Connection device and connector

Abstract

To provide a connecting device which can easily release a connection state with a waved pipe and has improved workability.SOLUTION: A connecting device 100 comprises: a connecting cylinder 110 having a cylinder wall 111, a connecting port 112, and a plurality of penetrating portions 114; and a retention member 120 interposed between a waved pipe 11 inserted into the connecting cylinder 110 and the connecting cylinder 110, and regulating the movement of the waved pipe 11 in a withdrawal direction with respect to the connecting cylinder 110. The retention member 120 comprises: an attachment part 123 to be attached to an outer face of the waved pipe 11; and a plurality of engagement parts 125 which are bulged to a radially outer side with respect to an outer face of a protrusion 13 of the waved pipe 11 so as to extend into the plurality of penetrating portions 114. A plurality of restriction parts 115 are provided on an inner face of the cylinder wall 111. The plurality of restriction parts are located adjacent to and on axial tip sides of the penetrating portions 114, and engaged with the engagement parts 125 elastically displaced to a radially inner side so as to separate from the penetration parts 114, thus restricting the engagement parts 125 from elastically restoring and entering the penetrating portions 114.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connecting device and a connector for connecting corrugated tubes.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various connecting devices for connecting corrugated tubes have been used to perform end processing on the ends of corrugated tubes that house and protect wirings and the like inside, or to connect two or more corrugated tubes to each other.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a connecting device that allows for easier and quicker release of the connection between a pipe and a pipe fitting using a release tool. In the following paragraph, the reference numerals in Patent Document 1 are shown in parentheses. In Patent Document 1, the pipe fitting (10) consists of a fitting body (110) and a retaining member (120), and is configured to maintain the connection state by inserting a pipe (20) into the receiving opening (111) of the fitting body (110). Here, the pipe (20) is a rectangular flexible corrugated pipe. An annular groove (21) for attaching the retaining member (120) is formed around the outer circumference of the pipe (20). Slit-shaped through holes (112) are drilled in the side walls of the fitting body (110) at four corners near the receiving opening (111). The retaining member (120) is a strip-shaped body with a roughly rectangular shape in plan view, and its outer circumference (120a) corresponds to the shape of the inner circumferential wall of the joint body (110), while its inner circumference (120b) corresponds to the shape of the outer circumferential wall of the groove (21) of the pipe (20). On each of the four sides of the retaining member (120), a linear mounting portion (121) and elastically deformable portions (122) that protrude outward from both ends of the mounting portion (121) are formed. Each elastically deformable portion (122) has four engaging portions (123) that protrude outward and can engage with the edges of the four through holes (112) of the joint body (110). In a joint structure in which pipes (20) are connected to both ends of a pipe joint (10), an engaging portion (123) formed on the elastically deformable portion (122) of a retaining member (120) engages with the edge of a through hole (112) in the joint body (110), thereby forming a connection between the pipe joint (10) and the pipe (20). To release the engaging portion (123) from each through hole (112), a connection release tool (100) is inserted into the through hole (112) of the joint body (110) and rotated. In this connection release operation, it is necessary to hold the connection release tool (100) in a retaining position inside the through hole (112) to prevent each engaging portion (123) from returning to the through hole (112). To release the connection between the pipe fitting (10) and the pipe (20), the engagement state of all four engagement points is released by the four release devices (100), and the connection between the pipe fitting (10) and the pipe (20) is released as these states are held in place. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-011330 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] In the connection device described in Patent Document 1, when disconnecting the corrugated pipe, the connection is released from all engagement points using a disconnection tool, and the released state by each disconnection tool is maintained at each engagement point to prevent re-engagement, thereby releasing the connection between the pipe joint and the corrugated pipe and allowing the corrugated pipe to be pulled out of the pipe joint. However, with conventional connection devices such as those described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to use a disconnection tool for each engagement point, which makes handling cumbersome, and as a result, the work efficiency when removing the pipe from the connection device is reduced, which is a problem.

[0006] The present invention was made to solve the above problems, and its objective is to provide a connecting device and connecting body that can be easily disconnected from a corrugated pipe and have improved workability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One embodiment of the present invention The connecting device is a connecting device for connecting corrugated tubes, A connecting cylinder having a cylindrical wall extending in the axial direction, a connection port opening at the tip of the cylindrical wall into which the corrugated pipe is inserted, and a plurality of through-holes that penetrate the cylindrical wall inward and outward and are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction, The corrugated pipe inserted into the connecting cylinder and the connecting cylinder are interposed between them and a retaining member that restricts the movement of the corrugated pipe in the direction of pulling it out of the connecting cylinder, The aforementioned retaining member is An attachment portion which is fitted into a recess of the corrugated pipe and attached to the outer surface of the corrugated pipe, The corrugated pipe comprises multiple engaging portions that bulge radially outward from the outer surface of the convex portion so as to enter each of the multiple penetration portions, and that engage with the inner surface of the penetration portion at least at the axial end of the cylindrical wall, thereby restricting the movement of the retaining member in the direction of disengagement from the connecting cylinder, and that are elastically displaceable radially inward so as to disengage from each of the penetration portions, The inner surface of the cylindrical wall is provided with a plurality of restricting portions that are positioned adjacent to the axial end of each through-hole and engage with the engaging portions that are elastically displaced radially inward so as to detach from each through-hole, thereby restricting the engaging portions from elastically returning to their original position and entering the through-hole.

[0008] Further embodiments of the present invention The connection device described above, The above form In the connecting device, the connecting cylinder is configured to be rotatable in the circumferential direction with respect to the connected corrugated pipe, and the retaining member is characterized in that it is rotatable in accordance with the rotation of the connecting cylinder with respect to the corrugated pipe.

[0009] Further embodiments of the present invention The connection device described above, In the above configuration of the connecting device, The connecting cylinder is characterized by further comprising an indicator portion formed at a position corresponding to the circumferential direction of each of the through-holes, and indicating the position of the through-hole to the outside via the connecting port.

[0010] Further embodiments of the present invention The connection device described above, The above form In the connecting device, the engaging portion consists of a protruding piece formed such that the amount of radial outward protrusion increases as it approaches the axial tip side, and the protruding piece is inclined with respect to the axial direction so as to face the axial base end side and radial outward, and has a pressed surface that is pressed from the outside, and a contact surface that faces the axial tip side and abuts against the inner surface of the through portion.

[0011] Further embodiments of the present invention The connection device described above, The above form The connecting device is characterized in that the pressed surface has a hooking groove formed therein for hooking the tip of a tool.

[0012] Further embodiments of the present invention The connection device described above, The above form In the connecting device, the connecting cylinder is configured such that the corrugated pipe, with the retaining member attached, can be inserted into the interior through the connecting port. The restricting portion is a restricting wall that protrudes radially inward from the inner surface of the cylindrical wall in the region adjacent to the connection port. The retaining member is characterized in that, while attached to the corrugated pipe, it is elastically deformable radially inward so as to move further in the insertion direction, overcoming the penetration portion.

[0013] Further embodiments of the present invention The connection device described above, The above form In the connecting device, the retaining member is configured such that when the plurality of engaging portions are engaged with the plurality of restricting portions, the attachment portion is fitted into the recess of the corrugated pipe, and is removed from the connecting cylinder together with the corrugated pipe when the corrugated pipe is removed.

