Hose connector fittings

Abstract

To inhibit unexpected external force from being applied to a push ring that causes the push ring to move toward a receiving metal fitting even while inhibiting the operability of the push ring from being deteriorated.SOLUTION: A metal fitting for hose connection 1 provided at an end of a hose H to be used by being combined with a receiving metal fitting provided at an end of another hose, includes a cylindrical inserting metal fitting body 2 having a holding part for holding the end of the hose H, a push ring 3 provided at the outer periphery of the inserting metal fitting body 2 movably in an axial direction, and a come-off prevention tool 4. The push ring 3 is provided with a flange 32 extending in a radial direction from the inserting metal fitting body 2, where the flange 32 is to be operated by an operator toward the receiving metal fitting in order to release the connection with the another hose. The come-off prevention tool 4 is arranged on the outer periphery of the inserting metal fitting body 2 at a position closer to the holding part 21 than the flange 32, and its diameter dimension is equal to or less than the diameter dimension of the flange 32.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a bayonet fitting for connecting hoses used for fire hoses and the like.

Background Art

[0002] For example, since it is necessary to quickly connect fire hoses to each other at a fire site, hose connection fittings are provided at the ends. This hose connection fitting has a configuration called the "Machino type" that is widely used, and a pair is composed of a bayonet fitting and a socket fitting. The basic configuration of the bayonet fitting is shown in Patent Document 1. The socket fitting has built-in claw portions biased in the radially inner direction. When the bayonet fitting is inserted into the socket fitting, the claw portions of the socket fitting are caught by the step formed at the tip of the bayonet fitting. Thereby, the bayonet fitting and the socket fitting are in a coupled state.

[0003] The bayonet fitting is provided with a push ring that can move in the axial direction. By moving this push ring in the direction toward the socket fitting, the claw portions of the socket fitting can be pushed upward in the radially outer direction, and the engagement between the step of the bayonet fitting and the claw portions of the socket fitting can be released. Thereby, the bayonet fitting and the socket fitting can be brought into a decoupled state.

[0004] Here, in the above-described Machino type fitting, when an external force such that the push ring moves toward the socket fitting side is applied, there is a risk that the engagement state between the step and the claw portions is unexpectedly released (without the intention of a person handling the hose such as a firefighter). Examples of the cause of the external force include, for example, being caught on a step due to dragging on a staircase, colliding with the eaves portion of a roof, being caught on a frame portion at a building entrance or door when retrieving a fire hose. On the other hand, in the case of a fire hose, it is desirable that the connection of the hose can be quickly released. Therefore, it is desired to minimize the decrease in operability when intentionally operating the push ring.

[0005] Here, Patent Document 1 describes a joint protector for preventing external forces from being applied to the push ring. This is a disc-shaped body with two notches formed on its outer circumference, and is installed adjacent to the push ring. This joint protector suppresses the application of external forces that would cause the push ring to move towards the receiving fitting.

[0006] However, this joint protector is flat and has a larger outer diameter than the push ring. Therefore, when external force is applied, the joint protector may deform or break. Also, because the joint protector has a larger outer diameter than the push ring, if the flat joint protector comes into contact with the hose when the hose is wound up and is subjected to an impact in that state, the hose may be damaged. Furthermore, when operators such as firefighters place their fingers on the push ring, it is difficult to place their fingers on the push ring except at the two notched areas, so the operability is poor when intentionally operating the push ring in a dark place, for example. Thus, the joint protector described in Patent Document 1 had room for improvement. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Design Registration No. 1683563 Gazette [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a hose coupling fitting that suppresses the sudden application of an external force that causes the push ring to move toward the receiving fitting, while also suppressing a decrease in the operability of the push ring. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention relates to a hose coupling fitting provided at the end of one hose and used in combination with a receiving fitting provided at the end of another hose, comprising: a cylindrical coupling fitting body having a holding portion for holding the end of the hose; a push ring provided on the outer circumference of the coupling fitting body so as to be movable in the axial direction; and a detachment prevention device, wherein the push ring has a flange portion extending radially from the coupling fitting body and is operated by an operator toward the receiving fitting to release the coupling with another hose; and the detachment prevention device is positioned on the outer circumference of the coupling fitting body at a position closer to the holding portion than the flange portion, and its diameter is less than or equal to the diameter of the flange portion.

