Pipe support member

Abstract

To provide a piping support member excellent in working efficiency.SOLUTION: A piping support member (1) comprises: a restraint member (10) for being fixed to a base fitting (70) in a piping holding state by surrounding an outer peripheral surface of piping by fastening a first bolt (B1) and a first nut (N1) for being screwed to the first bolt; and a nut holding member (50) for being directly or indirectly and detachably attached to the restraint member (10) so that the first nut (N1) can be arranged in a position to be attached, in the state of holding the first nut (N1).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pipe support member.

Background Art

[0002] In air conditioning equipment installed in buildings such as buildings, for example, refrigerant pipes may be arranged from an outdoor unit installed outdoors to an indoor unit installed indoors. In this case, for example, during heating operation, the refrigerant pipe expands axially due to thermal expansion, and there is a risk that the load corresponding to this expansion amount is applied to the bent portion (so-called elbow portion) on the end side of the refrigerant pipe. In particular, when the refrigerant pipe is arranged in the vertical direction, the load due to the weight of the refrigerant pipe is also applied, so there is a risk that a large load is applied to the above-mentioned bent portion. In response to such concerns, a pipe support member connected to a base metal fitting fixed to a structure is used to fix a part of the axial direction of the refrigerant pipe and prevent axial movement at the fixed position. By dispersing the elongation amount of the pipe member due to thermal expansion to both sides in the axial direction around this fixed position, the load on the bent portion on the lowermost end side is reduced.

[0003] An example of a pipe support member is disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2018-25290 (Patent Document 1). This pipe support member includes a pair of clamp members 71 having slit-shaped engagement holes 73, and engages the engagement holes 73 with the flange portion 31 of the mounting member 1 fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the pipe member P to support the pipe member P. The fixing of the mounting member 1 to the pipe member P is performed by welding means such as brazing.

[0004] However, welding work such as brazing requires a certain degree of skill, and there is a possibility that the construction quality may vary depending on the skill of the operator. In addition, it is common for a plurality of pipe members P to be arranged in a building, and the number of fixing positions of the mounting member 1 to the pipe member P increases in the entire building to be constructed. Performing all of them by welding means requires a great deal of labor and has a problem of poor work efficiency.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-25290 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] There is a need for pipe support members that offer superior work efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The pipe support member according to the present invention is A pipe support member that is connected to a base fitting fixed to a structure and supports the piping, A restraining member is fixed to the base fitting by fastening a first bolt and a first nut screwed onto it, in a state that it surrounds the outer surface of the pipe and holds the pipe in place, A nut holding member is attached directly or indirectly to the restraining member so as to be detachable, while holding the first nut, such that the first nut is positioned at the mounting location. It is equipped with.

[0008] With this configuration, when the first bolt and first nut are fastened together to fix the restraining member to the base fitting, the restraining member can surround the outer surface of the pipe and directly hold the pipe. For example, there is no need to weld a member with a flange to the pipe, and the installation can be done by bolt operation alone, resulting in improved work efficiency. In addition, a nut holding member is provided separately from the restraining member and is detachably attached. This nut holding member holds the first nut in its mounting position, so the worker does not need to hold the first nut by hand when fastening the first bolt and first nut. In other words, the worker can perform the fastening work by operating only the first bolt, which also improves work efficiency.

[0009] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited by the examples of preferred embodiments described below.

[0010] As one aspect, The nut holding member has a first holding insertion hole that holds the first nut in the inserted state, Preferably, the first retaining insertion hole has a shape that prevents the first nut from rotating.

[0011] With this configuration, since the first retaining insertion hole has a shape that prevents the first nut from rotating, when fastening the first bolt and the first nut together with light force by hand, for example, the first nut can be prevented from spinning freely, allowing the fastening work to be performed efficiently.

[0012] As one aspect, Preferably, the first retaining insertion hole is formed by cutting out a portion of its circumference.

[0013] With this configuration, for example, when fastening the first bolt and the first nut with a large force using a tool, the rotation of the first nut is allowed, and the restraining member can be firmly fixed to the base fitting.