[0014] One embodiment of the present invention The connector is a connector for connecting corrugated pipes in cooperation with a retaining member, A cylindrical wall extending in the axial direction, The cylindrical wall has an opening at its tip, into which the corrugated pipe is inserted, and The cylindrical wall comprises a plurality of through-holes that penetrate the inner and outer surfaces and are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction, The aforementioned retaining member is An attachment portion which is fitted into a recess of the corrugated pipe and attached to the outer surface of the corrugated pipe, The corrugated pipe comprises a plurality of engaging portions that bulge radially outward from the outer surface of the convex portion of the corrugated pipe and are elastically displaceable radially inward, and is interposed between the corrugated pipe inserted into the connecting body and the connecting body, and is configured to restrict the movement of the corrugated pipe in the direction of pulling out of the connecting body. The through portion has the engaging portion inside toconfigured such that the engaging portion engages with the inner surface of the through-hole at least on the axial tip side of the cylindrical wall, thereby restricting the movement of the retaining member in the extraction direction with respect to the connecting body, On the inner surface of the cylindrical wall, a plurality of restricting portions are provided which are positioned adjacent to the axial tip side of each through-hole and engage with the engaging portion that is elastically displaced radially inward so as to be separated from each through-hole, thereby restricting the elastic return of the engaging portion and its entry into the through-hole.

Advantages of the Invention

[0015] One embodiment of the present invention (paragraph 0007)In this connection device, a retaining member is interposed between the corrugated pipe inserted into the connecting cylinder and the connecting cylinder, restricting the movement of the corrugated pipe in the direction of disengagement relative to the connecting cylinder. In particular, in the connected state where the connection device connects the corrugated pipe, the attachment portion of the retaining member engages with a recess in the corrugated pipe, thereby restricting the movement of the corrugated pipe in the direction of disengagement relative to the retaining member. Furthermore, in this connected state, each engaging portion of the retaining member enters the corresponding penetration portion and engages with the inner surface of the penetration portion, forming multiple engagement points, thereby restricting the movement of the retaining member in the direction of disengagement relative to the connecting cylinder. That is, the attachment portion and engaging portion of the retaining member interposed between the corrugated pipe and the connecting cylinder engage with the corrugated pipe and the connecting cylinder, respectively, in an axial direction that restricts disengagement, thereby forming the connected state of the corrugated pipe to the connection device. On the other hand, in this connected state, the engaging portion that has entered the penetration portion faces the outside through the penetration portion that penetrates the cylinder wall inward and outward. Furthermore, each engaging portion is elastically displaceable radially inward to disengage from each penetration. The inner surface of the cylinder wall is provided with multiple restricting portions that engage with the engaging portions that have elastically displaced radially inward to disengage from each penetration, and that restrict the engaging portions from elastically returning to their original position and re-entering the penetration. Here, regarding the "elastic displacement" of the engaging portion, as long as the engaging portion displaces inward to disengage from the penetration and then elastically returns to engage with the penetration or restricting portion, the engaging portion itself may be elastically deformed, or the retaining member may be elastically deformed as a whole or partially. That is, when a user presses the engaging portion from outside the cylinder wall through the penetration to each engaging point, the engaging portion disengages from the penetration, and each disengaged engaging portion is locked by the restricting portion to prevent it from returning to each penetration. By maintaining the disengaged state at all engaging points, relative movement in the withdrawal direction of the corrugated pipe and the connecting pipe is permitted. Subsequent withdrawal operations can pull the corrugated pipe out of the connecting pipe, and the connection of the corrugated pipe to the connecting device can be released.Therefore, in the connecting device of the present invention, the restricting portion provided on the inner surface of the connecting cylinder functions as a backstop for the engaging portion, so that the engaging release state at each engaging location can be easily maintained without complicated handling, and the workability in disconnecting the connecting device and the corrugated tube can be further improved.

[0016] Further embodiments of the present invention (paragraph 0008) According to the connecting device, the above In addition to the effects of the invention, since the corrugated tube and the connecting cylinder are connected via a retaining member so as to be relatively rotatable in the circumferential direction, it becomes possible to relatively rotate the connecting device and the corrugated tube in the axial direction during the connection operation and disconnection operation of the corrugated tube. In particular, when a plurality of corrugated tubes are arranged side by side or when the corrugated tube is arranged in a bent manner, etc., in an environment where adjacent corrugated tubes or the bent portions of the corrugated tube interfere and the connection operation and disconnection operation of the connecting device and the corrugated tube are difficult, the user can move the connecting device relative to the corrugated tube to an easily workable position, so that the workability can be improved.

[0017] Further embodiments of the present invention (paragraph 0009) According to the connecting device, the above In addition to the effects of the invention, when attaching the retaining member to the connecting cylinder, it becomes possible to position the engaging portion of the retaining member in the circumferential direction based on the position of the indicator portion viewed from the tip side of the connecting cylinder. That is, alignment when attaching the retaining member to the connecting cylinder is facilitated by the indicator portion.

[0018] Further embodiments of the present invention (paragraph 0010) According to the connecting device, the above In addition to the effects of the invention, when a pressing surface that forms an inclined surface facing the axial base end side and the radial outer side is pressed in a state where the protruding piece as the engaging portion is disposed inside the through portion, the pressing force on the protruding piece is naturally directed toward the axial tip side. Thereby, it becomes possible to surely form the engagement between the pressed engaging portion and the restricting portion located on the axial tip side of the through portion.

[0019] Further embodiments of the present invention (paragraph 0011) According to the connecting device, the aboveIn addition to the effects of the invention, by hooking the tip of the tool into the locking groove formed on the surface to be pressed and pushing it in, it is possible to easily press the engaging portion without the tip of the tool slipping.

[0020] Further embodiments of the present invention (paragraph 0012) According to the connection device, the above In addition to the effects of the invention, by inserting the corrugated pipe, with the retaining member already attached, into the connecting cylinder through the connection port, the engaging portion can overcome the restricting wall protruding from the inner surface of the cylinder wall in the insertion direction and enter the penetration portion, making it possible to easily connect the corrugated pipe to the connecting cylinder. With this connection method, the attachment of the retaining member to the corrugated pipe can be visually confirmed, thus preventing the retaining member from being forgotten. Furthermore, while attached to the corrugated pipe, the retaining member can move further in the insertion direction by the elastic displacement of the engaging portion radially inward, overcoming the penetration portion. This makes it possible to insert and connect the corrugated pipe further into the connecting cylinder as needed.

[0021] Further embodiments of the present invention (paragraph 0013) According to the connection device, the above In addition to the effects of the invention, the retaining member can be separated from the connecting cylinder by disconnecting the connecting device from the corrugated pipe. This makes it easier to reattach the retaining member to the corrugated pipe when reconnecting the corrugated pipe and the connecting device.

