medium

Abstract

To provide a medium that can improve convenience. [Solution] An intermediary according to one embodiment is an intermediary connected to at least one pipe. The intermediary comprises a cylindrical body having a port and extending along a central axis, a closing member that closes the port, and a rotating member having an opposing portion facing the closing member and being movable along the outer surface of the body in a circumferential direction about the central axis. The closing member has a first restricting portion that restricts the movement of the rotating member in the circumferential direction when the opposing portion is in position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector connected to a pipe.

Background Art

[0002] As an example of a connector, a connector for connecting a pair of fire hoses is known. Such a connector includes a main body and a pair of connectors provided at both ends of the main body. By connecting these connectors to the fittings provided at the ends of each hose, each hose can be connected. Various proposals have been made for such connectors (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Connectors are used not only in the above-mentioned fire protection field but also in other fields such as the supply of drinking water, agricultural and industrial water supply. Therefore, in each field, a more user-friendly connector is required. Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a connector that can improve convenience.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A connector according to an embodiment is a connector connected to at least one pipe. The connector includes a cylindrical main body having a port and extending along a central axis, a closing member closing the port, a facing portion facing the closing member, and a rotating member provided on the main body so as to be movable along an outer peripheral surface of the main body in a circumferential direction centered on the central axis. The closing member has a first restricting portion that restricts movement of the rotating member in the circumferential direction when the facing portion is located.

[0006] The opposing portion may be formed in the shape of a rod extending in the axial direction along the central axis. The first restricting portion may be formed along the axial direction and may have a recess that is recessed toward the central axis. The rotational member may have its movement in the circumferential direction restricted when the opposing portion is located in the recess.

[0007] The rotating member may be provided on the main body so as to be movable between a first position in which the opposing portion faces the closing member and a second position in which the opposing portion does not face the closing member. The first restricting portion may restrict the movement of the rotating member in the circumferential direction from the first position to the second position.

[0008] The closing member may further have a second restricting portion that is aligned with the first restricting portion in the circumferential direction and restricts the movement of the rotating member in the circumferential direction from the first position to the second position. The closing member may further have a first surface on which the second restricting portion is provided. The second restricting portion may have a convex portion that protrudes from the first surface and is biased in the direction of protrusion.

[0009] The protrusion may be provided on the first surface so as to be able to displace the amount of protrusion from the first surface. The second restricting portion may include a ball plunger containing the ball which is the protrusion. The closing member may further have a third restricting portion that is aligned with the second restricting portion in the circumferential direction, sandwiching the first restricting portion.

[0010] The third restricting portion may have a second surface facing the opposing portion in the circumferential direction. The main body may further include a sealing member that suppresses the outflow of fluid from the port. The intermediary may further include a connector to which the at least one pipe is connected. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a medium that can improve convenience. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the arrangement of an intermediary according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a mediating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a mediating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the main body in one embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of a closing member in one embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic side view of a closing member in one embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the mediating device shown in Figure 2. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an enlarged view showing the vicinity of a port in one embodiment. [Figure 9A] Figure 9A is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the rotating member and the closing member. [Figure 9B] Figure 9B is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the rotating member and the closing member. [Figure 9C] Figure 9C is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the rotating member and the closing member. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a schematic perspective view showing a modified version of the main body. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a schematic perspective view showing a modified example of the closing member. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments, as an example of a medium, a medium applicable to a water supply pipeline, a water supply system, etc. for supplying fire fighting water, agricultural water, industrial water, etc. is disclosed.

[0014] The medium can be applied to, for example, pipes with sizes ranging from 150A to 400A. However, the medium can also be applied to pipes other than the above-mentioned sizes (for example, sizes smaller than 150A, sizes larger than 400A). In addition, each part of the medium can be formed of, for example, a metal material. However, the medium may include members formed of non-metallic materials such as resin.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the arrangement mode of the medium 100 according to this embodiment. The medium 100 is connected to at least one pipe. In the example of FIG. 1, the medium 100 is connected to a plurality (for example, two) of pipes. The pipes are, as an example, flexible hoses 200A and 200B. In the example of FIG. 1, the medium 100 is arranged between the hoses 200A and 200B and connects the hose 200A and the hose 200B.