[0014] As one aspect, The restraining member comprises a holding portion that surrounds the outer surface and holds the piping, a base fixing portion that extends from the holding portion so as to face each other and is fixed to the base fitting by fastening the first bolt and the first nut, and a tightening portion that extends from the holding portion so as to face each other and applies a tightening force to the holding portion by fastening a second bolt, which is different from the first bolt, and a second nut that is screwed onto it. Preferably, the nut holding member is detachably attached directly or indirectly to the base fixing part or the tightening part such that the first nut and the second nut are positioned at their respective mounting locations, while the nut holding member holds the second nut in addition to the first nut.

[0015] This configuration provides a tightening mechanism separate from the base fixing mechanism fixed to the base fitting. In addition to the normal holding of the piping by the holding mechanism when fastening with the first bolt, an additional tightening force can be applied to the holding mechanism by fastening with the second bolt. This increases the surface pressure on the inner surface of the holding mechanism, allowing the piping to be properly supported. In this case, the nut holding member holds the first nut and the second nut in their respective mounting positions, so the worker does not need to hold the first nut and the second nut by hand when fastening the first bolt to the first nut and the second bolt to the second nut. In other words, the worker can perform the fastening work by operating only the first bolt and the second bolt, improving work efficiency.

[0016] As one aspect, The nut holding member has a second holding insertion hole that holds the second nut in the inserted state, Preferably, the second retaining insertion hole has a shape that prevents the second nut from rotating.

[0017] With this configuration, since the second retaining insertion hole has a shape that prevents the second nut from rotating, when fastening the second bolt and second nut together with light force, for example by hand, it is possible to prevent the second nut from spinning freely and perform the fastening work efficiently.

[0018] As one aspect, It is preferable that the second retaining insertion hole is formed by cutting out a portion of its circumferential direction.

[0019] With this configuration, for example, when fastening the second bolt and second nut with a large force using a tool, the rotation of the second nut is allowed, a large tightening force is applied to the holding part, and the surface pressure on the inner surface of the holding part is increased, thereby properly supporting the piping.

[0020] As one aspect, The nut holding member preferably has a holding main body portion in which the second holding insertion hole is formed, and a holding engagement portion provided on the holding main body portion and engaging with the base fixing portion or the tightening action portion from the side opposite to the holding main body portion.

[0021] According to this configuration, since the holding engagement portion engages with the base fixing portion or the tightening action portion from the side opposite to the holding main body portion, it is possible to suppress the bending deformation of the holding main body portion even when the first bolt and the second bolt are tightened. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the inclination of the first nut and the second nut held by the holding main body portion, so that the tightening operations of the first bolt and the second bolt can be smoothly performed, and the working efficiency can be improved also from this point.

[0022] As one aspect, The holding portion, the base fixing portion, and the tightening action portion are integrally formed, and a notch portion is provided between the base fixing portion and the tightening action portion to make it difficult for the tightening force due to the tightening of the second bolt to be transmitted to the base fixing portion side. It is preferable that the nut holding member is directly or indirectly attached to the base fixing portion at the position of the notch portion.

[0023] According to this configuration, for example, by punching and bending from a single metal plate, the restraint member can be easily formed. In addition, the notch portion provided between the base fixing portion and the tightening action portion can appropriately direct the tightening force due to the tightening of the second bolt toward the holding portion side. Therefore, the pipe can be firmly supported. Further, by using the notch portion located between the base fixing portion which is the attachment position of the first nut and the tightening action portion which is the attachment position of the second nut, the first nut and the second nut can be stably held at a position close to the center of gravity.

[0024] As one aspect, The base fitting further includes a fixing auxiliary member for temporarily fixing the restraint member to the base fitting before tightening with the first bolt. It is preferable that the nut holding member is attached to the restraining member via the fixing auxiliary member.

[0025] With this configuration, the worker can temporarily fasten the restraint member to the base fitting with the fixing auxiliary member, and hold the first nut in its mounting position with the nut holding member, allowing both hands to be free while performing the fastening operation with the first bolt. Therefore, work efficiency can be further improved. In this case, by using a structure in which the nut holding member and the restraint member are indirectly attached via the fixing auxiliary member, various mounting structures for the nut holding member can be adopted with a high degree of freedom while keeping the configuration of the restraint member the same.