[0022] One embodiment of the present invention (paragraph 0014)In this connection, the attachment portion of the retaining member engages with the recess of the corrugated pipe, thereby restricting the movement of the corrugated pipe in the direction of detachment relative to the retaining member, and thus forming a connection between the connection and the corrugated pipe. Furthermore, in this connection state, each engaging portion of the retaining member enters into the corresponding penetration portion and engages with the inner surface of the penetration portion, thereby forming multiple engagement points, which restricts the movement of the retaining member in the direction of detachment relative to the connection. In other words, the attachment portion and engaging portion of the retaining member interposed between the corrugated pipe and the connection state engage with the corrugated pipe and the connection state, respectively, in an axial direction that restricts detachment, thereby forming a connection state of the corrugated pipe to the connection. On the other hand, in this connection state, the engaging portion that has entered into the penetration portion faces the outside through the penetration portion that penetrates the cylindrical wall from the inside to the outside. In addition, each engaging portion is elastically displaceable radially inward so as to detach from each penetration portion. Furthermore, the inner surface of the cylindrical wall is provided with multiple restricting parts that engage with engaging parts that are elastically displaced radially inward to detach from each penetration, and that restrict the engaging parts from elastically returning to their original position and re-entering the penetration. Here, regarding the "elastic displacement" of the engaging parts, the engaging part itself may be elastically deformed, or the retaining member may be elastically deformed as a whole or partially, as long as the engaging part is displaced inward to detach from the penetration and then elastically returns to engage with the penetration or restricting part. In other words, when a user presses the engaging part from outside the cylindrical wall through the penetration at each engagement point, the engaging part detaches from the penetration, and each detached engaging part is locked by the restricting part to prevent it from returning to each penetration. Then, by maintaining the disengaged state at all engagement points, relative movement in the withdrawal direction of the corrugated pipe and the connector is permitted. Subsequent withdrawal operations can pull the corrugated pipe out from the connector, and the connection of the corrugated pipe to the connector via the retaining member can be released. Therefore, the connector of the present invention has a restricting portion provided on the inner surface of the cylindrical wall that functions as a stopper against the engaging portion, making it possible to easily maintain the disengaged state at each engaging point without complicating its handling, thereby further improving the workability when disengaging the connector from the corrugated pipe. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0023] [Figure 1] An exploded perspective view of a connecting device according to one embodiment of the present invention (first embodiment). [Figure 2] (a) A schematic perspective view of the connecting cylinder of the connecting device in Figure 1, as seen from the front, and (b) a schematic perspective view as seen from the rear. [Figure 3] (a) Front view, (b) Side view, and (c) Rear view of the connecting tube in Figure 2. [Figure 4] (a) a longitudinal section of the connecting tube in Figure 3 and (b) a partially enlarged view thereof. [Figure 5] (a) Cross-sectional view of BB and (b) Enlarged view of a portion thereof of the connecting cylinder in Figure 3. [Figure 6] (a) Cross-sectional view of the connecting cylinder in Figure 3 and (b) a partially enlarged view thereof. [Figure 7] (a) A schematic perspective view of the retaining member of the connecting device in Figure 1, as seen from the front, and (b) a schematic perspective view as seen from the rear. [Figure 8] (a) Front view and (b) Side view of the retaining member in Figure 7. [Figure 9] Figure 8 shows (a) a partially enlarged front view and (b) a cross-sectional view along D-D of the retaining member. [Figure 10] A schematic perspective view showing a connection structure in which a connecting device and a corrugated tube are connected according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] Side view of the connection structure in Figure 10. [Figure 12] Figure 11(a) Longitudinal section of EE and (b) Longitudinal section of FF. [Figure 13] Figure 11(a) Cross-sectional view of GG and (b) Enlarged view thereof. [Figure 14] This is a schematic perspective view showing a method for connecting a connecting device and a corrugated pipe according to one embodiment of the present invention, the step of inserting the corrugated pipe into the connecting cylinder of the connecting device. [Figure 15] A schematic cross-sectional view showing a method for connecting a connecting device and a corrugated pipe according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein (a) to (c) show the steps until the engaging portion is positioned within the penetration portion. [Figure 16]A schematic cross-sectional view showing a method for connecting a connecting device and a corrugated pipe according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein (a) and (b) show the steps up to pushing the corrugated pipe further into the connecting cylinder. [Figure 17] A schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a method for releasing the connection between a connecting device and a corrugated pipe according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein (a) to (c) show the steps until each engaging portion is locked into each restricting portion. [Figure 18] This schematic cross-sectional view shows a method for releasing the connection between a connecting device and a corrugated pipe according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which all engaging parts are maintained in a position disengaged from the penetration. [Figure 19] A schematic exploded perspective view showing a connection device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] (a) Front view and (b) Side view of the connecting cylinder of the connecting device in Figure 19. [Figure 21] (a) Longitudinal section of the connecting tube in Figure 20 and (b) a partially enlarged view thereof. [Figure 22] A schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the connection structure where the connecting device and corrugated pipe are connected (Figure 19). [Figure 23] (a) A schematic cross-sectional view showing a connecting device and (b) a schematic cross-sectional view showing a connecting structure according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] (a) A schematic cross-sectional view showing a connecting device and (b) A schematic cross-sectional view showing a connecting structure according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the shapes in the drawings referenced in the following description are conceptual or schematic diagrams for illustrating preferred shapes and dimensions, and the dimensional ratios, etc., do not necessarily correspond to actual dimensional ratios. In other words, the present invention is not limited to the dimensional ratios shown in the drawings. Furthermore, the up, down, left, and right directions in the present invention are merely concepts indicating relative positions, and it goes without saying that they can be interchanged and applied accordingly.

[0025] One embodiment of the present invention, a connecting device 100, is configured as a bell mouth for detachably connecting the ends of a corrugated pipe 11 and for terminating the ends of the corrugated pipe 11. However, the connecting device of the present invention is not limited to the use of a bell mouth, but can be applied to any application for connecting corrugated pipes, such as pipe fittings and caps. Furthermore, the corrugated pipe 11 in this embodiment is a general flexible pipe in which small-diameter recesses 12 and large-diameter protrusions 13 are alternately arranged in the longitudinal direction, as shown in Figure 10, etc., and is used to house and protect wires and the like inside. In this embodiment, a pipe with a circular cross-section is used as the corrugated pipe 11.

[0026] As shown in Figure 1, one embodiment of the connecting device 100 includes a hollow connecting cylinder 110 that extends axially and is open at least one end in the axial direction, and a retaining member 120 disposed inside the connecting cylinder 110 to maintain the connection between the corrugated pipe 11 and the connecting cylinder 101. These components will be described in more detail below.

[0027] First, the connecting cylinder 110 of one embodiment of the connecting device 100 will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 6. Figures 2(a) and 2(b) are schematic perspective views of the connecting cylinder 110 as seen from the front and rear sides. Figures 3(a) to 3(c) are the front, side, and rear views of the connecting cylinder 110. Figures 4(a) and 4(b) are AA longitudinal section views and partially enlarged views of the connecting cylinder 110 cut along the axial direction. Figures 5(a) and 6(a) and 6(b) are BB and CC cross-sectional views and partially enlarged views of the connecting cylinder 110 cut along planes perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0028] As shown in Figures 2 to 6, the connecting cylinder 110 is configured to have a retaining member 120 inside as a connecting body, and to allow the end of the corrugated pipe 11 to be inserted from the tip. The connecting cylinder 110 has a cylindrical wall 111 extending in the axial direction, a connecting port 112 opening at the tip of the cylindrical wall 111 into which the corrugated pipe 11 is inserted, an open end 113 formed at the other end of the cylindrical wall 111 for terminating the end of the corrugated pipe 11, and a plurality of through-holes 114 formed in the cylindrical wall 111. In this embodiment, the connecting cylinder 110 is molded from a hard synthetic resin material, but other materials such as metal may be used.

[0029] The cylindrical wall 111 consists of a hollow cylindrical body extending in the axial direction that coincides with the direction in which the corrugated pipe 11 is connected or inserted. In this embodiment, the cylindrical wall 111 has a circular cross-sectional shape that is continuous in the axial direction. Here, the tip side of the cylindrical wall 111 refers to the side in the axial direction where the connection port 112 is formed, and the base side refers to the side opposite the tip side in the axial direction. The connection port 112 is a circular opening with an inner diameter that allows the protrusions 13 of the corrugated pipe 11 to pass through. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 4, the opening end 113 has an inner surface that is curved in the axial direction to prevent damage to the wiring material when the wiring material is pulled in from the end of the corrugated pipe 11 via the connection device 100. Furthermore, a plurality of through-holes 114 are provided at circumferential intervals near the tip of the cylindrical wall 111. In this embodiment, four through-holes 114 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Each through-hole 114 is formed with a shape and dimensions that allow the protruding piece 125, which serves as the engaging part of the retaining member 120, to be inserted. Specifically, each through-hole 114 is formed as a circumferentially elongated slit that penetrates the cylindrical wall 111 both internally and externally. In this embodiment, each through-hole 114 has a flattened trapezoidal shape with a longer side on the axial tip side and a shorter side on the axial base side. Furthermore, the cylindrical wall 111 is formed such that the portion on the axial tip side of the through-hole 114 is relatively thicker than the portion on the base side.

