Fittings and piping structures

Abstract

To provide a joint that adjusts a direction of a pipe conduit, and into which a cable or the like is easily inserted, and a pipe structure.SOLUTION: A joint 30 comprises: a cylindrical body 31 that has at one end a first socket 31a into which a first end part 11 of the first protection pipe 10 is fitted, and has at the other end a second socket 31b into which a second end part 21 of the second protection pipe 20 is fitted; and a ring 32 arranged inside the cylindrical body 31 such that the cylindrical body 31 is restricted from moving in a direction along a pipe axis X and is movable in a direction perpendicular to the pipe axis X. An inner peripheral surface 32f of the ring 32 has an inner diameter into which an outer peripheral surface 11m of the first end part 11 and an outer peripheral surface 21m of the second end part 21 are fitted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to joints and piping structures.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a piping structure of a protective pipe for protecting a cable, there has been a piping structure in which protective pipes are connected to each other by a joint and the piping direction can be adjusted (see Patent Documents 1 to 3).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The conventional piping structure with an adjustable piping direction has a structure in which protective pipes are connected to each other by a joint. Therefore, in a piping structure where the piping direction is bent, a step occurs between the ends of the protective pipes inside the joint, and it may be difficult to insert a straight cylindrical test rod for a conduction test (hereinafter referred to as a cable or the like) having an outer diameter and length simulating a linear cable having a circular cross section or a cable to be inserted into the piping structure.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a joint and a piping structure that can adjust the piping direction and easily insert a cable or the like.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The means for solving the above problems are as follows. (1) A joint according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a cylindrical body having a first socket at one end for fitting a first end of a first protective tube and a second socket at the other end for fitting a second end of a second protective tube, and a ring disposed inside the cylindrical body so as to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the pipe axis and whose movement in the direction along the pipe axis of the cylindrical body is restricted, wherein the inner circumferential surface of the ring has an inner diameter into which the outer circumferential surface of the first end and the outer circumferential surface of the second end fit. (2) In (1) above, a gap may be formed between the outer surface of the ring and the inner surface of the cylindrical body. (3) In (1) or (2) above, the cylindrical body has an annular groove that is recessed outward from the tube axis, and the ring may be fitted into the annular groove. (4) In any of (1) to (3) above, the ring may have a tapered surface at its end. (5) A piping structure according to one aspect of the present invention includes the first protective pipe, the second protective pipe, and any of the fittings described in (1) to (4) above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a joint and piping structure that allows for adjustment of the conduit direction and facilitates the insertion of cables and the like. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram showing a joint according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram showing the situation where the first protective tube is inserted into the joint. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram showing a piping structure according to the first embodiment, where the direction of the pipeline is straight. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram showing a piping structure according to the first embodiment in a state where the direction of the pipeline is bent. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram showing a piping structure according to the second embodiment, where the direction of the pipeline is straight. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram showing a piping structure according to the second embodiment in a state where the direction of the pipeline is bent. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] (First Embodiment) The joint 30 and piping structure 1 according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a joint 30 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the first protective pipe 10 inserted into the joint 30. Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the piping structure 1 according to the first embodiment in a state where the pipe direction D is straight. Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the piping structure 1 according to the first embodiment in a state where the pipe direction D is bent. Figures 1 to 4 show cross-sections including the pipe direction D (pipe axis D1 of the first protective pipe 10 and pipe axis D2 of the second protective pipe 20).

[0010] (Piping structure) As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the piping structure 1 according to the first embodiment includes a joint 30 comprising a first protective pipe 10 and a second protective pipe 20. The piping structure 1 may consist of multiple connected piping structures 1, each connecting a first protective pipe 10 and a second protective pipe 20 with a joint 30. The piping structure 1 may also consist of protective pipes and joints 30 arranged alternately. The length of each of the first protective pipe 10, second protective pipe 20, or joint 30 (the dimension along the pipe axis) is set appropriately according to the outer diameter, curvature, and angle of the cable, etc., that passes through the conduit (a cylindrical space formed inward along the pipe axis through which the cable, etc., passes) formed by the piping structure 1, as well as the inner diameter, curvature, and angle of the conduit. For example, they may be connected in the order of first protective pipe 10, joint 30, second protective pipe 20, joint 30, third protective pipe, joint 30, and fourth protective pipe. This makes it possible to create a piping structure 1 that forms a conduit with a desired curvature and angle.