[0026] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer through the following description of exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0027] [Figure 1] Perspective view of a pipe fixing structure using pipe support members [Figure 2] Perspective view of a pipe fixing structure using pipe support members [Figure 3] Exploded perspective view of pipe support member [Figure 4] Perspective view of the fixing support member and nut holding member [Figure 5] Perspective view of the nut retaining member [Figure 6] Exploded perspective view of the fixing support member and nut holding member. [Figure 7] Cross-sectional view VII-VII in Figure 4 [Figure 8] Perspective view showing how to use the pipe support member. [Figure 9] Front view of the pipe fixing structure [Figure 10] Plan view of the pipe fixing structure [Figure 11] Side view of pipe fixing structure [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] An embodiment of the pipe support member will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the pipe support member 1 of this embodiment is connected to a base fitting 70 fixed to a structure S and is for supporting the pipe P. Figure 2 is a perspective view taken from the opposite side of Figure 1.

[0029] In the following explanation, the terms "axial direction," "circumferential direction," and "radial direction" may be used to describe the shape and positional relationships of each component. These terms are defined relative to the pipe P, which is the object supported by the pipe support member 1. Specifically, "axial direction" refers to the axial direction (longitudinal direction) of the pipe P, "circumferential direction" refers to the direction that circles around the pipe P, and "radial direction" refers to the direction that radiates outward from the axis of the pipe P. Unless otherwise specified, all references to these directions in the description of each part of the pipe support member 1 refer to the direction when the pipe P is actually being held.

[0030] The pipe support member 1 of this embodiment is used for piping P that is routed from an outdoor unit of an air conditioning system installed on the roof of a building such as a building to multiple indoor units installed inside. Examples of piping P include copper refrigerant piping.

[0031] Figures 1 and 2 show an example of a pipe fixing structure that uses the pipe support member 1 of this embodiment to fix a predetermined point on a pipe P arranged vertically (up and down) to a structure S. This pipe fixing structure is used to prevent the pipe P from moving relative to the structure S in the axial direction at its fixing point. The structure S is, for example, the frame or exterior wall of a building.

[0032] A base fitting 70 is fixed to the structure S. The base fitting 70 may be directly fixed to the structure S, or it may be indirectly fixed via other members (for example, intervening members such as brackets). The base fitting 70 is made of metal, and is constructed using, for example, hot-rolled mild steel sheet. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the base fitting 70 is formed in a bent plate shape. The base fitting 70 includes a mounting base 71 that can be applied in surface contact with the structure S (or intervening member), and a connecting portion 72 that extends intersecting (orthogonal in this example) the mounting base 71. Through holes 71a and 72a are formed in the mounting base 71 and the connecting portion 72, respectively, through which bolts B are inserted.

[0033] The pipe support member 1 is connected to the base fitting 70 and supports the pipe P. The pipe support member 1 supports the pipe P, which is arranged along the vertical direction, at one point in the axial direction (vertical direction). As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the pipe support member 1 of this embodiment comprises a restraining member 10, a fixing auxiliary member 30, and a nut holding member 50. In this embodiment, the pipe support member 1 comprises one restraining member 10, two fixing auxiliary members 30, and one nut holding member 50. The fixing auxiliary member 30 is detachably attached to the restraining member 10. The nut holding member 50 is detachably attached to the fixing auxiliary member 30 and is detachably attached to the restraining member 10 via the fixing auxiliary member 30.

[0034] The restraining member 10 is fixed to the base fitting 70 in a state where it surrounds the outer surface of the pipe P and holds the pipe P. The restraining member 10 comprises a holding portion 11, a base fixing portion 13, and a tightening portion 16. These are integrally formed. The restraining member 10 is made of metal, and is constructed using, for example, hot-rolled mild steel sheet.

[0035] The retaining portion 11 is the part for holding the pipe P. The retaining portion 11 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape that is not completely closed. The inner diameter of the retaining portion 11 is set to be equal to or approximately equal to the outer diameter of the pipe P. As shown in Figure 8, in the state before use, the retaining portion 11 is not shaped to follow a perfect circle when viewed in the axial direction, but is somewhat expanded (open position). The retaining portion 11 can be attached to the pipe P from the radially outside through this expanded opening. Then, an external force is applied to deform the expanded retaining portion 11 into a closed position, and further, as will be described later, the first bolt B1 and the first nut N1, and the second bolt B2 and the second nut N2 are fastened, so that the retaining portion 11 surrounds the outer surface of the pipe P and holds the pipe P.

