, and a rotation control mechanism that restricts the relative rotation between the loose fitting portion and the water tap body when the rotational load acting between the water tap body and the loose fitting portion is less than a predetermined value. The rotation control mechanism includes a first adapter fixed to the saddle and a stopper that secures the water distribution valve body. A water splitter valve with a saddle.

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