[0030] Furthermore, the inner surface of the cylindrical wall 111 is provided with a plurality of restricting walls 115 located adjacent to the axial end of each through-hole 114, and a plurality of recesses 116 located adjacent to the axial end of each restricting wall 115. In other words, the through-holes 114, the restricting walls 115, and the recesses 116 are aligned at the same position in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical wall 111.

[0031] As shown in the partially enlarged cross-sectional view in Figure 4(b), the restricting wall 115 is integrally formed with the tip-side surface of the inner surface of the through-port 114, and is a portion that protrudes radially inward in a triangular shape in cross-sectional view compared to the region on the tip side of the restricting wall 115 (i.e., the inner surface of the recess 116). In other words, the axial tip-side surface of the restricting wall 115 is an inclined surface facing axially towards the tip and radially inward, while the opposite side (axial base end side) is a plane perpendicular to the axial direction. The restricting wall 115 can function as a restricting portion that locks the protruding piece 125 of the retaining member 120, which will be described later, and restricts its elastic return.

[0032] Furthermore, the recessed portion 116 is located adjacent to the axial end of the restricting wall 115 and in a region adjacent to the connection port 112 on the inner surface of the cylindrical wall 111. This recessed portion 116 is a region that extends between the restricting wall 115 and the connection port 112. The recessed portion 116 is a relatively thin-walled portion in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical wall 111, and is formed by cutting out a concave curved surface in the circumferential direction of the inner surface of the cylindrical wall 111, and is open to the end. The concave curved surface shape of this recessed portion 116 corresponds complementaryly to the shape of the protruding piece 125 of the retaining member 120, which will be described later, and which bulges out in a convex curved surface in the circumferential direction. That is, the recessed portion 116 can hold the protruding piece 125, which is placed inside the recessed portion 116, in place so as to prevent it from rotating in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, since each recessed portion 116 is visible from the tip side of the connecting cylinder 110, it can function as an indicator that displays the circumferential position of the penetration portion 114 and the regulating wall 115 (regulating portion) to the outside.

[0033] Next, with reference to Figures 7 to 9, the retaining member 120 of the connecting device 100 in one embodiment will be described. Figures 7(a) and 7(b) are schematic perspective views of the retaining member 120 as seen from the front and rear sides. Figures 8(a) and 8(b) are the front and side views of the retaining member 120. Figures 9(a) and 9(b) are a partially enlarged front view and a DD cross-sectional view of the retaining member 120.

[0034] The retaining member 120 is interposed between the corrugated pipe 11 inserted into the connecting cylinder 110 and the connecting cylinder 110, and is configured to restrict the movement of the corrugated pipe 11 in the direction of disengagement from the connecting cylinder 110. As shown in Figures 7 to 9, the retaining member 120 is an elastically deformable strip-shaped body that extends in a substantially annular shape and is cut in a part in the circumferential direction. This retaining member 120 is held inside the connecting cylinder 110 and is configured to be attached to the outer circumference of the corrugated pipe 11. Here, the central axis of the annular shape of the retaining member 120 coincides with the axial direction of the connecting cylinder 110 and the longitudinal direction of the corrugated pipe 11 (in the connected state of the connecting device 100 and the corrugated pipe 11), and the front surface of the retaining member 120 (Figure 8(a)) is positioned towards the axial end. In this embodiment, the retaining member 120 is molded from a hard synthetic resin material so as to be elastically deformable, but other materials such as metal may be used.

[0035] The retaining member 120 comprises a circumferentially extending strip-shaped portion 121 and an open portion 122 formed between the (circumferentially) ends of the strip-shaped portion 121, with the ends of the strip-shaped portion 121 separated by the open portion 122. In other words, the strip-shaped portion 121 can be elastically deformed to expand or contract in diameter by bringing its ends closer together or separating. Furthermore, both ends of the strip-shaped portion 121 are bent radially inward. That is, the retaining member 120 extends along the circumferential direction of the outer surface of the corrugated pipe 11, with a portion of it missing to form an open portion 122 (opening), and is configured to be fitted onto the recess 12 of the corrugated pipe 11 through which the open portion 122 passes by widening the width of the open portion 122. In addition, an indicator portion 127 is formed on the outer surface of the strip-shaped portion 121 of the retaining member 120, which indicates the axial direction in which the retaining member 120 should be inserted into the connecting cylinder 110 with an arrow.

[0036] Furthermore, the strip-shaped portion 121 is formed by combining two concentric arcs of different sizes. In other words, the strip-shaped portion 121 comprises an inner circumferential portion 123 that forms a smaller diameter arc and an outer circumferential portion 124 that forms a larger diameter arc. Adjacent inner circumferential portions 123 and outer circumferential portions 124 are connected by bent portions 126 that bend and extend radially in the strip-shaped portion 121. The outer circumferential portions 124 are formed at four equally spaced locations in the circumferential direction of the strip-shaped portion 121. In addition, outer circumferential portions 124 are formed at both ends of the strip-shaped portion 121 adjacent to the open portion 122. And, between adjacent outer circumferential portions 124 in the circumferential direction, inner circumferential portions 123 are formed at three locations and outer circumferential portions 124 are formed at four locations, alternatingly in the strip-shaped portion 121. Here, the arc length of the outer circumference portion 124 is greater than the arc length of the inner circumference portion 123. Each outer circumference portion 124 is an elastically deformable portion, and is elastically deformable such that its central portion bends radially inward, with the bent portions 126 on both sides as fulcrums. The tips of the radially inward bent portions at both ends of the strip-shaped portion 121 can also be similarly interpreted as inner circumference portions 123 (attachment portions).

[0037] The diameter (inner and outer diameter) of the arc-shaped inner circumference portion 123 was designed based on the outer diameters of the recess 12 and protrusion 13 of the corrugated pipe 11 to be connected. In particular, the inner diameter of the inner circumference portion 123 was set to be less than the outer diameter of the protrusion 13. That is, the inner circumference portion 123 is configured to function as an attachment portion that is fitted into the recess 12 and attached to the outer surface of the corrugated pipe 11 when the retaining member 120 is attached to the outer circumference of the corrugated pipe 11. When the attachment portion (inner circumference portion 123) is fitted into the recess 12, it is locked in the axial direction (longitudinal direction) of the corrugated pipe 11. This restricts the relative movement of the retaining member 120 in the longitudinal direction of the corrugated pipe 11 when it is attached. Furthermore, when the retaining member 120 is attached to the outer circumference of the corrugated pipe 11, it is preferable that the inner surface of the inner circumference portion 123 elastically contacts the outer surface of the recess 12, and that the retaining member 120 is configured to be rotatable in the circumferential direction relative to the corrugated pipe 11.