[0010] With this configuration, the diameter of the anti-detachment device is less than or equal to the diameter of the flange, which makes it less likely for the flange to apply external force to the push ring, and also prevents the anti-detachment device from getting in the way when the operator places their fingers on the flange.

[0011] The aforementioned anti-detachment device may have an inclined portion on the outer edge of the diameter that faces the retaining portion.

[0012] With this configuration, an object that may apply external force to the flange can be deflected by sliding it against the slope of the inclined portion.

[0013] The aforementioned anti-detachment device may have an inclined portion on the flange side of its outer diameter edge.

[0014] With this configuration, by placing the operator's fingers on the slope of the inclined part, it becomes easier to slide the operator's fingers between the flange and the anti-detachment device.

[0015] The aforementioned anti-detachment device can be annular in shape.

[0016] This configuration allows for a uniform effect in the circumferential direction.

[0017] The diameter of the anti-disengagement device can be set to -10 mm to 0 mm based on the diameter of the pressing ring.

[0018] According to this configuration, an anti-disengagement device with an appropriate size can be formed in relation to the operation.

Effect of the Invention

[0019] In the present invention, an external force can be made difficult to be applied to the pressing ring by the flange portion, and moreover, when the operator places a finger on the flange portion, the anti-disengagement device is unlikely to get in the way. Therefore, while suppressing a decrease in the operability of the pressing ring, it is possible to suppress an unexpected external force that causes the pressing ring to move toward the receiving fitting side.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] It is a semi-sectional view showing a hose coupling socket according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a semi-sectional view showing a hose coupling socket according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a semi-sectional view showing a hose coupling socket according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Next, the present invention will be described by taking one embodiment. In the hose coupling socket 1 of the present embodiment, the end on the side where the hose H is attached will be described as the base end, and the end on the side inserted into the receiving fitting will be described as the tip end. And the direction connecting the base end and the tip end is the axial direction. Also, the inner and outer directions based on the axis (virtual axis) of the hose coupling socket 1 are the radial directions.

[0022] The bayonet fitting 1 for hose connection according to this embodiment is provided at the end of a hose H (shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 1) formed of a soft material such as a fiber material, and is used in combination with a receiving fitting (not shown) provided at the end of another hose (not shown). The configuration of this combination is called the "Machino type" as described above, and the basic part of this configuration is well-known. The bayonet fitting 1 for hose connection according to this embodiment is characterized in that, while maintaining good operability with respect to the "Machino type" configuration, a device is provided to prevent the connection with the receiving fitting from being unexpectedly released. Below, the configuration related to the above characteristics will be mainly described, and the conventionally well-known configurations will be described within the necessary range.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, the bayonet fitting 1 for hose connection includes a bayonet fitting body 2, a pressing ring 3, and a detachment prevention tool 4. The bayonet fitting body 2 is a substantially cylindrical portion that holds the end of the hose H. As shown in the figure, the holding portion 21 located in the base end side region of the bayonet fitting body 2 has a so-called "bamboo shoot" shape in which a plurality of steps continuous in the axial direction are formed on the outer peripheral surface. After overlapping the end of the hose H on this holding portion 21, a metal cylindrical body P is overlapped on the hose H, and the cylindrical body P is caulked so as to be compressed in the radial direction, whereby the end of the hose H can be fixed so as not to come out of the bayonet fitting body 2.

