pipe

Abstract

To provide a technology to easily insert an inner pipe to an outer pipe.SOLUTION: A pipe is a pipe in which a fluid flows. The pipe includes an outer pipe and an inner pipe inserted to the outer pipe from one end side of the outer pipe. The outer pipe includes: an outer cylindrical portion having a cylindrical shape; an outer contact portion recessed to a radial inner side of the outer cylindrical portion with respect to an inner face of the outer cylindrical portion, and constituted to be kept into contact with the inner pipe; and an outer projecting portion at least partially disposed on the outer contact portion and projecting to a radial outer side of the outer cylindrical portion with respect to the outer contact portion at its inner face opposed to the inner pipe. The outer pipe is elastically deformed to the radial outer side by elastic deformation of the outer projecting portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to pipes. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a pipe through which air flows. The pipe includes an outer pipe and an inner pipe inserted into one end of the outer pipe. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-37817 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-described pipes, the outer pipe may have a recess that contacts the inner pipe to prevent fluid from leaking from the gap between the inner pipe and the outer pipe. Furthermore, the dimensions of the outer pipe vary from product to product. Therefore, when the dimensions of the outer pipe are smaller than the standard dimensions of the outer pipe, the inner pipe is pressed firmly against the recess. To further push the inner pipe into the outer pipe while the inner pipe is pressed firmly against the recess, a user must apply a large force to the inner pipe (or the outer pipe). This makes it difficult to insert the inner pipe into the outer pipe. This specification provides a technology that allows the inner pipe to be easily inserted into the outer pipe. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The pipe disclosed in this specification is a pipe through which a fluid flows. The pipe includes an outer pipe and an inner pipe inserted into the outer pipe from one end side of the outer pipe. The outer pipe includes an outer tubular portion having a cylindrical shape, an outer contact portion that is recessed radially inward of the outer tubular portion relative to the inner surface of the outer tubular portion and is configured to contact the inner pipe, and an outer protruding portion that is at least partially disposed on the outer contact portion and whose inner surface facing the inner pipe protrudes radially outward of the outer tubular portion relative to the outer contact portion. The outer pipe elastically deforms radially outward due to elastic deformation of the outer protruding portion.

[0006] According to the above configuration, elastic deformation of the outer protruding portion causes elastic deformation of the outer pipe outward in the radial direction. Therefore, even when the dimensions of the outer pipe are smaller than the standard dimensions of the outer pipe, the user can insert the inner pipe into the outer pipe by simply applying a relatively small force to the inner pipe or the outer pipe with the inner pipe in contact with the outer contact portion. This makes it possible to easily insert the inner pipe into the outer pipe. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a blower 10 equipped with an expandable pipe 2 according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a blower 10 equipped with an expandable pipe 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a blower unit 40 and a control unit 42 of a blower 10 equipped with an expandable pipe 2 of an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a side view of the interior pipe 60 of the expandable pipe 2 of the embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a perspective view of an outer pipe 62 of an expandable pipe 2 of the embodiment, seen from the rear right side. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the outer pipe 62 of the telescopic pipe 2 of the embodiment, as viewed from the rear left side. [Figure 7] 10 is a cross-sectional view of a second outer contact portion 84 of an outer pipe 62 of an expandable pipe 2 of the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] 1 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the telescopic pipe 2 of the embodiment, showing an inner protruding portion 70 disposed within a first adjustment rail 100. FIG. [Figure 9] 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the expandable pipe 2 of the embodiment when the inner protruding portion 70 is fitted into the first fitting portion 102a. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Representative, non-limiting embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the drawings. This detailed description is intended simply to provide those skilled in the art with details for implementing preferred embodiments of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Additionally, the additional features and inventions disclosed can be used separately or in conjunction with other features and inventions to provide further improved pipes.

[0009] Furthermore, the combinations of features and steps disclosed in the following detailed description are not essential to practicing the invention in its broadest sense, but are described solely to specifically illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, the various features of the following exemplary embodiments and those described in the claims do not necessarily have to be combined in the exact embodiments described herein or in the exact order listed to provide additional and useful embodiments of the invention.

[0010] All features described in this specification and / or claims are intended to be disclosed individually and independently of one another as limitations to the specific features described in the original disclosure and claims, apart from the configuration of features described in the examples and / or claims. Furthermore, all numerical ranges and group or aggregate descriptions are intended to disclose intermediate configurations thereof as limitations to the specific features described in the original disclosure and claims.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the outer contact portion may extend circumferentially around the outer cylindrical portion.

[0012] According to the above configuration, it is possible to further prevent the fluid flowing inside the pipe from leaking out from the gap between the inner pipe and the outer pipe, and the elastic deformation of the outer pipe makes it possible to easily insert the inner pipe into the outer pipe.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the ratio of the angular extent of the outer protrusion to the angular extent of the entire circumference of the outer cylindrical portion along the circumferential direction of the outer cylindrical portion may be in the range of 10% to 50%.

[0014] If the ratio of the angular range of the external protrusions to the angular range of the entire circumference of the outer tubular portion were less than 10%, the fluid flowing inside the pipe could be sufficiently prevented from leaking through the gap between the inner pipe and the outer pipe, but even if the external protrusions elastically deform, the outer pipe would not be sufficiently elastically deformed radially outward. Conversely, if the ratio of the angular range of the external protrusions to the angular range of the entire circumference of the outer tubular portion were more than 50%, the elastic deformation of the external protrusions could sufficiently elastically deform the outer pipe radially outward, but the fluid flowing inside the pipe could not be sufficiently prevented from leaking through the gap between the inner pipe and the outer pipe. With the above configuration, the fluid flowing inside the pipe can be sufficiently prevented from leaking through the gap between the inner pipe and the outer pipe, and the outer pipe can be sufficiently elastically deformed radially outward.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the outer protrusion may protrude radially outward from the outer cylindrical portion beyond the inner surface of the outer cylindrical portion.

[0016] According to the above configuration, the outer protruding portion is elastically deformed, so that the interior pipe can be more easily inserted into the exterior pipe.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the outer pipe may have a longitudinal direction in the front-to-rear direction. The outer protrusion may extend in the front-to-rear direction and intersect the outer contact portion.