[0036] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, through holes 11a are formed in the holding portion 11. The through holes 11a are formed on the portion of the holding portion 11 opposite to the base fixing portion 13 and the tightening portion 16. In this embodiment, multiple through holes 11a are formed along the axial direction (arranged vertically). The through holes 11a function as a bending strength adjustment portion 12 for adjusting the magnitude of the bending strength of the restraining member 10 (specifically, the holding portion 11 that constitutes the restraining member 10).

[0037] The base fixing portion 13 is the part that is fixed to the base fitting 70. The base fixing portion 13 is composed of a pair of plate portions that extend from the holding portion 11 so as to face each other. In this embodiment, the pair of plate portions constituting the base fixing portion 13 extend radially from both ends in the circumferential direction of the substantially cylindrical holding portion 11, which is not completely closed. The base fixing portion 13 is formed in an elongated rectangular shape. The base fixing portion 13 has an insertion hole 13a through which a bolt B (specifically, the first bolt B1) is inserted. The base fixing portion 13 is fixed to the base fitting 70 by fastening the first bolt B1. The shaft portion of the first bolt B1 is inserted through the two insertion holes 13a of the base fixing portion 13 and the insertion hole 72a of the base fitting 70, and the base fixing portion 13 is fixed to the base fitting 70 by screwing it into a nut N (specifically, the first nut N1) on the opposite side.

[0038] Furthermore, the upper and lower side edges 13b of the pair of plate portions constituting the base fixing portion 13 each have a locking recess 14 that is recessed toward the center line of the base fixing portion 13. The locking claw portion 35 of the fixing auxiliary member 30 is locked into this locking recess 14.

[0039] The clamping portion 16 is the part that applies a clamping force to the holding portion 11. The clamping portion 16 is composed of a pair of plate portions that extend from the holding portion 11 so as to face each other. In this embodiment, the pair of plate portions constituting the clamping portion 16 extend radially from both ends in the circumferential direction of the substantially cylindrical holding portion 11, which is not completely closed. The extension length of the clamping portion 16 from the holding portion 11 is shorter than the extension length of the base fixing portion 13. In this embodiment, the two clamping portions 16 are provided separated above and below the base fixing portion 13.

[0040] The clamping action portion 16 has a clamping body portion 17 and a tip bending portion 18. The clamping body portion 17 is the main part of the clamping action portion 16. In this embodiment, the clamping body portion 17 is formed in a substantially trapezoidal shape. In this embodiment, the two upper and lower clamping body portions 17 (the clamping body portions 17 located on the front side in Figure 8) extending from one circumferential end of the holding portion 11 are both formed in an inverted trapezoidal shape, with the upper side being longer than the lower side. On the other hand, the two upper and lower clamping body portions 17 (the clamping body portions 17 located on the back side in Figure 8) extending from the other circumferential end of the holding portion 11 are both formed in a regular trapezoidal shape, with the lower side being longer than the upper side. As a result, a regular trapezoidal clamping body portion 17 and an inverted trapezoidal clamping body portion 17 are arranged opposite each other on the upper and lower sides, respectively.

[0041] A raised portion 17B is formed in the center of the fastening body portion 17, rising outwards. The raised portion 17B is circular in shape. The raised portion 17B functions as a circular rib, improving the strength of the fastening body portion 17. An insertion hole 17a is formed in the center of this raised portion 17B, through which a bolt B (specifically, a second bolt B2, separate from the first bolt B1) is inserted. The fastening body portion 17, including the raised portion 17B, is the part of the fastening action portion 16 where the second bolt B2 is fastened. In this embodiment, the second bolt B2 is fastened at a position closer to the holding portion 11 than the first bolt B1.

[0042] The shaft of the second bolt B2 is inserted through the insertion hole 17a of the fastening body 17, and the other end is screwed onto the nut N (specifically, the second nut N2) to fasten it, thereby applying a tightening force to the holding part 11. This increases the surface pressure on the inner surface of the holding part 11, allowing the pipe P to be properly supported. For example, welding such as brazing is unnecessary, and the installation can be done simply by tightening the bolts B (first bolt B1, second bolt B2), resulting in high work efficiency. The bolt operation can also be performed with an electric drill, in which case work efficiency can be greatly improved. Moreover, since the pipe P is held by the surface pressure of the holding part 11, the pipe P will not oxidize or deform (for example, a depression will occur due to biting), resulting in high reliability.