[0024] The pressing ring 3 is a portion provided movably in the axial direction on the outer periphery of the tip side region of the bayonet fitting body 2. This pressing ring 3 includes a cylindrical portion 31 and a flange portion 32. The cylindrical portion 31 is a cylindrical portion along the outer peripheral surface of the bayonet fitting body 2. The inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 31 is set to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the portion of the bayonet fitting body 2 where the cylindrical portion 31 is disposed, whereby the cylindrical portion 31 is slidable in the axial direction with respect to the bayonet fitting body 2. The outer diameter of the enlarged portion 22 located at the tip of the bayonet fitting body 2 is formed larger than the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 31. For this reason, the cylindrical portion 31 does not come out from the tip portion of the bayonet fitting body 2.

[0025] [[ID=eleven]] The flange portion 32 is an annular part integrally formed at the base end of the cylindrical portion 31. In other words, the flange portion 32 is provided so as to extend radially from the fitting body 2. The flange portion 32 is operated by an operator (firefighter, etc.) toward the receiving fitting in order to release the connection with another hose. When the flange portion 32 is pushed toward the tip, the cylindrical portion 31 also moves in conjunction. Here, if the hose connecting fitting 1 is connected to the receiving fitting, the claw portion (not shown) of the receiving fitting is fitted at a position further toward the base end than the step 23 which is the base end of the enlarged portion 22, so that the hose connecting fitting 1 and the receiving fitting cannot be separated. When the flange portion 32 is pushed toward the tip, the cylindrical portion 31 is inserted into the receiving fitting. The tip of the inserted cylindrical portion 31 pushes the claw portion of the receiving fitting radially outward. This prevents the claw from getting caught on the step 23, releasing the connection between the hose connector 1 and the receiving fitting, allowing them to be separated.

[0026] The anti-detachment device 4 is a rotationally symmetrical, specifically an annular portion, attached to the outer circumference of the fitting body 2 at a position closer to the hose H holding portion (the base end side of the hose coupling fitting 1) than the flange portion 32 of the push ring 3. Due to its rotationally symmetrical shape, it can act uniformly in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, a ring-shaped retaining ring 24 is embedded in the outer circumference of the fitting body 2, and the tip of the anti-detachment device 4 abuts against the retaining ring 24, preventing the anti-detachment device 4 from moving toward the tip. Furthermore, the anti-detachment device 4 abuts against the end of the hose H or a member for fixing the hose H (in this embodiment, a crimping cylinder P), preventing it from moving toward the base end.

[0027] The anti-detachment device 4 has a diameter that is less than or equal to the diameter of the flange portion 32 of the push ring 3. In this embodiment, the anti-detachment device 4 has a circular outer edge shape when viewed in the axial direction, so this dimension is maintained around its entire circumference. The lower limit of the diameter is set to a dimension that exceeds the diameter of the radially protruding portion of the member for fixing the hose H (in this embodiment, the crimping cylinder P) in the base end region of the fitting body 2. This is because if the dimension is smaller than that, obstacles such as the steps of stairs will not come into contact with the anti-detachment device 4. Specifically, the diameter of the anti-detachment device 4 can be set to, for example, -10 mm to 0 mm, preferably -8 mm to -2 mm, based on the diameter of the push ring 3. The closer the diameter of the anti-detachment device 4 is to the diameter of the flange portion 32, the greater the effect of suppressing the movement of the push ring 3 due to external force (on the other hand, the operability when intentionally moving the push ring 3 decreases). Furthermore, the smaller the diameter of the anti-detachment device 4, the easier it is to intentionally move the push ring 3 (on the other hand, the less effective it is at preventing the push ring 3 from moving due to external force). The diameter of the anti-detachment device 4 is determined by considering these conflicting relationships. In addition, the thickness of the anti-detachment device 4 should be determined by considering that it is a dimension that does not easily deform due to external force and that it does not interfere with the jig used when crimping the metal cylindrical body P.