[0018] According to the above configuration, the outer protruding portion is elastically deformed, so that the interior pipe can be more easily inserted into the exterior pipe.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, the outer pipe may include a plurality of outer contact portions arranged side by side in the front-to-rear direction, and the outer protrusion may cross each of the plurality of outer contact portions.

[0020] According to the above configuration, even in a configuration in which the exterior pipe is provided with a plurality of exterior contact portions, the exterior protrusions are elastically deformed, so that the interior pipe can be easily inserted into the exterior pipe.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, the outer projections may not be connected to both ends of the outer pipe.

[0022] If the outer protrusion is connected to at least one of the ends of the exterior pipe, the fluid flowing inside the pipe may leak out of the pipe via the outer protrusion. With the above configuration, the fluid flowing inside the pipe can be prevented from leaking out of the pipe.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, the exterior pipe may further include an other-end exterior contact portion disposed closer to the other end of the exterior pipe than the exterior contact portion, and an other-end exterior protruding portion disposed closer to the other end of the exterior pipe than the exterior protruding portion. The other-end exterior contact portion may be recessed radially inward of the exterior cylindrical portion relative to the inner surface of the exterior cylindrical portion and configured to contact the interior pipe. The other-end exterior protruding portion may be at least partially disposed on the other-end exterior contact portion, and its inner surface facing the interior pipe may protrude radially outward of the exterior cylindrical portion relative to the other-end exterior contact portion.

[0024] According to the above configuration, even if the outer pipe has an outer contact portion and an other end side outer contact portion, the outer protrusion portion and the other end side outer protrusion portion elastically deform, making it possible to easily insert the inner pipe into the outer pipe.

[0025] In one or more embodiments, the outer pipe may include a plurality of external protrusions, which may be spaced apart from one another in a direction along the circumferential direction of the outer cylindrical portion.

[0026] According to the above configuration, the elastic deformation of each of the plurality of outer protrusions allows the outer pipe to be sufficiently elastically deformed radially outward, thereby making it possible to easily insert the inner pipe into the outer pipe.

[0027] In one or more embodiments, the exterior pipe may further include a one-end outer contact portion disposed near one end of the exterior pipe and closer to the one end of the exterior pipe than the outer contact portion. The one-end outer contact portion may be recessed radially inward of the exterior cylindrical portion relative to the inner surface of the exterior cylindrical portion and configured to contact the interior pipe. The outer protrusion may not be disposed at the one-end outer contact portion.

[0028] If the outer protrusion were arranged on the one-end outer contact portion, fluid flowing inside the pipe could leak out of the pipe via the outer protrusion. With the above configuration, it is possible to prevent fluid flowing inside the pipe from leaking out of the pipe via the outer protrusion.

[0029] In one or more embodiments, the length of the pipe may be adjustable by sliding the exterior pipe in the front-to-rear direction relative to the interior pipe. The exterior pipe may further include a rail portion extending along the front-to-rear direction. The inner surface of the rail portion may protrude radially outward from the interior surface of the exterior cylindrical portion. The interior pipe may include an inner protrusion protruding radially outward from the interior pipe. The inner protrusion may slide inside the rail portion when the exterior pipe is slid along the front-to-rear direction relative to the interior pipe.

[0030] According to the above configuration, the length of the pipe can be adjusted by a simple configuration in which the inner protrusion slides inside the rail portion.

[0031] In one or more embodiments, the inner pipe may include an inner tubular portion having a cylindrical shape, and an inner contact portion extending circumferentially along the outer surface of the inner tubular portion and protruding radially outward from the outer surface of the inner tubular portion. The outer contact portion may be configured to come into contact with the inner contact portion when the inner pipe is fixed to the outer pipe.

[0032] According to the above configuration, the outer contact portion comes into contact with the inner contact portion, thereby making it possible to prevent the fluid flowing inside the pipe from leaking out to the outside of the pipe.

[0033] (Example) As shown in FIG. 1 , the telescopic pipe 2 is used in a blower 10. The blower 10 can, for example, blow away fallen leaves and the like on the ground. The blower 10 includes a power supply 12, a blower main body 14, and a pair of shoulder straps 16. A user can wear the blower 10 on their back by putting the pair of shoulder straps 16 over their shoulders. In other words, the blower 10 is a backpack-type blower. Hereinafter, the longitudinal direction of the telescopic pipe 2 will be referred to as the front-rear direction, the direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction will be referred to as the up-down direction, and the direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction and the up-down direction will be referred to as the left-right direction.

[0034] The power supply device 12 houses multiple battery cells (not shown). The power supply device 12 can supply power to the blower body 14 via a discharge cable 18. The power supply device 12 can also be charged from an external power source (not shown) via a charging connector 20.

[0035] The blower body 14 includes an outer housing 22, an air blower pipe unit 24, and an operating grip 26. As shown in Figure 2, the outer housing 22 has an air intake port 22a on the left side. The air intake port 22a communicates between the inside and outside of the outer housing 22. The outer housing 22 houses a portion of the air blower pipe unit 24.

[0036] The air blower pipe unit 24 includes a storage pipe 28 extending in the left-right direction, a curved pipe 30 that bends from rear to front as it moves from left to right, a bellows pipe 32 extending in the front-rear direction, and an extendable pipe 2 extending in the front-rear direction. The left end opening of the storage pipe 28 faces the air intake port 22a. The bellows pipe 32 is configured so that the orientation of the extendable pipe 2 can be adjusted. The extendable pipe 2 will be described in detail later.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 1, the operating grip 26 is removably attached to the telescopic pipe 2. A user can adjust the orientation of the telescopic pipe 2 by moving the operating grip 26 while holding it. A trigger 34 is attached to the operating grip 26. A user can operate the blower 10 by pressing the trigger 34 with the fingers of the hand holding the operating grip 26.

[0038] 3, the blower body 14 further includes a blower unit 40, a control unit 42, and a cover member 52. The blower unit 40 is housed in the housing pipe 28. The blower unit 40 includes a fan 44, an electric motor 46 that rotates the fan 44, a motor housing 48 that houses the electric motor 46, and a cone 50 fixed to the right end of the motor housing 48.

