Flexible tube protector

Abstract

To provide a flexible pipe protection tool which has a simple structure and yet achieves good operability and good usability.SOLUTION: A flexible pipe protection tool includes a coil spring and handles. The coil spring has: a cover coil having an inner diameter which is the same as or larger than an outer diameter of the flexible pipe; small diameter loops each having an inner diameter which is smaller than the outer diameter of the flexible pipe. The small diameter loop is disposed near at least one of ends of the coil spring and presses the flexible pipe. Each handle has a radial extension part bent from the small diameter loop and extending in a radial direction and functions so as to expand a diameter of the small diameter loop by moving the radial extension part in a circumferential direction against a direction of a spiral of the coil spring. The cover coil and the small diameter loops are formed by a continuous linear body. The above object is achieved by the flexible pipe protection tool.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a flexible pipe protector used to prevent bending or crushing of flexible pipes such as hoses or tubes through which fluids or particles pass. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, for flexible pipes such as hoses and tubes through which fluids or particles pass, pipe joints corresponding to various flexible pipes of different sizes and properties are prepared to prevent leakage or loss of fluids. However, sufficient measures have not been taken to prevent bending or crushing of flexible pipes. When a flexible pipe is bent or crushed, the conveying efficiency decreases, the conveyed material becomes clogged or remains, and the flexible pipe bursts due to an increase in internal pressure, water leaks from the connection, and the quality decreases due to peeling or breaking of the flexible pipe. Although this problem has been recognized, the current situation is that users of flexible pipes deal with it on their own by purchasing commercially available springs and fixing them to the joint parts where bending is likely to occur. Meanwhile, there have been some attempts to provide dedicated parts (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-121125 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the device described in Patent Document 1 requires the preparation of fastening devices such as hose clamps and clasp bands in addition to the spring, which increases costs and makes the device difficult to use. In that case, it is thought that it is better to make the device yourself, and the reality is that this is handled on a user-by-user basis.

[0005] The present invention is intended to address such problems, and has an object to provide a flexible tube protector that is simple in configuration, easy to operate, and convenient to use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention is provided with a coil spring and a handle, the coil spring having a coated coil with an inner diameter equal to or larger than the outer diameter of a flexible tube, and a small diameter loop with an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the flexible tube, the small diameter loop being disposed near at least one end of the coil spring and pressing against the flexible tube, and the handle having a radial extension portion that is bent from the small diameter loop and extends in the radial direction. Only one small diameter loop is provided near the one end. The above-mentioned problem has been solved by a flexible tube protector which has a function of expanding the small diameter loop by moving the radial extension portion circumferentially in a direction opposite to the spiral direction of the coil spring, and in which the coated coil and the small diameter loop are made of a continuous linear body. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention having the above-mentioned characteristics, it is possible to provide a flexible tube protector that has a simple configuration, good operability, and good usability. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1(a) is a front view, FIG. 1(b) is a right side view, FIG. 1(c) is a cross-sectional view along line AA in FIG. 1(b), and FIG. 1(d) is an enlarged view of portion B in FIG. 1(c). [Diagram 2] 2A and 2B are perspective views of a flexible tube protector according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 2A shows only the flexible tube protector, and FIG. 2B shows a state in which it is assembled together with a pipe joint and a flexible tube. [Diagram 3]3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating the operating mode when attaching / removing a flexible tube protector according to an embodiment of the present invention to / from a flexible tube, in which FIG. 3A shows the normal state and FIG. 3B shows the state in which the small diameter loop is being expanded. [Figure 4] 4A, 4B, and 4C are diagrams for explaining a usage mode when a flexible tube protector according to an embodiment of the present invention is placed at an intermediate position of a flexible tube, where FIG. 4A is a front view, FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view, and FIG. 4C is a perspective view. [Diagram 5] 5(a) and 5(b) are front views of the flexible tube protector alone, an oblique view of the flexible tube protector alone, an oblique view of the flexible tube protector alone, and a front view of the flexible tube protector alone in a standard state for reference. [Figure 6] 6(a) and 6(b) are front views of the flexible tube protector alone, an oblique view of the flexible tube protector alone, an oblique view of the flexible tube protector alone, and a front view of the flexible tube protector alone in a standard state for reference. [Figure 7] 7A to 7D are diagrams for explaining a usage mode when a flexible tube protector according to an embodiment of the present invention is used together with a dedicated tube joint, where Fig. 7A is a top view, Fig. 7B is a front view, Fig. 7C is a perspective view, and Fig. 7D is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of Fig. 7B. [Figure 8] 8A to 8C are explanatory views showing a flexible tube protector according to another embodiment (second embodiment) of the present invention, in which FIG. 8A is a top view, FIG. 8B is a front view, and FIG. 8C is a perspective view. [Figure 9] 9A to 9D are explanatory views showing a flexible tube protector according to another embodiment (third embodiment) of the present invention, in which FIG. 9A is a top view, FIG. 9B is a front view, FIG. 9C is a perspective view, and FIG. 9D is a right side view. [Figure 10]10A to 10D are explanatory diagrams showing a flexible tube protector according to another embodiment (fourth embodiment) of the present invention, in which FIG. 10A is a top view, FIG. 10B is a front view, FIG. 10C is a perspective view, and FIG. 10D is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of FIG. 10B. [Figure 11] 11A and 11B are explanatory views showing a flexible tube protector according to a reference embodiment, in which FIG. 11A is a front view and FIG. 11B is a right side view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The flexible tube protected by the flexible tube protector of the embodiment of the present invention is a hose made of soft rubber or synthetic resin that is flexible enough to be bent at least in one place for use, and is used to transport food powders and granular materials such as wheat, soybeans, and seasonings, or powders, liquids, and fluids in other fields, and is connected to a supply pipe, etc. via a pipe fitting.

