Corrugated pipe fittings
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- NAGASE LUTAC CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-03
Smart Images
Figure 2026125376000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a joint for a corrugated pipe made of synthetic resin in which a large-diameter portion having a rectangular cross section and a small-diameter portion having a circular cross section are alternately provided.
Background Art
[0002] As a protective pipe for protecting power lines and communication lines buried in the ground, a corrugated pipe made of synthetic resin in which a large-diameter portion having a rectangular cross section and a small-diameter portion having a circular cross section are alternately provided in the longitudinal direction is known. Such a corrugated pipe can achieve stable piping with little twist, and even when a plurality of pipes are stacked in the horizontal and height directions, there is little intrusion of earth and sand between the pipes, and the parallelism and orthogonality of the pipe arrangement can be maintained well. [[ID=I4]]As shown in Patent Document 1, the applicant has proposed a joint for such a corrugated pipe, in which a retaining member that engages with the large-diameter portion on the tip side of the corrugated pipe and a water-absorbing and expandable cloth that covers the periphery of the large-diameter portion are provided on the inner surface of a female member having a rectangular cross section that receives the large-diameter portion and the small-diameter portion. This joint can be connected and fixed by inserting the end portion of the corrugated pipe into the female member. Also, it can efficiently prevent the intrusion of water from the connection portion at the same time as the connection. On the other hand, Patent Document 2 discloses a joint for a corrugated pipe made of synthetic resin in which a large-diameter portion having a rectangular cross section and a small-diameter portion having a circular cross section are alternately provided, and a Π-shaped retaining member is attached to a notch provided on the upper surface at a longitudinal position corresponding to the accommodated small-diameter portion.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003] °
Patent Document 1
Patent Document 2
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] However, the fitting described in Patent Document 1 had the problem that insertion resistance was high when inserting or attaching a large corrugated pipe into the fitting. On the other hand, the fitting described in Patent Document 2 had low insertion resistance for corrugated pipes, but because the parts were completely independent, there was a risk of losing parts. This invention was made to solve the above problems, and aims to provide a corrugated pipe fitting that has low insertion resistance during installation and eliminates the risk of losing parts. [Means for solving the problem]
[0005] The corrugated pipe joint of the present invention is a joint used for a corrugated pipe made of synthetic resin having alternating large-diameter sections with a rectangular cross-section and small-diameter sections with a circular cross-section, and comprises at least a female member with a rectangular cross-section that receives the large-diameter section and the small-diameter section, a notch molded continuously from one face of the female member to an adjacent face corresponding to the small-diameter section of the corrugated pipe housed in the female member, and a retaining member connected to the female member near the notch, wherein the corrugated pipe is connected and fixed by inserting the retaining member into the notch, and a fixing means is provided for fixing the retaining member when the retaining member is inserted into the notch. The corrugated pipe fitting of the present invention reduces the insertion resistance of the corrugated pipe and allows the corrugated pipe to be easily inserted into the female member because the retaining member for connecting and fixing the corrugated pipe is attached after the corrugated pipe is inserted. Furthermore, in the female member with a rectangular cross-section, the notch is formed at a position in the longitudinal direction corresponding to the small diameter portion of the housed corrugated pipe, and is formed continuously from one surface to an adjacent surface, making it easy to insert the retaining member into the notch. In other words, the retaining member does not need to be inserted perpendicular to the opening of the notch, but can be inserted while rotating the retaining member relative to the female member. As a result, the inserted corrugated pipe can be easily connected and fixed. Moreover, since the retaining member is fixed to the female member after being inserted into the notch, the connection work is not complicated. In addition, because the retaining member of the corrugated pipe fitting is connected to the female member, there is no risk of losing the retaining member during transport or other operations.
[0006] In the corrugated pipe joint of the present invention, it is preferable that the female member has a plurality of notches formed therein, and that the same number of retaining members are provided as the number of notches. By providing a plurality of notches, the external force applied to the connected and fixed corrugated pipe can be distributed to each retaining member. In particular, it is preferable that at least two notches are provided diagonally, or that notches are provided at all four corners, as this allows for a uniform distribution of the external force applied to the corrugated pipe.
[0007] The present invention relates to a corrugated pipe joint, wherein the retaining member comprises a flexible connecting piece and a locking piece inserted into the notch, one end of the connecting piece is connected and fixed near the notch, and the other end of the connecting piece is provided with the locking piece, and it is preferable that the connecting piece is rotated and deformed to insert the locking piece into the notch. The corrugated pipe joint of the present invention preferably comprises a retaining member having a bearing or rotating shaft that is fitted to a rotating shaft or bearing provided near a notch in the female member, and a locking piece that is inserted into the notch, wherein the retaining member is rotated to insert the locking piece into the notch.
[0008] The corrugated pipe joint of the present invention preferably has a first engaging portion on one face or one of the adjacent faces of the female member, and a second engaging portion on the retaining member that is not inserted into the notch, wherein the fixing means is the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion that engage when the locking piece of the retaining member is inserted into the notch. In this case, the first engaging portion may be a first engaging cylinder that protrudes outward from the opening of the notch, and the second engaging portion may be a second engaging cylinder, and the first engaging portion may be a first engaging claw, and the second engaging portion may be a second engaging claw. Furthermore, the first engaging portion or the second engaging portion may be elastically deformed to engage with the second engaging portion or the first engaging portion.