[0016] In FIG. 1, the flow direction of the fluid is indicated by an arrow A. Hereinafter, an example of the fluid passed through the medium 100 is water, but it is not limited to this example. In the example of FIG. 1, the water supplied from the hose 200A, which is the primary side (upstream side) pipe, passes through the medium 100 and flows toward the hose 200B, which is the secondary side (downstream side) pipe.

[0017] The hoses 200A and 200B have, for example, connectors 201A and 201B at their ends. The connectors 201A and 201B may be called coupling fittings. The hoses 200A and 200B are respectively fixed to the connectors 201A and 201B by fixtures 203A and 203B. The fixtures 203A and 203B may be called bindings.

[0018] The intermediary 100 includes, for example, connectors 2A and 2B. Piping is connected to connectors 2A and 2B, respectively. Connector 2A is provided at the upstream end of the intermediary 100, and connector 2B is provided at the downstream end of the intermediary 100. In the example in Figure 1, connector 2A is connected to connector 201A, and connector 2B is connected to connector 201B.

[0019] Connector 2A has a structure that allows it to be connected to connector 201A. Connector 2B has a structure that allows it to be connected to connector 201B. Connectors 2A and 201A have the same structure, for example, without distinction between male and female. Connectors 2B and 201B also have the same structure as connectors 2A and 201A. However, connectors 2A and 2B can be fitted with various structures, such as shapes that distinguish between male and female. Connector 2A may have a structure different from that of connector 2B.

[0020] Figures 2 and 3 are schematic perspective views of the intermediary 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the main body 1 in this embodiment. Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of the closing member 5 in this embodiment. Figure 6 is a schematic side view of the closing member 5 in this embodiment. Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the intermediary 100 shown in Figure 2. Figure 8 is an enlarged view showing the vicinity of the port 13 in this embodiment. In Figure 8, some elements are shown in cross-section.

[0021] In Figures 2 to 4, the central axis of the mediator 100 is shown as the central axis CX. Here, the direction along the central axis CX is defined as the axial direction X, the direction away from the central axis CX is defined as the radial direction R, and the circumferential direction θ is defined with respect to the central axis CX. One direction of the axial direction X corresponds to the fluid flow direction shown in Figure 1 (indicated by arrow A).

[0022] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the mediating device 100 comprises a main body 1. As shown in Figure 4, the main body 1 extends in a cylindrical shape along the central axis CX. Specifically, the main body 1 is formed in a cylindrical shape along the central axis CX. A flow path 11 is formed inside the main body 1.

[0023] The main body 1 has at least one port 13 (opening). The port 13 penetrates the main body 1 in the radial direction R. The port 13 is connected to the flow path 11. In one example, the port 13 has a circular shape, but is not limited to this example.

[0024] In this embodiment, the main body 1 has, for example, six ports 13. The number of ports 13 may be five or fewer, seven or more, or just one. The multiple ports 13 are arranged, for example, at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction θ. The predetermined interval may be a constant interval, or each may be at a different interval.

[0025] The main body 1 further has an outer circumferential surface 111, a first end 1a, and a second end 1b in the axial direction X. The second end 1b is located on the opposite side of the first end 1a in the axial direction X.

[0026] A connector 2A is provided at the first end 1a, and a connector 2B is provided at the second end 1b. Here, "end" includes the end and the area near it. For example, the area where connector 2A overlaps at the first end 1a corresponds to the area where connector 2B overlaps at the second end 1b.

[0027] As shown in Figure 4, the main body 1 has multiple (for example, six) recesses 113. The recesses 113 are recessed from the outer circumferential surface 111 toward the central axis CX. Each of the multiple recesses 113 overlaps the port 13. The recesses 113 are larger than the port 13 when viewed along the axis of the port 13. The recesses 113 have a bottom surface 115.

[0028] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the intermediary 100 further comprises a rotating member 3 and at least one closing member 5. The rotating member 3 is mounted on the main body 1 so as to be movable (rotatable) in the circumferential direction θ along the outer circumferential surface 111 of the main body 1. Focusing on the relationship with the connectors 2A and 2B, the connectors 2A and 2B are mounted on the main body 1 so as to sandwich the rotating member 3 in the axial direction X.