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, but the drawings are created for the purpose of explanation, and in order to make the explanation easier to understand, some members not necessary for the explanation may not be shown intentionally. In addition, some members may be shown intentionally large or small for the purpose of explanation, and the drawings are not drawn to an exact scale. First Embodiment (Specific configuration of flexible pipe protector) Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of a flexible tube protector according to a first embodiment of the present invention assembled together with a pipe joint and a flexible tube, with Fig. 1(a) being a front view, Fig. 1(b) being a right side view, Fig. 1(c) being a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 1(b), and Fig. 1(d) being an enlarged view of part B in Fig. 1(c). Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the flexible tube protector according to the first embodiment of the present invention, with Fig. 2(a) showing only the flexible tube protector and Fig. 2(b) showing the state assembled together with the pipe joint and the flexible tube. 1(a) to 1(d) and 2(a) to 2(b), the flexible tube protector according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a coil spring 1 and a handle 2. The coil spring 1 has a coated coil 11 whose inner diameter is substantially the same as the outer diameter of a flexible tube 3, and a small diameter loop 12 whose inner diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the flexible tube 3. The small diameter loop 12 is disposed at both ends of the coil spring 1. The handle 2 has a radial extension 21 that bends and extends radially from the small diameter loop 12, a longitudinal extension 22 connected thereto, and a radial return portion 23 further connected thereto. The coated coil 11, the small diameter loop 12, and the handle 2 (comprised of the radial extension 21, the longitudinal extension 22, and the radial return portion 23) are formed of a continuous linear body. The small diameter loop 12 presses against the flexible tube 3 in the normal state, but when the radial extension portion 21 of the handle 2 is moved circumferentially against the spiral direction of the coil spring 1, the small diameter loop 12 expands and the pressure on the flexible tube 3 is released.