[0011] The first protective tube 10 or the second protective tube 20 may be a so-called straight tube with a uniform inner diameter, outer diameter, and wall thickness along the tube axis. The first protective tube 10 and the second protective tube 20 may have the same size. By connecting the first protective tube 10 and the second protective tube 20 via a joint 30, even if the first protective tube 10 or the second protective tube 20 is a straight tube, a bent pipeline can be formed inside the piping structure 1 through which a bent cable or the like can be inserted and arranged.

[0012] (Joint) As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the joint 30 according to the first embodiment has a first receiving port 31a that fits the first end portion 11 of the first protective tube 10 at one end, and a second receiving port 31b that fits the second end portion 21 of the second protective tube 20 at the other end, and a cylindrical body 31, and a ring 32 that is disposed inside the cylindrical body 31 so as to be restricted from moving in the direction along the tube axis X of the cylindrical body 31 and movable in a direction perpendicular to the tube axis X. The joint 30 is appropriately provided with an annular seal 33 that is disposed between the inner surface of the cylindrical body 31 and the first protective tube 10 and between the inner surface of the cylindrical body 31 and the second protective tube 20 to partition the inside and outside in an airtight or watertight manner.

[0013] (Cylindrical body) The cylindrical body 31 is a rotating body centered on the tube axis X. The cylindrical body 31 has a hollow cylindrical shape inside. The cylindrical body 31 is made of a resin such as polyvinyl chloride resin or polyolefin resin. The cylindrical body 31 has a first receiving port 31a that fits the first end portion of the first protective tube 1 and a second receiving port 31b that fits the second end portion 21 of the second protective tube 20 at one end. The cylindrical body 31 is at the center in the direction along the tube axis X, and the ring 32 is disposed inside. The cylindrical body 31 may be appropriately provided with a groove for accommodating the seal 33 on the inner surface. The cylindrical body 31 may be integrally formed by injection molding in its entirety including the first receiving port 31a and the second receiving port 31b, or the first receiving port 31a and the second receiving port 31b may be separately formed by injection molding and integrated by being adhered or fitted together at the center of the cylindrical body 31. When the cylindrical body 31 is composed of a plurality of members, it is easy to accommodate a ring 32 described later inside the cylindrical body 31.

[0014] The cylindrical body 31 may have an annular groove 31G recessed outward from the tube axis X. Thereby, the ring 32 can be fitted into the annular groove 31G.

[0015] (Ring) The ring 32 is an annular ring-shaped body centered on the tube axis X. The ring 32 is made of a resin such as polyvinyl chloride resin or polyolefin resin. The ring 32 is arranged inside the cylindrical body 31 so as to be restricted from moving along the direction of the tube axis X by the cylindrical body 31 and be movable in a direction perpendicular to the tube axis X.

[0016] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the ring 32 may be fitted in the annular groove 31G. Thereby, the relative movement of the cylindrical body 31 along the direction of the tube axis X can be restricted by the annular groove 31G, and the relative movement of the cylindrical body 31 in a direction perpendicular to the tube axis X can be enabled.

[0017] A gap serving as a play allowance when the ring 32 moves relative to the cylindrical body 31 is formed between the outer peripheral surface 32m of the ring 32 and the inner surface of the cylindrical body 31 (between the bottom surface of the annular groove 31G). Thereby, the relative movement of the ring 32 in a direction perpendicular to the tube axis X with respect to the cylindrical body 31 can be enabled, and the relative movement amount can be restricted.