[0038] The diameter of the arc-shaped outer peripheral portion 124 is determined so that the corrugated pipe 11, to which the retaining member 120 is attached, can be inserted into the connecting cylinder 110. In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the outer peripheral portion 124 is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the convex portion 13 of the corrugated pipe 11. On the outer surface of each outer peripheral portion 124, a protruding piece 125 is formed, which bulges radially outward to a predetermined protrusion height. Each protruding piece 125 is configured to bulge radially outward from the outer surface of the convex portion 13 of the corrugated pipe 11 so that it enters the corresponding through portion 114 when the corrugated pipe 11 is connected to the connecting device 100. That is, the protruding piece 125 functions as an engaging portion that restricts the movement of the retaining member 120 in the direction of disengagement from the connecting cylinder 110 by engaging with the inner surface of the through portion 114 at least on the axial end side of the cylinder wall 111. Furthermore, the protruding piece 125 is elastically displaceable radially inward in accordance with the radially inward bending deformation of the outer peripheral portion 124 so as to detach from each through-hole 114. The retaining member 120 can also reduce the amount of radial outward bulging of the protruding piece 125 as an engaging portion by narrowing the width of the opening 122. For example, if the outer diameter of the recess 12 of the corrugated pipe 11 is smaller than the inner diameter of the inner peripheral portion 123, and a gap is formed between the outer surface of the recess 12 and the inner peripheral portion 123 when the retaining member 120 is attached to the corrugated pipe 11, the retaining member 120 in the attached state can be deformed to reduce its diameter by narrowing the width of the opening 122. In this embodiment, the retaining member 120, rather than the protruding piece 125 (engaging portion) itself, is configured to elastically deform as a whole or partially in order for the engaging portion (protruding piece 125) to displace inward so as to detach from the through-hole 114 and then elastically return to engage with the through-hole 114 or the regulating wall 115.

[0039] As shown in Figure 9(a), each protruding piece 125, in a front view, has a shape that further bulges radially outward from the outer surface of the outer peripheral portion 124 in an arc shape, and shows the maximum protrusion at the circumferential center position of the outer peripheral portion 124. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9(b), each protruding piece 125 is formed such that the amount of radial outward protrusion increases towards the axial tip side (when connecting the corrugated pipe 11). The protruding piece 125 has a press-to-press surface 125a that is inclined with respect to the axial direction so as to face the axial base end side and radially outward, and is subjected to external pressing operations, and a contact surface 125b that faces the axial tip side and abuts against the inner surface of the through portion 114. In addition, a hook groove 125c is formed approximately in the center of the press-to-press surface 125a to hook the tip of a tool and assist in pressing operations by the tool.

[0040] Next, with reference to Figures 10 to 13, a connection structure 10 in which the connecting device 100 and the corrugated pipe 11 of this embodiment are detachably connected will be described. Figure 10 is a schematic perspective view of the connection structure 10. Figure 11 is a side view of the connection structure 10. Figures 12(a) and (b) are longitudinal cross-sectional views of the connection structure 10 (EE) and (FF), respectively. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the connection structure 10 (GG).

[0041] As shown in Figures 10 to 13, in the connection structure 10, the connecting device 100 and the corrugated pipe 11 are connected in a manner that restricts the corrugated pipe 11 from coming loose from the connecting cylinder 110. That is, in the connection structure 10, the end of the corrugated pipe 11 is inserted into the inside of the cylindrical wall 111 of the connecting cylinder 110 through the connecting port 112. A retaining member 120 is placed between the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical wall 111 of the connecting cylinder 110 and the outer circumferential surface of the corrugated pipe 11. This retaining member 120 engages with both the corrugated pipe 11 and the connecting cylinder 110, thereby connecting the corrugated pipe 11 and the connecting cylinder 110 in a state that prevents them from coming loose. The connection state between the connecting device 100 and the corrugated pipe 11 will be described in more detail below.

[0042] As shown in Figure 12(a), the inner circumference portion 123 (attachment portion) of the retaining member 120 is fitted into the recess 12 of the corrugated pipe 11, thereby locking the retaining member 120 and the corrugated pipe 11 together in the axial direction (longitudinal direction), and restricting their relative movement in the axial direction. On the other hand, relative rotation of the retaining member 120 and the corrugated pipe 11 in the circumferential direction is permitted. Furthermore, since the inner surface of the inner circumference portion 123 of the retaining member 120 and the outer surface of the recess 12 of the corrugated pipe 11 are in contact, the diameter reduction deformation of the inner circumference portion 123 is restricted.

[0043] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 12(b), a plurality of protruding pieces 125 that bulge radially outward from the outer surface of the outer peripheral portion 124 of the retaining member 120 enter into a plurality of through portions 114 of the connecting cylinder 110. The contact surface 125b of each protruding piece 125 engages with the inner surface of each through portion 114 (located on the axial end side), thereby restricting the axial movement of the retaining member 120 toward the end of the connecting cylinder 110. Preferably, the elastic force of the retaining member 120 in the expanding radial direction presses the protruding pieces 125 into the through portions 114, generating a frictional force between the contact surface 125b of the protruding piece 125 and the inner surface of the through portion 114 (the base end side surface of the restricting wall 115), and stably maintaining the engaged state. Then, as shown in Figure 13, all of the circumferential protruding pieces 125 engage with the plurality of through portions 114 at their corresponding positions, forming an engaged state at multiple locations in the circumferential direction. This creates a strong connection between the connecting cylinder 110 and the retaining member 120. In other words, the corrugated pipe 11 and the connecting cylinder 110 are not directly connected, but are connected to each other in a secure manner via the retaining member 120. In the connection structure 10 of this embodiment, a ring-shaped packing may be fitted into another recess 12 located on the tip side of the corrugated pipe 11 beyond the retaining member 120 in order to (optionally) seal the space between the connecting cylinder 110 and the corrugated pipe 11. In other words, the connection device 100 of this embodiment may further include a ring-shaped packing fitted into a second recess 12 on the tip side of the first recess 12 into which the retaining member 120 of the corrugated pipe 11 is inserted, to seal the space between the connecting cylinder 110 and the corrugated pipe 11.

[0044] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the contact surface 125b of the protruding piece 125 is locked to the inner surface on the axial end side of the through-hole 114 in order to restrict the movement of the corrugated pipe 11 in the direction of withdrawal, while the inclined pressed surface 125a is not locked to the inner surface on the axial base side of the through-hole 114. In other words, the retaining member 120 elastically deforms radially inward, allowing it to move further in the insertion direction (towards the back of the connecting cylinder 110) over the through-hole 114 while attached to the corrugated pipe 11.

[0045] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13, since each protruding piece 125 of the retaining member 120 is locked by both circumferential inner surfaces of each through-hole 114, relative rotation of the retaining member 120 with respect to the connecting cylinder 110 in the circumferential direction is restricted. In other words, the connecting cylinder 110 and the retaining member 120 can rotate together in the circumferential direction when the protruding pieces 125 that have entered the through-hole 114 are pressed against the circumferential inner surfaces of the through-hole 114. That is, when the connecting cylinder 110 and the retaining member 120 rotate together, the protruding pieces 125 (engaging parts) and the restricting walls 115 (restricting parts) are configured to maintain their relative positions in the circumferential direction, thereby restricting return movement and maintaining the engaged state. In addition, the pressed surface 125a of each protruding piece 125 faces the outside of the connecting cylinder 110 through each through-hole 114. This allows the user to press the pressed surface 125a from the outside with a tool or the like.

[0046] Therefore, in the connection structure 10 of this embodiment, the movement of the corrugated pipe 11 in the direction of detachment from the connecting cylinder 110 is restricted by the retaining member 120, thereby firmly maintaining the connection between the connecting device 100 and the corrugated pipe 11. As a result, in the connection structure 10, the end of the corrugated pipe 11 is terminated by the open end 113 of the connecting cylinder 110, which acts as a bell mouth, making it easy to pull wiring material into the corrugated pipe 11. Furthermore, as will be described later, the connection structure 10 of this embodiment is configured so that the connection between the connecting device 100 and the corrugated pipe 11 can be released by a simple operation performed by the user.