[0011] As clearly shown in FIG. 1(c) and FIG. 1(d), the inner diameter of the coated coil 11, which constitutes most of the middle of the coil spring 1, is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the flexible tube 3, whereas the inner diameter of the small diameter loops 12 located at both ends of the coil spring 1 is smaller than the outer diameter of the flexible tube 3 in order to press and hold the flexible tube 3. The inner diameter of the coated coil 11 may be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the flexible tube 3. Also, as shown in FIG. 1(d), the tip of the radial return portion 23 is covered with a protective member 24 so as not to injure the operator's hand. In the figure, a mode in which it is covered with a separate cap-shaped member is shown, but a mode in which it is applied with a dip or the like is also included in the category of the mode in which it is covered with a protective member. Also, if there is no safety problem by polishing the edge of the end, it is possible to adopt a mode in which no protective member is provided.

[0012] As described above, the flexible tube protector of the first embodiment is composed of a linear body that is continuous from the coil spring 1 to the handle 2. From the viewpoint of ease of processing, the handle portion may be connected by welding or the like according to other required specifications. This will be described later. The coil spring 1 as the linear body can be made of metal or synthetic resin, and specific materials for the coil spring 1 include steel wire formed into a coil shape and zinc-plated or nickel-plated steel wire, stainless steel wire, etc., in the case of a metal, and spring steel wire is suitable. In the case of a synthetic resin, polypropylene, polyacetal, nylon, polyvinyl chloride, etc. are formed into a coil shape, but these are merely examples, and any appropriate material can be used as long as the coil spring 1 exerts the desired function of preventing the flexible tube from bending or collapsing.

[0013] As shown in Fig. 2(a) and Fig. 2(b), the small diameter loop 12 is located at both ends of the coil spring 1. However, depending on the situation, it is possible to make a modified example in which the small diameter loop 12 is located only at one end of the coil spring 1 and not at the other end. This situation is, for example, when the stress on the flexible tube 3 is small, such as when the bending is caused only by the weight of the moving fluid and there is no particular need to make the piping bent. Even if the small diameter loop 12 is provided only on the opposite side of the pipe joint 4, when the coil spring 1 is compressed in the longitudinal direction, the other end will abut against the pipe joint 4, so there is no displacement. Also, if there is not much concern about displacement, the small diameter loop 12 may be provided only on the pipe joint 4 side. On the other hand, when a large curvature is required for the piping to be bent depending on the situation of the equipment to be piping, it is naturally necessary to provide the small diameter loop 12 at both ends of the coil spring 1 and firmly fix the position.

[0014] A detailed description will be omitted since it is not a component of the present invention, but a brief description will be given of the pipe fitting 4 shown together with the first embodiment. The pipe fitting 4 shown in Figures 1(a) to 1(c) and 2(b) is a pipe fitting in which a flexible tube 3 is inserted between a nipple and a radially deformable sleeve (neither shown), a plurality of split holders are placed on the outside of the sleeve from above and below in the drawings, and the split holders are fastened with a fastening member to move closer to each other in the radial direction and connect into a cylindrical shape to connect the pipes, and can be called a split holder type pipe fitting. However, since the present invention is a flexible pipe protector, the pipe joint used therewith is not limited to a split holder type pipe joint, and can be any type. For example, it can be used with a one-touch type pipe joint that can be connected simply by inserting the pipe body, or a cap nut type pipe joint that is tightened with a tightening tool such as a spanner or wrench. However, if the flexible pipe protector of the present invention is to be retrofitted to an existing piping facility, the pipe joint needs to have a structure that allows the flexible pipe to be removed and reinserted.

