Pipe joint structure

Abstract

To provide a pipe joint structure which is excellent in assembling / construction performance and pipe detachment resistance of piping and has low pressure loss.SOLUTION: A pipe joint structure 101 comprises a pipe joint 10. The pipe joint 10 includes two sockets 11, 12, and a first holding mechanism part 20 arranged on the socket 11 side. The first holding mechanism part 20 has a lock ring 21 arranged on an external periphery of a pipe end part 1a of target piping 1 for holding the pipe end part 1a, and a sleeve 22 engaged with the lock ring 21. The first holding mechanism part 20 sets a state of the lock ring 21 in either a locked state in which the movement of the pipe end part 1a in a pipe axial direction X is regulated, and an unlocked state in which the movement of the pipe end part 1a in the pipe axial direction X is permitted along with sliding of the sleeve 22 in the pipe axial direction X of the pipe end part 1a. The pipe joint structure also comprises a second holding mechanism part 30 for holding a separated part 1b of the objective piping 1 that is separated from the pipe end part 1a with respect to the pipe joint 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pipe joint structure. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a pipe fitting is used to connect an air system to a paint booth in a paint factory. For example, a pipe attached to one end of the pipe fitting is connected to an air supply source, and a hose attached to the other end of the pipe fitting is connected to a device to which the air is to be supplied. This allows air introduced from the air supply source through the pipe to the pipe fitting to be continuously supplied from the pipe fitting through the hose to the air system.

[0003] In explosion-proof areas such as paint booths, air is used by multiple devices in the air system, so it is common for pipe fittings to be prepared for each device. In this case, it is necessary to conserve space by closely arranging the multiple pipe fittings used for the multiple devices. Considering the task of assembling hoses to each pipe fitting in a closely arranged multiple pipe fitting, it is preferable to use pipe fittings with a structure that is easy to assemble and install, such as hoses.

[0004] Therefore, a one-touch coupling as described in Patent Document 1 below can be adopted. This one-touch coupling is a pipe coupling including a lock ring called a tube grab ring and an release sleeve that engages with the lock ring. The release sleeve switches the state of the lock ring between a locked state in which it bites into the tube and an unlocked state in which it does not bite into the tube. When the release sleeve slides in the push-in direction, the lock ring is pressed by the release sleeve, resulting in the unlocked state. Conversely, when the release sleeve slides in the pull-out direction, the lock ring is released from the pressure of the release sleeve, resulting in the locked state. A one-touch coupling with this structure is excellent in terms of tube assembly workability, as the tube can be assembled simply by sliding the release sleeve.

[0005] However, when a high-pressure fluid such as high-pressure air is flowing through a one-touch coupling with the above configuration, it is expected that the hose will be subjected to a pullout load that exceeds the holding force of the lock ring. This can lead to the problem of the hose coming out of the one-touch coupling's insertion port. In particular, the air systems used in paint booths include equipment that uses high-pressure air, such as robots. If a hose connected to such equipment is affected by the pulsation of the high-pressure air, the pullout load acting on the hose is likely to increase, making the above-mentioned problem more pronounced.