[0009] In the corrugated pipe joint of the present invention, the fixing means is preferably a sliding plate that slides along one of the faces or one of the adjacent faces of the female member to close a portion of the notch. The present invention relates to a corrugated pipe joint in which the locking piece of the retaining member has an elastic portion that is thicker than the notch, and the locking piece can be inserted into the notch by contracting the elastic portion, and the fixing means is preferably composed of the elastic portion that elastically returns to its original position after being inserted into the notch and the notch. [Effects of the Invention]
[0010] The corrugated pipe fitting of the present invention allows for easy insertion of the corrugated pipe into the female member at the site, as the corrugated pipe is secured by a retaining member after insertion into the female member. Furthermore, since a notch for inserting the retaining member is provided at the corner of the female member (continuous from one face to the adjacent face), insertion of the retaining member into the notch of the female member is facilitated. In addition, because the retaining member that connects and secures the corrugated pipe is connected to the female member, there is no risk of losing the retaining member. Moreover, the installed state of the retaining member can be easily confirmed at a glance. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1a is a plan view showing a structure in which a corrugated pipe is connected to the corrugated pipe joint of the present invention, Figure 1b is a cross-sectional view along the line Y1-Y1, and Figure 1c is a partial cross-sectional view showing the cross-section of the joint along the line X1-X1 in Figure 1a. [Figure 2] Figure 2a is a plan view showing the corrugated pipe fitting in Figure 1, Figure 2b is a cross-sectional view along the line X2-X2, Figure 2c is a cross-sectional view along the line Y2-Y2, and Figure 2d is a partially enlarged view of Figure 2c. [Figure 3] Figures 3a to 3d are schematic diagrams showing the process of inserting a corrugated pipe into the corrugated pipe fitting shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4a is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a second embodiment of the corrugated pipe fitting of the present invention, and Figure 4b is a cross-sectional view showing the corrugated pipe fitting with the retaining member attached. [Figure 5] Figures 5a and 5b are a plan view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, showing a third embodiment of the corrugated pipe joint of the present invention, and Figure 5c is a schematic diagram showing the process of attaching the retaining member to the female member. [Figure 6]Figures 6a to 6c are a plan view, side view, and cross-sectional view, respectively, showing a fourth embodiment of the corrugated pipe joint of the present invention. Figure 6d is a schematic diagram showing the process of attaching the retaining member to the female member. Figure 6e is a perspective view showing a part of the female member. [Figure 7] Figure 7a is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the fifth embodiment of the corrugated pipe joint of the present invention, Figure 7b is a cross-sectional view showing the corrugated pipe joint with the retaining member attached, and Figures 7c and 7d are a side cross-sectional view and a front view of the slide plate used in the corrugated pipe joint, respectively. [Figure 8] Figure 8a is a cross-sectional view showing a sixth embodiment of the corrugated pipe joint of the present invention, Figures 8b to 8d are a side view, front view, and top view of the retaining member used in the corrugated pipe joint, respectively, Figure 8e is a schematic diagram showing the elastic deformation of the retaining member, and Figure 8f is a schematic diagram showing the process of attaching the retaining member to the female member. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0012] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. In the embodiments described below, the longitudinal direction refers to the direction in which the corrugated pipe extends, and in the case of a joint, it refers to the direction in which the corrugated pipe extends when the corrugated pipe is received.
[0013] "Corrugated pipe fitting 10 (first embodiment)" Figures 1a to 1c show a corrugated pipe 1 made of synthetic resin, in which large-diameter sections 2 with a square cross-section and small-diameter sections 3 with a circular cross-section are alternately provided at both ends of the corrugated pipe fitting 10. The corrugated pipe joint 10 is a joint used for a corrugated pipe 1 made of synthetic resin in which a large-diameter portion 2 having a square cross-section and a small-diameter portion 3 having a circular cross-section are alternately provided, and includes a female member 100 that receives an end portion of the corrugated pipe 1 and a retaining member 200 connected to the upper surface 101 (one surface) of the female member 100. This corrugated pipe joint 10 connects and fixes the corrugated pipe 1 accommodated in the female member 100 by inserting a locking piece 210 of the retaining member 200 into a notch 110 of the female member 100. Further, the corrugated pipe joint 10 has fixing means for fixing the retaining member 200 to the female member 100 when the locking piece 210 is inserted into the notch 110. In this corrugated pipe joint 10, a first engaging cylinder 120 and a second engaging cylinder 220 constitute the fixing means, and in FIG. 1, the first engaging cylinder 120 is in a state of being inserted into the second engaging cylinder 220. This corrugated pipe joint 10 operates the retaining member 200 while rotating and deforming a connecting piece 230 of the retaining member 200, and inserts the locking piece 210 into the notch 110. Then, by inserting the locking piece 210 into the notch 110, a first engaging cylinder 120 provided on the upper surface 101 (one surface) of the female member 100 and a second engaging cylinder 220 of the retaining member 200 are engaged, and the retaining member 200 is fixed. In addition, this corrugated pipe joint 10 includes two female members 100 and a connecting portion 15 having a circular cross-section and being cylindrical between them, and connects two corrugated pipes 1. The connecting portion 15 is configured not to pass through the large-diameter portion 2 of the corrugated pipe 1. That is, the end portion of the corrugated pipe 1 is inserted into each female member 100 for connection. Reference numeral Z is a sealing material such as a packing or a water-absorbing and expanding non-woven fabric. The position of the sealing material is not particularly limited as long as it can seal the inner surface of the female member 100 and the outer surface of the corrugated pipe 1 inside the notch 110 of the female member. Also, in FIG. 1, the end portion of the corrugated pipe 1 is the large-diameter portion 2, but the end portion may be the small-diameter portion 3 according to the length of the female member 100. In that case, for example, an annular sealing material Z may be provided inside the connecting portion 15 to form a sealing structure around the small-diameter portion 3. Examples of the material of the corrugated pipe joint 10 include synthetic resins such as polyolefin resins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, polyester resins, and polyvinyl chloride resins.