[0015] (How to install flexible pipe protectors) A method for attaching the flexible pipe protector according to the first embodiment of the present invention to an existing pipe will be described. First, the connection of the flexible tube 3 with the pipe joint 4 is released in accordance with the required procedure, and the flexible tube 3 is removed from the pipe joint 4 . Next, one of the small diameter loops 12 of the flexible tube protector according to the first embodiment of the present invention is expanded by moving the handle 2 against the spiral direction of the spring (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as "operation" or "expanding operation"). At the same time, the end of the flexible tube 3 is inserted into the coil spring 1, and the coil spring 1 is moved to an appropriate position while maintaining the expanded state. As the movement progresses and the other small diameter loop 12 approaches the flexible tube 3, the other small diameter loop 12 is also expanded by the same operation. Finally, when the coil spring 1 has moved to a position on the flexible tube 3 where the pipe fitting 4 can be reconnected, the diameter expansion operation is terminated and the spring's elastic force restores the small diameter loop 12 to press the flexible tube 3, thereby holding the coil spring 1 in the correct position. After that, the pipe fitting 4 is reattached according to the required procedure.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an operation mode when attaching / detaching the flexible tube protector according to the first embodiment of the present invention to / from a flexible tube, in which FIG. 3(a) shows a normal state and FIG. 3(b) shows a state in which the small diameter loop 12 is expanded. As an operation mode in the process of moving from FIG. 3(a) to FIG. 3(b), a state is depicted in which the small diameter loop 12 is expanded in diameter by pushing the handle 2 with the pad of the thumb while supporting the coated coil 11 with four fingers other than the thumb. However, this operation mode may be appropriately changed depending on the size of the flexible tube 3 and the magnitude of the spring elasticity. For example, in the case of a large-sized flexible tube 3, the coated coil 11 is held in its entirety in one hand, and the handle 2 is firmly grasped with the other hand to perform the expanding operation. In addition, the handles 2 on both sides may be expanded simultaneously with the fingers of both hands.

[0017] In the case of a modified example in which the small diameter loop 12 is provided only on the side opposite to the side facing the pipe joint 4 described above (this embodiment is different from that in FIG. 3 and is not shown), the end of the flexible tube 3 is expanded while holding the coated coil 11 with one hand when inserting the end of the flexible tube 3 into the coil spring 1, and while maintaining the expanded state, it is moved to a position with a shorter moving distance than a normal flexible tube protector in which small diameter loops 12 are arranged on both ends, and the expanding operation is then completed. At this point, the flexible tube 3 has not yet reached the other end of the coil spring 1. After that, the other end of the coil spring 1 is pushed into a position where the coil spring 1 is compressed, and while maintaining this state, the pipe joint 4 is attached according to the necessary procedure. The other end of the coil spring 1 will abut against the split holder of the pipe joint 4. This is sufficient if the bending stress to be countered is assumed to be small.

[0018] In the past, hoses could bend or crush near the connection with pipe joints due to localized bending of the piping, handling of the hose when attaching or detaching it, vibrations caused by operation of the device, softening of the hose due to fluid temperature, etc., but piping equipped with the flexible pipe protector of the first embodiment can adequately prevent bending or crushing of the flexible pipe 3 near the connection with the pipe joint 4. In the past, commercially available springs were sometimes used to address this issue, but because the springs could not be fixed in a fixed position, the position of the spring would change due to vibrations caused by operation of the device, etc., and sufficient bending and crushing prevention effects could not be obtained. However, piping equipped with the flexible pipe protector of the first embodiment does not change the position of the coated coil 11 even when the piping is handled or vibrations caused by operation of the device, etc., and it is possible to adequately maintain the bending and crushing prevention effects near the connection with the pipe joint 4. Furthermore, when using commercially available springs, it is necessary to select the spring diameter and cut the spring in half, which makes it difficult to work with, as there is a risk of cutting one's hand on the end of the cut spring. However, in the first embodiment, dedicated products are provided according to the size, etc. of the flexible tube 3, so workability is good, and the handle 2 at the end has been designed with sufficient consideration given to when it comes into contact with the worker's hand, ensuring safety during work.

[0019] (Another Use of Flexible Tube Protector 1) The vicinity of the connection part of the pipe joint 4 where the position of the flexible pipe 3 is completely fixed is the location where bending or crushing is most likely to occur. However, depending on the spatial factors of the location where the piping equipment is installed, such as the proximity to a wall or floor or being installed in a narrow space, bending or crushing may occur in a location other than the vicinity of the connection part. For example, depending on the surrounding environment, it may be necessary to bend the flexible pipe 3 at an intermediate position away from the connection part when piping. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating a usage mode when the flexible tube protector of the first embodiment of the present invention is placed in the intermediate position of a flexible tube, where Figure 4(a) is a front view, Figure 4(b) is a cross-sectional view, and Figure 4(c) is a perspective view.