[0006] To address this issue, a pipe fitting such as that described in Patent Document 2 can be used. This pipe fitting is known as an "insert sleeve fitting," and includes an insert sleeve that is inserted into the hose. This type of insert sleeve fitting is known to have a stronger hose-holding force than pipe fittings such as one-touch fittings. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-144864 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-64169 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, insert sleeve fittings with the above configuration have a problem in that the flow path is narrow due to the structure in which a component called an insert sleeve is inserted into the hose, resulting in greater pressure loss of the air flowing through the hose compared to pipe fittings such as one-touch fittings. Furthermore, when this pressure loss is large, the air source pressure must be set accordingly higher, which uses extra energy and reduces the energy-saving effect. Therefore, when designing this type of pipe fitting, it is necessary to create a structure that overcomes the shortcomings of both one-touch fittings and insert sleeve fittings.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and aims to provide a pipe joint structure that is excellent in piping assembly workability and resistance to pipe removal, and that has little pressure loss. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] One aspect of the present invention is Equipped with a pipe fitting to connect two pipes, The pipe joint has two insertion ports and a first retention mechanism provided on at least one side of the two insertion ports, the first holding mechanism includes a locking member provided on the outer periphery of the pipe end to hold the pipe end of the target piping, and a sleeve that engages with the locking member, and is configured to set the state of the locking member to either a locked state that restricts movement of the pipe end in the pipe axial direction or an unlocked state that allows movement of the pipe end in the pipe axial direction as the sleeve slides in the pipe axial direction of the pipe end, a second holding mechanism that holds a separated portion of the target pipe that is separated from the pipe end in the pipe axis direction relative to the pipe joint; picture, The second holding mechanism includes a plurality of clamping members that clamp the separated portion of the target pipe from the radially outer side, a fastening member that fixes the plurality of clamping members, and a fixing member that fixes at least one of the plurality of clamping members to the pipe joint. Pipe joint structure is located. Another aspect of the present invention is Equipped with a pipe fitting to connect two pipes, The pipe joint has two insertion ports and a first retention mechanism provided on at least one side of the two insertion ports, the first holding mechanism includes a locking member provided on the outer periphery of the pipe end to hold the pipe end of the target piping, and a sleeve that engages with the locking member, and is configured to set the state of the locking member to either a locked state that restricts movement of the pipe end in the pipe axial direction or an unlocked state that allows movement of the pipe end in the pipe axial direction as the sleeve slides in the pipe axial direction of the pipe end, a second holding mechanism that holds a separated portion of the target pipe that is separated from the pipe end in the pipe axis direction relative to the pipe joint; a pipe fitting structure, wherein the second holding mechanism comprises: a first member having a through hole through which the separated portion of the target pipe is inserted; a second member having a wedge-shaped engaging portion that is forced into a gap between an inner circumferential surface of the through hole and an outer circumferential surface of the separated portion in a state in which the separated portion is inserted into the through hole of the first member; a fastening member that fixes the first member and the second member in a state in which the engaging portion is forced into the gap; and a fixing member that fixes the first member and the pipe fitting; is located. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] In the pipe fitting structure of the above aspect, the first retention mechanism is provided on at least one side of the two insertion ports of the pipe fitting. This first retention mechanism is for holding the pipe end of the target pipe relative to the pipe fitting, and is configured to set the state of the locking member to either a locked state or an unlocked state by sliding a sleeve that engages with a locking member provided on the outer periphery of the pipe end in the axial direction of the pipe end. When the locking member is set to the locked state, axial movement of the pipe end is restricted, while when the locking member is set to the unlocked state, axial movement of the pipe end is not restricted. This allows the target pipe to be assembled to the pipe fitting and held in place with a simple operation by an operator. Therefore, the pipe fitting structure of this aspect is excellent in terms of ease of assembly of the target pipe.

[0012] The second retention mechanism holds the separated portion of the target pipe away from the pipe end to the pipe fitting. Providing the second retention mechanism is effective for securely holding the target pipe when the first retention mechanism alone cannot provide sufficient holding force for the target pipe. In this case, the second retention mechanism holds the separated portion of the target pipe, thereby reducing the load transmitted from the pipe end of the target pipe to the first retention mechanism and reducing the load burden on the first retention mechanism. This allows the second retention mechanism to prevent the target pipe inserted into the insertion port of the pipe fitting from overcoming the holding force of the first retention mechanism and slipping out of the insertion port. Therefore, the pipe fitting structure of this aspect has excellent resistance to pipe removal of the target pipe.

[0013] Furthermore, because the second retention mechanism does not have a structure in which an insert member such as an insert sleeve is inserted into the target piping, it is possible to prevent the flow path of the target piping from becoming narrower and increasing the pressure loss of the fluid flowing through this target piping. For this reason, the pipe fitting structure of this aspect has little pressure loss of the fluid flowing through the target piping and is excellent in energy-saving effects.

[0014] As described above, according to the above-described aspect, it is possible to provide a pipe joint structure that is excellent in piping assembly workability and resistance to pipe removal, and that has little pressure loss. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view showing a pipe joint structure of a first embodiment in partial cross section. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of FIG. 1 as seen from the direction of arrow A. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a front view of FIG. 1 as seen from the direction of arrow B. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the second holding mechanism part in FIG. 3 in an exploded state. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a front view showing a modified example of the sandwiching member in FIG. 3. [Figure 6] 2 is a side view showing the pipe joint structure of FIG. 1 with the lock ring in an unlocked state. FIG. [Figure 7] 2 is a side view showing the pipe joint structure of FIG. 1 when the lock ring is in a locked state. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 6 is a side view showing a pipe joint structure of a second embodiment in partial cross section. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a front view of FIG. 8 as seen from the direction of arrow C. [Figure 10] XX line cross-sectional view of FIG. 9. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a front view corresponding to FIG. 3 of a pipe joint structure according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Preferred embodiments of the above aspects are described below.