[0018] Here, as shown in Figure 3, the inner circumferential surface 32f of the ring 32 has an inner diameter that accommodates the outer circumferential surface 11m of the first end 11 and the outer circumferential surface 21m of the second end 21. As a result, as shown in Figure 4, the first end 11 and the second end 21 are positioned inside the ring 32. The first end 11 and the second end 21, together with the ring 32, become movable in a direction perpendicular to the pipe axis X of the cylindrical body 31. Therefore, the first end 11 of the first protective pipe 10 can be moved in a direction perpendicular to the pipe axis X while it is passed through the first socket 31a of the joint 30. Similarly, the second end 21 of the second protective pipe 20 can be moved in a direction perpendicular to the pipe axis X while it is passed through the second socket 31b of the joint 30. This allows the conduit direction D to bend without creating a step between the first end 11 and the second end 21 that would hinder the conduction of cables or the like. Therefore, a piping structure 1 is provided that allows for adjustment of the conduit direction D and facilitates the insertion of cables and the like.

[0019] The ring 32 preferably has a tapered surface 32T at its end. The tapered surface 32T may be part of a conical surface. This makes it easier to insert and fit the first protective tube 10 or the second protective tube 20 into the ring 32.

[0020] (Assembling method) Next, we will explain how to assemble piping structure 1. As shown in Figure 2, when the joint 30 is laid horizontally with the pipe axis X aligned horizontally, with neither the first protective tube 10 nor the second protective tube 20 assembled to the joint 30, the lower surface of the ring 32 comes into contact with the upper surface of the annular groove 31G of the cylindrical body 31 due to its own weight, and the upper surface of the ring 32 comes away from the lower surface of the annular groove 31G of the cylindrical body 31. At this point, the tapered surface 32T is visible from the first socket 31a and the second socket 31b when viewed in the direction along the pipe axis X. Therefore, in this state, when the first protective tube 10 is inserted from the first socket 31a and moved toward the center of the cylindrical body 31 where the ring 32 is located, the tip of the first protective tube 10 comes into contact with the tapered surface 32T. As the first protective tube 10 is moved further toward the center of the cylindrical body 31, the ring 32 is pushed upward by the action of the tip of the first protective tube 10 toward the tapered surface 32T. As shown in Figure 3, the ring 32 is positioned away from the inner surface of the cylindrical body 31 (the bottom surface of the annular groove 31G), and the outer surface of the first protective tube 10 is fitted into the inner surface of the ring 32. When either the first protective tube 10 or the second protective tube 20 is fitted in a position along the tube axis X, the ring 32 is positioned away from the inner surface of the cylindrical body 31 with respect to the tube axis X. In this state, as shown in Figure 3, the second protective tube 20 can be positioned symmetrically to the first protective tube 10. The first end 11, the second end 21, and the ring 32 are then arranged concentrically with respect to the tube axis X. In this state, if the inner diameter of the first protective tube 10 and the inner diameter of the second protective tube 20 are the same, no step is created between the first end 11 and the second end 21. In this way, a piping structure 1 can be assembled by using the joint 30 to connect the first protective pipe 10 and the second protective pipe 20 with the joint 30.