[0020] As shown in Figure 4(b), the inner diameter of the coated coil 11, which forms most of the middle part of the coil spring 1, is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the flexible tube 3, whereas the inner diameter of the small diameter loops 12 located at both ends of the coil spring 1 is smaller than the outer diameter of the flexible tube 3 in order to press and hold the flexible tube 3. This is no different from the case where the coil spring 1 is installed near the connection part of the pipe joint 4. However, the modified example in which the small diameter loop 12 is located only at one end of the coil spring 1, which could be adopted as a modified example when installed near the connection part, cannot be adopted. This is because there is no support, and both ends of the coil spring 1 need to be firmly maintained in the appropriate position against vibrations, etc.

[0021] (Another Use of Flexible Tube Protector 2) Depending on space factors, other requirements may arise. For example, the curvature may be small, but the hose may need to bend gently over a wide range. In such cases, it is effective to use the coil spring 1 in an extended state.

[0022] Figure 5 is a diagram explaining the usage mode when the flexible tube protector of the first embodiment of the present invention is extended and used, where Figure 5(a) is a front view of the flexible tube protector assembled with a pipe fitting and a flexible tube, Figure 5(b) is a front view of only the flexible tube protector, Figure 5(c) is an oblique view of the flexible tube protector assembled with a pipe fitting and a flexible tube, and Figure 5(d) is a front view of only the flexible tube protector in a standard state for reference.

[0023] As can be seen by comparing Figures 5(b) and 5(d), in Usage Mode 2, the small diameter loops 12 located at both ends of the coil spring 1 are farther apart than in the standard usage mode. Of course, this is not due to a difference in size of the coil spring 1, but because the coil spring 1 is stretched. This state is created by the installation method used when installing the flexible pipe protector, as will be explained next. That is, one of the small diameter loops 12 of the flexible tube protector is expanded by operation, while the end of the flexible tube 3 is inserted into the coil spring 1, and the coil spring 1 is moved to an appropriate location while maintaining the expanded state. As the movement progresses and the other small diameter loop 12 approaches the flexible tube 3, the other small diameter loop 12 is also expanded by operation. While maintaining the expanded state of the small diameter loops 12 at both ends, the movement of one of the small diameter loops 12 is further continued to elongate the coil spring 1 to the required length. When the coil spring 1 is placed in the appropriate position with the required length, the expanding operation is completed.

[0024] In this way, a wide area of ​​the flexible tube 3 is covered by the flexible tube protector while the bending is gentle. Although the main purpose of the flexible tube protector is to resist bending and crushing, the flexible tube protector also functions to prevent interference with the outside of the flexible tube 3, so that covering a wide area of ​​the flexible tube 3 is effective.

[0025] (Another Use of Flexible Tube Protector 3) Conversely, there are cases where a large curvature is required, as opposed to the above-mentioned usage mode 2. In a narrow space, it is necessary to forcefully bend the spring beyond the allowable bending range. In such cases, it is effective to use the coil spring 1 in a compressed state.

[0026] Figure 6 is a diagram explaining the usage mode when the flexible tube protector of the first embodiment of the present invention is compressed and used, where Figure 6(a) is a front view of the flexible tube protector assembled with a pipe fitting and a flexible tube, Figure 6(b) is a front view of only the flexible tube protector, Figure 6(c) is an oblique view of the flexible tube protector assembled with a pipe fitting and a flexible tube, and Figure 6(d) is a front view of only the flexible tube protector in a standard state for reference.

