Pipe connection structure

Abstract

To provide a piping connection structure that can restrict the rotation of multiple connectors, even when multiple connectors are arranged in parallel with only a small gap between them. [Solution] The first connector 6 is provided on the outer circumference of the first connector body 6A to which the heater inlet side pipe 7 is connected, and has a projection 6C extending in the axial direction of the first connector body 6A. The second connector 9 is provided on the outer circumference of the second connector body 9A to which the heater outlet side pipe 8 is connected, and has a groove 9C extending in the axial direction of the second connector body 9A. The groove 9C has a first opening at one end in the axial direction of the second connector body 9A, and the projection 6C is inserted into the groove 9C from the first opening and fitted into the groove 9C, thereby restricting the rotation of the first connector 6 and the second connector 9.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pipe connection structure.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a pipe mounting device for connecting a plurality of pipes arranged in parallel by a female connector is known (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] This pipe mounting device includes a female connector connected to one end of a tube, and elastic legs protruding substantially in a semicircular arc shape from a base, and a connector holder for fitting and holding the female connector in the substantially semicircular arc-shaped elastic legs, and a retainer for fixing the base of the connector holder and attaching it to the pipe position of the floor panel.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004] <000002X>

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the conventional pipe mounting device, since the connector is fixed by the connector holder, rotation of the connector can be restricted. However, when a plurality of connectors are arranged in parallel with minute gaps, there is a possibility that a space for installing the connector holder cannot be secured.

[0006] The present invention has been made paying attention to the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a pipe connection structure capable of restricting rotation of a plurality of connectors even when the plurality of connectors are arranged in parallel with minute gaps.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The present invention relates to a pipe connection structure comprising a first pipe and a second pipe arranged in parallel, and a pipe assembly connected to the first pipe and the second pipe via a first connector and a second connector, respectively, wherein the first connector has a first connector body to which the first pipe is connected, and a projection provided on the outer circumference of the first connector body facing the second connector and extending in the axial direction of the first connector body, and the second connector has a second connector body to which the second pipe is connected, and a groove provided on the outer circumference of the second connector body facing the first connector and extending in the axial direction of the second connector body, wherein the groove has a first opening at one end in the axial direction of the second connector body, and the rotation of the first connector and the second connector is restricted by the projection being inserted into the groove from the first opening and fitted into the groove. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] As described above, according to the present invention, even when multiple connectors are arranged in parallel with a small gap between them, the rotation of the multiple connectors can be restricted. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a piping connection structure according to one embodiment of the present invention, and is a left side view of a cooling water circuit. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a piping connection structure according to one embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view of a pair of connectors. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a diagram showing a piping connection structure according to one embodiment of the present invention, and is a front view of a pair of connectors. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a diagram showing a piping connection structure according to one embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the IV-IV line in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a piping connection structure according to one embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view taken in the direction of the VV arrow in Figure 3. [Figure 6]Figure 6 is a diagram showing a pipe connection structure according to one embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the fitting procedure of the groove and the protrusion. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] A pipe connection structure according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a first pipe and a second pipe arranged in parallel, and a pipe assembly connected to the first pipe and the second pipe via a first connector and a second connector, respectively, wherein the first connector has a first connector body to which the first pipe is connected, and a projection provided on the outer circumference of the first connector body facing the second connector and extending in the axial direction of the first connector body, and the second connector has a second connector body to which the second pipe is connected, and a groove provided on the outer circumference of the second connector body facing the first connector and extending in the axial direction of the second connector body, the groove having a first opening at one end in the axial direction of the second connector body, and the rotation of the first connector and the second connector is restricted by the projection being inserted into the groove from the first opening and fitted into the groove.