[0043] The tip bent portion 18 is the part of the fastening body portion 17 that is bent on the side opposite to the holding portion 11. The tip bent portion 18 is bent at approximately a right angle to the fastening body portion 17. The tip bent portions 18 are bent from opposing fastening body portions 17 so that they face each other. As shown in Figures 2 and 8, the two opposing tip bent portions 18 are in contact with each other in an intersecting state. In this embodiment, the tip bent portion 18 has a substantially rectangular notched recess 18a in its central region in the vertical direction. The tip bent portions 18 of the pair of opposing fastening action portions 16 are in contact with each other in an intersecting state, with their respective notched recesses 18a facing each other.

[0044] Thus, the tip bent portion 18 is located on the opposite side of the holding portion 11 from the fastening position of the second bolt B2 in the fastening body portion 17 (i.e., the position of the insertion hole 17a), and comes into contact with each other when fastened with the second bolt B2. This contact causes the tip bent portion 18 to maintain a certain distance between the fastening body portions 17 when fastened with the second bolt B2. As a result, when the second bolt B2 is fastened, the contact point of the tip bent portions 18 acts as a fulcrum, allowing the fastening body portions 17, which are separated by a certain distance, to be gripped more firmly, and consequently, a greater tightening force can be applied to the holding portion 11. In this way, the surface pressure on the inner surface of the holding portion 11 is further increased, and the pipe P can be firmly supported.

[0045] Furthermore, since the pair of bent tip portions 18 are in contact with each other in an intersecting manner, the tightening force from the fastening of the second bolt B2 can be applied evenly to the pair of tightening portions 16. This, combined with the increased strength of the tightening body portion 17 itself due to the formation of the circular raised portion 17B, allows for stable support of the piping P with almost no deformation or bias of the tightening portion 16.

[0046] In this embodiment, the bent tip portion 18 functions as a proximity restricting portion 19 that comes into contact with each other when fastened by the second bolt B2, maintaining a certain distance between the fastening body portions 17.

[0047] In this embodiment, a notch 21 is provided between the base fixing portion 13 and each of the two tightening portions 16. This notch 21 is formed to extend radially, continuously from the upper and lower side edges 13b of the base fixing portion 13. By providing such a notch 21, the base fixing portion 13 and the two tightening portions 16 can be separated, making it difficult for the tightening force of the tightening portions 16 exerted by fastening the second bolt B2 to be transmitted to the base fixing portion 13. In other words, the tightening force of the tightening portions 16 exerted by fastening the second bolt B2 can be appropriately directed towards the holding portion 11. Therefore, the piping P can be supported even more firmly.

[0048] As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 8, the pipe support member 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a fixing auxiliary member 30 that is detachably attached to the restraining member 10. The fixing auxiliary member 30 comprises a main body portion 31, a mounting portion 32, a side wall portion 33, a pressing piece 34, a locking claw portion 35, a first extension portion 36, an engaging portion 37, a second extension portion 38, and an engaging claw portion 39. These are integrally formed. The fixing auxiliary member 30 is made of resin, and is constructed using, for example, polypropylene or polyacetal.

[0049] The main body portion 31 is formed in a flat plate shape along the base fixing portion 13 of the restraining member 10. The main body portion 31 is also formed in a rectangular shape. The main body portion 31 has an insertion hole 31a through which a bolt B (specifically, the first bolt B1) is inserted. The main body portion 31 is positioned along the inner surfaces of each of the pair of plates that make up the base fixing portion 13 when the fixing auxiliary member 30 is attached to the restraining member 10 (hereinafter simply referred to as the "attached state").

[0050] The side wall portion 33 is formed to rise vertically from the main body portion 31 along three sides of the rectangular main body portion 31. The side wall portion 33 has a first portion 33A and a second portion 33B and a third portion 33C extending from both ends of the first portion 33A, respectively. When installed, the first portion 33A abuts against the edge 13c of the base fixing portion 13 opposite to the holding portion 11. When installed, the second portion 33B and the third portion 33C abut against the upper and lower side edges 13b of the base fixing portion 13.