[0029] The rotating member 3 has rings 31A and 31B and a plurality (for example, six) of rods 33. In this embodiment, the rods 33 correspond to the opposing parts. The rings 31A, rods 33, and ring 31B are arranged in this order in the axial direction X. The rings 31A and 31B are connected by the plurality of rods 33.

[0030] The central axis of the rotating member 3, when attached to the main body 1, approximately coincides with the central axis CX of the intermediary 100. Hereinafter, the central axis of the rotating member 3 and the rings 31A and 31B may be referred to as the central axis CX.

[0031] Rings 31A and 31B are formed in an annular shape with the central axis CX as the center. Rings 31A and 31B surround the outer circumferential surface 111 of the main body 1. In the axial direction X, ring 31A is aligned with ring 31B, flanking multiple ports 13.

[0032] The outer diameters of the rings 31A and 31B are smaller than, for example, the outer diameters of the fixing devices 203A and 203B. As a result, as shown in Figure 1, when the mediator 100 is placed on the ground G, a gap is formed between the rotating member 3 and the ground G, so that the movement of the rotating member 3 is not hindered. Furthermore, even if the mediator 100 is dragged, the rotating member 3 is less likely to rotate unintentionally. In addition, the outer diameters of the rings 31A and 31B are larger than, for example, the outer diameters of the connectors 2A and 2B. As a result, when moving the rotating member 3, the connectors 2A and 2B are less likely to interfere with the user's operation.

[0033] The rings 31A and 31B may have at least one through-hole 310 (shown in Figure 2) that penetrates in the axial direction X. Members for use with the connectors 2A and 2B (for example, members to prevent the connectors 2A and 2B from being unintentionally released) can be attached to the through-hole 310.

[0034] The rods 33 extend along the axial direction X. The number of rods 33 is equal to, for example, the number of ports 13. The rods 33 are provided at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction θ. This interval is equal to the interval at which the ports 13 are provided in the circumferential direction θ. The number of rods 33 may be greater than the number of ports 13. In such a case, the user can use the rods 33 as handles for operating the rotating member 3.

[0035] The rod 33 is formed, for example, in the shape of a rod. In one example, the rod 33 has a cylindrical shape. In other words, the rod 33 has a circular cross-sectional shape when viewed in the axial direction X. Note that the cross-sectional shape of the rod 33 is not limited to the above example.

[0036] Here, the position where the rod 33 of the rotating member 3 faces the closing member 5 is defined as the first position P1, and the position where the rod 33 does not face the closing member 5 is defined as the second position P2. Specifically, the first position P1 is the position where the rod 33 faces the restricting portion 55 (shown in Figures 5 and 6) of the closing member 5. Note that the first position P1 may also include positions facing other parts of the upper part 53.

[0037] Furthermore, assuming that the main body 1 is fixed, we define the direction in the circumferential direction θ in which the rotating member 3 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2 as direction D1, and the direction in which it moves from the second position P2 to the first position P1 as direction D2.

[0038] The rotating member 3 is movable between a first position P1 and a second position P2 in the circumferential direction θ. Figure 2 shows the case where the rotating member 3 is in the first position P1, and Figure 3 shows the case where the rotating member 3 is in the second position P2.

[0039] The closing members 5 can close the ports 13 by being attached to the main body 1. The number of closing members 5 is equal to the number of ports 13. In this embodiment, the intermediary 100 is equipped with six closing members 5. As shown in Figure 2, when the rotating member 3 is in the first position P1, the closing members 5 are located between the main body 1 and the rod 33 in the radial direction R.

[0040] As shown in Figure 8, the closing member 5 is provided so as to be movable in the radial direction R relative to the port 13. Specifically, the closing member 5 moves in the radial direction R due to the pressure of the water flowing through the flow path 11 (hereinafter referred to as "water pressure"). The closing member 5 can also be manually removed from the port 13 by the user. When the closing member 5 moves radially R and detaches from the port 13, the port 13 is opened.

[0041] Here, we will describe an example of the closing member 5.