[0039] The control unit 42 is attached to the upper part of the accommodation pipe 28. A cover member 52 is attached to the accommodation pipe 28 so as to cover the upper side of the control unit 42. When a user presses the trigger 34 (see FIG. 2), the control unit 42 operates the electric motor 46. Operation of the electric motor 46 rotates the fan 44. As a result, air flows into the interior of the air supply pipe unit 24 from the air intake port 22a shown in FIG. 2. The air that has flowed in is then sent out by the fan 44 shown in FIG. 3 and flows along the cone 50. This increases the straightness of the air. The air then flows through the curved pipe 30, the bellows pipe 32, and the interior of the telescopic pipe 2 shown in FIG. 2, and is blown out of the telescopic pipe 2 from the air outlet 54.

[0040] The telescopic pipe 2 shown in Fig. 1 is a pipe whose length in the longitudinal direction (front-rear direction) is adjustable. The telescopic pipe 2 is made of a resin material, for example, polypropylene. The telescopic pipe 2 includes an inner pipe 60 and an outer pipe 62. The rear end of the inner pipe 60 is removably attached to the tip of the bellows pipe 32. The inner pipe 60 is fitted into the outer pipe 62 by inserting the front end of the inner pipe 60 into the outer pipe 62.

[0041] 4, the interior pipe 60 includes an interior cylindrical portion 64, a plurality of (two in this embodiment) interior contact portions 65, and a plurality of (two in this embodiment) interior protrusion portions 70. The interior cylindrical portion 64 has a cylindrical shape with its longitudinal direction extending in the front-to-rear direction. The interior contact portions 65 and the interior protrusion portions 70 are arranged in the interior cylindrical portion 64.

[0042] The inner contact portion 65 protrudes radially outward from the outer surface of the inner cylindrical portion 64. Here, the outer surface of the inner cylindrical portion 64 faces the outer pipe 62 when the inner pipe 60 is inserted into the outer pipe 62 (see Figures 5 and 6). The inner contact portion 65 extends circumferentially around the outer surface of the inner cylindrical portion 64. The inner contact portion 65 has an annular shape and goes around the outer surface of the inner cylindrical portion 64.

[0043] The two inner contact portions 65 include a first inner contact portion 66 and a second inner contact portion 68. The first inner contact portion 66 is disposed near the front end of the interior pipe 60. Here, the vicinity of the front end of the interior pipe 60 refers to the region between the front end of the interior pipe 60 and a predetermined position, and the predetermined position is, for example, a position about 5 centimeters from the front end of the interior pipe 60. The second inner contact portion 68 is disposed closer to the rear end of the interior pipe 60 than the first inner contact portion 66.

[0044] The inner protrusion 70 has a cylindrical shape. The free end of the inner protrusion 70 is rounded. The inner protrusion 70 is disposed between the first inner contact portion 66 and the second inner contact portion 68. The inner protrusion 70 protrudes radially outward from the outer surface of the inner cylindrical portion 64 beyond the outer surface of the inner cylindrical portion 64. In the radial direction of the inner cylindrical portion 64, the height of the outer surface of the inner protrusion 70 is higher than the height of the outer surface of the inner contact portion 65. In the circumferential direction of the outer surface of the inner cylindrical portion 64, one inner protrusion 70 is disposed 180 degrees apart from the other inner protrusion 70.

[0045] 5 and 6, the exterior pipe 62 includes an exterior tubular portion 72, a plurality of (four in this embodiment) exterior contact portions 74, a plurality of exterior protrusions 76, and a plurality of (two in this embodiment) length adjustment portions 78. The exterior tubular portion 72 has a cylindrical shape with its longitudinal direction extending in the front-to-rear direction. The front end opening of the exterior tubular portion 72 corresponds to the air outlet 54. The exterior contact portions 74, the exterior protrusions 76, and the length adjustment portions 78 are arranged on the exterior tubular portion 72.

[0046] The outer surface of the outer contact portion 74 is recessed radially inward of the outer cylindrical portion 72 relative to the outer surface of the outer cylindrical portion 72. The inner surface of the outer contact portion 74 is recessed radially inward of the outer cylindrical portion 72 relative to the inner surface of the outer cylindrical portion 72. Here, the inner surfaces of the outer cylindrical portion 72 and the outer contact portion 74 each face the inner pipe 60 (see FIG. 4 ) when the inner pipe 60 is inserted into the outer pipe 62. The outer contact portion 74 extends along the circumferential direction of the inner surface of the outer cylindrical portion 72. The outer contact portion 74 has an annular shape and goes around the inner surface of the outer cylindrical portion 72. The length of the outer contact portion 74 in the front-to-rear direction is, for example, 5 to 20 millimeters, and in this embodiment, it is 10 millimeters.

[0047] The four outer contact portions 74 include a first outer contact portion 82, a second outer contact portion 84, a third outer contact portion 86, and a fourth outer contact portion 88. The first outer contact portion 82 is disposed near the rear end of the exterior pipe 62. Here, "near the rear end of the exterior pipe 62" refers to the region between the rear end of the exterior pipe 62 and a predetermined position, and the predetermined position is, for example, a position approximately 5 centimeters from the rear end of the exterior pipe 62. The second outer contact portion 84 is disposed closer to the front end of the exterior pipe 62 than the first outer contact portion 82. The third outer contact portion 86 is disposed closer to the front end of the exterior pipe 62 than the second outer contact portion 84. The fourth outer contact portion 88 is disposed closer to the front end of the exterior pipe 62 than the third outer contact portion 86. The four outer contact portions 74 are disposed side by side at equal intervals in the front-to-rear direction.