[0014] "Female member 100" The female member 100 is a cylindrical body that receives the large-diameter portion 2 and the small-diameter portion 3 of the corrugated tube 1 and has a cross-sectional shape that is substantially similar to a rectangle of the large-diameter portion 2. Also, the length of the female member 100 in the longitudinal direction is set as the length that accommodates the small-diameter portion 3 and the large-diameter portion 2 in order from the open end of the female member 100 (for example, in the case of the left female member 100 in FIG. 1, the left opening) when the corrugated tube 1 is received. However, when the corrugated tube 1 is inserted into the female member 100, the length of the female member 100 is not particularly limited as long as at least the small-diameter portion 3 and the large-diameter portion 2 can be accommodated in this order from the opening side of the female member 100. For example, it may be a length that can accommodate the large-diameter portion 2, the small-diameter portion 3, and the large-diameter portion 2 in order from the open end of the female member 100, or a length that can accommodate the small-diameter portion 3, the large-diameter portion 2, and the small-diameter portion 3 in order, or it may be possible to accommodate a plurality of small-diameter portions 3 and a plurality of large-diameter portions 2. As shown in FIGS. 2a and 2c, in the female member 100, a notch 110 is formed at a position in the longitudinal direction (the left-right direction in FIG. 2a) corresponding to the small-diameter portion 3 of the corrugated tube 1 accommodated in the female member 100 and continuous from one surface (the upper surface 101) to an adjacent surface (the left side surface 103) (see FIG. 2c). That is, on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction corresponding to the accommodated small-diameter portion 3 of the female member 100 (that is, on FIG. 2c), one corner of the cross-sectional rectangular shape of the female member 100 is cut off. This female member 100 has notches 110 provided at all four corners. That is, in addition to the corner between the upper surface 101 and the left side surface 103, notches 110 are formed at the corners between the upper surface 101 and the right side surface 102, between the right side surface 102 and the lower surface 104, and between the left side surface 103 and the lower surface 104. These four notches 110 are formed substantially on the same plane.
[0015] Furthermore, a first engaging cylinder 120 is provided on the upper surface 101 (one surface) of the female member 100, near the notch. More specifically, the first engaging cylinder 120 is formed to protrude outward from a part of the opening of the notch 110, particularly from the end of the notch 110. A groove 121 is formed in the opening of the first engaging cylinder 120 along or parallel to the notch 110 (see Figure 2a). Therefore, when viewed from above, the notch 110 and the groove 121 appear to overlap. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2d, an annular projection 125 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the first engaging cylinder 120 so that it can be clip-fitted with the second engaging cylinder 220, which will be described later. Furthermore, one end of the connecting piece 230 of the retaining member 200, which will be described later, is fixed to the first engaging cylinder 120. In other words, the retaining member 200 is the upper surface 101 (one surface) of the female member 100 and is connected to the female member 100 via the connecting piece 230 near the notch 110. These first engaging cylinders 120 are also formed in the notches 110 on the top surface 101 and the right side surface 102, the notches 110 on the bottom surface 104 and the right side surface 102, and the notches 110 on the bottom surface 104 and the left side surface 103. Two of these four first engaging cylinders 120 are provided on the top surface 101 and two on the bottom surface 104. In other words, two are provided on each of the opposing surfaces. Providing two first engaging cylinders 120 on the same surface makes on-site work easier. However, the first engaging cylinders 120 are not particularly limited as long as they are on one surface or one of the surfaces with respect to each notch 110; for example, they may be provided on all different surfaces.
[0016] "Retaining member 200" As shown in Figure 1b or Figure 2d, the retaining member 200 has a flexible connecting piece 230 connected to the female member 100 and a locking piece 210 that is inserted into the notch 110. The retaining member 200 also has a second engaging cylinder 220 provided at the base end of the locking piece 210. The retaining member 200 is operated by rotating and deforming the connecting piece 230 to insert the locking piece 210 into the notch 110. The locking piece 210 is an elongated body extending in one direction. When the locking piece 210 is pointed upward relative to the upper surface 101 of the female member 100, the tip 211 is inclined to extend upward toward the opposite side (inward) of the corresponding notch 110. The second engaging cylinder 220 has a base 221. The base end of the locking piece 210 is fixed to this base 221, and the locking piece 210 extends from the base 221 coaxially with the second engaging cylinder 220. The other end of the connecting piece 230, which will be described later, is also fixed to the second engaging cylinder 220. This second engaging cylinder 220 is the part that is not inserted into the notch 110, and it receives and engages with the first engaging cylinder 120 of the female member 100 described above. More specifically, an annular projection 225 is formed on the inner surface of the opening of the second engaging cylinder 220, and by inserting the first engaging cylinder 120 into the second engaging cylinder 220, the annular projection 125 of the first engaging cylinder 120 and the annular projection 225 of the second engaging cylinder 220 engage. In other words, the first engaging cylinder 120 and the second engaging cylinder 220 act as fixing means for fixing the retaining member 200 to the female member 100.
[0017] One end of the connecting piece 230 is connected and fixed near the notch 110, and the other end is provided with a locking piece 210. More specifically, one end of the connecting piece 230 is fixed to the lower end of the first engaging cylinder 120 on the extension of the corresponding notch 110 (towards the center of the female member 100) (for example, the lower side of the first engaging cylinder 120 in Figure 2a, or the right side of the first engaging cylinder 120 in Figure 2d). However, one end of the connecting piece 230 does not need to be connected to the first engaging cylinder 120 as long as it is fixed near the notch 110, and its connection position is not particularly limited. The other end of the connecting piece 230 is fixed to the upper end of the second engaging cylinder 220, on the notch 110 side (outside the female member 100 (left side of the second engaging cylinder 220 in Figure 2d)). In other words, the other end of the connecting piece 230 is provided with a locking piece 210 via the second engaging cylinder 220. Furthermore, it is preferable that the straight line connecting the positions of the first engaging cylinder 120 and the second engaging cylinder 220, to which both ends of the connecting piece 230 are fixed, be substantially parallel to the surface in which the notch 110 is formed. This connecting piece 230 acts as a hinge that rotates the locking piece 210 relative to the first engaging cylinder 120. In this embodiment, it is preferable that the flexible connecting piece 230 acts as a hinge or a corresponding bend. However, the connecting piece 230 may have a predetermined length. In that case, the length of the flexible portion is shorter than the length of the locking piece 210, preferably half or less of the length of the locking piece 210, and particularly one-third or less. This allows the retaining member 200 to rotate substantially around the connecting piece 230 on the plane where the notch 110 is formed (i.e., the longitudinal position corresponding to the small diameter portion 3 housed in the female member 100). Note that if the connecting piece 230 is too long, it may get in the way after the retaining member 200 is attached, as will be described later.