[0047] Next, we will explain how to connect the connecting device 100 to the corrugated pipe 11, and how to disconnect the connecting device 100 from the corrugated pipe 11.

[0048] To connect the connecting device 100 and the corrugated pipe 11, first, the connecting cylinder 110 and the retaining member 120 of the connecting device 100 are separated. Next, the retaining member 120 is attached to the outer circumference of the corrugated pipe 11. Specifically, the retaining member 120 is deformed by bending so that the open portion 122 of the retaining member 120 is expanded, and the retaining member 120 is moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (or axial direction) of the corrugated pipe 11, allowing the corrugated pipe 11 to pass through the open portion 122. Then, the inner circumference portion 123 of the retaining member 120 is fitted into the recess 12 of the corrugated pipe 11, and the retaining member 120 is elastically returned to its original position, thereby positioning the corrugated pipe 11 inside the retaining member 120 and attaching the retaining member 120 to the corrugated pipe 11. It is preferable that the retaining member 120 be attached to the recess 12 near the end of the corrugated pipe 11, but the attachment position may be arbitrarily selected. Furthermore, the retaining member 120 can also be attached to the corrugated pipe 11 by expanding the opening 122 to enlarge the diameter of the retaining member 120, and then moving the retaining member 120 and the corrugated pipe 11 relative to each other in the axial direction.

[0049] Next, as shown in Figure 14, the corrugated pipe 11, with the retaining member 120 attached to its outer circumference, is inserted into the connecting cylinder 110 through the connecting port 112. At this time, it is necessary to align the circumferential position of the through-hole 114 of the connecting cylinder 110 and the protruding piece 125 of the retaining member 120. The user can align the through-hole 114 and the protruding piece 125 by visually inspecting them from the radially outside, but it is also possible to align the through-hole 114 and the protruding piece 125 by visual inspection from the axial end side, via the recessed portion 116 which serves as an indicator. The use of such an indicator greatly contributes to improving work efficiency, for example, in complex environments where multiple corrugated pipes are arranged side by side, as adjacent corrugated pipes interfere with each other, making visual inspection from the radially outside impossible. Furthermore, since the connecting cylinder 110 and the retaining member 120 can rotate relative to each other in the circumferential direction, in the aforementioned complicated environment, the user can rotate the corrugated pipe 11 relative to the connecting device 100 to adjust the position of the corrugated pipe 11 for easier work.

[0050] Next, as shown in Figure 15(a), when the corrugated pipe 11 is inserted into the connecting cylinder 110 together with the retaining member 120, the protruding piece 125 comes into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder wall 111 (the inner surface of the recessed portion 116), causing the outer circumferential portion 124 to elastically deform radially inward and the protruding piece 125 to displace radially inward. When the corrugated pipe 11 is pushed further in the insertion direction, as shown in Figure 15(b), the protruding piece 125 is pressed by the regulating wall 115 that protrudes radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder wall 111, and further elastically displaces radially inward. When the corrugated pipe 11 is pushed further in the insertion direction, as shown in Figure 15(c), the protruding piece 125 overcomes the regulating wall 115 in the axial direction and enters the penetration portion 114. Furthermore, during insertion, since each protruding piece 125 is housed in the recessed portion 116, rotation of the protruding pieces 125 in the circumferential direction is suppressed, and circumferential displacement of the retaining member 120 relative to the connecting cylinder 110 is effectively prevented. In this way, all the protruding pieces 125 are positioned inside the through-hole 114 almost simultaneously, forming the connection between the connecting device 100 and the corrugated pipe 11. That is, the user can connect the connecting device 100 and the corrugated pipe 11 and construct the connection structure 10 by pushing the corrugated pipe 11 with the retaining member 120 attached toward the back of the connecting cylinder 110 in the insertion direction.

[0051] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 16, the user can push the corrugated pipe 11 further into the connecting cylinder 110 in the insertion direction as needed. Specifically, when the corrugated pipe 11 and the retaining member 120 are moved further in the insertion direction from the state in which the protruding piece 125 is positioned within the through-hole 114, as shown in Figure 16(a), the pressed surface 125a of the protruding piece 125 comes into contact with the inner surface on the axial base end side of the through-hole 114, the outer circumference portion 124 elastically deforms radially inward, and the protruding piece 125 is displaced radially inward. Then, as shown in Figure 16(b), the protruding piece 125 overcomes the inner surface on the axial base end side of the through-hole 114 in the insertion direction, thereby pushing the corrugated pipe 11 further into the connecting cylinder 110 in the insertion direction. Alternatively, the protruding piece 125 may be configured to lock onto the inner surface on the axial base end side of the through-hole 114.

[0052] To release the connection between the connecting device 100 and the corrugated pipe 11, it is necessary to simultaneously release all engagements between the inner surface of the through-hole 114 and the protruding piece 125. The user can release all engagements simultaneously by sequentially releasing each engagement one by one.

[0053] More specifically, as shown in Figure 17(a), the user uses a tool (in this case, a flathead screwdriver) to press the pressure-receiving surface 125a of the protruding piece 125 at the first location. By hooking the tip of the tool into the retaining groove 125c of the pressure-receiving surface 125a, the user can perform the pressing operation more effectively without the tip of the tool slipping. Since the pressure-receiving surface 125a is inclined toward the axial base end side (inward side), pressing force is applied to the protruding piece 125 in both radially inward and axially toward the tip side. Furthermore, since the connecting cylinder 110 and the retaining member 120 can rotate circumferentially with respect to each other as long as at least a part of the protruding piece 125 is inserted into the through-hole 114, only the corrugated pipe 11 rotates relative to the connecting cylinder 110. Therefore, in environments where multiple corrugated pipes are arranged side by side, or where the corrugated pipe 11 is bent, and where adjacent corrugated pipes or the bent parts of the corrugated pipe 11 interfere with each other, making it difficult to press the protruding piece 125 with a tool, the user can rotate the corrugated pipe 11 relative to the connecting device 100 to adjust the position of the corrugated pipe 11 to facilitate work.

[0054] Next, as shown in Figure 17(b), by further pressing, the protruding piece 125 is elastically displaced radially inward from the inner surface of the through-hole 114, thereby detaching the protruding piece 125 from the through-hole 114 and releasing the engagement. Once the protruding piece 125 has moved radially inward over the regulating wall 115, the pressing force toward the axial end causes the protruding piece 125 to move toward the axial end. Then, by releasing the pressing operation, the protruding piece 125 is partially elastically returned to a position axially toward the end of the through-hole 114 (regulating wall 115). As a result, as shown in Figure 17(c), the protruding piece 125 (pressed surface 125a) engages with the regulating wall 115, preventing the protruding piece 125 from moving naturally (or spontaneously) toward the axial base end. As a result, the protruding piece 125 is prevented from elastically returning and re-entering the penetration 114, and the state in which the protruding piece 125 is detached from the penetration 114 (disengaged state) is naturally maintained without the need for external assistance to the protruding piece 125.