[0011] As a result, the piping connection structure according to one embodiment of the present invention can restrict the rotation of multiple connectors even when multiple connectors are arranged in parallel with a small gap between them. [Examples]

[0012] The following describes a piping connection structure according to one embodiment of the present invention, with reference to the drawings. Figures 1 to 6 show a piping connection structure according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] First, let me explain the structure. In Figures 1 to 6, the vertical, horizontal, and vertical directions are based on the internal combustion engine as it is positioned in the vehicle. The horizontal direction of the vehicle is defined as the horizontal direction, the horizontal direction (vehicle width direction) as the horizontal direction, and the vertical direction (height direction) as the vertical direction.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle includes an internal combustion engine 1 and a heater core 2, and the internal combustion engine 1 and the heater core 2 are connected by a cooling water circuit 3.

[0015] The cooling water circuit 3 is composed of a heater inlet side hose 5, a first connector 6, a heater inlet side pipe 7, a heater outlet side pipe 8, a second connector 9, and a heater outlet side hose 10.

[0016] One end of the heater inlet side hose 5 is connected to the internal combustion engine 1, and the other end of the heater inlet side hose 5 is connected to the first connector 6. The other end of the heater inlet side hose 5 is fastened to the first connector 6 by a clip 21.

[0017] One end of the heater outlet side pipe 8 is connected to the heater core 2, and the other end of the heater outlet side pipe 8 is connected to the second connector 9.

[0018] One end of the heater outlet side hose 10 is connected to the second connector 9, and the other end of the heater outlet side hose 10 is connected to the internal combustion engine 1. One end of the heater outlet side hose 10 is fastened to the second connector 9 by a clip 22.

[0019] The heater inlet side pipe 7 and the heater outlet side pipe 8 are arranged in parallel. The heater inlet side pipe 7 of this embodiment constitutes the first pipe, and the heater outlet side pipe 8 constitutes the second pipe. Furthermore, the heater inlet side pipe 7 and the heater outlet side pipe 8 constitute a pipe set.

[0020] A dash panel 11 is arranged between the internal combustion engine 1 and the heater core 2, and one end of the heater inlet side pipe 7 and the other end of the heater outlet side pipe 8 are respectively fitted into openings (not shown) formed in the dash panel 11, and are thus supported immovably by the dash panel 11.

[0021] The openings of the dash panel 11 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction, and the heater inlet side pipe 7 and the heater outlet side pipe 8 are arranged in parallel vertically.

[0022] After the internal combustion engine 1 has cooled, the high-temperature coolant discharged from the internal combustion engine 1 is introduced into the heater core 2 through the heater inlet hose 5, the first connector 6, and the heater inlet piping 7. The heater core 2 heats the passenger compartment by exchanging heat between the high-temperature coolant and the passenger compartment air.

[0023] Cooling water discharged from the heater core 2 is introduced into the internal combustion engine 1 through the heater outlet pipe 8, the second connector 9, and the heater outlet hose 10.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, the first connector 6 comprises a first connector body 6A and a hose connection portion 6B that protrudes from the first connector body 6A toward the internal combustion engine 1, and the other end of the heater inlet hose 5 is connected to the outer circumference of the hose connection portion 6B.

[0025] The second connector 9 comprises a second connector body 9A and a hose connection portion 9B that protrudes from the second connector body 9A toward the internal combustion engine 1, with the other end of the heater outlet hose 10 connected to the outer circumference of the hose connection portion 9B.

[0026] As shown in Figure 4, the other end of the heater outlet side piping 8 is connected to the inner circumference of the second connector body 9A. As shown in Figure 5, one end of the heater inlet side piping 7 is connected to the inner circumference of the first connector body 6A.

[0027] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, a projection 6C is provided on the outer circumference of the first connector body 6A facing the second connector 9. The projection 6C protrudes from the first connector body 6A toward the second connector 9 and extends in the direction of the axis L1 of the first connector body 6A (see Figure 5). Hereafter, the direction of the axis L1 of the first connector body 6A will be referred to as the axial direction of the first connector body 6A.