[0018] As configured in this way, as shown in Figure 2d, the locking piece 210 is moved while rotating and deforming the connecting piece 230 on the surface where the notch 110 is formed (i.e., the longitudinal position corresponding to the small diameter portion 3 housed in the female member 100), essentially rotating around the connecting piece 230 to insert it into the notch 110. Upon complete insertion, the first engaging cylinder 120 is inserted into the second engaging cylinder 220, and the retaining member 200 is fixed to the female member 100. In the fixed state, the connecting piece 230 is essentially folded in half, and both ends abut against each other. This shortens the length of the connecting piece 230, making it less likely to get in the way after the retaining member 200 is connected to the female member 100. The retaining member 200 is provided in the same number as the notch 110 of the female member 100 (four).
[0019] "Fixing method" Next, the method for fixing the corrugated tube 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 3. Initially, as shown in Figure 3a, the retaining member 200 is positioned on the outside of the female member 100. Here, the locking piece 210 of the retaining member 200 faces outward relative to the female member 100, but the state of the retaining member 200 is not particularly limited. Next, as shown in Figure 3b, the corrugated tube 1 is inserted into the female member 100. At this time, since there is no resistance other than the sealing material Z, it can be inserted relatively easily.
[0020] Next, as shown in Figure 3c, the locking piece 210 of the retaining member 200 is rotated relative to the female member 100 and inserted into the notch 110 of the female member 100. At this time, since the notch 110 is provided from the top surface 101 to the left side surface 103, the locking piece 210 can be inserted without catching on the left side surface 103. Furthermore, since the tip 211 of the locking piece 210 is inclined, when inserted into the notch 110 of the female member 100, it is less likely to interfere with the circular small-diameter portion 3 of the corrugated pipe 1. Alternatively, by lowering the retaining member 200 vertically from above the top surface 101, the notch 110 can be limited to the top surface 101 only, but in that case, the length of the connecting piece 230 needs to be longer than the locking piece 210. Such a connecting piece 230 is likely to get in the way of the work and is more likely to interfere with other parts after the work is completed, such as getting caught on them. Finally, as shown in Figure 3d, by pushing the retaining member 200 all the way in, the second engaging cylinder 220 of the retaining member 200 engages with the first engaging cylinder 120 of the female member 100 without being inserted into the notch 110. As a result, the locking piece 210 of the retaining member 200 is positioned in the space between the large diameter portions 2 of the corrugated tube 1, that is, on the outer circumference of the small diameter portion 3. Therefore, the longitudinal movement of the corrugated tube 1 is suppressed. Furthermore, by inserting the locking pieces 210 of each retaining member 200 into each notch 110 of the female member 100, the fixing of the corrugated pipe 1 to the female member 100 is completed. By inserting the retaining members 200 in four places in this way, the external force attempting to pull out the corrugated pipe 1 can be evenly distributed to each retaining member 200, allowing for a firm connection and fixation.
[0021] In this way, the corrugated pipe fitting 10 allows for easy insertion and securement of the corrugated pipe 1. In particular, by providing notches 110 at the four corners of the female member 100, the four retaining members 200 can engage with the four corners of the large-diameter portion 2 of the corrugated pipe 1, and external forces such as attempts to pull out the corrugated pipe 1 can be uniformly distributed to each retaining member 200. As a result, the corrugated pipe 1 can be firmly connected and secured. Furthermore, since the retaining members 200 are anchored to the female member 100, there is no risk of losing the retaining members 200. Moreover, simply by visually confirming that the second engaging cylinder 220 of the retaining member 200 is engaged with the first engaging cylinder 120 of the female member 100, it is clear that the retaining member 200 is installed.
[0022] The corrugated pipe fitting 10 in Figure 1 has four notches 110 in the female member 100, but the number is not particularly limited and may be one, two, or three. In this case, the number of retaining members should be the same as the number of notches. Providing multiple notches 110 is preferable because it can distribute the external force applied to the corrugated pipe 1 to each retaining member 200. In particular, it is preferable to provide at least two notches 110 on the diagonals of the cross-sectional shape of the female member 100, or at all four corners, so that the external force applied to the corrugated pipe 1 can be uniformly distributed to at least two of them. The corrugated pipe fitting 10 in Figure 1 connects to two corrugated pipes 1, but it may be used as a single fitting. In that case, the shape of the other fitting is not particularly limited, but for example, it may be connected to the outer wall of a manhole.
[0023] "Corrugated pipe fitting 10A (second embodiment)" The corrugated pipe fitting 10A in Figure 4a, similar to the first embodiment, comprises a female member 100A that receives the end of the corrugated pipe 1 and a retaining member 200A connected to the upper surface 101A (one surface) of the female member 100A. The corrugated pipe 1 housed in the female member 100A is connected and fixed by inserting the locking piece 210A of the retaining member 200A into the notch 110A of the female member 100A. This corrugated pipe joint 10A fixes the retaining member 200A by deforming the connecting piece 230A of the retaining member 200A to insert the locking piece 210A into the notch 110A, and by inserting the locking piece 210A into the notch 110A, engaging the first engaging claw 120A provided on the upper surface 101A (one surface) of the female member 100A with the second engaging claw 220A of the retaining member 200A.