[0017] In the pipe fitting structure of the above aspect, it is preferable that the second holding mechanism portion includes a plurality of clamping members that clamp the separated portion of the target pipe from the radially outer side, a fastening member that fixes the plurality of clamping members, and a fixing member that fixes at least one of the plurality of clamping members to the pipe fitting.

[0018] According to this pipe joint structure, the separated portion of the target pipe can be held by fastening multiple split clamping members with fastening members. Therefore, a second holding mechanism can be constructed using a simple structure in which multiple clamping members are fastened with fastening members.

[0019] In the pipe joint structure of the above aspect, the fastening member is preferably configured to fix the multiple clamping members in the orthogonal direction with its fastening axis extending in an orthogonal direction perpendicular to the pipe axis direction of the separated portion.

[0020] According to this pipe joint structure, the multiple clamping members can be fixed by tightening the fastening members from a direction perpendicular to the pipe axis direction of the separated portion of the target pipe. Therefore, when the fastening members are easily accessible from a direction perpendicular to the pipe axis direction, the multiple clamping members can be easily fixed.

[0021] In the pipe joint structure of the above aspect, it is preferable that at least one of the plurality of clamping members has a fitting portion having a shape following the outer peripheral surface of the separating portion.

[0022] According to this pipe joint structure, the tightening load applied to the outer peripheral surface of the separated portion of the target pipe can be made to act over a wide range in the circumferential direction of the separated portion.

[0023] In the pipe fitting structure of the above aspect, it is preferable that the second holding mechanism part comprises: a first member having a through hole through which the spaced portion of the target pipe is inserted; a second member having a wedge-shaped engaging portion that is pressed into the gap between the inner surface of the through hole and the outer surface of the spaced portion when the spaced portion is inserted into the through hole of the first member; a fastening member that fixes the first member and the second member with the engaging portion pressed into the gap; and a fixing member that fixes the first member and the pipe fitting.

[0024] With this pipe fitting structure, the separated portion of the target pipe can be held by fastening the first and second members with a fastening member while the wedge-shaped engaging portion of the second member is pressed into the gap between the inner circumferential surface of the through hole of the first member and the outer circumferential surface of the separated portion. Therefore, a second holding mechanism can be constructed using a simple structure for fastening the first and second members with a fastening member.

[0025] The pipe fitting structure of the above aspect preferably comprises a plurality of the pipe fittings, and the pipe end portions of the plurality of target pipes are held by the first holding mechanism portion provided in each of the plurality of pipe fittings, and the second holding mechanism portion is preferably configured to hold the plurality of separating portions collectively.

[0026] According to this pipe fitting structure, even when multiple pipe fittings need to be arranged closely together, the multiple separated sections of multiple target pipes can be held together by the second holding mechanism, thereby improving the ease of assembly and construction of multiple target pipes.

[0027] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the pipe joint structure of the above aspect will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0028] In the drawings for explaining this embodiment, unless otherwise specified, the pipe axis direction of the piping is indicated by arrow X, and two directions that are perpendicular to the pipe axis direction and perpendicular to each other are indicated by arrows Y and Z.

[0029] (Embodiment 1) As shown in Fig. 1, a pipe joint structure 101 of the first embodiment includes a pipe joint 10 that connects two pipes 1 and 2. The pipe joint 10 has two insertion ports 11 and 12 at both ends. When connecting the two pipes 1 and 2, a pipe end portion 1a of the pipe 1 is inserted into one insertion port 11 of the pipe joint 10, and a pipe end portion 2a of the pipe 2 is inserted into the other insertion port 12 of the pipe joint 10.

[0030] In this embodiment, an example is shown in which both of the two pipes 1 and 2 are hoses (air pipes) made of a resin material. However, the material of the two pipes 1 and 2 is not limited to a resin material, and a material other than a resin material may be used for at least one of the two pipes 1 and 2 as needed. Although not particularly shown, the other end of pipe 1 is connected to a supply destination of air, which is a fluid, and the other end of pipe 2 is connected to an air supply source. Therefore, air that flows from the air supply source through pipe 2 to pipe fitting 10 is supplied from pipe fitting 10 to the air supply destination through pipe 1.

[0031] The pipe fitting 10 has a retention mechanism 20 provided on the side of the insertion port 11 of the two insertion ports 11, 12. A retention mechanism having a structure separate from the retention mechanism 20 is provided on the side of the insertion port 12. The retention mechanism 20 is configured to hold the pipe end 1a of the target pipe 1 inserted into the insertion port 11, thereby preventing it from slipping out. This retention mechanism 20 is a one-touch type retention mechanism, as will be described later. For this reason, the pipe fitting 10 equipped with the retention mechanism 20 is also called a "one-touch fitting" or "one-touch pipe fitting."