[0021] (action) As shown in Figure 3, the assembled piping structure 1 is initially assembled with the pipe axis D1 of the first protective pipe 10 and the pipe axis D2 of the second protective pipe 20 aligned on the same straight line as the pipe axis X, making the pipe direction D straight. Then, as shown in Figure 4, to form a pipe for passing cables and the like that which are bent with a predetermined curvature, the pipe axis D1 of the first protective pipe 10 and the pipe axis D2 of the second protective pipe 20 are intersected, bending the pipe direction D at an angle θ. In this state, the upper part of the outer circumferential surface 32m of the ring 32 contacts the upper part of the inner surface of the cylindrical body 31 (the upper part of the bottom surface of the annular groove 31G). At the same time, the lower part of the outer circumferential surface 32m of the ring 32 separates from the lower part of the inner surface of the cylindrical body 31 (the lower part of the bottom surface of the annular groove 31G). The relative positional relationship of the ring 32 with respect to the cylindrical body 31 is the inverted version of the relative positional relationship in Figure 2. In this manner, when the ring 32 moves until it contacts the inner surface of the cylindrical body 31, the movement of the ring 32 perpendicular to the pipe axis X is restricted. This allows us to define the maximum angle θ at which the pipe direction D bends. In this state, the first end 11 and the second end 21 inserted into the cylindrical body 31 may be in contact with the conical tapered surface 31T formed on the inner surface of the cylindrical body 31. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the first end 11 and the second end 21 are fitted onto the inner surface of the ring 32 and are movable together with the ring 32 in a direction perpendicular to the pipe axis X. Therefore, when the conduit is bent at an angle θ, no step (difference in position in the direction perpendicular to the pipe axis X) occurs between the first end 11 and the second end 21. In other words, even if the angle θ between the pipe axis D1 and the pipe axis D2 changes and the ring 32 moves in a direction perpendicular to the pipe axis X, the first end 11 and the second end 21, which move along with the movement of the ring 32, are always positioned symmetrically with respect to a plane perpendicular to the pipe axis X. This eliminates the formation of steps in the conduit formed by the piping structure 1 that would be an obstacle when inserting cables, etc., making it easier to insert cables, etc.

[0022] (Second Embodiment) Next, the joint 30 and piping structure 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the second embodiment, the same reference numerals may be used for characteristic parts that have a function common to the first embodiment. In the description of the second embodiment, the description of characteristic parts that have a function common to the first embodiment may be omitted. Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the piping structure 1 according to the second embodiment, where the pipe direction D is straight. Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the piping structure 1 according to the second embodiment, where the pipe direction D is curved. Figures 5 and 6 show cross-sections including the pipe direction D (the pipe axis D1 of the first protective pipe 10 and the pipe axis D2 of the second protective pipe 20).

[0023] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the piping structure 1 according to the second embodiment includes a joint 30 comprising a first protective pipe 10 and a second protective pipe 20, similar to the piping structure 1 according to the first embodiment. The joint 30 comprises a cylindrical body 31 having a first socket 31a at one end for fitting the first end 11 of the first protective pipe 10 and a second socket 31b at the other end for fitting the second end 21 of the second protective pipe 20, and a ring 32 positioned inside the cylindrical body 31 so as to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the pipe axis X, while restricting the movement of the cylindrical body 31 in the direction along the pipe axis X. The inner circumferential surface 32f of the ring 32 has an inner diameter that fits the outer circumferential surface 11m of the first end 11 and the outer circumferential surface 21m of the second end 21. This allows the pipe direction D to be bent without creating a step between the first end 11 and the second end 21. Thus, a piping structure 1 is provided in which the pipe direction D is adjustable and cables and the like can be easily inserted.

[0024] Here, the cylindrical body 31 according to the second embodiment differs from the cylindrical body 31 according to the first embodiment in that, instead of having a tapered surface 31T, the inner circumferential surface from the position where the ring 32 is placed (annular groove 31G) to the position where the seal 33 is placed has a uniform inner diameter. This simplifies the processing when forming the cylindrical body 31 from a straight pipe.