[0048] The outer surface of the outer protrusion 76 protrudes radially outward from the outer cylindrical portion 72 further than the outer surface of the outer cylindrical portion 72. As shown in Fig. 7, the inner surface of the outer protrusion 76 protrudes radially outward from the outer cylindrical portion 72 further than the inner surface of the outer cylindrical portion 72, and also protrudes radially outward from the outer cylindrical portion 72 further than the outer surface of the outer cylindrical portion 72. Note that the inner surface of the outer protrusion 76 faces the interior pipe 60 (see Fig. 4) when the interior pipe 60 is inserted into the exterior pipe 62.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the multiple outer protrusions 76 include multiple (two in this embodiment) long outer protrusions 92 and multiple (twelve in this embodiment) short outer protrusions 94. The long outer protrusions 92 extend in the front-to-rear direction. The length of the long outer protrusions 92 in the front-to-rear direction is, for example, 50 to 450 millimeters, and in this embodiment, it is 250 millimeters. The long outer protrusions 92 cross the second outer contact portion 84, the third outer contact portion 86, and the fourth outer contact portion 88, but do not cross the first outer contact portion 82. The long outer protrusions 92 are not connected to both ends of the outer cylindrical portion 72. As shown in FIG. 7 , one long outer protrusion 92 is spaced 180 degrees from the other long outer protrusion 92 in the circumferential direction of the inner surface of the outer cylindrical portion 72.

[0050] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the short outer protrusions 94 extend in the front-rear direction. The length of each short outer protrusion 94 in the front-rear direction is, for example, 10 to 50 millimeters, and in this embodiment, it is 35 millimeters. The four short outer protrusions 94 cross the second outer contact portion 84 but do not cross the first outer contact portion 82, the third outer contact portion 86, or the fourth outer contact portion 88. None of the four short outer protrusions 94 is connected to the rear end of the outer tubular portion 72. Each of the four short outer protrusions 94 is arranged so that the length of its protrusion forward from the second outer contact portion 84 is equal to the length of its protrusion rearward from the second outer contact portion 84. As shown in Fig. 7 , when the exterior pipe 62 is viewed from the rear side, with one of the four short external protrusions 94 serving as a reference, the four short external protrusions 94 are arranged at positions of 0 degree, 135 degree, 180 degree, and 315 degree in the circumferential direction of the inner surface of the exterior tubular portion 72. The four short external protrusions 94 are spaced apart from each other and from each of the two long external protrusions 92. When the exterior pipe 62 is viewed from the rear side, with respect to the circumferential direction of the inner surface of the exterior tubular portion 72, the two short external protrusions 94 are arranged between the two long external protrusions 92 in the clockwise direction D1, and the remaining two short external protrusions 94 are arranged between the two long external protrusions 92 in the counterclockwise direction D2.

[0051] 5 and 6, the two short outer protrusions 94 cross the third outer contact portion 86, but do not cross the first outer contact portion 82, the second outer contact portion 84, or the fourth outer contact portion 88. Each of the two short outer protrusions 94 is arranged so that the length that protrudes forward from the third outer contact portion 86 is equal to the length that protrudes rearward from the third outer contact portion 86. One short outer protrusion 94 is arranged 180 degrees apart from the other short outer protrusion 94 in the circumferential direction of the inner surface of the outer cylindrical portion 72.

[0052] The six short outer protrusions 94 cross the fourth outer contact portion 88 but do not cross the first outer contact portion 82, the second outer contact portion 84, or the third outer contact portion 86. The six short outer protrusions 94 are not connected to the front end of the outer tubular portion 72. Each of the six short outer protrusions 94 is arranged so that the length that it protrudes frontward from the fourth outer contact portion 88 is equal to the length that it protrudes rearward from the fourth outer contact portion 88. When the outer pipe 62 is viewed from the rear side, with one of the six short outer protrusions 94 serving as a reference, the six short outer protrusions 94 are arranged at positions of 0 degree, 90 degree, 135 degree, 180 degree, 270 degree, and 315 degree in the circumferential direction of the inner surface of the outer tubular portion 72. The six short outer protrusions 94 are spaced apart from one another and from the two long outer protrusions 92. When the exterior pipe 62 is viewed from the rear, three of the short outer protrusions 94 are disposed between the two long outer protrusions 92 in the clockwise direction D1, and the remaining three short outer protrusions 94 are disposed between the two long outer protrusions 92 in the counterclockwise direction D2.

[0053] The length adjustment part 78 is configured so that the inner protrusion 70 (see FIG. 4) can slide inside. The length of the telescopic pipe 2 is adjusted by the inner protrusion 70 sliding inside the length adjustment part 78. In this embodiment, the telescopic pipe 2 can be adjusted to any one of a first length, a second length, and a third length by the configuration of the length adjustment part 78 described later.

[0054] The length adjustment portions 78 have a longitudinal direction in the front-to-rear direction. When the exterior pipe 62 is viewed from the rear, one length adjustment portion 78 is disposed between the two long external protrusions 92 in the clockwise direction D1, and the other length adjustment portion 78 is disposed between the two long external protrusions 92 in the counterclockwise direction D2. The outer surface of the length adjustment portion 78 protrudes radially outward from the outer surface of the exterior tubular portion 72 beyond the outer surface of the exterior tubular portion 72. As shown in FIG. 7 , the inner surface of the length adjustment portion 78 protrudes radially outward from the exterior tubular portion 72 beyond the inner surface of the exterior tubular portion 72, and also protrudes radially outward from the exterior tubular portion 72 beyond the outer surface of the exterior tubular portion 72. Note that the inner surface of the length adjustment portion 78 faces the interior pipe 60 (see FIG. 4 ) when the interior pipe 60 is inserted into the exterior pipe 62. The height between the inner surface and the outer surface of the length adjustment portion 78 is substantially the same as the height between the inner surface and the outer surface of the external protrusion 76.

[0055] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the length adjustment section 78 includes a first adjustment rail 100, a first mating rail 102, a first transition rail 104, a second adjustment rail 106, a second mating rail 108, a second transition rail 110, a third adjustment rail 112, and a third mating rail 114.