[0042] The closing member 5 has a base 50, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. The base 50 includes a lower part 51 and an upper part 53. The lower part 51 and the upper part 53 are formed, for example, integrally.

[0043] The closing member 5 has its lower part 51 positioned in the port 13 and its upper part 53 positioned in the recess 113. The lower part 51 has, for example, a cylindrical shape. The length of the radial R of the lower part 51 is, for example, approximately equal to the thickness of the main body 1. This reduces the amount of movement in the radial R required for the closing member 5 to disengage from the port 13. Furthermore, by ensuring that the lower end of the lower part 51 does not protrude beyond the inner circumferential surface of the main body 1 towards the central axis CX, the closing member 5 is less likely to obstruct the fluid flow.

[0044] The upper part 53 is provided at the upper end of the lower part 51. A portion of the upper part 53 protrudes radially R from the recess 113. The planar shape of the upper part 53 is approximately equal to the planar shape of the recess 113. The upper part 53 includes a portion 531 with a semicircular planar shape and a portion 533 with a rectangular planar shape.

[0045] The upper part 53 further includes a surface 535 that contacts the bottom surface 115 of the recess 113. The surface 535 is formed over portions 531 and 533. The shape of the base 50 is appropriately modified according to the shape of the port 13 and the recess 113. The shape of the base 50 is not limited to the example described above.

[0046] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the closing member 5 further has a restricting portion 55 (first restricting portion). The restricting portion 55 restricts the movement of the rotating member 3 in the circumferential direction θ from the first position P1 to the second position P2.

[0047] The regulating portion 55 is formed on the base 50. Specifically, the regulating portion 55 is located in the center of the upper portion 53. Focusing on its relationship with the lower portion 51, the regulating portion 55 overlaps with the center of the lower portion 51.

[0048] The restricting portion 55 has a recess 551 that is recessed toward the lower portion 51. The recess 551 is formed by part of portions 531 and 533. The recess 551 is formed along the axial direction X of the upper portion 53 over its entire axial direction X. Focusing on its relationship to the main body 1, the recess 551 is recessed toward the central axis CX. The axial length X of the rod 33 is greater than the axial length X of the recess 551.

[0049] As shown in Figure 7, when the rotating member 3 is in the first position P1, the recess 551 faces the rod 33 in the radial direction R. In other words, the restricting portion 55 overlaps with the rod 33 in the radial direction R.

[0050] The surface of the recess 551 has, for example, a radius of curvature equivalent to that of the outer surface of the rod 33. The recess 551 only needs to be large (deep) in which at least a portion of the rod 33 can be positioned.

[0051] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the closing member 5 may further include a restricting portion 57 (second restricting portion) and a restricting portion 59 (third restricting portion). The restricting portions 57 and 59 restrict the movement of the rotating member 3 in the circumferential direction θ.

[0052] Specifically, the restricting unit 57 restricts the movement of the rotating member 3 in the circumferential direction θ (movement in direction D1) from the first position P1 to the second position P2. The restricting unit 59 restricts the movement of the rotating member 3 in direction D2.

[0053] As shown in Figure 6, the restricting portion 57 is aligned with the restricting portion 55 in the circumferential direction θ when viewed in the axial direction X. Here, viewing in the axial direction X means, for example, viewing the mediating device 100 from the downstream side (connecting device 2B side) to the upstream side (connecting device 2A side).

[0054] The regulating portion 57 is provided on the surface 5311 of the portion 531 of the upper part 53. In this embodiment, surface 5311 corresponds to the first surface. Surface 5311 is the surface located on the opposite side from surface 535.

[0055] The regulating section 57 is, for example, two ball plungers 571. The number of ball plungers 571 may be one or three or more. The two ball plungers 571 are aligned in the axial direction X.

[0056] The ball plunger 571 is provided in a recess 5313 formed in the surface 5311. The ball plunger 571 includes a ball 573 and a biasing member 575 (for example, a coil spring). In this embodiment, the ball 573 corresponds to a protrusion.

[0057] A portion of the ball 573 protrudes beyond the surface 5311. Furthermore, the ball 573 is biased by the biasing member 575 in a direction that causes the ball 573 to protrude from the surface 5311.