[0024] The female member 100A is substantially the same as the female member 100 of the corrugated pipe joint 10 in Figure 1, except that the first engaging claw 120A is formed on one surface (such as the top surface 101A) instead of the first engaging cylinder provided on one surface (such as the top surface 101A). In other words, the female member 100A is also a cylindrical body consisting of a rectangle whose cross-sectional shape is substantially similar to the large-diameter portion 2 of the corrugated pipe 1, and notches 110A are formed at the four corners, extending from one surface to the adjacent surface. The first engaging claw 120A is provided on the upper surface 101A where the notch 110A is formed, near the notch 110A (more specifically, adjacent to it, or on the extension of the end of the notch 110A on the upper surface 101A). The first engaging claw 120A is positioned so that the claw (tip) protrudes toward the corresponding notch 110A. For example, the claw of the left first engaging claw 120A in Figure 4a protrudes toward the notch 110A on the left (or outward) side. The first engaging claw 120A, like the first engaging cylinder 120, is not particularly limited as long as it is located on one or one of the surfaces with respect to each notch 110A. For example, if four first engaging claws 120A are provided, it is preferable to provide two on opposing surfaces (for example, the upper surface 101A and the lower surface (not shown)).
[0025] The retaining member 200A has a flexible connecting piece 230A connected to the female member 100A and a locking piece 210A that is inserted into the notch 110A. The retaining member 200A also has a second engaging claw 220A provided at the base end of the locking piece. The locking piece 210A extends in one direction, and the other end of the connecting piece 230A is fixed to its base. The second engaging claw 220A is located on the base side of the locking piece 210A, on the notch 110A side (outside), with its tip protruding toward the notch 110A. In other words, the corresponding first engaging claw 120A and the second engaging claw 220A (for example, the first engaging claw 120A and the second engaging claw 220A on the left side of Figure 4a) are facing the same direction. The connecting piece 230A is fixed at one end to the lower end of the first engaging claw 120A, on the opposite side of the notch 110A (i.e., near the notch 110A), and a locking piece 210A is provided at the other end. The connecting piece 230A is flexible so that the retaining member 200A rotates substantially around the connecting piece 230A on the plane in which the notch 110A is formed. For example, the length of the connecting piece 230A is preferably shorter than the length of the locking piece 210A, and preferably half the length of the locking piece 210A or less.
[0026] As configured in this way, as shown in Figure 4b, the retaining member 200A is rotated around the connecting piece 230A relative to the female member 100A and inserted into the notch 110A. At this time, similar to the corrugated pipe joint 10 in Figure 1, the notch 110A is provided from the top surface 101A to the left side surface 103A (from one surface to one adjacent surface), so the locking piece 210A can be inserted without getting caught on the left side surface 103A, etc. Then, by pushing the retaining member 200A all the way in, the second engaging claw 220A engages with the first engaging claw 120A without being inserted into the notch 110A, and the retaining member 200A is fixed to the female member 100A. In other words, the first engaging claw 120A of the female member 100A and the second engaging claw 220A of the retaining member 200A act as fixing means. Therefore, like the corrugated pipe fitting 10, the corrugated pipe fitting 10A allows for easy insertion and secure fixing of the corrugated pipe 1, and the installation process is simple. Furthermore, there is no risk of losing the retaining member 200A, and it is visually apparent that the retaining member 200A is installed. In this corrugated pipe joint 10A, the first engaging claw 120A, the connecting piece 230A, and the locking piece 210A are formed integrally, but the method of forming them is not particularly limited, and they may be formed separately and then connected.
[0027] "Corrugated pipe fitting 10B (third embodiment)" In the corrugated pipe fitting 10B shown in Figures 5a and 5b, a rotating shaft 150B is provided on the upper surface 101B (one surface) of the female member 100B. The retaining member 200B is fitted onto the rotating shaft 150B, and by rotating the retaining member 200B around the rotating shaft 150B, the locking piece 210B is inserted into the notch 110B. Then, by inserting the locking piece 210B into the notch 110B, the first engaging portion 120B (see Figure 5c) provided on the left side surface 103B (one of the adjacent surfaces) of the female member 100B engages with the second engaging portion 220B of the retaining member 200B, thereby fixing the retaining member 200B. The basic configuration of the corrugated pipe fitting 10B is the same as in the first embodiment, and includes a female member 100B that receives the end of the corrugated pipe 1 and a retaining member 200B connected to the upper surface 101B (one surface) of the female member 100B. The corrugated pipe 1 housed in the female member 100B is connected and fixed by inserting the locking piece 210B of the retaining member 200B into the notch 110B of the female member 100B.
[0028] The female member 100B, like the female member 100 of the corrugated pipe fitting 10 in Figure 1, is a cylindrical body consisting of a rectangle whose cross-sectional shape is substantially similar to the large-diameter portion 2 of the corrugated pipe 1, and has notches 110B formed at four corners that extend from one face to the adjacent face. The differences from the female member 100 of the first embodiment are that it does not have a first engaging cylinder, it has a rotating shaft 150B that connects to the retaining member 200B on one face (top face 101B, etc.), and it has a first engaging portion 120B that engages with the retaining member 200B on the adjacent face (left side face 103B, etc.). The rotating shaft 150B of the female member 100B is located on one surface (the upper surface 101B) and is provided at the end of the notch 110B. However, the rotating shaft 150B is not particularly limited as long as it is in the vicinity of the notch 110B. Also, the female member 100B has four rotating shafts 150B, two on each of the opposing surfaces (for example, the upper surface 101B and the lower surface 104B). However, the rotating shaft 150B is not particularly limited as long as it is located on one surface or one of the surfaces with respect to each notch 110B. The first engaging portion 120B of the female member 100B is formed on one adjacent surface (left side surface 103B) and is a projection that extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of the housed corrugated tube 1 (plane of the paper in Figure 5c). This first engaging portion 120B is provided at the end of the notch 110B of the left side surface 103B, or near the end, more specifically, with a gap between it and the end of the notch 110B of the left side surface 103B.