[0025] As described above, the joint 30 according to the embodiment includes a cylindrical body 31 having a first socket 31a at one end for fitting the first end 11 of the first protective pipe 10 and a second socket 31b at the other end for fitting the second end 21 of the second protective pipe 20, and a ring 32 positioned inside the cylindrical body 31 so as to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the pipe axis X, while restricting the movement of the cylindrical body 31 in the direction along the pipe axis X. Here, the inner circumferential surface 32f of the ring 32 has an inner diameter that fits the outer circumferential surface 11m of the first end 11 and the outer circumferential surface 21m of the second end 21. As a result, the first end 11 and the second end 21, together with the ring 32, become movable in a direction perpendicular to the pipe axis X of the cylindrical body 31. Therefore, the first end 11 of the first protective pipe 10 can be moved in a direction perpendicular to the pipe axis X while it is passed through the first socket 31a of the joint 30. Similarly, with the pipe passed through the second socket 31b of the joint 30, the second end 21 of the second protective pipe 20 can be moved freely in a direction perpendicular to the pipe axis X. This allows the pipe direction D to be bent without creating a step between the first end 11 and the second end 21. Thus, a piping structure 1 can be provided in which the pipe direction D is adjustable and cables and the like can be easily inserted.

[0026] It should be noted that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0027] Furthermore, it is possible to replace the components in the above embodiments with well-known components as appropriate, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Also, the above modifications may be combined as appropriate, without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0028] In the above embodiment, the ring 32 was formed as a continuous annular body, but it is not limited to this, and may be formed as a discontinuous annular body. Specifically, the ring 32 may be formed as a shape in which a part of the annular body is cut out, or as multiple members formed by combining two saddle-shaped semicircles to form a cylinder. In this case, the ring 32 may be C-shaped or a discontinuous circular shape in which two semicircles are arranged opposite each other when viewed from the pipe axis X. In the case of a discontinuously formed ring 32, when the end of the ring 32 comes into contact with the first end 11 of the first protective tube 10 and the second end 21 of the second protective tube 20, the inner diameter of the ring 32 expands due to the notch in the ring 32, becoming larger than the outer diameters of the first end 11 and the second end 21. Therefore, the inner diameter of the ring 32 may be smaller than the outer diameters of the outer circumferential surface 11m of the first end 11 and the outer circumferential surface 21m of the second end 21. Furthermore, by forming the ring 32 in a discontinuous annular ring shape, the outer diameter of the ring 32 can be reduced due to the notch in the ring 32, making it easier to insert the ring 32 when placing it inside the cylindrical body 31.

[0029] Furthermore, the inner circumferential surface 32f of the ring 32 may be provided with projections that abut against the first end 11 of the first protective tube 10 and the second end 21 of the second protective tube 20 to restrict insertion. Multiple projections may be provided corresponding to the first end 11 of the first protective tube 10 and the second end 21 of the second protective tube 20, respectively. The projections may be annular in shape, continuously or discontinuously provided on the inner circumferential surface 32f of the ring 32, or they may be two or more points. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0030] 1 Piping structure 10 1st protection tube 11 (First end of the first protective tube) 11m (outer surface of the first end) 20 2nd protection tube 21 (Second end of the second protective tube) 21m (outer surface of the second end) 30 fittings 31. Cylindrical body 31a 1st socket 31b 2nd socket 31G Annular groove 31T Tapered surface (of a cylindrical body) 32 rings 32f (ring) inner circumference 32m (outer surface of the ring) 32T (ring) tapered surface 33 Seals D Pipe direction D1 tube shaft D2 tube shaft X tube axis θ angle

Claims

1. A cylindrical body having a first socket at one end for fitting the first end of a first protective tube, and a second socket at the other end for fitting the second end of a second protective tube, A ring is positioned inside the cylindrical body so as to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the cylindrical body, while restricting the movement of the cylindrical body in the direction along the cylindrical body axis. Equipped with, The ring has a tapered surface at its end, and the inner circumferential surface of the ring is a joint having an inner diameter into which the outer circumferential surface of the first end and the outer circumferential surface of the second end fit.

2. The joint according to claim 1, wherein a gap is formed between the outer surface of the ring and the inner surface of the cylindrical body.

3. The cylindrical body has an annular groove that is recessed outward from the axis of the tube, The ring is fitted into the annular groove, as described in claim 1 or claim 2.

4. A piping structure comprising the fitting according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising the first protective pipe and the second protective pipe.

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