[0056] The first adjustment rail 100 extends in the front-rear direction. The first adjustment rail 100 extends from the rear end of the outer cylindrical portion 72, across the first outer contact portion 82, to near the midpoint between the first outer contact portion 82 and the second outer contact portion 84. When the outer pipe 62 is viewed from the rear side, the first fitting rail 102 extends in the clockwise direction D1 from the front end of the first adjustment rail 100 along the circumferential direction of the inner surface of the outer cylindrical portion 72. The first fitting rail 102 has a first fitting portion 102a at its tip. The first fitting portion 102a can be fitted with the inner protrusion 70 (see FIG. 4) in the front-rear direction. The first fitting portion 102a has a first step portion 102b. The first step portion 102b is located at the end of the first fitting portion 102a on the first adjustment rail 100 side. The inner surface of the first step portion 102b is positioned radially inward of the inner surface of the tip of the first fitting portion 102a. When the first step portion 102b abuts against the inner protrusion 70, the first fitting portion 102a can be fitted with the inner protrusion 70 in the circumferential direction of the inner surface of the outer cylindrical portion 72. The first transition rail 104 extends from the tip of the first adjustment rail 100 in the direction opposite to the first fitting rail 102.

[0057] The second adjustment rail 106 extends in the front-rear direction. The second adjustment rail 106 extends from the tip of the first transition rail 104, crosses the second outer contact portion 84, and reaches near the midpoint between the second outer contact portion 84 and the third outer contact portion 86. When the exterior pipe 62 is viewed from the rear side, the second fitting rail 108 extends in the clockwise direction D1 from the front end of the second adjustment rail 106 along the circumferential direction of the inner surface of the exterior cylindrical portion 72. The second fitting rail 108 has a second fitting portion 108a at its tip. The second fitting portion 108a can be fitted with the inner protrusion 70 (see FIG. 4) in the front-rear direction. The second fitting portion 108a has a second step portion 108b. The second step portion 108b is located at the end of the second fitting portion 108a on the second adjustment rail 106 side. The inner surface of the second step portion 108b is positioned radially inward of the inner surface of the tip of the second fitting portion 108a. When the second step portion 108b abuts against the inner protrusion 70, the second fitting portion 108a can be fitted with the inner protrusion 70 in the circumferential direction of the inner surface of the outer cylindrical portion 72. The second transition rail 110 extends from the tip of the second adjustment rail 106 in the direction opposite to the second fitting rail 108.

[0058] The third adjustment rail 112 extends in the front-rear direction. The third adjustment rail 112 extends from the tip of the second transition rail 110, crosses the third outer contact portion 86, and extends to near the midpoint between the third outer contact portion 86 and the fourth outer contact portion 88. When the exterior pipe 62 is viewed from the rear, the third fitting rail 114 extends in the clockwise direction D1 from the front end of the third adjustment rail 112 along the circumferential direction of the inner surface of the exterior cylindrical portion 72. The third fitting rail 114 has a third fitting portion 114a at its tip. The third fitting portion 114a can be fitted with the inner protrusion 70 (see FIG. 4) in the front-rear direction. The third fitting portion 114a has a third step portion 114b. The third step portion 114b is located at the end of the third fitting portion 114a on the third adjustment rail 112 side. The inner surface of the third step portion 114b is positioned radially inward of the inner surface of the tip of the third fitting portion 114a. When the third step portion 114b abuts against the inner protrusion 70, the third fitting portion 114a can be fitted with the inner protrusion 70 in the circumferential direction of the inner surface of the outer tubular portion 72.

[0059] Next, with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7, the proportion of the angular range occupied by the outer protrusions 76 and the length adjustment portion 78 to the angular range of the entire circumference of the inner surface of the outer tube portion 72 (i.e., 360 degrees) will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, six outer protrusions 76 (i.e., two long outer protrusions 92 and four short outer protrusions 94) and two second adjustment rails 106 are arranged on the second outer contact portion 84. The proportion of the angular range of the six outer protrusions 76 to the angular range of the entire circumference of the inner surface of the outer tube portion 72 (360 degrees) in the circumferential direction of the outer tube portion 72 is, for example, 5 to 30%, and in this embodiment, is 23%. Furthermore, the proportion of the angular range of the two first adjustment rails 100 to the angular range of the entire circumference of the inner surface of the outer tube portion 72 in the circumferential direction of the outer tube portion 72 is, for example, 5 to 20%, and in this embodiment, is 10%. Furthermore, with respect to the circumferential direction of the outer cylindrical portion 72, the ratio of the total angular range of the six outer protrusions 76 and the two first adjustment rails 100 to the angular range of the entire circumference of the inner surface of the outer cylindrical portion 72 is, for example, 10 to 50%, and in this embodiment, is 33%.

[0060] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the third outer contact portion 86 is provided with four outer protrusions 76 (i.e., two long outer protrusions 92 and two short outer protrusions 94) and two second adjustment rails 106. In the circumferential direction of the outer cylindrical portion 72, the ratio of the angular range of the four outer protrusions 76 to the angular range of the entire circumference of the inner surface of the outer cylindrical portion 72 is 5 to 20%, and in this embodiment, it is 15%. Furthermore, in the circumferential direction of the outer cylindrical portion 72, the ratio of the angular range of the two second adjustment rails 106 to the angular range of the entire circumference of the inner surface of the outer cylindrical portion 72 is 5 to 20%, and in this embodiment, it is 10%. Furthermore, in the circumferential direction of the outer cylindrical portion 72, the ratio of the combined angular range of the four outer protrusions 76 and the two second adjustment rails 106 to the angular range of the entire circumference of the inner surface of the outer cylindrical portion 72 is 10 to 40%, and in this embodiment, it is 25%.

[0061] Eight outer protrusions 76 (i.e., two long outer protrusions 92 and six short outer protrusions 94) are arranged on the fourth outer contact portion 88. In the circumferential direction of the outer cylindrical portion 72, the ratio of the angular range of the eight outer protrusions 76 to the angular range of the entire circumference of the inner surface of the outer cylindrical portion 72 is 10 to 50%, and in this embodiment, is 30%.

[0062] Next, a manufacturing method of the exterior pipe 62 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. The exterior pipe 62 is manufactured by blow molding using a mold consisting of a first mold and a second mold. In FIG. 7, the inner surface of the first mold has a shape corresponding to the outer surface of the right half of the exterior pipe 62, and the inner surface of the second mold has a shape corresponding to the outer surface of the left half of the exterior pipe 62. When manufacturing the exterior pipe 62, first, heated resin material is placed inside the mold, and compressed air is blown into the resin material from inside, thereby pressing the resin material against the inner surfaces of the first mold and the second mold. Next, the first mold is withdrawn in a first mold-pulling direction (the direction of the right arrow in FIG. 7), and the second mold is withdrawn in a second mold-pulling direction (the direction of the left arrow in FIG. 7) opposite to the first mold-pulling direction. Therefore, the outer surfaces of some of the outer protrusions 76 and some of the length adjustment portions 78 have shapes that follow the first die-cutting direction, and the outer surfaces of some of the other outer protrusions 76 and some of the other length adjustment portions 78 have shapes that follow the second die-cutting direction.