[0029] As shown in Figure 5c, the retaining member 200B comprises a bearing 250B fixed around the rotating shaft 150B, a locking piece 210B extending from the bearing 250B, and a protective part 260B provided to cover the locking piece 210B. The locking piece 210B extends in a curved shape along the shape of the small diameter portion 3. The protective portion 260B is not inserted into the notch 110B, but rather closes the notch 110B. The tip of the protective portion 260B is provided with a second engaging portion 220B that protrudes inward. When the locking piece 210B is inserted into the notch 110B, the second engaging portion 220B engages with the first engaging portion 120B of the female member 100B.
[0030] With this configuration, by rotating the locking piece 210B of the retaining member 200B around the rotation axis 150B and inserting the locking piece 210B into the notch 110B of the female member 100B, the first engaging portion 120B of the female member 100B and the second engaging portion 220B of the retaining member 200B engage, and the retaining member 200B is fixed to the female member 100B. In other words, the second engaging portion 220B of the retaining member 200B and the first engaging portion 120B of the female member 100B act as fixing means. Therefore, like the corrugated pipe fitting 10, the corrugated pipe fitting 10B allows for easy insertion and secure fixing of the corrugated pipe 1, and the work is simple on site. Furthermore, there is no risk of losing the retaining member 200B, and it is visually possible to confirm that the retaining member 200B is installed. In this embodiment, the female member 100B is provided with a rotating shaft and the retaining member 200B is provided with a bearing, but it is also possible to provide the bearing on the female member 100B and the rotating shaft on the retaining member 200B.
[0031] "Corrugated pipe fitting 10C (fourth embodiment)" In the corrugated pipe joint 10C shown in Figures 6a to 6c, the retaining member 200C, which is fitted onto a rotating shaft 150C provided on the upper surface 101C (one surface) of the female member 100C, is rotated to insert the locking piece 210C into the notch 110C. Then, by inserting the locking piece 210C into the notch 110C, the second engaging portion 220C (see Figures 6b and 6c) of the retaining member 200C engages with the first engaging portion 120C provided on the left side surface 103C (one of the adjacent surfaces) of the female member 100C, while elastically deforming it, thereby fixing the retaining member 200C. The basic configuration of the corrugated pipe fitting 10C is the same as in other embodiments, and includes a female member 100C that receives the end of the corrugated pipe 1 and a retaining member 200C connected to the upper surface 101C (one surface) of the female member 100C. The corrugated pipe 1 housed in the female member 100C is connected and fixed by inserting the locking piece 210C of the retaining member 200C into the notch 110C of the female member 100C.
[0032] The female member 100C is a cylindrical body consisting of a rectangle whose cross-sectional shape is substantially similar to that of the large-diameter portion 2 of the corrugated pipe 1, and has notches 110C formed at four corners that extend from one face to an adjacent face. Furthermore, the female member 100C, like the female member 100B of the corrugated pipe joint 10B in Figure 5, has a rotating shaft 150C on one face (top face 101C, etc.) and a first engaging portion 120C that engages with the retaining member 200C on an adjacent face (left side face 103C). However, unlike the first engaging portion 120B of the female member 100B in Figure 5, the first engaging portion 120C is provided with L-shaped projections 120C1 and 120C2 facing each other when viewed from above, as shown in Figures 6b and 6e.
[0033] As shown in Figure 6d, the retaining member 200C comprises a bearing 250C fixed around the rotating shaft 150C, a locking piece 210C extending from the bearing 250C, and a protective part 260C provided to cover the locking piece 210C. The locking piece 210C extends in a curved shape along the shape of the small diameter portion 3. The protective portion 260C is not inserted into the notch 110C, but rather closes the notch 110C. The tip of the protective portion 260C has a second engaging portion 220C. Unlike the second engaging portion 220B of the retaining member 200B in Figure 5, the second engaging portion 220C consists of a pair of elastic pieces 220C1 and 220C2 extending from both sides of the width of the protective portion 260C (left-right direction in Figure 6b) toward the tip. The distance between these two elastic pieces 220C1 and 220C2 is substantially the same as the distance between the pair of protrusions 120C1 and 120C2 of the first engaging portion. The distance between the two elastic pieces 220C1 and 220C2 can be changed by pinching and elastically deforming them.
[0034] With this configuration, by rotating the locking piece 210C of the retaining member 200C around the rotation axis 150C and inserting the locking piece 210C into the notch 110C of the female member 100C, the first engaging portion 120C of the female member 100C and the second engaging portion 220C of the retaining member 200C come into contact. At this point, the two elastic pieces 220C1 and 220C2 of the second engaging portion 220C are elastically deformed to reduce the distance between them (i.e., in the direction of the arrow in Figure 6b), and inserted between the two projections 120C1 and 120C2 of the first engaging portion 120C, and the elasticity of the second engaging portion 220C is released, one elastic piece 220C1 is housed within one projection 120C1, and the other elastic piece 220C2 is housed within the other projection 120C2. In other words, the first engaging portion 120C and the second engaging portion 220C engage. In this way, the first engaging portion 120C and the second engaging portion 220C act as a fixing means. Therefore, the corrugated pipe fitting 10C, like the corrugated pipe fitting 10, can easily and firmly fix the corrugated pipe 1, and the fixing work is also simple. Furthermore, there is no risk of losing the retaining member 200C, and it is possible to visually confirm that the retaining member 200C is installed. In addition, in this embodiment as well, a bearing may be provided on the female member 100C and a rotating shaft on the retaining member 200C, similar to the third embodiment.