[0028] By setting the dimensions of the anti-detachment device 4 in this way, the flange portion 32 makes it difficult for external force to be applied to the push ring 3. For example, when routing a fire hose, even if the hose connector 1 hits a step on a staircase, an overhang on a roof, or a frame at a building entrance or door, the push ring 3 is less likely to move towards the tip. Moreover, since the anti-detachment device 4 is not larger than the push ring 3, it is less likely to get in the way when the operator places their fingers on the flange portion 32, and the operability of the push ring 3 is not reduced. Also, since the anti-detachment device 4 does not protrude radially outward from the flange portion 32, it is less likely to deform or break when external force is applied. Furthermore, for example, when the hose H is wound up, the degree to which the anti-detachment device 4 contacts the hose H can be made smaller than when its outer diameter is larger than that of the flange portion 32, thus reducing the possibility of the anti-detachment device 4 damaging the hose H.

[0029] Here, the inventor of the present invention will briefly explain the experiments conducted by prototyping the anti-detachment device 4. For a push ring 3 with a diameter of 65A, the first prototype (90mm) had the same outer diameter (diameter) as the push ring 3 (-0mm), the second prototype (85mm) had it at -5mm, and the third prototype (80mm) had it at -10mm. For the first prototype (outer diameter 90mm), the second prototype (outer diameter 85mm), and the third prototype (outer diameter 80mm), a jig simulating an entry point into a building from the outside during firefighting or rescue operations was used. A hose with a connecting fitting and receiving fitting joined together and a hose attached was passed through the jig, with the anti-detachment device 4 and push ring 3 in that order, while being pressed against the bent part of the jig. As a result, it was confirmed that all prototypes had an effect of preventing accidental detachment, and that the second prototype (outer diameter 85mm) particularly combined operability and the effect of preventing accidental detachment.

[0030] The anti-detachment device 4 has inclined portions 41 and 42 on the outer diameter edge, on the side of the holding portion 21 and on the side of the flange portion 32. As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, the inclined portions 41 and 42 are formed asymmetrically in the axial direction. This is because the expected functions of each inclined portion 41 and 42 are different, as will be described later. The inclination of the inclined portion 42 on the flange portion 32 side is steeper than that of the inclined portion 41 on the holding portion 21 side. In this embodiment, the inclined portions 41 and 42 have a straight-line shape in a radial cross-sectional view, but they may also have a curved shape (convex or concave surface). Also, in the form of Figure 1, the boundaries of each inclined portion 41 and 42 are pointed in a radial cross-sectional view, but they may also be chamfered or rounded.

[0031] The inclined portion 41 on the holding portion 21 side allows objects that may apply external force to the flange portion 32 (obstacles such as steps on stairs) to slide against the inclined surface of the inclined portion 41, thereby deflecting the object. To effectively utilize this deflection effect, it is desirable to set the extension of the inclined surface of the inclined portion 41 toward the tip to be located further outward in diameter than the outer edge of the flange portion 32. Furthermore, compared to forming the anti-detachment device 4 from a simple flat plate (see, for example, the configuration described in Patent Document 1), the external force acting on the anti-detachment device 4 itself can be dissipated by the inclined portion 41, making deformation such as distortion less likely to occur. In other words, the inclination of the inclined portion 41 is determined with a focus on quickly deflecting the object without keeping it attached to the anti-detachment device 4. It is also determined with a focus on preventing the operator from being endangered by sharp edges on the anti-detachment device 4.