[0027] As can be seen by comparing Figures 6(b) and 6(d), in the usage mode 3, the small diameter loops 12 located at both ends of the coil spring 1 are closer together than in the standard usage mode. Of course, this is not due to a difference in size of the coil spring 1, but because the coil spring 1 is compressed. This state is created by the installation method used when installing the flexible pipe protector, as will be explained next. That is, while expanding one of the small diameter loops 12 of the flexible tube protector by operation, the end of the flexible tube 3 is inserted into the coil spring 1, and while maintaining the expanded state, it is moved to a position that is a shorter distance than in normal use, and the expanding operation is terminated. At this point, the flexible tube 3 has not yet reached the other end of the coil spring 1. Thereafter, the other small diameter loop 12 is also expanded by operation, and while maintaining the expanded state of the small diameter loops 12 at both ends, the other end of the coil spring 1 is pushed in to a position where the coil spring 1 is compressed, and when the coil spring 1 is compressed to the required length and positioned in the appropriate position, the expanding operation is terminated.

[0028] Even if the bend is tight, if the springs are densely packed, the change in outer diameter can be suppressed even if the hose is bent forcefully. It is also effective in preventing breakage when bending a hard hose. In this way, the advantage of being able to install hoses without bending them is great when it is necessary to bend a hose forcefully beyond the bending tolerance range in a narrow area or when it is necessary to bend a hard hose.

[0029] (Configuration of a pipe joint suitable for use with a flexible pipe protector) A pipe joint that is effective for use with the flexible pipe protector according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 7 is a diagram for explaining a usage mode when a flexible pipe protector according to an embodiment of the present invention is used together with a dedicated pipe joint, Fig. 7(a) is a top view, Fig. 7(b) is a front view, Fig. 7(c) is a perspective view, and Fig. 7(d) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of Fig. 7(b). The viewpoint of Fig. 7(d) is the same as the viewpoint explained in Fig. 1(d). The pipe joint 4' is a dedicated product assumed to be used together with the flexible pipe protector of the first embodiment, and is provided with a holder extension 41' with small holes drilled in the upper divided holder. The holder extension 41' can be manufactured integrally with the pipe joint 4', or can be manufactured by welding a plate material to be integrated in a post-processing process. To assemble, the flexible tube protector is inserted into the flexible tube 3, and then the handle 2 of the flexible tube protector is passed through the small hole from the back side of the holder extension 41', and the pipe joint 4' is assembled. To make it easier to pass through the small hole, one side of the handle 2 of the flexible tube protector has only a radial extension 21 and a longitudinal extension 22, and is a modified configuration in which the radial return portion 23 is omitted.

[0030] The mechanism by which the flexible tube protector of the first embodiment is held in the correct position is by the small diameter loop 12 pressing against the flexible tube 3, but in cases where the pressing and holding force is insufficient depending on the usage conditions, the small hole in the holder extension 41' is expected to contribute to preventing the flexible tube protector from slipping. This is particularly effective when the coil spring 1 is used in an extended state. In that case, it is effective to configure the small diameter loop 12 located on the opposite side to the pipe joint 4' to have a smaller diameter in order to increase the pressing and holding force of the spring. The small hole in the holder extension 41' may be a notch that allows the handle 2 to pass through from the side of the holder extension 41'. In that case, the notch should be oriented so as to fully perform the function of preventing misalignment. Since the handle 2 can be passed through the holder extension 41' from the side instead of from the back side, there is no need to omit the radial return portion 23.

[0031] Second to fifth embodiments, which are other embodiments of the present invention, will now be described. Second Embodiment FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a flexible tube protector according to a second embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 8(a) is a top view, FIG. 8(b) is a front view, and FIG. 8(c) is a perspective view. The present embodiment is similar to the first embodiment in that it is equipped with a coil spring and a handle, the coil spring having a coated coil and a small diameter loop, the small diameter loop being disposed at both ends of the coil spring, and the handle 2A having a radial extension 21A that is bent from the small diameter loop and extends in the radial direction. The difference from the first embodiment is that a longitudinal extension 22A connected to the radial extension 21A extends outward in the longitudinal direction of the coil spring. A radial return portion 23A is connected to the longitudinal extension 22A, as in the first embodiment. The coated coil, the small diameter loop, and the handle 2A are also configured as a continuous linear body, as in the first embodiment. In the situation where the flexible tube protector is placed in an intermediate position away from the connection part as described above in the first usage mode, it is not necessary to have the handle facing inward in the longitudinal direction. In the case where the coil diameter or the overall length is small, it may be easier to operate if the handle faces outward in the longitudinal direction. The second embodiment is effective in such a situation. However, since there is an increased possibility that the tip of the radial return portion 23A may come into contact with the operator's hand, sufficient consideration must be given to safety, such as by polishing the edge of the end portion.