[0058] The ball 573 is positioned by a biasing member 575 so that its protrusion from the surface 5311 can be displaced. Specifically, the amount of protrusion of the ball 573 from the surface 5311 changes depending on the load applied to the ball 573 in the direction opposite to the direction in which the ball 573 protrudes. Here, the amount of protrusion corresponds to the height to which the ball 573 protrudes from the surface 5311.

[0059] The restricting portion 57 may be composed of elements other than the ball plunger 571. The restricting portion 57 may be composed of, for example, a biasing member such as a leaf spring, rubber, or resin, and other members other than the ball.

[0060] As shown in Figure 6, the restricting portion 59 is aligned with the restricting portion 57 in the circumferential direction θ when viewed in the axial direction X, with the restricting portion 55 in between. The restricting portion 59 is formed, for example, by a portion 533 of the upper part 53 protruding radially R beyond the surface 5311.

[0061] The restricting portion 59 has a surface 591. In this embodiment, the surface 591 corresponds to a second surface. The surface 591 is formed continuously with, for example, the recess 551 of the restricting portion 55. The surface 591 is formed along the axial direction X, covering the entire axial direction X of the upper part 53.

[0062] As shown in Figure 7, surface 591 faces the outer circumferential surface of the rod 33 in the circumferential direction θ. Surface 591 is formed in a curved shape, for example, along the outer circumferential surface of the rod 33. Surface 591 protrudes from surface 5311 more than the ball 573.

[0063] As shown in Figure 8, the intermediary 100 may further include a sealing member 7 to suppress the outflow of water from the port 13. The sealing member 7 is provided on the port 13. An example of the sealing member 7 will now be described.

[0064] The main body 1 further has a surface 117 that defines the port 13. The surface 117 has a uniform diameter in the radial direction R. An annular groove 17 is formed in the surface 117, in which a sealing member 7 is provided.

[0065] The sealing member 7 is, for example, a lip seal. The water pressure flowing through the channel 11 presses the tip of the lip seal against the side surface 511 of the lower part 51 of the closing member 5, thereby suppressing the outflow of water from the port 13. However, the sealing member 7 may be an O-ring or flat packing provided on the bottom surface 115, or it may be something other than these.

[0066] As shown in Figure 8, the intermediary 100 may further include a retaining member 9 that connects the closing member 5 and the main body 1. This prevents the closing member 5 from being lost when it comes off the port 13. The retaining member 9 is, for example, a wire, but is not limited to this example.

[0067] For example, one end of the retaining member 9 is connected to the outer circumferential surface 111 of the main body 1, and the other end is connected to the closing member 5. The position where the retaining member 9 and the main body 1 are connected is, for example, between adjacent ports 13 in the circumferential direction θ. The outer circumferential surface 111 may also be provided with a connecting portion 119 for connecting the retaining member 9.

[0068] Next, we will explain the relationship between the rotating member 3 and the closing member 5.

[0069] Figures 9A to 9C are diagrams illustrating the relationship between the rotating member 3 and the closing member 5. Figures 9A and 9C show a state where no water is flowing through the flow path 11, while Figure 9B shows a state where water is flowing through the flow path 11 (water flow state). In Figures 9A and 9C, the bottom surface of the lower part 51 of the closing member 5 is not subjected to water pressure in the radial direction R, while in Figure 9B, the bottom surface of the lower part 51 of the closing member 5 is subjected to water pressure in the radial direction R.

[0070] In the examples in Figures 9A and 9B, the rotating member 3 is positioned at a first position P1. Specifically, the rod 33 of the rotating member 3 faces the recess 551 of the restricting portion 55 of the closing member 5. In Figure 9A, a gap C is formed between the rod 33 and the recess 551. In other words, the closing member 5 is movable radially R by an amount corresponding to the gap C. In this case, the rotating member 3 is movable in direction D1.

[0071] As shown in Figure 9B, when the closing member 5 is subjected to the water pressure flowing through the flow path 11, the closing member 5 moves radially R by the amount of the gap C, and the rod 33 is positioned in the restricting portion 55. Specifically, a part of the rod 33 is positioned in the recess 551 of the restricting portion 55. More specifically, the surface of the recess 551 is in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the rod 33.