[0032] Furthermore, the inclined portion 42 on the flange portion 32 side allows for a larger gap between the flange portion 32 and the anti-detachment device 4 at the outer diameter position compared to the case without the inclined portion 42. By placing the operator's fingers on the slope of the inclined portion 42 (the slope that leads between the flange portion 32 and the anti-detachment device 4), it becomes easier for the operator's fingers to slide between the flange portion 32 and the anti-detachment device 4. As mentioned above, the inclination of the inclined portion 42 on the flange portion 32 side is steeper than that of the inclined portion 41 on the holding portion 21 side, in order to make it easier for the operator's fingers to slide between the flange portion 32 and the anti-detachment device 4. This point will be discussed in particular. Firefighters wear thick gloves to protect their hands at fire scenes. Even when wearing such gloves, the function of the inclined portion 42 on the flange portion 32 side remains unchanged, making it easier for gloved fingers to slide between the flange portion 32 and the anti-detachment device 4, and allowing the push ring 3 to be operated without hindrance. To effectively utilize the finger-sliding action, it is desirable to set the extension of the inclined portion 42 toward the tip of the slope so that it is located on the outer circumferential surface of the insertion fitting body 2 between the flange portion 32 and the anti-detachment device 4. This embodiment is advantageous because it can achieve both of the aforementioned actions simultaneously. Furthermore, since the anti-detachment device 4 has a rotationally symmetrical shape (annular in this embodiment), the operator's finger can be inserted at any position in the circumferential direction between the flange portion 32 and the anti-detachment device 4. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the places where it is easy to place a finger on the push ring 3 are limited (for example, as described in Patent Document 1), the operability is particularly good when the operator intentionally operates the push ring 3, for example in a dark place.

[0033] Furthermore, when the anti-detachment device 4 is attached to the fitting body 2, a hose receiving recess 43 is formed on the inner diameter side and recessed from the base end side toward the tip side. This hose receiving recess 43 receives the tip of the hose H. Because the hose receiving recess 43 is provided, the portion of the tip of the hose H that is not overlapped with the crimping cylinder P can be covered by the anti-detachment device 4, thereby preventing the operator's fingers from getting caught on the tip of the hose H on the fitting body 2.

[0034] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0035] For example, the anti-detachment device 4 in the above embodiment had inclined portions on the holding portion 21 side (base end side) and the flange portion 32 side (tip side) of the outer diameter edge. However, focusing on deflecting external forces, it is also possible to have an inclined portion only on the holding portion 21 side (base end side), as shown in Figure 2. Alternatively, focusing on the operability of the push ring 3, it is also possible to have an inclined portion only on the flange portion 32 side (tip side), as shown in Figure 3.

[0036] Furthermore, the anti-detachment device 4 does not have to be annular; for example, its outer circumference may be polygonal or rotationally symmetrical. Also, the anti-detachment device 4 may be attached to the fitting body 2 by means other than the retaining ring 24. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0037] 1. Hose connector fitting 2. Main body of the fitting 21 Holding part 22 Enlarged section 23 steps 24 Retaining ring 3. Pressing ring 31 Cylindrical part 32 Guard section 4 Preventive equipment 41 Slanted part (holding part side) 42 Slanted part (flange side) 43 Hose receiving recess H Hose P Crimping cylinder

Claims

1. In a hose connecting fitting that is provided at the end of a hose and used in combination with a receiving fitting provided at the end of another hose, The fitting comprises a cylindrical fitting body having a retaining portion for holding the end of the hose, a push ring provided on the outer circumference of the fitting body so as to be movable in the axial direction, and a device to prevent detachment. The push ring has a flange portion extending radially from the main body of the fitting, which is operated by the operator toward the receiving fitting in order to release the connection with other hoses. The aforementioned anti-detachment device is positioned on the outer circumference of the insertion fitting body at a location closer to the holding portion than the flange portion, and its diameter is less than or equal to the diameter of the flange portion, and it has inclined portions on the holding portion side and the flange portion side of its outer edge. A hose connecting fitting characterized in that the inclined portion on the flange side has a steeper incline than the inclined portion on the holding portion side.

2. A retaining ring is installed on the push ring side of the insertion fitting body, The aforementioned anti-detachment device has a hose receiving recess formed on its inner diameter and recessed from the surface on the holding portion side toward the flange portion side when positioned on the insertion fitting body. The hose coupling fitting according to claim 1, wherein the anti-detachment device is fixed to the fitting body by abutting against the retaining ring and the end of the hose housed in the hose receiving recess or the end of a member for fixing the hose.

3. The hose connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the anti-detachment device is annular in shape.

4. The hose coupling fitting according to claim 3, wherein the diameter of the anti-detachment device is set to -10 mm to 0 mm based on the diameter of the push ring.

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