[0032] <Third embodiment> 9A to 9D are explanatory diagrams showing a flexible tube protector according to a third embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 9A is a top view, FIG. 9B is a front view, FIG. 9C is a perspective view, and FIG. 9D is a right side view. The present embodiment is the same as the first and second embodiments in that it is provided with a coil spring and a handle, the coil spring having a coated coil and a small diameter loop, the small diameter loop being disposed at both ends of the coil spring, and the handle 2B being bent and extended radially from the small diameter loop. However, the handle 2B that is bent and extended from the small diameter loop is circular, and the entire circular shape extends radially. From this, it can be understood that the "radial extension that is bent and extended radially from the small diameter loop" is not necessarily limited to a linear shape. And, this shape does not have to be circular, and may be another shape, such as an ellipse. The third embodiment is advantageous in terms of safety since there is almost no possibility that the tip of the handle 2B will come into contact with the hand of an operator.

[0033] <Fourth embodiment> FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a flexible tube protector according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 10(a) is a top view, FIG. 10(b) is a front view, FIG. 10(c) is a perspective view, and FIG. 10(d) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of FIG. 10(b). The fourth embodiment is the same as the first embodiment in that it includes a coil spring and a handle 2C, the coil spring having a coated coil and a small diameter loop 12C, the handle 2C having a radial extension 21C that is bent from the small diameter loop 12C and extends in the radial direction, a longitudinal extension 22C connected thereto, and a radial return portion 23C connected thereto. The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the position at which the small diameter loop 12C is disposed. That is, in the first embodiment, the small diameter loop is disposed at both ends of the coil spring, whereas in the fourth embodiment, the small diameter loop 12C is disposed at a position slightly inside in the longitudinal direction (a position two turns inside in the figure) when viewed from both ends of the coil spring. As a manufacturing method, the handle 2C may be attached to the small diameter loop 12C by welding or the like in a post-processing process. According to the configuration of the fourth embodiment, in addition to the pressing and holding force by the small diameter loop 12C, the pressing force by the contact between the outer coil and the pipe joint can also be utilized, which has the effect of strengthening the holding force.

[0034] < reference Embodiment> Figure 11 shows reference 11A and 11B are explanatory views showing a flexible tube protector according to an embodiment, in which FIG. 11A is a front view and FIG. 11B is a right side view. reference A characteristic feature of this embodiment is that there are two handles 2D at each end of the coil spring. One is configured to extend from the small diameter ring, and the other is attached by welding or the like to the coated coil located inside the small diameter ring in the longitudinal direction. referenceThe configuration of the embodiment is suitable for application to a small-sized flexible tube protector that protects a relatively small-sized flexible tube. By clamping the two handles 2D, it becomes possible to easily operate it with one hand.