[0028] A groove 9C is provided on the outer circumference of the second connector body 9A facing the first connector 6. The groove 9C is recessed from the first connector 6 side toward the second connector body 9A side and extends in the direction of the axis L2 of the second connector body 9A (see Figure 5). Hereafter, the direction of the axis L2 of the second connector body 9A will be referred to as the axial direction of the second connector body 9A.

[0029] As shown in Figure 5, the groove 9C has a first opening 9a at the axial rear end (one end) of the second connector body 9A, and a second opening 9b at the axial front end (other end) of the second connector body 9A, opposite to the first opening 9a in the axial direction.

[0030] In other words, the groove 9C opens in the axial direction of the second connector body 9A. In Figure 5, only the groove 9C of the first connector 6 and the second connector 9 are shown, but Figure 5 also shows the axis L1 of the first connector body 6A and the axis L2 of the second connector body 9A.

[0031] In other words, the first connector 6 and the second connector 9 are positioned such that the axes L1 and L2 of the first connector body 6A and the second connector body 9A face each other in the vertical direction.

[0032] In the first connector 6 and the second connector 9 of this embodiment, the projection 6C is inserted into the groove 9C from the first opening 9a and is fitted into the groove 9C. This restricts the rotation of the first connector 6 and the second connector 9.

[0033] As shown in Figure 5, the projection 6C is provided with a guide portion 6D, which protrudes from the second opening 9b in the axial direction of the first connector body 6A toward the opposite side of the first opening 9a.

[0034] In other words, the guide portion 6D protrudes from the projection 6C in the direction opposite to the first opening 9a, and is formed in a tapered shape towards the tip in the direction of protrusion.

[0035] The width W1 of the guide portion 6D in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction (vehicle width direction) of the first connector body 6A is smaller than the width W2 of the projection 6C in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the first connector body 6A, and is also smaller than the width W3 of the groove portion 9C in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the second connector body 9A.

[0036] In this embodiment, the pipe connection structure is such that the protrusion 6C is fitted into the groove 9C, so the width W2 of the protrusion 6C and the width W3 of the groove 9C are approximately the same.

[0037] As shown in Figure 4, an annular projection 8A is formed on the outer circumference of the other end of the heater outlet side pipe 8 connected to the second connector body 9A. The annular projection 8A protrudes outward from the outer circumference of the heater outlet side pipe 8 and extends in the circumferential direction of the heater outlet side pipe 8.

[0038] An annular projection 7A (see dashed line in Figure 5), identical in shape to the annular projection 8A, is formed on the outer circumference of one end of the heater inlet side pipe 7 connected to the first connector body 6A. The annular projection 7A protrudes outward from the outer circumference of the heater inlet side pipe 7 and extends in the circumferential direction of the heater inlet side pipe 7.

[0039] As shown in Figure 2, the first connector 6 is provided with a first retainer 12. The first retainer 12 extends along the outer circumference of the first connector body 6A and is formed in a C-shape. In other words, the first retainer 12 extends along the outer circumference of the first connector body 6A so as to hold the lower part and the left and right sides of the first connector body 6A.

[0040] The second connector 9 is provided with a second retainer 13. The second retainer 13 extends along the outer circumference of the second connector body 9A and is formed in a C-shape. In other words, the second retainer 13 extends along the outer circumference of the second connector body 9A so as to hold the upper part and the left and right sides of the second connector body 9A.

[0041] As shown in Figure 5, the first retainer 12 is provided with first engaging portions 12a and 12b at both circumferential ends, and the first engaging portions 12a and 12b pass through the first connector body 6A and engage with the annular projection 7A of the heater inlet side piping 7.

[0042] The first engaging portions 12a and 12b engage with the annular projection 7A behind the annular projection 7A. This prevents the heater inlet side piping 7 from coming out of the first connector body 6A and maintains the connection of the heater inlet side piping 7 to the first connector body 6A.