[0063] Next, a method for inserting the interior pipe 60 into the exterior pipe 62 will be described. The user holds the interior pipe 60 (see FIG. 4) with one hand, and holds the exterior pipe 62 with the other hand so that the fingers of the other hand are hooked onto at least one of the outer surfaces of the exterior protrusions 76 and the length adjustment portions 78. Next, as shown in FIG. 8, the user inserts the front end of the interior pipe 60 into the exterior pipe 62 from the rear end of the exterior pipe 62 along the front-to-rear direction, and slides the interior protrusions 70 inside the first adjustment rail 100.

[0064] When the inner protrusion 70 slides inside the first adjustment rail 100, the first inner contact portion 66 comes into contact with the first outer contact portion 82 in the front-to-rear direction, and then the first outer contact portion 82 comes into contact with the first outer contact portion 82 in the radial direction of the outer cylindrical portion 72. Because the first outer contact portion 82 is disposed near the rear end of the outer pipe 62, and the rear end of the outer pipe 62 is a free end, the outer pipe 62 elastically deforms radially outward so as to widen the rear end opening of the outer pipe 62. This allows the user to slide the outer pipe 62 relative to the inner pipe 60 so that the first inner contact portion 66 moves over the first outer contact portion 82, without applying a large force to the inner pipe 60 or the outer pipe 62. When the inner protrusion 70 slides to near the tip of the first adjustment rail 100, as shown in FIG. 9 , the first inner contact portion 66 comes into contact with the second outer contact portion 84 in the front-rear direction and then comes into contact with the second outer contact portion 84 in the radial direction of the outer cylindrical portion 72, and the second inner contact portion 68 comes into contact with the first outer contact portion 82 in the front-rear direction and then comes into contact with the first outer contact portion 82 in the radial direction of the outer cylindrical portion 72. The outer protrusion 76 and the length adjustment portion 78 elastically deform, and the outer pipe 62 elastically deforms radially outward. This allows the user to slide the outer pipe 62 relative to the inner pipe 60 so that the second outer contact portion 84 moves over the first inner contact portion 66 and the first outer contact portion 82 moves over the second inner contact portion 68, without applying a large force to the inner pipe 60 or the outer pipe 62.

[0065] When fixing the telescopic pipe 2 at the first length, the user rotates the outer pipe 62 relative to the inner pipe 60 to fit the inner protrusion 70 into the first fitting portion 102a. When the telescopic pipe 2 is fixed at the first length, the first inner contact portion 66 is in contact with the second outer contact portion 84 in the radial direction of the outer cylindrical portion 72, and the second inner contact portion 68 is in contact with the first outer contact portion 82 in the radial direction of the outer cylindrical portion 72. Therefore, the air flowing through the telescopic pipe 2 does not leak out from the gap between the inner pipe 60 and the outer pipe 62.

[0066] When fixing the telescopic pipe 2 at the second length, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the user rotates and slides the outer pipe 62 relative to the inner pipe 60 (see Figure 4) to slide the inner protrusion 70 (see Figure 4) through the first transition rail 104, the second adjustment rail 106, and the second fitting rail 108, and then fits it into the second fitting portion 108a. When the telescopic pipe 2 is fixed at the second length, the first inner contact portion 66 (see Figure 4) is in contact with the third outer contact portion 86 in the radial direction of the outer cylindrical portion 72, and the second inner contact portion 68 (see Figure 4) is in contact with the second outer contact portion 84 in the radial direction of the outer cylindrical portion 72. Therefore, air flowing through the telescopic pipe 2 does not leak out from the gap between the inner pipe 60 and the outer pipe 62.

[0067] Furthermore, when fixing the telescopic pipe 2 at the third length, the user rotates and slides the outer pipe 62 relative to the inner pipe 60 (see FIG. 4) to slide the inner protrusion 70 (see FIG. 4) through the first transition rail 104, the second adjustment rail 106, the second transition rail 110, the third adjustment rail 112, and the third fitting rail 114, and then fits it into the third fitting portion 114a. When the telescopic pipe 2 is fixed at the third length, the first inner contact portion 66 (see FIG. 4) is in contact with the fourth outer contact portion 88 in the radial direction of the outer cylindrical portion 72, and the second inner contact portion 68 is in contact with the third outer contact portion 86 in the radial direction of the outer cylindrical portion 72. Therefore, air flowing through the telescopic pipe 2 does not leak out from the gap between the inner pipe 60 and the outer pipe 62.

[0068] (effect) The telescopic pipe 2 (an example of a pipe) is a pipe through which air (an example of a fluid) flows. The telescopic pipe 2 includes an exterior pipe 62 and an interior pipe 60 that is inserted into the exterior pipe 62 from one end side of the exterior pipe 62. The exterior pipe 62 includes an exterior tubular portion 72 having a cylindrical shape, an exterior contact portion 74 that is recessed radially inward of the exterior tubular portion 72 relative to the inner surface of the exterior tubular portion 72 and is configured to come into contact with the interior pipe 60, and an exterior protruding portion 76 that is at least partially disposed on the exterior contact portion 74 and whose interior surface facing the interior pipe 60 protrudes radially outward from the exterior tubular portion 72 relative to the exterior contact portion 74. The exterior pipe 62 elastically deforms radially outward due to elastic deformation of the exterior protruding portion 76.

[0069] According to the above configuration, elastic deformation of the outer protruding portion 76 causes elastic deformation of the outer pipe 62 outward in the radial direction. Therefore, even when the dimensions of the outer pipe 62 are smaller than the standard reference dimensions of the outer pipe 62, the user can insert the inner pipe 60 into the outer pipe 62 by simply applying a relatively small force to the inner pipe 60 or the outer pipe 62 with the inner pipe 60 in contact with the outer contact portion 74. This makes it possible to easily insert the inner pipe 60 into the outer pipe 62.