[0051] The retaining pieces 34 are formed at the boundary between the first portion 33A and the second portion 33B of the side wall portion 33, and at the boundary between the first portion 33A and the third portion 33C. The retaining pieces 34 are formed in an L-shape at a position spaced apart from the main body portion 31 by the thickness of the base fixing portion 13 of the restraining member 10. When installed, the retaining pieces 34 abut against the outer surfaces of each of the pair of plates that constitute the base fixing portion 13. As a result, when installed, the main body portion 31 and the retaining pieces 34 cooperate to press down on the pair of plates that constitute the base fixing portion 13 from both the inside and outside.

[0052] The locking claw portion 35 is formed to extend continuously from the second portion 33B and the third portion 33C of the side wall portion 33. When installed, the locking claw portion 35 engages with the locking recess 14 formed on the upper and lower side edges 13b of the pair of plate portions constituting the base fixing portion 13 (see Figure 8). This prevents the fixing auxiliary member 30 attached to the restraining member 10 from coming off. In this embodiment, the locking recess 14 of the base fixing portion 13 and the locking claw portion 35 of the fixing auxiliary member 30 cooperate to function as a retaining portion 41 that prevents the fixing auxiliary member 30 attached to the restraining member 10 from coming off.

[0053] The mounting portion 32 is formed on the side of the main body portion 31 where the side wall portion 33 is not provided (in other words, the side opposite the side where the first portion 33A is provided). A pair of mounting portions 32 are formed so as to protrude upward and downward from both the upper and lower ends of the side of the main body portion 31 opposite to the first portion 33A. The mounting portion 32 is provided adjacent to the locking claw portion 35. The mounting portion 32 is positioned in the notch portion 21 when the fixing auxiliary member 30 is attached to the restraining member 10. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the retaining mounting portion 54 provided on the nut retaining member 50 is attached to the mounting portion 32.

[0054] The first extension portion 36 extends outward from the second portion 33B of the side wall portion 33. The second extension portion 38 extends outward from the third portion 33C of the side wall portion 33. The direction in which the first extension portion 36 extends and the direction in which the second extension portion 38 extends are opposite to each other. The engaged portion 37 is provided at the tip of the first extension portion 36, intersecting (orthogonal in this example) with respect to the first extension portion 36. The engaging claw portion 39 is provided at the tip of the second extension portion 38, intersecting (orthogonal in this example) with respect to the second extension portion 38. The direction in which the engaged portion 37 extends and the direction in which the engaging claw portion 39 extends are opposite to each other.

[0055] In this embodiment, a pair of fixing auxiliary members 30 of the same shape are attached to each of the plates constituting the base fixing portion 13. When the restraint member 10 is in the closed position, as shown in Figures 8 to 10, the engaging claw portion 39 of one fixing auxiliary member 30 engages with the engaged portion 37 of the other fixing auxiliary member 30, and the engaging claw portion 39 of the other fixing auxiliary member 30 engages with the engaged portion 37 of the other fixing auxiliary member 30. As a result, even if the operator releases their hand, the restraint member 10 will maintain the closed position. In this embodiment, the engaged portion 37 and the engaging claw portion 39, which are provided separately on the two fixing auxiliary members 30, cooperate to function as a closed position holding portion 42 that holds the restraint member 10 in the closed position.

[0056] Thus, the fixing support member 30 is primarily used to temporarily fasten the base fixing part 13 to the base fitting 70 before fastening with the first bolt B1. Therefore, the worker can perform the fastening operation with the first bolt B1 with both hands free, resulting in excellent workability.

[0057] Furthermore, the fixing auxiliary member 30 will remain attached even after the first bolt B1 is fastened, and the main body 31 of the fixing auxiliary member 30 will be interposed between the connecting portion 72 of the base fitting 70 and the pair of plates that constitute the base fixing portions 13 on both sides thereof. Secondly, the fixing auxiliary member 30 is used as a spacer to prevent the base fitting 70 and the base fixing portion 13 from coming into direct contact. By ensuring the distance between the pair of plates that constitute the base fixing portion 13, the distance between the pair of fastening main body portions 17 of the fastening portion 16 is ensured, thereby securing the fastening allowance of the fastening portion 16 when the second bolt B2 is fastened.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the fixing auxiliary member 30 interposed between the base fitting 70 and the base fixing part 13 is made of a resin with low thermal conductivity, heat transfer from the base fixing part 13 to the base fitting 70 is significantly suppressed. Thirdly, the fixing auxiliary member 30 is used as an insulating material to suppress heat transfer from the base fixing part 13 to the base fitting 70. In the case where the piping P is a refrigerant piping as in this embodiment, the heat (e.g., cold) of the refrigerant circulating in the piping P can be transferred to the metal restraining member 10 via the piping P. Even in this case, the fixing auxiliary member 30 functions as an insulating material and can suppress the transfer of that cold to the base fitting 70. As a result, condensation on the surface of the base fitting 70 can be suppressed.