[0032] 1. Structure of the holding mechanism 20 As shown in FIG. 1 , the retention mechanism 20 includes a lock ring 21, a sleeve 22, a collar 23, and a seal member 24. The lock ring 21 is a ring-shaped member that is flexibly provided on the outer periphery of the pipe end 1a of the pipe 1 inserted into the insertion port 11. The inner peripheral edge 21a of the lock ring 21 has a claw shape that can bite into the outer peripheral surface of the pipe end 1a of the pipe 1. The inner peripheral edge 21a of the lock ring 21 bites into the outer peripheral surface of the pipe end 1a, thereby restricting movement of the pipe end 1a in the direction of removal from the insertion port 11. The sleeve 22 is a cylindrical member having an internal space through which the pipe end 1a of the pipe 1 is inserted. The sleeve 22 has an engagement end 22a that engages with the inner peripheral edge 21a of the lock ring 21. The sleeve 22 is held by the collar 23 so as to be slidable in the pipe axis direction X. The pipe end 1a of the pipe 1 can be held or released by a one-touch operation of sliding the sleeve 22 in the pipe axis direction X. A holding mechanism 20 having this structure is referred to as a "one-touch holding mechanism." The collar 23 is provided with a stop surface 23a that prevents the sleeve 22 from sliding to the right in FIG. 1. The seal member 24 has an inner diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the pipe end 1a of the pipe 1, and is an elastic body configured so that its inner peripheral surface abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the pipe end 1a when the pipe 1 is inserted into the insertion port 11. The seal member 24 prevents air from leaking out of the pipe fitting 10.

[0033] 2. Structure of the second holding mechanism 30 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the aforementioned retention mechanism 20 is defined as the first retention mechanism 20, the pipe fitting structure 101 includes a second retention mechanism 30 in addition to the first retention mechanism 20. Therefore, the pipe fitting structure 101 includes an external second retention mechanism 30, separate from the retention mechanism 20 built into the pipe fitting 10. The second retention mechanism 30 is provided as an auxiliary mechanism to strengthen the retention of the pipe 1 when it is difficult to retain the pipe 1 using only the first retention mechanism 20 because the first retention mechanism 20 has a one-touch structure. The second retention mechanism 30 is configured to retain, relative to the pipe fitting 10, a separated portion 1b of the pipe 1 that is separated in the pipe axis direction X from the pipe end portion 1a retained by the first retention mechanism 20 (i.e., a portion of the pipe 1 that is separated a predetermined distance from the pipe end portion 1a in the pipe axis direction X).

[0034] 1 to 4, the second holding mechanism 30 includes two clamping members 32 and 33, a fastening member 34, and fixing members 31 and 31a. The clamping member 32 is connected and fixed to the pipe fitting 10 via the fixing members 31 and 31a. The clamping member 32 is provided with a screw hole 32a into which a fastening shaft 34b extending from a head 34a of the fastening member 34 is threadedly engaged, and a fitting portion 32b having a split half shape conforming to the outer peripheral surface of the separated portion 1b. The clamping member 33 is provided with an insertion hole 33a into which the fastening shaft 34b of the fastening member 34 is inserted, and a fitting portion 33b having a split half shape conforming to the outer peripheral surface of the separated portion 1b.

[0035] When the two clamping members 32, 33 are butted against each other, the separated portion 1b of the pipe 1 is clamped from the radially outer side by the mating portion 32b of the clamping member 32 and the mating portion 33b of the clamping member 33. The two clamping members 32, 33 are then fixed by the fastening member 34. As a result, a clamping load acting radially inward is applied to the separated portion 1b of the pipe 1. At this time, the clamping member 32 is connected and fixed to the pipe fitting 10 via the fixing members 31, 31a, so the separated portion 1b of the pipe 1 is held relative to the pipe fitting 10. Note that by changing the set length of the fixing member 31a in the pipe axis direction X, it is possible to appropriately change the position of the separated portion 1b to be held, i.e., the distance from the pipe end 1a to the separated portion 1b.