[0070] The outer contact portion 74 extends along the circumferential direction of the outer cylindrical portion 72 .

[0071] According to the above configuration, the air flowing inside the telescopic pipe 2 can be more effectively prevented from leaking out through the gap between the inner pipe 60 and the outer pipe 62, and the elastic deformation of the outer pipe 62 makes it possible to easily insert the inner pipe 60 into the outer pipe 62.

[0072] In addition, in the direction along the circumferential direction of the outer cylindrical portion 72, the ratio of the angular range of the outer protrusion 76 to the angular range of the entire circumference of the outer cylindrical portion 72 is in the range of 10% to 50%.

[0073] If the ratio of the angular range of the outer protrusions 76 to the angular range of the entire circumference of the outer tubular portion 72 were less than 10%, it would be possible to sufficiently prevent air flowing inside the telescopic pipe 2 from leaking out through the gap between the inner pipe 60 and the outer pipe 62, but even if the outer protrusions 76 were to elastically deform, it would not be possible to sufficiently elastically deform the outer pipe 62 radially outward. Conversely, if the ratio of the angular range of the outer protrusions 76 to the angular range of the entire circumference of the outer tubular portion 72 were more than 50%, the elastic deformation of the outer protrusions 76 would be able to sufficiently elastically deform the outer pipe 62 radially outward, but it would not be possible to sufficiently prevent air flowing inside the telescopic pipe 2 from leaking out through the gap between the inner pipe 60 and the outer pipe 62. With the above configuration, it is possible to sufficiently prevent air flowing inside the telescopic pipe 2 from leaking out through the gap between the inner pipe 60 and the outer pipe 62, and it is also possible to sufficiently elastically deform the outer pipe 62 radially outward.

[0074] Additionally, the outer protrusion 76 protrudes radially outward from the inner surface of the outer cylindrical portion 72 .

[0075] According to the above configuration, the outer protruding portion 76 is elastically deformed, so that the interior pipe 60 can be inserted into the exterior pipe 62 more easily.

[0076] The outer pipe 62 has a longitudinal direction in the front-rear direction. The outer protrusion 76 extends in the front-rear direction and crosses the outer contact portion 74.

[0077] According to the above configuration, the outer protruding portion 76 is elastically deformed, so that the interior pipe 60 can be inserted into the exterior pipe 62 more easily.

[0078] The exterior pipe 62 also includes a plurality of exterior contact portions 74 arranged side by side in the front-rear direction. The exterior protrusion 76 crosses each of the exterior contact portions 74.

[0079] According to the above configuration, even if the exterior pipe 62 is provided with multiple exterior contact portions 74, the exterior protrusions 76 are elastically deformed, allowing the interior pipe 60 to be easily inserted into the exterior pipe 62.

[0080] Furthermore, the outer protrusion 76 is not connected to both ends of the outer pipe 62 .

[0081] If the outer protrusion 76 were configured to be connected to at least one of one end and the other end of the exterior pipe 62, the air flowing inside the telescopic pipe 2 could leak out of the telescopic pipe 2 via the outer protrusion 76. With the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the air flowing inside the telescopic pipe 2 from leaking out of the telescopic pipe 2.

[0082] The exterior pipe 62 further includes a third exterior contact portion 86 (an example of an other-end exterior contact portion) that is arranged closer to the other end of the exterior pipe 62 than the second exterior contact portion 84, and another short exterior protruding portion 94 (an example of an other-end exterior protruding portion) that is arranged closer to the other end of the exterior pipe 62 than the short exterior protruding portion 94. The third exterior contact portion 86 is recessed radially inward of the exterior cylindrical portion 72 relative to the inner surface of the exterior cylindrical portion 72, and is configured to come into contact with the interior pipe 60. The other short exterior protruding portion 94 is at least partially arranged in the third exterior contact portion 86, and the inner surface that faces the interior pipe 60 protrudes radially outward of the exterior cylindrical portion 72 relative to the third exterior contact portion 86.

[0083] According to the above configuration, even if the outer pipe 62 is configured to have the second outer contact portion 84 and the third outer contact portion 86, the short outer protrusion 94 and the other short outer protrusions 94 elastically deform, so that the inner pipe 60 can be easily inserted into the outer pipe 62.

[0084] The exterior pipe 62 also includes a plurality of exterior protrusions 76. The exterior protrusions 76 are arranged spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction of the exterior cylindrical portion 72.

[0085] According to the above configuration, the exterior pipe 62 can be sufficiently elastically deformed radially outward by elastically deforming each of the multiple exterior protruding portions 76. This makes it possible to easily insert the interior pipe 60 into the exterior pipe 62.

[0086] The exterior pipe 62 further includes a first exterior contact portion 82 (an example of a one-end exterior contact portion) that is located closer to one end of the exterior pipe 62 than the second exterior contact portion 84 and in the vicinity of one end of the exterior pipe 62. The first exterior contact portion 82 is recessed radially inward of the exterior cylindrical portion 72 relative to the inner surface of the exterior cylindrical portion 72, and is configured to come into contact with the interior pipe 60. The exterior protrusion 76 is not located at the first exterior contact portion 82.

[0087] If the outer protrusion 76 were configured to be disposed on the first outer contact portion 82, air flowing inside the telescopic pipe 2 may leak out of the telescopic pipe 2 via the outer protrusion 76. With the above configuration, it is possible to prevent air flowing inside the telescopic pipe 2 from leaking out of the telescopic pipe 2 via the outer protrusion 76.

[0088] Furthermore, the length of the telescopic pipe 2 can be adjusted by sliding the exterior pipe 62 in the front-rear direction relative to the interior pipe 60. The exterior pipe 62 is further provided with adjustment rails 100, 106, 112 (one example of a rail portion) extending along the front-rear direction. The inner surfaces of the adjustment rails 100, 106, 112 protrude radially outward from the exterior cylindrical portion 72 beyond the inner surface of the exterior cylindrical portion 72. The interior pipe 60 is provided with an inner protrusion 70 that protrudes radially outward from the interior pipe 60. The inner protrusion 70 slides inside the adjustment rails 100, 106, 112 when the exterior pipe 62 is slid along the front-rear direction relative to the interior pipe 60.