[0043] As shown in Figure 4, the second retainer 13 is provided with second engaging portions 13a and 13b at both circumferential ends, and these second engaging portions 13a and 13b pass through the second connector body 9A and engage with the annular projection 8A of the heater outlet side piping 8.

[0044] The second engaging portions 13a and 13b engage with the annular projection 8A behind the annular projection 8A. This prevents the heater outlet side piping 8 from coming out of the second connector body 9A and maintains the connection of the heater outlet side piping 8 to the second connector body 9A.

[0045] The protrusion 6C and groove 9C are positioned between the circumferential ends of the first retainer 12 and the second retainer 13 in the circumferential direction of the first connector body 6A and the second connector body 9A.

[0046] In other words, the protrusion 6C and groove 9C are located on the outer circumference of the first connector body 6A and the second connector body 9A, excluding the first retainer 12 and the second retainer 13.

[0047] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first connector body 6A is provided with a pair of first flange portions 6E and 6F, which protrude radially outward from the first connector body 6A.

[0048] A first retainer 12 is provided between the first flange portions 6E and 6F, and the first flange portions 6E and 6F engage with the first retainer 12 in the front-rear direction, thereby positioning the first retainer 12 on the first connector body 6A. This ensures that the first engaging portions 12a and 12b are securely engaged with the annular projection 7A of the heater inlet side piping 7.

[0049] As shown in Figure 2, the first flange portions 6E and 6F have first notches 6e and 6f formed in them, and the projection 6C is positioned in the first notches 6e and 6f.

[0050] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the second connector body 9A is provided with a pair of second flange portions 9D and 9E, which protrude radially outward from the second connector body 9A.

[0051] A second retainer 13 is provided between the second flange portions 9D and 9E, and the second flange portions 9D and 9E engage with the second retainer 13 in the front-rear direction, thereby positioning the second retainer 13 on the second connector body 9A. This ensures that the second engaging portions 13a and 13b are securely engaged with the annular projection 8A of the heater outlet side piping 8.

[0052] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the second flange portions 9D and 9E have a second notch 9d (only the second notch 9d on the side of the second flange portion 9D is shown), and the groove 9C is located in the second notch 9d.

[0053] Here, the groove 9C is formed between a pair of protruding pieces 9e and 9f that project radially outward (downward in Figure 3) from the second notch 9d, and the bottom surface of the groove 9C includes a portion of the second notch 9d of the second flange portions 9D and 9E.

[0054] Next, we will explain the effects of the piping connection structure in this embodiment. The piping connection structure of this embodiment includes a heater inlet pipe 7 and a heater outlet pipe 8 arranged in parallel, and a heater inlet hose 5 and a heater outlet hose 10 connected to the heater inlet pipe 7 and the heater outlet pipe 8 via a first connector 6 and a second connector 9.

[0055] The first connector 6 has a first connector body 6A to which the heater inlet side piping 7 is connected, and a projection 6C provided on the outer circumference of the first connector body 6A facing the second connector 9, and extending in the axial direction of the first connector body 6A.

[0056] The second connector 9 has a second connector body 9A to which the heater outlet side piping 8 is connected, and a groove 9C provided on the outer circumference of the second connector body 9A facing the first connector 6, and extending in the axial direction of the second connector body 9A.

[0057] The groove 9C has a first opening 9a at one axial end of the second connector body 9A, and the projection 6C is inserted into the groove 9C from the first opening 9a and fitted into the groove 9C, thereby restricting the rotation of the first connector 6 and the second connector 9.

[0058] Thus, the piping connection structure of this embodiment can restrict the rotation of the first connector 6 and the second connector 9 by the protrusions 6C and grooves 9C placed on the first connector 6 and the second connector 9, so that even when the first connector 6 and the second connector 9 are arranged in parallel with a small gap between them, the rotation of the first connector 6 and the second connector 9 can be reliably restricted.