[0055] Next, by sequentially pressing the pressed surfaces 125a of the remaining protruding pieces 125 using a similar process, the engagement state of all parts can be released simultaneously, and this released state can be naturally maintained. Figure 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the connecting device 100 and corrugated pipe 11 showing the state in which the engagement state of all parts has been released. In the state in which the engagement state of all parts has been released shown in Figure 18, all the protruding pieces 125 of the retaining member 120 are elastically in contact with the inner surface of the cylinder wall 111, and all the protruding pieces 125 are housed in the recessed portion 116, so that the retaining member 120 is prevented from rotating in the circumferential direction relative to the connecting cylinder 110. In addition, since the inner circumferential portion 123 of the retaining member 120 remains fitted into the recess 12 of the corrugated pipe 11, a temporary connection state is still maintained between the connecting device 100 and the corrugated pipe 11. At this time, the connecting cylinder 110 and the retaining member 120 can rotate circumferentially with respect to each other, while the protruding piece 125 engages with the restricting wall 115 and its return movement is restricted. Therefore, it is possible to rotate only the corrugated pipe 11 relative to the connecting cylinder 110. Thus, even in this temporary connection state, the orientation of the connecting device 100 can be adjusted by rotating the connecting device 100 relative to the corrugated pipe 11 as needed for the work. Then, by moving the corrugated pipe 11 and the connecting cylinder 110 relative to each other in the withdrawal direction, the corrugated pipe 11 can be pulled out of the connecting cylinder 110 and the connection can be completely released. Along with this operation to pull out the corrugated pipe 11, the retaining member 120 is also pulled out of the connecting cylinder 110. This makes it easier to attach the retaining member 120 to the corrugated pipe 11 when reconnecting the corrugated pipe 11 and the connecting device 100.

[0056] The following describes the operation and effects of a connecting device 100, one embodiment of the fixing device of the present invention.

[0057] In this embodiment of the connecting device 100, the retaining member 120 is interposed between the corrugated pipe 11 inserted into the connecting cylinder 110 and the connecting cylinder 110, restricting the movement of the corrugated pipe 11 in the direction of disengagement relative to the connecting cylinder 110. In particular, when the connecting device 100 is connected to the corrugated pipe 11, the inner circumference portion 123 of the retaining member 120, which serves as the attachment portion, engages with the recess 12 of the corrugated pipe 11, thereby restricting the movement of the corrugated pipe 11 in the direction of disengagement relative to the retaining member 120. Furthermore, in this connected state, each protruding piece 125 (engaging portion) of the retaining member 120 enters the corresponding through portion 114 and engages with the inner surface of the through portion 114, thereby forming multiple engagement points, which restricts the movement of the retaining member 120 in the direction of disengagement relative to the connecting cylinder 110. In other words, the inner circumference portion 123 (attachment portion) and protruding piece 125 (engaging portion) of the retaining member 120 interposed between the corrugated pipe 11 and the connecting cylinder 110 engage with the corrugated pipe 11 and the connecting cylinder 110, respectively, in an axial direction that restricts them from coming loose, thereby forming the connection state of the corrugated pipe 11 to the connecting device 100. On the other hand, in this connection state, the protruding piece 125 that has entered the through portion 114 is facing the outside through the through portion 114 that penetrates the cylinder wall 111 from the inside to the outside. In addition, each protruding piece 125 is elastically displaced radially inward so as to detach from each through portion 114. On the inner surface of the cylinder wall 111, there are a plurality of restricting walls 115 (restricting portions) that engage with the protruding piece 125 that has been elastically displaced radially inward so as to detach from each through portion 114, and restrict the protruding piece 125 from elastically returning and re-entering the through portion 114. In other words, when a user presses the protruding piece 125 against each engagement point from outside the cylindrical wall 111 through the through-hole 114, the protruding piece 125 detaches from the through-hole 114, and each detached protruding piece 125 is locked in place by the restricting wall 115, preventing it from returning to each through-hole 114. The disengaged state is maintained at all engagement points, allowing relative movement of the corrugated pipe 11 and the connecting pipe 110 in the withdrawal direction. A subsequent withdrawal operation can then remove the corrugated pipe 11 from the connecting pipe 110, releasing the connection of the corrugated pipe 11 to the connecting device 100.Therefore, in this embodiment, the connecting device 100 has a restricting wall 115 provided on the inner surface of the connecting cylinder 110 that acts as a stopper against the protruding piece 125, making it possible to easily maintain the disengaged state at each engagement point without complicating its handling, thereby further improving the workability when disengaging the connecting device 100 from the corrugated pipe 11.

[0058] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various other embodiments and modifications are possible. Other embodiments and modifications of the present invention are described below. In each of the other embodiments and modifications, components whose last two digits are common to the three-digit component have the same or similar characteristics unless otherwise specified, and their descriptions are partially omitted.

[0059] (1) The connecting device of the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment. The connecting device (or connecting cylinder) of the above embodiment has the form of a bell mouth, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Figures 19 to 22 show the connecting device 200 and connecting structure 20 of the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 19, the connecting device 200 (or connecting cylinder 210) has the form of a pipe joint. The connecting device 200 includes a cylindrical wall 211 extending in the axial direction, a pair of connecting ports 212 opening at both ends of the cylindrical wall 211 into which the corrugated pipe 21 is inserted, and a plurality of through-ports 214 that penetrate the cylindrical wall 211 inward and outward and are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction, and a pair of retaining members 220 interposed between the corrugated pipe 21 inserted into the connecting cylinder 210 and the connecting cylinder 210 to restrict the movement of the corrugated pipe 21 in the direction of pulling out of the connecting cylinder 210. The retaining members 220 are the same as the retaining members 120 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, on the inner surface near each end of the cylindrical wall 211, there are multiple restricting walls 215 that engage with protruding pieces 225 that are elastically displaced radially inward to detach from each through-hole 214, and restrict the protruding pieces 225 from elastically returning to their original position and entering the through-hole 214. In addition, recesses 216 are provided adjacent to the end of the restricting wall 215. In other words, the connecting device 200 of this embodiment detachably connects the ends of two corrugated pipes 21 to both ends of the connecting cylinder 210, and further improves the workability when connecting and disconnecting the connecting device 200 and the corrugated pipes 21 at each end. It goes without saying that the configuration of the present invention may also be applied to three-way joints, cross joints, and the like.

[0060] (2) The configuration of the engaging portion and the restricting portion of the connecting device of the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment. Figure 23 shows a connecting device 300 and a connecting structure 30 of a third embodiment. As shown in Figure 23, in the connecting device 300, the engaging portion of the retaining member 320 is formed as a pin-shaped or ribbed protruding piece 325, and the restricting portion of the connecting cylinder 310 is formed as a restricting groove 315 located adjacent to the axial end side of the through portion 314. As shown in Figure 23(a), in the engaged state in which the protruding piece 325 is positioned in the through portion 314 of the connecting cylinder 310, the movement of the retaining member 320 with respect to the connecting cylinder 310 in both axial directions is restricted. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 23(b), when the protruding piece 325 is elastically displaced radially inward and the engagement is released, the protruding piece 325 is locked in the restricting groove 315, thereby preventing the protruding piece 325 from elastically returning and re-entering the through portion 314. Therefore, the connecting device 300 of this embodiment, like the embodiment described above, further improves the workability when connecting and disconnecting the connecting device 300 and the corrugated pipe 31.

[0061] (3) The configuration of the engaging portion and the restricting portion of the connecting device of the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment. Figure 24 shows a connecting device 400 and a connecting structure 40 of a fourth embodiment. As shown in Figure 24, in the connecting device 400, the outer peripheral portion 424 of the retaining member 420 is formed as the engaging portion, and no protruding piece is provided on the outer peripheral portion 424. On the other hand, on the inner surface of the cylindrical wall 411 of the connecting cylinder 410, a restricting groove 415 capable of accommodating the outer peripheral portion 424 is formed as a restricting portion adjacent to the axial end side of the through portion 414. In this embodiment, the outer peripheral portion 424 (engaging portion) is configured to elastically deform in order to displace inward so as to detach from the through portion 414 and then elastically return to engage with the through portion 414 or the restricting groove 415. As shown in Figure 24(a), by positioning the outer peripheral portion 424 inside the through portion 414 of the connecting cylinder 410, an engaged state is formed, and the movement of the retaining member 420 relative to the connecting cylinder 410 in both axial directions is restricted. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 24(b), when the outer peripheral portion 424 is elastically displaced radially inward and the engagement is released, the outer peripheral portion 424 is locked into the restricting groove 415, thereby preventing the outer peripheral portion 424 from elastically returning and re-entering the penetration portion 414. Therefore, the connecting device 400 of this embodiment, like the embodiment described above, further improves the workability in disconnecting the connecting device 400 from the corrugated pipe 41.