[0072] In this case, the rod 33 is held down radially in the R direction by water pressure via the closing member 5. As a result, the movement of the rotating member 3 toward direction D1 is restricted by the closing member 5. In other words, the intermediary 100 can lock the movement of the rotating member 3 when the closing member 5 is subjected to water pressure. Thus, the movement of the closing member 5 can be restricted as long as there is a recess 551 that can catch at least a part of the rod 33.

[0073] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 9B, the sealing member 7 is in contact with the side surface 511 of the lower part 51. In other words, the lower part 51 has sufficient length to contact the sealing member 7 even when the closing member 5 moves radially R by the amount of the gap C. As a result, the port 13 is closed by the closing member 5 and the sealing member 7, thereby suppressing the outflow of water from the port 13.

[0074] In contrast, when the rotating member 3 is in the second position P2, as shown in Figure 8, the restricting portion 55 does not face the rod 33. In other words, the movement of the closing member 5 in the radial direction R is not obstructed by the rod 33.

[0075] For example, when the closing member 5 is subjected to water pressure, it moves radially in direction R and disengages from the port 13. This allows water to be discharged from the port 13. In this way, the closing member 5 can open or close the port 13 depending on the position of the rotating member 3 in the circumferential direction θ (first position P1 and second position P2).

[0076] In the state shown in Figure 9A, as described above, a gap C is formed between the rod 33 and the recess 551. Therefore, the rotating member 3 can be moved in direction D1. When the rotating member 3 is moved in direction D1, as shown in Figure 9C, the rotating member 3 is positioned at position P3, and the rod 33 comes into contact with the ball plunger 571 of the restricting portion 57. Specifically, the outer circumferential surface of the rod 33 comes into contact with the ball 573 of the restricting portion 57. This restricts the movement of the rotating member 3 in direction D1.

[0077] When the closing member 5 is not subjected to water pressure, the movement of the rotating member 3 in direction D1 is restricted by the restricting member 57. This prevents the rotating member 3 from unintentionally moving to the second position P2 and the closing member 5 from disengaging from the port 13.

[0078] When the user moves the rotating member 3 to the second position P2, an additional force is applied to the rotating member 3 from position P3 in the direction D1. This reduces the amount of protrusion of the ball 573 as the rod 33 pushes the ball 573 downward against the biasing force of the biasing member 575.

[0079] In Figure 9C, the pushed-in ball 573 is shown by a dashed line. In this embodiment, the rod 33 can slide along the outer surface of the ball 573, making it easier to push in the ball 573 while rotating the rotating member 3.

[0080] As a result, the rotating member 3 can be moved toward the second position P2. Once the rotating member 3 is moved to the second position P2, the port 13 can be opened as described above.

[0081] The distance W (shown in Figure 9A) between the rod 33 and the ball plunger 571 (regulating portion 57) can be changed as appropriate. For example, the distance W may be changed so that the rod 33 contacts the ball 573 in the state shown in Figure 9A.

[0082] Furthermore, in the state shown in Figure 9A, the rod 33 faces the surface 591 of the restricting portion 59 in the circumferential direction θ. When the rotating member 3 is moved in direction D2 at the first position P1, the rod 33 comes into contact with the surface 591. As a result, the restricting portion 59 restricts the movement of the rotating member 3 in direction D2.

[0083] Since the rod 33 cannot move over the surface 591, the rotating member 3 cannot move from the first position P1 in direction D2. Note that when the rotating member 3 is in the first position P1, the surface 591 may or may not be in contact with the rod 33 of the rotating member 3.

[0084] In other words, even in the state shown in Figure 9A (when the closing member 5 is not subjected to water pressure), the movement of the rotating member 3 in the circumferential direction θ is restricted by the restricting portion 57 and the restricting portion 59 of the mediating device 100.