[0059] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the nut holding member 50 is detachably attached to the restraining member 10 such that the first nut N1 and the second nut N2 are positioned at their respective mounting locations while holding the first nut N1 and the second nut N2. In this embodiment, the nut holding member 50 holds one first nut N1 and two second nuts N2. The mounting position of the first nut N1 is a position that coincides with the insertion hole 13a of the base fixing part 13, and the mounting positions of the second nuts N2 are positions that coincide with the insertion holes 17a of the two upper and lower tightening action parts 16 (specifically, the tightening body part 17). In this embodiment, the nut holding member 50 is detachably attached to the fixing auxiliary member 30 which is attached to the restraining member 10. That is, the nut holding member 50 is indirectly attached to the restraining member 10 via the fixing auxiliary member 30.

[0060] As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the nut retaining member 50 has a retaining body portion 51, a retaining mounting portion 54, and a retaining engaging portion 56. These are integrally formed. The nut retaining member 50 is made of resin, and is constructed using, for example, polypropylene or polyacetal.

[0061] The retaining body portion 51 is the main part that holds the first nut N1 and the second nut N2. The retaining body portion 51 has a central plate portion 51A and a pair of extending plate portions 51B that extend from the central plate portion 51A to both the upper and lower sides. These are integrally formed. In this embodiment, the extending plate portions 51B are formed offset from the central plate portion 51A so as to be spaced away from the restraining member 10 when attached to the restraining member 10. The extending plate portions 51B are formed offset from the central plate portion 51A by an amount equivalent to the height of the raised portion 17B formed on the fastening body portion 17 of the fastening action portion 16.

[0062] A first retaining insertion hole 52 is formed through the retaining body portion 51. One first retaining insertion hole 52 is formed in the central plate portion 51A of the retaining body portion 51. The retaining body portion 51 holds the first nut N1 when it is inserted through the first retaining insertion hole 52. In this embodiment, a flanged nut is used as the first nut N1, and the retaining body portion 51 holds the first nut N1 with the nut body of the first nut N1 inserted through the first retaining insertion hole 52 and the flange portion locked to the periphery of the first retaining insertion hole 52. The first retaining insertion hole 52 is formed in a substantially hexagonal shape corresponding to the outer shape of the nut body of the first nut N1. Therefore, the retaining body portion 51 can hold the first nut N1 in a state that prevents it from rotating.

[0063] In this embodiment, the first retaining insertion hole 52 is formed by cutting out a portion of its circumference with a slit-shaped notch 52a. Due to the presence of this slit-shaped notch 52a, the first retaining insertion hole 52 does not completely prevent the first nut N1 from rotating, and rotation of the first nut N1 is permitted when a large force is applied.

[0064] Furthermore, a second retaining insertion hole 53 is formed through the retaining body portion 51. One second retaining insertion hole 53 is formed in each of the pair of extension plate portions 51B of the retaining body portion 51. The retaining body portion 51 holds the second nut N2 in a state where it is inserted through the second retaining insertion hole 53. In this embodiment, a flanged nut is used as the second nut N2, and the retaining body portion 51 holds the second nut N2 with the nut body of the second nut N2 inserted through the second retaining insertion hole 53 and the flange portion locked to the periphery of the second retaining insertion hole 53. The second retaining insertion hole 53 is formed in a substantially hexagonal shape corresponding to the outer shape of the nut body of the second nut N2. Therefore, the retaining body portion 51 can hold the second nut N2 in a state where it is prevented from rotating.

[0065] In this embodiment, the second retaining insertion hole 53 is formed by cutting out a portion of its circumference with a slit-shaped notch 53a. Due to the presence of this slit-shaped notch 53a, the second retaining insertion hole 53 does not completely prevent the second nut N2 from rotating, and rotation of the second nut N2 is permitted when a large force is applied.