[0059] On the other hand, when connecting the heater inlet pipe 7 and the heater outlet pipe 8 to the first connector 6 and the second connector 9, the first connector 6 is connected to the heater inlet pipe 7 supported by the dash panel 11, and then the second connector 9 is connected to the heater outlet pipe 8 supported by the dash panel 11.

[0060] When connecting the second connector 9 to the heater outlet side piping 8, as shown by arrow A in Figure 6, the projection 6C is inserted into the groove 9C from the first opening 9a side of the groove 9C. This allows the groove 9C to move along the projection 6C towards the heater outlet side piping 8, using the projection 6C as a guide. This restricts the rotation of the first connector 6 and the second connector 9, while improving the ease of assembling the second connector 9 to the heater outlet side piping 8.

[0061] Furthermore, according to the piping connection structure of this embodiment, the projection 6C has a guide portion 6D that extends axially from the projection 6C to the first connector body 6A.

[0062] In addition, the width W1 of the guide portion 6D in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction (vehicle width direction) of the first connector body 6A is smaller than the width W2 of the projection 6C in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the first connector body 6A, and is also smaller than the width W3 of the groove portion 9C in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the second connector body 9A.

[0063] As a result, as shown by arrow A in Figure 6, when inserting the projection 6C into the groove 9C from the first opening 9a side of the groove 9C, even if the projection 6C and the groove 9C are misaligned in the circumferential direction relative to the first connector 6 and the second connector 9, the guide portion 6D corrects the circumferential misalignment of the projection 6C and the groove 9C, guiding the groove 9C to the projection 6C and positioning it on the projection 6C.

[0064] Furthermore, according to the piping connection structure of this embodiment, the groove portion 9C has a second opening 9b located on the opposite side of the first opening 9a in the axial direction of the second connector body 9A, and the guide portion 6D protrudes from the second opening 9b on the opposite side of the first opening 9a in the axial direction of the first connector body 6A.

[0065] This makes it possible to make the axial length of the groove 9C the same as the axial length of the projection 6C. In other words, since it is sufficient to restrict the rotation of the first connector 6 and the second connector 9 by fitting the projection 6C into the groove 9C, the axial length of the groove 9C does not include the axial length of the guide portion 6D. As a result, the axial length of the groove 9C can be shortened, and consequently, the first connector 6 and the second connector 9 can be made smaller.

[0066] Furthermore, according to the piping connection structure of this embodiment, the heater inlet pipe 7 and the heater outlet pipe 8 are provided with annular projections 7A and 8A that protrude outward from the outer circumference of the heater inlet pipe 7 and the outer circumference of the heater outlet pipe 8.

[0067] The first connector 6 has a first retainer 12 that extends along the outer circumference of the first connector body 6A and is formed in a C shape, and the second connector 9 has a second retainer 13 that extends along the outer circumference of the second connector body 9A and is formed in a C shape.

[0068] The first retainer 12 has first engaging portions 12a and 12b at both circumferential ends of the first retainer 12 that pass through the first connector body 6A and engage with the annular projection 7A of the heater inlet side piping 7, and the second retainer 13 has second engaging portions 13a at both circumferential ends of the second retainer 13 that pass through the second connector body 9A and engage with the annular projection 8A of the heater outlet side piping 8.

[0069] In addition, the protrusion 6C and groove 9C are positioned between the circumferential ends of the first retainer 12 and the second retainer 13 in the circumferential direction of the first connector body 6A and the second connector body 9A.

[0070] Thus, in this embodiment, the pipe connection structure is designed so that the protrusion 6C and groove 9C are positioned in the space between the circumferential ends of the first retainer 12 and the second retainer 13, thereby bringing the protrusion 6C and groove 9C closer to the first connector body 6A and the second connector body 9A by the thickness of the first retainer 12 and the second retainer 13. As a result, the first connector 6 and the second connector 9 can be made smaller.

[0071] Furthermore, according to the piping connection structure of this embodiment, the first connector body 6A is provided with a pair of first flange portions 6E and 6F that protrude radially outward from the first connector body 6A and position the first retainer 12 on the first connector body 6A.