[0035] <Appendix 1> Various combinations of the flexible tube protector of the present invention will be summarized as technical ideas. (1) A flexible tube protector comprising a coil spring and a handle, the coil spring having a coated coil whose inner diameter is the same as or larger than the outer diameter of a flexible tube, and a small diameter loop whose inner diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the flexible tube, the small diameter loop being disposed near at least one end of the coil spring and pressing against the flexible tube, the handle having a radial extension that bends and extends radially from the small diameter loop, and functions to expand the diameter of the small diameter loop by moving the radial extension in a circumferential direction opposite to the spiral direction of the coil spring, and the coated coil and the small diameter loop being made of a continuous linear body. (2) The flexible tube protector according to (1) above, wherein the small diameter loop is disposed near the ends of both ends of the coil spring. (3) A flexible tube protector as described in (1) or (2) above, characterized in that the small diameter loop and the handle are all arranged at the end of the coil spring, and the coated coil, the small diameter loop, and the handle are made of a continuous linear body. (4) A flexible tube protector as described in any one of (1) to (3) above, characterized in that the radial extension portion that bends and extends radially from the small diameter loop has a shape that extends linearly in the radial direction. (5) A flexible tube protector as described in any one of (1) to (3) above, characterized in that the radial extension portion that bends and extends radially from the small diameter loop has a non-linear shape, and the entire shape extends radially. (6) A flexible tube protector according to any one of (1) to (5) above, characterized in that the handle has a tip end covered with a protective material.

[0036] <Appendix 2> This specification discloses not only the invention relating to the flexible tube protector described above, but also aspects of a pipe joint suitable for use with the flexible tube protector. For reference, these aspects are summarized below as technical ideas. (1) A pipe joint used with a flexible pipe protector having a coating coil that covers a flexible pipe, a small diameter loop that presses and holds the flexible pipe, and a handle that is bent from the small diameter loop and extends radially, The pipe joint is configured to insert a flexible pipe between a nipple and a sleeve capable of being deformed in a radial direction, and connect the pipes in a cylindrical shape by moving the pressing member toward each other in a radial direction by tightening the pressing member with a tightening member, A pipe joint, characterized in that at least one of the split holders is provided with a holder extension portion having an engagement portion that engages with the handle. (2) The pipe joint according to (1) above, wherein the engagement portion is a small hole through which the handle can be passed from the back side of the holder extension portion. (3) The pipe joint according to (1) above, wherein the engagement portion is a notch through which the handle can be passed from the side of the holder extension portion. (4) A pipe joint according to any one of (1) to (3) above, characterized in that the holder extension portion is manufactured integrally with the pipe joint. (5) A pipe fitting as set forth in any one of (1) to (3) above, characterized in that the holder extension portion is manufactured so as to be integrated with the pipe fitting by post-processing.

[0037] The flexible tube protector according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, and its structure has been explained, but the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and the present invention includes design changes within the scope of the present invention. For example, in addition to the small diameter loops arranged near one end or near both ends of the coil spring, a small diameter loop may also be arranged in the middle portion so that the flexible tube is pressed at three points, thereby increasing the holding force. [Explanation of symbols]

[0038] 1 coil spring 11 Coated coil 12 Small Loop 2 Handle 21 Radial extension 22 Longitudinal extension 23 Radial return section 24 Protective materials 3 Flexible tube 4 Pipe Fittings

Claims

1. Equipped with a coil spring and handle, The coil spring has a coated coil having an inner diameter equal to or larger than an outer diameter of a flexible tube, and a small diameter loop having an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the flexible tube, the small diameter loop is disposed near at least one end of the coil spring and presses against the flexible tube; The handle has only one radial extension portion that is bent and extends radially from the small diameter loop disposed near the one end, and functions to expand the small diameter loop by moving the radial extension portion in a circumferential direction opposite to the spiral direction of the coil spring, The coated coil and the small diameter loop are made of a continuous linear body. A flexible tube protector characterized by the above.

2. The small diameter loops are disposed near the ends of both ends of the coil spring. The flexible tube protector according to claim 1 .

3. The small diameter loop and the handle are both disposed at the end of the coil spring, The coated coil, the small loop and the handle are made of a continuous linear body.

3. The flexible tube protector according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The radial extension portion that is bent and extends radially from the small diameter loop has a shape that extends linearly in the radial direction. The flexible tube protector according to claim 1 .

5. The radial extension portion that is bent and extends radially from the small diameter loop has a non-linear shape, and the entire shape extends radially. The flexible tube protector according to claim 1 .

6. The tip of the handle is covered with a protective material. The flexible tube protector according to claim 1 .

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