[0036] In this embodiment, the mating portions 32b and 33b form a circular retaining hole having an inner diameter that roughly matches the cross-sectional shape of the separated portion 1b. This allows the clamping load applied to the outer peripheral surface of the separated portion 1b to act over a wide range in the circumferential direction of the separated portion 1b. In particular, this clamping load can be roughly uniform over the entire circumference of the separated portion 1b, thereby improving the retaining effect of the separated portion 1b. Furthermore, by providing the mating portions 32b and 33b, it is possible to prevent the outer peripheral surface of the separated portion 1b from being damaged by the clamping members 32 and 33. In addition, a protective tape may be wrapped around the outer peripheral surface of the separated portion 1b. In this case, the protective tape is interposed between the outer peripheral surface of the separated portion 1b and the mating portions 32b and 33b, which further improves the effect of preventing the outer peripheral surface of the separated portion 1b from being damaged.

[0037] In this embodiment, the fastening member 34 is configured to fix the two sandwiching members 32, 33 in an orthogonal direction (i.e., radial direction Y in this embodiment) perpendicular to the tube axis direction X of the separated portion 1b with its fastening axis 34b extending in this orthogonal direction. According to this configuration, the fastening operation using the fastening member 34 can be performed in the radial direction Y perpendicular to the tube axis direction X of the separated portion 1b.

[0038] The shapes of the two clamping members 32, 33 can also be changed from that shown in FIG. 3 to that shown in FIG. 5. In FIG. 5, the surface of clamping member 32 that abuts against clamping member 33 is flat. That is, clamping member 32 does not have a portion such as mating portion 32b. In contrast, clamping member 33 has mating portion 33b with a rectangular cross section. A square holding hole is formed by clamping member 32 and mating portion 33b of clamping member 33. With this configuration, the structure of clamping members 32, 33 can be simplified compared to that shown in FIG. 3.

[0039] Furthermore, in the above configuration, an example is given in which two clamping members 32, 33 are used, but the number of clamping members 32, 33 is not limited to two, and the number may be three or more as needed.

[0040] 3. Pipe 1 holding operation 6 and 7, the holding operation of the pipe 1 will be described. This holding operation involves both a first holding operation of the pipe end 1a by the first holding mechanism 20 and a second holding operation of the separating portion 1b by the second holding mechanism 30. Regarding the holding operation of the pipe 1, it is preferable that the second holding operation is performed after the first holding operation.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 6 , first, the sleeve 22 constituting the first retention mechanism 20 is set to a state in which it is pushed in along the pipe axis direction X from the second position P2 (the position indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 6 ) to the first position P1 (the position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 6 ). At this time, as the sleeve 22 slides from the second position P2 to the first position P1, the engagement end 22a of the sleeve 22 presses the inner peripheral edge 21a of the lock ring 21. This causes the inner peripheral edge 21a of the lock ring 21 to bend and deform radially outward. The lock ring 21 is then set to an unlocked state C2 in which movement of the pipe end 1a of the piping 1 in the pipe axis direction X is permitted. When the lock ring 21 is set to the unlocked state C2, the pipe end 1a can be inserted into the insertion port 11 of the pipe fitting 10 (i.e., movement of the pipe end 1a in the insertion direction X1 along the pipe axis direction X).

[0042] When inserting the pipe end 1a, it is preferable to fit the separated portion 1b of the pipe 1 into the fitting portion 32b of the clamping member 32 that constitutes the second holding mechanism 30. This allows the separated portion 1b of the pipe 1 to be stably supported from below by the clamping member 32. In addition, the separated portion 1b of the pipe 1 can be easily positioned relative to the clamping member 32.

[0043] 7, the sleeve 22 is pulled back along the pipe axis direction X from a first position P1 (the position indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 7) to a second position P2 (the position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 7) by a one-touch operation of the sleeve 22. At this time, as the sleeve 22 slides from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the engagement end 22a of the sleeve 22 releases the pressure on the inner peripheral edge 21a of the lock ring 21. This causes the inner peripheral edge 21a of the lock ring 21 to bend radially inward and bite into the pipe end 1a of the piping 1. The lock ring 21 is then set to a locked state C1 in which movement of the pipe end 1a of the piping 1 in the pipe axis direction X is restricted. When the lock ring 21 is set to the locked state C1, the pipe fitting 10 is placed in a retained state in which removal of the pipe end 1a from the insertion port 11 (i.e., movement of the pipe end 1a in the removal direction X2 along the pipe axis direction X) is restricted. This completes the first holding operation by the first holding mechanism part 20.

[0044] 7, the clamping member 33 constituting the second holding mechanism 30 is butted against the clamping member 32 so as to clamp the separated portion 1b of the pipe 1 from both sides in the radial direction Y between the mating portions 32b, 33b. Finally, the fastening shaft 34b of the fastening member 34 is inserted into the insertion hole 33a of the clamping member 33, and then screwed into the screw hole 32a of the clamping member 32 using a tool (not shown) for the fastening member 34. At this time, the separated portion 1b of the pipe 1 is held by receiving a tightening load directed radially inward from the clamping members 32, 33. This completes the second holding operation by the second holding mechanism 30.