[0085] Furthermore, in the intermediary 100, the direction of movement of the rotating member 3 for opening and closing the port 13 is defined by the restricting members 57 and 59. In this embodiment, direction D1 corresponds to the opening direction for opening the port 13. By defining the opening direction of the port 13 to one direction of the circumferential direction θ (specifically, direction D1), even if the above-mentioned retaining member 9 is provided, the retaining member 9 is less likely to obstruct the movement of the rotating member 3. Note that a closing member 5 may be provided so that the opening direction is direction D2.

[0086] With the mediating device 100 configured as described above, convenience can be improved. In this embodiment, the closing member 5 has a restricting portion 55. As a result, when the closing member 5 is subjected to water pressure, unintended movement of the rotating member 3 is suppressed.

[0087] In this embodiment, the positioning of the rod 33 in the restricting portion 55 restricts the movement of the rotating member 3, thereby preventing the port 13 from coming off. This prevents, for example, water from being unintentionally discharged from the intermediary 100. As a result, the convenience of using the intermediary 100 during operation can be improved. Furthermore, by preventing water from being unintentionally discharged from the intermediary 100, user safety can also be improved.

[0088] Furthermore, in this embodiment, multiple ports 13 can be opened by moving the rotating member 3 to the second position P2. For example, even if there are multiple ports 13, multiple ports 13 can be opened simultaneously simply by rotating the rotating member 3.

[0089] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, even when the closing member 5 is not subjected to water pressure, the movement of the rotating member 3 in the circumferential direction θ is restricted by the restricting parts 57 and 59. As a result, it is possible to prevent the rotating member 3 from moving unintentionally and the port 13 from coming off during transportation of the intermediary 100. As a result, the convenience of the intermediary 100 can be further improved.

[0090] With a mediating device configured as described above, convenience can be improved. In addition, various other desirable effects can be obtained from this embodiment.

[0091] Note that the main body 1 and the closing member 5 in this embodiment are not limited to the examples described above. Figure 10 is a schematic perspective view showing a modified example of the main body 1. The main body 1 may have a plurality of ports 13 arranged in the axial direction X, as shown in Figure 10.

[0092] Furthermore, the multiple ports 13 aligned in the axial direction X are aligned in the circumferential direction θ. In the example in Figure 10, there are three ports 13 aligned in the axial direction X, but there may be two or fewer ports 13 aligned in the axial direction X, or there may be four or more ports 13. Also, the number of ports 13 aligned in the axial direction X may differ in their positions in the circumferential direction θ.

[0093] In Figure 10, the aforementioned closing members 5 are also provided at each of the ports 13. Furthermore, the configuration of the rotating member 3 is appropriately changed according to the main body 1.

[0094] Figure 11 is a schematic perspective view showing a modified example of the closing member 5. In the example shown in Figure 11, the upper part 53 includes two semicircular portions 531 with a planar shape. The restricting portion 55 is formed by parts of the two portions 531.

[0095] In the example shown in Figure 11, the restricting portion 57 is aligned with the restricting portion 55 in the circumferential direction θ. The restricting portion 57 is, for example, the two ball plungers 571 described using Figure 6.

[0096] The connecting device 100 is not limited to those used for connecting hoses as disclosed in this embodiment. The connecting device 100 may also be used to connect hoses to equipment (e.g., pumps, flow meters, strainers, etc.).

[0097] Furthermore, the intermediary 100 disclosed in this embodiment can be applied to a variety of uses. In this embodiment, an example is disclosed in which the main body 1 is a straight pipe, but the main body 1 may also be an elbow pipe, a branch pipe, or the like. In addition, the intermediary 100 may further include a mechanism for adjusting the opening degree of the port 13.

[0098] The embodiments described above do not limit the scope of the invention to the configurations disclosed in these embodiments. The present invention can be implemented in various other forms. The configurations disclosed in the embodiments and their variations are included within the scope of the invention as described in the claims and its equivalents.