[0035] In the corrugated pipe fittings 10 in Figure 1 to 10C in Figure 6, the first engaging portion of the female member and the second engaging portion of the retaining member engage when the locking piece is inserted into the notch, thereby fixing the retaining member. Subsequent embodiments have other fixing means.
[0036] "Corrugated pipe fitting 10D (5th embodiment)" The corrugated pipe joint 10D in Figure 7a is constructed by deforming the connecting piece 230D of the retaining member 200D to insert the locking piece 210D into the notch 110D, and then fixing the retaining member 200D with a sliding plate 500D that closes the notch 110D. The basic configuration of the corrugated pipe fitting 10D is the same as in other embodiments, and includes a female member 100D that receives the end of the corrugated pipe 1 and a retaining member 200D connected to the upper surface 101D (one surface) of the female member 100D. The corrugated pipe 1 housed in the female member 100D is connected and fixed by inserting the locking piece 210D of the retaining member 200D into the notch 110D of the female member 100D.
[0037] The female member 100D is also a cylindrical body consisting of a rectangle whose cross-sectional shape is substantially similar to that of the large-diameter portion 2 of the corrugated pipe 1, and has notches 110D formed at four corners that extend from one face to the adjacent face. The difference from the female member 100 of the first embodiment is that it does not have a first engaging cylinder, and a projection 160D is formed on the face in which the notch 110D is formed (the adjacent face) (left side face 103D, etc.) that is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the corrugated pipe 1 and extends horizontally. The retaining member 200D has an L-shaped locking piece 210D and a flexible connecting piece 230D that connects the locking piece 210D and the female member 100D. The connecting piece 230D acts as a hinge connecting the vicinity of the notch 110D on the upper surface 101D (one surface) of the female member 100D to the base of the locking piece 210D. More specifically, it connects the base of the locking piece 210D to a position on the extension of the notch 110D relative to the end of the notch 110D on the upper surface 101D. By using a hinge, when the retaining member 200D is attached to the female member 100D, the connecting piece 230D is less likely to interfere with other parts. The connecting pieces 230D are provided to correspond to the four notches 110D, with two provided on each of the opposing surfaces (for example, the upper surface 101D and the lower surface (not shown)).
[0038] As shown in Figures 7c and 7d, the slide plate 500D has a plate body 510D, a slide piece 520D that is inserted into a notch 110D that protrudes inward from the surface of the plate, and a locking plate 530D provided at the tip of the slide piece 520D. In addition, a locking projection 540D is formed on the inner surface of the slide plate 500D so as to protrude inward. In other words, the plate body 510D of the slide plate 500D and the locking plate 530D are positioned on the outside and inside of the female member 100D via the notch 110D.
[0039] As configured in this way, as shown in Figure 7a, before inserting the corrugated pipe 1, the slide plate 500D is positioned below the notch 110D. Then, the retaining member 200D is rotated relative to the female member 100D and inserted into the notch 110D. At this time, similar to the corrugated pipe joint 10 in Figure 1, the notch 110D is provided from the top surface 101D to the left side surface 103D, so the locking piece 210D can be inserted without hooking onto the left side surface 103D. Then, after pushing the retaining member 200D all the way in, the slide plate 500D is slid upward as shown in Figure 7b to close a portion of the notch 110D. At this time, the locking projection 540D of the slide plate 500D and the ridge 160D of the female member 100D engage, fixing the slide plate 500D in place. This closes a portion of the rotational trajectory of the locking piece 210D, effectively fixing the retaining member 200D within the female member 100D. In other words, the slide plate 500D acts as a fixing means. Thus, the corrugated pipe fitting 10D, like the corrugated pipe fitting 10, can easily and securely fix the corrugated pipe 1, and the fixing work is also simple. Furthermore, there is no risk of losing the retaining member 200D, and it is possible to visually confirm that the retaining member 200D is installed. In this embodiment, the slide plate 500D is moved up and down, but it is not particularly limited as long as it can slide along the left side surface 103D (one of the adjacent surfaces). For example, the slide plate may be slid in the longitudinal direction (the plane of the paper in Figure 7a) to open and close the notch 110D. This configuration, in which the slide plate is not slid along the notch 110, is possible by providing a guide groove extending in the sliding direction on the left side surface 103D and sliding the slide piece in that guide groove. Alternatively, the slide plate 500D may be slid along the top surface 101D (one surface) to open and close the notch 110D on the top surface 101D.
[0040] "Corrugated pipe fitting 10E (6th embodiment)" In the corrugated pipe joint 10E shown in Figure 8a, the locking piece 210E of the retaining member 200E has an elastically deformable shape and an elastic portion 280E that is wider or thicker than the width of the notch 110E. This elastic portion 280E is elastically deformed and contracted while being inserted into the notch 110E. Alternatively, the locking piece 210E is inserted into the notch 110E by rotating the retaining member 200E, which is fitted onto a rotating shaft 150E provided on the upper surface 101E (one surface) of the female member 100E. The basic configuration of the corrugated pipe fitting 10E is the same as in other embodiments, and includes a female member 100E that receives the end of the corrugated pipe and a retaining member 200E connected to the upper surface 101E (one surface) of the female member 100E. The corrugated pipe 1 housed in the female member 100E is connected and fixed by inserting the locking piece 210E of the retaining member 200E into the notch 110E of the female member 100E.
[0041] The female member 100E is a cylindrical body consisting of a quadrilateral whose cross-sectional shape is substantially similar to that of the large-diameter portion 2 of the corrugated pipe 1, and has notches 110E formed at four corners that extend from one face to an adjacent face. The difference from the female member 100 of the first embodiment is that it does not have a first engaging cylinder, and that it has a rotating shaft 150E within the notch 110E on the same plane as one of the faces (such as the top surface 101E). The rotating shaft 150E is substantially the same as the rotating shaft 150B provided in the female member 100B of the corrugated pipe joint 10B in Figure 5.