[0045] Known screws and bolts can typically be used as the fastening members 34. For example, if a butterfly bolt, which is a type of bolt, is used, the butterfly bolt can be directly operated with the fingers. In this case, no tools are required for fastening and fixing, which is effective in reducing the workload.

[0046] When removing the piping 1 from the pipe fitting 10, first, a release operation is performed in the second holding mechanism 30 to release the separation portion 1b from its hold. Although not shown, this release operation is performed in the reverse order of the second holding operation. Generally, the fastening member 34 is operated to release the clamping members 32, 33, thereby releasing the separation portion 1b from clamping by the clamping members 32, 33. Subsequently, a release operation is performed in the first holding mechanism 20 to release the pipe end portion 1a from its hold. Although not shown, this release operation is performed in the reverse order of the first holding operation. Generally, a one-touch operation of the sleeve 22 sets the sleeve 22 in a pushed-in state along the pipe axis direction X from the second position P2 to the first position P1. This makes it possible to remove the pipe end portion 1a of the piping 1 from the insertion port 11 of the pipe fitting 10.

[0047] According to the above-described first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0048] In the pipe fitting structure 101 of the first embodiment, the one-touch first retaining mechanism 20 is configured to retain the pipe end portion 1a of the pipe 1 relative to the pipe fitting 10. The first retaining mechanism 20 is configured to set the state of the lock ring 21 to either a locked state C1 or an unlocked state C2 by sliding a sleeve 22, which engages with a lock ring 21 provided on the outer periphery of the pipe end portion 1a, in the pipe axis direction X. When the lock ring 21 is set to the locked state C1, movement of the pipe end portion 1a in the pipe axis direction X is restricted, whereas when the lock ring 21 is set to the unlocked state C2, movement of the pipe end portion 1a in the pipe axis direction X is not restricted. This allows the pipe 1 to be assembled to the pipe fitting 10 and retained with a simple operation by an operator. Therefore, the pipe fitting structure 101 of this embodiment is excellent in terms of ease of assembly of the pipe 1.

[0049] The separated portion 1b of the pipe 1, which is separated from the pipe end 1a, is held relative to the pipe fitting 10 by the second retention mechanism 30. The provision of the second retention mechanism 30 is effective in reliably holding the pipe 1 when the one-touch first retention mechanism 20 alone is unable to provide sufficient holding force for the pipe 1. In this case, the second retention mechanism 30 holds the separated portion 1b of the pipe 1, thereby reducing the load transmitted from the pipe end 1a of the pipe 1 to the first retention mechanism 20 and reducing the load burden on the first retention mechanism 20. As a result, the second retention mechanism 30 can prevent the pipe 1 inserted into the insertion port 11 of the pipe fitting 10 from overcoming the holding force of the first retention mechanism 20 and coming out of the insertion port 11. Therefore, the pipe fitting structure 101 of this embodiment has excellent resistance to pipe detachment.

[0050] For example, when the pipe 1 is connected to equipment that uses high-pressure air, such as a robot used in a paint booth, the pipe 1 is susceptible to an increase in the pull-out load acting on the pipe 1 when the pipe 1 is subjected to the effects of pulsation of the high-pressure air. Even in such a case, by providing the second holding mechanism 30 in addition to the first holding mechanism 20, the pipe 1 can be effectively prevented from coming out of the insertion port 11 of the pipe fitting 10.

[0051] Moreover, the second holding mechanism 30 of this embodiment does not have a structure in which an insert member such as an insert sleeve is inserted into the pipe of the piping 1, and therefore it is possible to prevent the flow path of the piping 1 from becoming narrower and increasing the pressure loss of the fluid flowing through this piping 1. Therefore, the pipe fitting structure 101 of this embodiment has less pressure loss of the fluid flowing through the piping 1 and is excellent in energy-saving effects.

[0052] As described above, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to provide the pipe joint structure 101 which is excellent in the assembly workability of the piping 1 and in the resistance to pipe removal, and which has little pressure loss.

[0053] According to the pipe joint structure 101 of the first embodiment, the separated portion 1b of the pipe 1 can be held by fixing the two separable clamping members 32, 33 with the fastening member 34. Therefore, the second holding mechanism 30 can be constructed by utilizing the simple structure in which the two clamping members 32, 33 are fixed with the fastening member 34.