[0072] The second connector body 9A is provided with a pair of second flange portions 9D and 9E that protrude radially outward from the second connector body 9A and position the second retainer 13 on the second connector body 9A.

[0073] The first flange portions 6E and 6F and the second flange portions 9D and 9E each have a first notch portion 6e and 6f and a second notch portion 9d, respectively. The projection portion 6C is located in the first notches 6e and 6f, and the groove portion 9C is located in the second notch portion 9d.

[0074] Thus, in this embodiment, the pipe connection structure allows the protrusion 6C and groove 9C to be placed in the minute space between the first connector 6 and the second connector 9 by arranging the protrusion 6C in the first notches 6e and 6f and the groove 9C in the second notch 9d.

[0075] As a result, even when the first connector 6 and the second connector 9 are arranged in parallel with a small gap between them, the rotation of the first connector 6 and the second connector 9 can be restricted more effectively.

[0076] While embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. All such modifications and equivalents are intended to be included in the following claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 6. First connector 6A First connector body 6C Protrusion 6D Guide Section 6E, 6F First flange section 6e, 6f First notch 7. Heater inlet piping (first piping, piping assembly) 7A, 8A Annular projection 8. Heater outlet piping (second piping, piping assembly) 9. Second connector 9A Second connector body 9a First opening 9b Second opening 9C Groove 9D, 9E Second flange section 9d Second notch 12 First retainer 12a, 12b First engaging portion 13. Second retainer 13a Second engaging portion W1 Guide section width W2 Width of the protrusion W3 Width of the groove

Claims

1. The first pipe and the second pipe are arranged in parallel, A piping connection structure comprising a piping assembly connected to the first piping and the second piping via a first connector and a second connector, respectively, The first connector comprises a first connector body to which the first pipe is connected, and a projection provided on the outer circumference of the first connector body facing the second connector, extending in the axial direction of the first connector body. The second connector has a second connector body to which the second pipe is connected, and a groove provided on the outer circumference of the second connector body facing the first connector, extending in the axial direction of the second connector body. The groove portion has a first opening at one end in the axial direction of the second connector body. A pipe connection structure characterized in that the rotation of the first connector and the second connector is restricted by the projection being inserted into the groove from the first opening and fitted into the groove.

2. The projection has a guide portion that extends from the projection in the axial direction of the first connector body. The pipe connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the width of the guide portion in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the first connector body is smaller than the width of the projection in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the first connector body, and also smaller than the width of the groove portion in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the second connector body.

3. The groove has a second opening located in the axial direction of the second connector body on the opposite side from the first opening, The pipe connection structure according to claim 2, characterized in that the guide portion protrudes from the second opening on the opposite side of the first opening in the axial direction of the first connector body.

4. The first pipe and the second pipe are each provided with annular projections that protrude outward from the outer circumference of the first pipe and the outer circumference of the second pipe, The first connector has a first retainer that extends along the outer circumference of the first connector body and is formed in a C shape, The second connector has a second retainer that extends along the outer circumference of the second connector body and is formed in a C shape. The first retainer has first engaging portions at both circumferential ends of the first retainer that penetrate the first connector body and engage with the annular projection of the first piping. The second retainer has second engaging portions at both circumferential ends of the second retainer that penetrate the second connector body and engage with the annular projection of the second pipe, The pipe connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the projection and the groove are arranged between the circumferential ends of the first retainer and the second retainer in the circumferential direction of the first connector body and the second connector body.

5. The first connector body is provided with a pair of first flange portions that protrude radially outward from the first connector body and position the first retainer on the first connector body. The second connector body is provided with a pair of second flange portions that protrude radially outward from the second connector body and position the second retainer on the second connector body. The first flange portion and the second flange portion each have a first notch and a second notch, The pipe connection structure according to claim 4, characterized in that the projection is located in the first notch and the groove is located in the second notch.

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