[0089] According to the above configuration, the length of the telescopic pipe 2 can be adjusted by a simple configuration in which the inner protrusion 70 slides inside the adjustment rails 100, 106, 112.

[0090] The interior pipe 60 also includes an interior tubular portion 64 having a cylindrical shape, and an interior contact portion 65 that extends circumferentially around the outer surface of the interior tubular portion 64 and protrudes radially outward from the outer surface of the interior tubular portion 64. The exterior contact portion 74 is configured to come into contact with the interior contact portion 65 when the interior pipe 60 is fixed to the exterior pipe 62.

[0091] According to the above configuration, the outer contact portion 74 comes into contact with the inner contact portion 65, so that the air flowing inside the telescopic pipe 2 can be prevented from leaking out to the outside of the telescopic pipe 2.

[0092] In one embodiment, the pipe 2 may be a pipe whose length is not adjustable.

[0093] In one embodiment, the number of inner contact portions 65, the number of inner protrusions 70, the number of outer contact portions 74, the number of outer protrusions 76, and the number of length adjustment portions 78 may each be one.

[0094] In one embodiment, the fluid flowing inside the telescopic pipe 2 may be, for example, a gas other than air, a liquid, or a solid, or may be a mixture containing at least two of a gas, a liquid, and a solid.

[0095] In one embodiment, the outer protrusion 76 may intersect the first outer contact portion 82 .

[0096] In one embodiment, the entire outer protrusion 76 may be disposed on the outer contact portion 74 .

[0097] In one embodiment, the inner pipe 60 may not include the inner contact portion 65 . [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 2: Telescopic pipe 10: Blower 12:Power supply 24: Air blast pipe unit 40: Blower unit 42: Control unit 54:Air outlet 60: Inner pipe 62: Outer pipe 64:Inner cylinder part 65:Inner contact part 66: First inner contact part 68:Second inner contact part 70: Inner protrusion 72:Outer cylinder part 74:Outer contact part 76 :Outer protrusion 78: Length adjustment section 82: First outer contact part 84: Second outer contact part 86: Third outer contact part 88: 4th outer contact part 92:Long outer protrusion 94:Short outer protrusion 100: First adjustment rail 106: Second adjustment rail 112: Third adjustment rail

Claims

1. A pipe through which a fluid flows, An outer pipe; an inner pipe inserted into the outer pipe from one end side of the outer pipe, The outer pipe is an outer tubular portion having a cylindrical shape; an outer contact portion that is recessed radially inward of the outer cylindrical portion relative to an inner surface of the outer cylindrical portion and is configured to come into contact with the inner pipe; an outer protruding portion that is at least partially disposed on the outer contact portion, and whose inner surface facing the inner pipe protrudes further radially outward than the outer contact portion of the outer cylindrical portion, The outer pipe is elastically deformed radially outward as a result of the outer protruding portion elastically deforming.

2. The pipe according to claim 1 , wherein the outer contact portion extends along the circumferential direction of the outer cylindrical portion.

3. The pipe according to claim 2 , wherein a ratio of an angular range of the outer protrusion to an angular range of the entire circumference of the outer cylindrical portion in a direction along the circumferential direction of the outer cylindrical portion is in a range of 10% to 50%.

4. The pipe according to claim 1 , wherein the outer protrusion protrudes radially outward beyond the inner surface of the outer cylindrical portion.

5. The outer pipe has a longitudinal direction in the front-rear direction, The pipe according to claim 1 , wherein the outer protrusion extends in the front-to-rear direction and crosses the outer contact portion.

6. the exterior pipe includes a plurality of the exterior contact portions arranged side by side in the front-rear direction, The pipe of claim 5 , wherein the outer protrusion traverses each of the plurality of outer contact portions.

7. The pipe of claim 1 , wherein the outer protrusion is free to connect to both the one end and the other end of the outer pipe.

8. The outer pipe is an outer contact portion disposed on the other end side of the outer pipe relative to the outer contact portion; an outer end side outer protrusion that is disposed closer to the other end of the exterior pipe than the outer protrusion, the other-end-side outer contact portion is recessed radially inward of the outer cylindrical portion with respect to the inner surface of the outer cylindrical portion and is configured to come into contact with the inner pipe, 2. The pipe according to claim 1, wherein the other end side outer protrusion is at least partially disposed on the other end side outer contact portion, and the inner surface facing the inner pipe protrudes radially outward of the outer tubular portion more than the other end side outer contact portion.

9. the outer pipe is provided with a plurality of the outer protrusions, The pipe according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of outer protrusions are arranged spaced apart from one another in a direction along the circumferential direction of the outer cylindrical portion.

10. the exterior pipe further includes a one-end-side exterior contact portion that is located closer to the one end of the exterior pipe than the exterior contact portion and in the vicinity of the one end of the exterior pipe, the one-end-side outer contact portion is recessed radially inward of the outer cylindrical portion with respect to the inner surface of the outer cylindrical portion and is configured to come into contact with the inner pipe, The pipe according to claim 1 , wherein the outer protrusion is not disposed on the outer contact portion on the one end side.

11. The length of the pipe can be adjusted by sliding the outer pipe back and forth relative to the inner pipe, the outer pipe further includes a rail portion extending along the front-rear direction, an inner surface of the rail portion protrudes radially outward of the outer cylindrical portion beyond an inner surface of the outer cylindrical portion, the interior pipe includes an interior protruding portion protruding radially outward from the interior pipe, The pipe according to claim 1 , wherein the inner protrusion slides inside the rail portion when the exterior pipe is slid relative to the interior pipe in the front-rear direction.

12. The inner pipe is an inner tubular portion having a cylindrical shape; an inner contact portion extending along a circumferential direction of an outer surface of the inner cylindrical portion and protruding radially outward of the inner cylindrical portion beyond the outer surface of the inner cylindrical portion, The pipe of claim 1 , wherein the outer contact portion is configured to contact the inner contact portion when the inner pipe is fixed relative to the outer pipe.

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