[0054] According to the pipe joint structure 101 of the first embodiment, the two clamping members 32, 33 can be fixed by tightening the fastening member 34 from the radial direction Y perpendicular to the pipe axis direction X of the separated portion 1b of the pipe 1. Therefore, when the fastening member 34 is easily accessible from the radial direction Y, the two clamping members 32, 33 can be easily fixed.

[0055] Hereinafter, other embodiments related to the above-described embodiment 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. In the other embodiments, the same elements as those in embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the same elements will be omitted.

[0056] (Embodiment 2) 8, the pipe joint structure 102 of the second embodiment differs from the pipe joint structure 101 of the first embodiment only in the structure of the second holding mechanism portion 130. The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0057] 8 to 10, the second holding mechanism 130 includes a first member 132, a second member 133, a fastening member 134, and fixing members 131 and 131a. The first member 132 is connected and fixed to the pipe fitting 10 via the fixing members 131 and 131a. The first member 132 is provided with a screw hole 132a into which a fastening shaft 134b extending from a head 134a of the fastening member 134 is threadedly engaged, and a through hole 132b into which the separated portion 1b of the piping 1 is inserted.

[0058] 9, the second member 133 is an annular member. The second member 133 is provided with an insertion hole 133a (see FIG. 8) into which a fastening shaft 134b of the fastening member 134 is inserted, a through-hole 133b into which the separated portion 1b of the pipe 1 is inserted, and an annular engaging portion 133c that protrudes from the edge of the through-hole 133b toward the through-hole 132b of the first member 132.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 10, the engaging portion 133c has a sharp wedge shape. When the separated portion 1b of the pipe 1 is inserted into the through hole 132b of the first member 132, the engaging portion 133c is pressed into a gap d between the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 132b and the outer circumferential surface of the separated portion 1b. The first member 132 and the second member 133 are then fixed together by the fastening member 134 (see Fig. 8) with the engaging portion 133c pressed into the gap d. This applies a tightening load radially inward to the separated portion 1b of the pipe 1. At this time, the first member 132 is connected and fixed to the pipe fitting 10 via the fixing members 131 and 131a, so that the separated portion 1b of the pipe 1 is held relative to the pipe fitting 10.

[0060] In this embodiment, the fastening member 134 is configured to fix the first member 132 and the second member 133 in the tube axis direction X with the fastening shaft 134b extending along the tube axis direction X of the separated portion 1b. According to this configuration, the fastening operation using the fastening member 134 can be performed from the tube axis direction X of the separated portion 1b.

[0061] According to the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to provide a pipe joint structure 102 that is excellent in the ease of assembly of the piping 1 and in the resistance to pipe removal, and that has little pressure loss.

[0062] According to the pipe fitting structure 102 of the second embodiment, the separated portion 1b of the pipe 1 can be held by fastening the first member 132 and the second member 133 with the fastening member 134 in a state where the wedge-shaped engaging portion 133c of the second member 133 is pressed into the gap d between the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 132b of the first member 132 and the outer peripheral surface of the separated portion 1b of the pipe 1. Therefore, the second holding mechanism 130 can be constructed by utilizing a simple structure in which the first member 132 and the second member 133 are fastened with the fastening member 134.

[0063] According to the pipe joint structure 102 of the second embodiment, the first member 132 and the second member 133 can be fixed by tightening the fastening member 134 from the pipe axis direction X of the separated portion 1b of the pipe 1. Therefore, when the fastening member 134 is easily accessible from the pipe axis direction X, the first member 132 and the second member 133 can be easily fixed together.

[0064] In addition, the same effects as those of the first embodiment are achieved.

[0065] (Embodiment 3) 11, the pipe joint structure 103 of the third embodiment differs from the pipe joint structure 101 of the first embodiment in that it includes a plurality of pipe joints 10 corresponding to a plurality of pipes 1 and in the structure of the second holding mechanism part 230. The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0066] In the pipe fitting structure 103, the pipe end portions 1a of the multiple pipes 1 are held by the first holding mechanism 20 provided on each of the multiple pipe fittings 10. The second holding mechanism 230 is configured to collectively hold the multiple separated portions 1b of the multiple pipes 1. For this purpose, the second holding mechanism 230 is configured such that two separable clamping members 32, 33 are fixed by the fastening member 34, as in the case of embodiment 1. However, the clamping member 32 is provided with multiple fitting portions 32b aligned in the radial direction Z, corresponding to the number of pipe fittings 10, and the clamping member 33 is provided with multiple fitting portions 33b aligned in the radial direction Z, corresponding to the number of pipe fittings 10.