[0062] (4) The connecting device of the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment. In the above embodiment, the connecting device is configured such that the corrugated pipe is inserted into the connecting cylinder with the retaining member attached to the corrugated pipe to form an engaged state, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the connecting device may be configured to connect the corrugated pipe by inserting the corrugated pipe into the connecting cylinder with the retaining member pre-engaged to the connecting cylinder. In this case, by making the retaining member deformable by expanding the opening while it is positioned inside the connecting cylinder, it is possible to fit the attachment portion of the retaining member into the recess of the corrugated pipe.

[0063] (5) The configuration of the retaining member of the connecting device of the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment. In the above embodiment, the retaining member was configured as a band that extends in the circumferential direction and has a portion missing, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the retaining member may be formed as an endless annular band. Furthermore, the endless annular band may be formed of rubber partially or entirely so that it is expandable and contractible in the circumferential direction.

[0064] (6) The connecting device of the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment. The connecting device of the above embodiment is configured to connect corrugated pipes with a circular cross-section, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the corrugated pipe may have any cross-sectional shape such as rectangular, polygonal, oval, or elliptical. In this case, the shape of the connecting cylinder and the retaining member can also be changed to match the cross-sectional shape of the corrugated pipe.

[0065] (7) The connecting device of the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment. As shown in Figure 16, the connecting device of the above embodiment is configured so that the corrugated pipe can be pushed further into the connecting cylinder in the insertion direction by the protruding piece overcoming the inner surface on the axial base end side of the through-hole in the insertion direction, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the locking groove formed on the pressed surface of the protruding piece may be formed to have a locking surface facing the axial base end side (which is locked to the inner surface on the axial base end side of the through-hole) so as to create resistance to overcoming when it comes into contact with the inner surface on the axial base end side of the through-hole and is pushed further in.

[0066] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments or modifications described above, and can be implemented in various forms as long as they fall within the technical scope of the present invention. That is, within the technical scope of the present invention, some configurations of this embodiment may be omitted or modified, or other configurations may be added. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 10 Connection Structure 11 Corrugated tube 12 recesses 13 Convex part 100 Connection device 110 Connecting tube (connecting body) 111 Cylinder wall 112 connection ports 113 Open end 114 Penetration section 115 Regulatory wall (regulatory section) 116 Recessed area (indicator area) 120 Retaining member 121 Band-shaped portion 122 Open area 123 Inner circumference (attachment area) 124 Outer perimeter 125 Projecting piece (engaging part) 125a Surface to be pressed 125b Contact surface 125c latching groove 126 Bend area 127 Display section

Claims

1. A connecting device for connecting corrugated pipes, A connecting cylinder having a cylindrical wall extending in the axial direction, a connection port opening at the tip of the cylindrical wall into which the corrugated pipe is inserted, and a plurality of through-holes that penetrate the cylindrical wall inward and outward and are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction, The corrugated pipe inserted into the connecting cylinder and the connecting cylinder are interposed between them and a retaining member that restricts the movement of the corrugated pipe in the direction of pulling it out of the connecting cylinder, The aforementioned retaining member is An attachment portion which is fitted into a recess of the corrugated pipe and attached to the outer surface of the corrugated pipe, The corrugated pipe comprises multiple engaging portions that bulge radially outward from the outer surface of the convex portion so as to enter each of the multiple penetration portions, and that engage with the inner surface of the penetration portion at least at the axial end of the cylindrical wall, thereby restricting the movement of the retaining member in the direction of disengagement from the connecting cylinder, and that are elastically displaceable radially inward so as to disengage from each of the penetration portions, Multiple restricting portions are provided on the inner surface of the cylindrical wall, adjacent to the axial end of each of the through portions. The connecting device is characterized in that each of the restricting portions is configured to allow the engaging portion, which has been elastically displaced radially inward within the through-port, to move axially toward the tip side of the restricting portion without moving the corrugated pipe relative to the connecting cylinder in the outward direction, and to engage with the engaging portion, which has partially elastically returned to its position after detaching from each of the through-ports and moving axially toward the tip side of the restricting portion, thereby restricting the engaging portion from re-entering the through-port.

2. The connecting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting cylinder is configured to be rotatable in the circumferential direction with respect to the connected corrugated pipe, and the retaining member is configured to rotate in accordance with the rotation of the connecting cylinder with respect to the corrugated pipe.

3. The connecting device according to claim 2, wherein the connecting cylinder is formed at a position corresponding to the circumferential direction of each of the through-holes and further comprises an indicator portion that shows the position of the through-hole to the outside via the connecting port.

4. The connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the engaging portion consists of a protruding piece formed such that the amount of radial outward protrusion increases as it approaches the axial tip side, and the protruding piece is inclined with respect to the axial direction so as to face the axial base end side and radial outward, and has a pressed surface that is pressed from the outside, and a contact surface that faces the axial tip side and contacts the inner surface of the through portion.

5. The connecting device according to claim 4, characterized in that a hooking groove for hooking the tip of a tool is formed on the surface to be pressed.

6. The connecting cylinder is configured such that the corrugated pipe, with the retaining member attached, can be inserted into it through the connecting port. The restricting portion is a restricting wall that protrudes radially inward from the inner surface of the cylindrical wall in the region adjacent to the connection port. The connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the retaining member is elastically deformable radially inward so as to move further in the insertion direction over the through-hole when attached to the corrugated pipe.

7. The retaining member is configured such that when the plurality of engaging portions are engaged with the plurality of restricting portions, the attachment portion is fitted into the recess of the corrugated pipe, and is removed from the connecting cylinder together with the corrugated pipe when the corrugated pipe is removed. This is the connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. A connector for connecting corrugated pipes in cooperation with a retaining member, A cylindrical wall extending in the axial direction, The cylindrical wall has an opening at its tip, into which the corrugated pipe is inserted, and The cylindrical wall comprises a plurality of through-holes that penetrate the inner and outer surfaces and are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction, The aforementioned retaining member is An attachment portion which is fitted into a recess of the corrugated pipe and attached to the outer surface of the corrugated pipe, The corrugated pipe comprises a plurality of engaging portions that bulge radially outward from the outer surface of the convex portion of the corrugated pipe and are elastically displaceable radially inward, and is interposed between the corrugated pipe inserted into the connecting body and the connecting body, and is configured to restrict the movement of the corrugated pipe in the direction of pulling out of the connecting body. The through-port is configured such that the engaging portion is positioned inside, and the engaging portion engages with the inner surface of the through-port at least on the axial end side of the cylindrical wall, thereby restricting the movement of the retaining member in the direction of disengagement from the connecting body. Multiple restricting portions are provided on the inner surface of the cylindrical wall, adjacent to the axial end of each of the through portions. The connector is characterized in that each of the restricting portions is configured to allow the engaging portion, which has been elastically displaced radially inward within the through-port, to move axially toward the tip side of the restricting portion without moving the corrugated pipe relative to the connector in the direction of disengagement, and to engage with the engaging portion, which has partially elastically returned to its position after disengaging from each through-port and moving axially toward the tip side of the restricting portion, thereby restricting the engaging portion from re-entering the through-port.

Images