[0099] An example of an intermediary device obtained from the configuration disclosed herein is shown below. [Note 1] A connecting device that is connected to at least one pipe, A cylindrical body having a port and extending along the central axis, A closing member that blocks the port, A rotating member is provided on the main body having an opposing portion facing the closing member and movable along the outer surface of the main body in a circumferential direction about the central axis, The closing member has a first restricting portion that restricts the movement of the rotating member in the circumferential direction when the opposing portion is in position. medium. [Note 2] The opposing portion is formed in the shape of a rod extending in the axial direction along the central axis, The first restricting portion is formed along the axial direction and has a recess that is recessed toward the central axis, When the opposing portion of the rotating member is located in the recess, its movement in the circumferential direction is restricted. The intermediary device described in Appendix 1. [Note 3] The rotating member is provided on the main body so as to be movable between a first position in which the opposing portion faces the closing member and a second position in which the opposing portion does not face the closing member. The first restricting portion restricts the movement of the rotating member in the circumferential direction from the first position to the second position. The intermediary device described in Appendix 2. [Note 4] The closing member further has a second restricting portion that is aligned with the first restricting portion in the circumferential direction and restricts the movement of the rotating member in the circumferential direction from the first position to the second position. The intermediary device described in Appendix 3. [Note 5] The closing member further has a first surface on which the second restricting portion is provided, The second restricting portion has a convex portion that protrudes from the first surface and is biased in the direction of protrusion. The intermediary described in Appendix 4. [Note 6] The aforementioned protrusion is provided on the first surface so that the amount of protrusion from the first surface can be displaced. The intermediary device described in Appendix 5. [Note 7] The second regulating portion includes a ball plunger which includes the ball which is the protrusion, The intermediary device described in Appendix 6. [Note 8] The closing member further has a third restricting portion that is aligned with the second restricting portion in the circumferential direction, with the first restricting portion in between. The mediating device described in any one of the appendices 5 to 7. [Note 9] The third restricting portion has a second surface facing the opposing portion in the circumferential direction. The intermediary described in Appendix 8. [Note 10] The main body is further provided with a sealing member that suppresses the outflow of fluid from the port, The mediating device described in any one of the appendices 1 to 9. [Note 11] The connector to which at least one of the aforementioned pipes is connected is further comprising The mediating device described in any one of the appendices 1 to 10. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 1...Main body, 2A, 2B...Connectors, 3...Rotating member, 5...Closing member, 7...Sealing member, 11...Flow path, 13...Port, 31A, 31B...Rings, 33...Rod, 55, 57, 59...Restricting parts, 100...Intermediation device, 113...Recess.

Claims

1. An intermediary connected to at least one pipe, A cylindrical body having a port and extending along the central axis, A closing member that blocks the port, A rotating member is provided on the main body having an opposing portion facing the closing member and movable along the outer surface of the main body in a circumferential direction about the central axis, The opposing portion is formed in the shape of a rod extending in the axial direction along the central axis, The closing member has a first restricting portion that restricts the movement of the rotating member in the circumferential direction when the opposing portion is in position, The first restricting portion is formed along the axial direction and has a recess that is recessed toward the central axis, When the opposing portion of the rotating member is located in the recess, its movement in the circumferential direction is restricted. medium.

2. The rotating member is provided on the main body so as to be movable between a first position in which the opposing portion faces the closing member and a second position in which the opposing portion does not face the closing member. The first restricting portion restricts the movement of the rotating member in the circumferential direction from the first position to the second position. The mediating device according to claim 1.

3. The closing member further has a second restricting portion that is aligned with the first restricting portion in the circumferential direction and restricts the movement of the rotating member in the circumferential direction from the first position to the second position. The mediating device according to claim 2.

4. The closing member further has a first surface on which the second restricting portion is provided, The second restricting portion has a convex portion that protrudes from the first surface and is biased in the direction of protrusion. The mediating device according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned protrusion is provided on the first surface so that its protrusion amount from the first surface can be displaced. The mediating device according to claim 4.

6. The second regulating portion includes a ball plunger which includes the ball which is the protrusion, The mediating device according to claim 5.

7. The closing member further has a third restricting portion that is aligned with the second restricting portion in the circumferential direction, with the first restricting portion in between. The mediating device according to claim 4.

8. The third restricting portion has a second surface facing the opposing portion in the circumferential direction. The mediating device according to claim 7.

9. The main body is further provided with a sealing member that suppresses the outflow of fluid from the port, The mediating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The connector to which at least one of the aforementioned pipes is connected is further comprising The mediating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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