[0067] According to the pipe fitting structure 103 of embodiment 3, even when it is necessary to arrange multiple pipe fittings 10 closely together, the multiple separated portions 1b of the multiple pipes 1 can be held together by the second holding mechanism part 230, thereby improving the ease of assembly and construction of the multiple pipes 1.

[0068] In the pipe fitting structure 103 of the above configuration, an example is given in which the number of pipe fittings 10 and pipes 1 is four (see Figure 11), but this number is not limited to four and can be changed appropriately as needed.

[0069] In addition, the same effects as those of the first embodiment are achieved.

[0070] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various applications and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the following embodiments can be implemented by applying the above-described embodiments.

[0071] In the above embodiment, the case where the holding mechanism 20 is provided only on the jack 11 side of the two jacks 11, 12 of the pipe fitting 10 has been exemplified, but instead, a structure can be adopted in which the holding mechanism 20 is provided on both the jack 11 side and the jack 12 side. In this structure, it is preferable to provide a similar second holding mechanism 30 not only on the pipe 1 but also on the pipe 2.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the fluid flowing through the two pipes 1 and 2 is air, but the type of fluid is not limited to air, and may be various gases or liquids other than air. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1 Target piping (piping) 1a Tube end 1b Separation part 2 Piping 10 Pipe fittings 11,12 Outlets 20 First holding mechanism section (holding mechanism section) 21 Lock ring (locking component) 22 sleeve 30 Second holding mechanism section 31, 31a Fixing member 32, 33 Clamping member 32b, 33b fitting part 34 Fastening members 34b Fastening shaft 101, 102, 103 Pipe joint structure 130 Second holding mechanism section 131, 131a Fixing member 132 First member 132b Through hole 133 Second member 133c Engagement part 134 Fastening members 230 Second holding mechanism section C1 Locked state C2 unlocked state d Gap X Tube axis direction Y Radial direction (orthogonal direction)

Claims

1. A pipe joint is provided for connecting two pipes, The pipe joint has two insertion ports and a first holding mechanism portion provided on at least one side of the two insertion ports, the first holding mechanism includes a locking member provided on the outer periphery of the pipe end portion to hold the pipe end portion of the target piping, and a sleeve that engages with the locking member, and is configured to set the state of the locking member to either a locked state that restricts movement of the pipe end portion in the pipe axial direction or an unlocked state that allows movement of the pipe end portion in the pipe axial direction as the sleeve slides in the pipe axial direction of the pipe end portion, a second holding mechanism that holds a separated portion of the target pipe, the separated portion being spaced apart from the pipe end portion in the pipe axis direction, relative to the pipe joint; The second holding mechanism portion includes a plurality of clamping members that clamp the separated portion of the target pipe from the radially outer side, a fastening member that fixes the plurality of clamping members, and a fixing member that fixes at least one of the plurality of clamping members to the pipe fitting.

2. 2. The pipe joint structure according to claim 1, wherein the fastening member is configured to fix the plurality of clamping members in the perpendicular direction with a fastening axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the pipe axis direction of the separated portion.

3. 3. The pipe joint structure according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of clamping members has a fitting portion having a shape conforming to an outer peripheral surface of the spaced portion.

4. A pipe joint for connecting two pipes, The pipe joint has two insertion ports and a first holding mechanism portion provided on at least one side of the two insertion ports, the first holding mechanism includes a locking member provided on the outer periphery of the pipe end portion to hold the pipe end portion of the target piping, and a sleeve that engages with the locking member, and is configured to set the state of the locking member to either a locked state that restricts movement of the pipe end portion in the pipe axial direction or an unlocked state that allows movement of the pipe end portion in the pipe axial direction as the sleeve slides in the pipe axial direction of the pipe end portion, a second holding mechanism that holds a separated portion of the target pipe, the separated portion being spaced apart from the pipe end portion in the pipe axis direction, relative to the pipe joint; The second holding mechanism part comprises: a first member having a through hole through which the spaced portion of the target piping is inserted; a second member having a wedge-shaped engaging part that is pressed into a gap between the inner surface of the through hole and the outer surface of the spaced portion when the spaced portion is inserted into the through hole of the first member; a fastening member that fixes the first member and the second member with the engaging part pressed into the gap; and a fixing member that fixes the first member and the pipe fitting.

5. a plurality of the pipe joints are provided, and the pipe end portions of the plurality of target pipes are held by the first holding mechanism portions provided in the plurality of pipe joints, The pipe joint structure according to claim 1 , wherein the second holding mechanism is configured to hold the plurality of spaced portions collectively.

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