[0042] As shown in Figures 8a and 8f, the retaining member 200E rotates around the rotation shaft 150E. As shown in Figures 8b to 8d, the retaining member 200E comprises a bearing 250E fitted around the rotation shaft 150E and a locking piece 210E extending in one direction from the bearing 250E. The locking piece 210E is composed of an inelastic portion 270E extending along its length and an elastic portion 280E extending along its length parallel to the inelastic portion 270E. The elastic portion 280E is continuous with the side of the inelastic portion 270E and consists of two blades 281E and 282E. As shown in Figure 8d, the blades 281E and 282E are positioned so as to be inclined at an angle α with respect to the plane of the inelastic portion 270E in opposite directions.
[0043] The locking piece 210E configured in this way has an elastic portion 280E with a thickness D1 greater than the width of the notch 110E. As shown in Figure 8e, for example, by pinching the two blades 281E and 282E and deforming them to bring them together, the thickness of the elastic portion 280E can be reduced to a D2 smaller than the width of the notch 110E. In that state, as shown in Figure 8f, the locking piece 210E of the retaining member 200E is rotated around the rotation axis 150E, and the locking piece 210E is inserted into the notch 110E of the female member 100E. After insertion, by releasing the two blades 281E and 282E, the elastic part 280E elastically returns to its original state and the wall thickness returns to D1. Then, the retaining member 200E is fixed to the female member 100E. In other words, the elastic part 280E of the locking piece 210E of the retaining member 200E and the notch 110E of the female member 100E act as fixing means. Therefore, the corrugated pipe fitting 10E, like the corrugated pipe fitting 10 in Figure 1, allows for easy insertion and secure fixation of the corrugated pipe 1. Furthermore, there is no risk of losing the retaining member 200E, and it is possible to visually confirm that the retaining member 200E is installed after the work is completed. In addition, in this embodiment as well, a bearing may be provided on the female member 100E and a rotating shaft on the retaining member 200E, similar to the third embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]
[0044] 1 corrugated tube 2. Large diameter section 3 Small diameter section 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E Corrugated pipe fittings 15 Connecting part 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E Female component 101, 101A, 101B, 101C, 101D, 101E Top 102 Right side 103, 103A, 103B, 103C, 103D left side 104 Bottom surface 110, 110A, 110B, 110C, 110D, 110E notch 120 First Engaging Tube 120A First Engaging Claw 120B, 120C 1st engagement part 120C1, 120C2 A pair of protrusions on the first engaging portion 121 Groove 125 Annular projection 150B, 150C, 150E Rotation axis 160D protrusion 200, 200A, 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E Retaining members 210, 210A, 210B, 210C, 210D, 210E Locking piece 211 Tip 220 Second Engaging Tube 220A Second Engaging Claw 220B, 220C 2nd engagement part 220C1, 220C2 Elastic piece of the second engaging portion 221 bottom 225 Annular projection 230, 230A, 230D connection piece 250B, 250C, 250E bearings 260B, 260C protection part 270E Inelastic part 280E Elastic part 281E, 282E Elastic part blades 500D sliding plate 510D plate 520D slide piece 530D Locking Plate 540D Locking protrusion Z sealant
Claims
1. A joint used in a corrugated pipe made of synthetic resin, which has alternating large-diameter sections with a rectangular cross-section and small-diameter sections with a circular cross-section, A female member with a rectangular cross-section that accepts at least a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion, A notch is formed continuously from one face of the female member to an adjacent face of the female member, corresponding to the small diameter portion of the corrugated tube housed in the female member, Near the notch, there is a retaining member connected to the female member, The corrugated tube is connected and fixed by inserting the retaining member into the notch. When the retaining member is inserted into the notch, a fixing means is provided for fixing the retaining member. Fittings for corrugated pipes.
2. Multiple notches are formed in the female member. The number of retaining members is the same as the number of notches. Corrugated pipe fitting according to claim 1.
3. The retaining member has a flexible connecting piece and a locking piece that is inserted into the notch. One end of the connecting piece is connected and fixed near the notch. The other end of the connecting piece is provided with the locking piece. The connecting piece is rotated and deformed to insert the locking piece into the notch. Corrugated pipe fitting according to claim 1.
4. The retaining member comprises a bearing or rotating shaft that is fitted to a rotating shaft or bearing provided near the notch of the female member, and a locking piece that is inserted into the notch. The retaining member is rotated to insert the locking piece into the notch. Corrugated pipe fitting according to claim 1.
5. The female member has a first engaging portion on one of its surfaces or on one of its adjacent surfaces, The retaining member has a second engaging portion that is not inserted into the notch, The fixing means consists of a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion that engage when the locking piece of the retaining member is inserted into the notch. A corrugated pipe fitting according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
6. The first engaging portion is a first engaging cylinder that protrudes outward and is provided in the opening of the notch. The second engaging portion is a second engaging cylinder. Corrugated pipe fitting according to claim 5.
7. The first engaging portion is a first engaging claw, The second engaging portion is a second engaging claw. Corrugated pipe fitting according to claim 5.
8. The first engaging portion or the second engaging portion is elastically deformed to engage with the second engaging portion or the first engaging portion. Corrugated pipe fitting according to claim 5.
9. The fixing means is a sliding plate that slides along one of the female members or one of the adjacent faces to close a portion of the notch. A corrugated pipe fitting according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
10. The locking piece of the retaining member has an elastic portion that is thicker than the notch, By contracting the elastic portion, the locking piece can be inserted into the notch. The fixing means is composed of the elastic part that elastically returns to its original position after being inserted into the notch and the notch itself. A corrugated pipe fitting according to any one of claims 1 to 4.