[0066] The retaining attachment portion 54 is erected from the retaining main body portion 51 (specifically, the extension plate portion 51B). The retaining attachment portion 54 is located between the first retaining insertion hole 52 and the second retaining insertion hole 53. As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the retaining attachment portion 54 is composed of a pair of claw portions and is attached to the mounting portion 32 provided on the fixing auxiliary member 30. The retaining attachment portion 54 is attached to the mounting portion 32 at the position of the notch 21 provided on the restraining member 10 when the fixing auxiliary member 30 is mounted on the restraining member 10. As a result, the nut retaining member 50 is indirectly attached to the base fixing portion 13 via the fixing auxiliary member 30 at the position of the notch 21.

[0067] The retaining engagement portion 56 is provided at the tip of the retaining body portion 51 (specifically, the extension plate portion 51B). The retaining engagement portion 56 is provided across a pair of bent leg portions 55 formed at the tip of the retaining body portion 51. The retaining engagement portion 56 is composed of a downwardly extending triangular engagement piece. As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 10, the retaining engagement portion 56 engages with the tightening action portion 16 from the opposite side of the retaining body portion 51 when the nut retaining member 50 is mounted on the restraining member 10 via the fixing auxiliary member 30. This stabilizes the mounting position of the nut retaining member 50, and consequently the holding position of the first nut N1 and the second nut N2.

[0068] In this embodiment, if the tightening force of the fastening action part 16 on the holding part 11 is insufficient (before the second bolt B2 and the second nut N2 are firmly fastened), a gap D exists between the holding engagement part 56 and the fastening body part 17 on the side to which the nut holding member 50 is not attached, as shown in Figure 10. As the second bolt B2 and the second nut N2 are fastened, the gap D gradually decreases, and when the tightening force of the fastening action part 16 becomes sufficient, the gap D disappears. Therefore, the completion of fastening can be easily confirmed visually from the outside, and the uniformity of the construction is improved.

[0069] As described above, in this embodiment, the pipe support member 1 has a nut holding member 50 that is detachably attached to the restraining member 10 while holding the first nut N1 and the second nut N2. Because the nut holding member 50 holds the first nut N1 and the second nut N2 in their respective mounting positions before fastening, the worker does not need to hold each nut N1 and N2 by hand when fastening the first bolt B1 and the second bolt B2. Moreover, since the first nut N1 is prevented from rotating by the first holding insertion hole 52 and the second nut N2 is prevented from rotating by the second holding insertion hole 53, the worker can perform the fastening work by manipulating only the first bolt B1 and the second bolt B2, thereby greatly improving work efficiency.

[0070] Furthermore, since the first retaining insertion hole 52 and the second retaining insertion hole 53 are formed by cutting out a portion of the circumferential direction, when fastening the first bolt B1 and the second bolt B2 with a large force using a tool, for example, the rotation of the first nut N1 and the second nut N2 is allowed, and they can be firmly fastened. Thus, the restraining member 10 can be firmly fixed to the base fitting 70, and a large tightening force can be applied to the retaining part 11, increasing the surface pressure on the inner surface of the retaining part 11 and allowing the piping P to be properly supported.

[0071] [Other Embodiments] (1) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the nut holding member 50 holds both the first nut N1 and the second nut N2 was described as an example. However, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration, and for example, the nut holding member 50 may hold only the first nut N1. Furthermore, an embodiment in which the nut holding member 50 holds only the second nut N2 is also disclosed herein.

[0072] (2) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the first retaining insertion hole 52 and the second retaining insertion hole 53 are formed in a substantially hexagonal shape with a part of the circumferential direction cut out was described as an example. However, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration, and for example, at least one of the first retaining insertion hole 52 and the second retaining insertion hole 53 may be formed in a closed substantially hexagonal shape without a notch. Also, the first retaining insertion hole 52 and the second retaining insertion hole 53 may be formed in other shapes, such as an oval, as long as they can prevent the first nut N1 and the second nut N2 from rotating. Alternatively, the first retaining insertion hole 52 and the second retaining insertion hole 53 may be formed in a perfect circle and do not necessarily have to have a function to prevent the first nut N1 and the second nut N2 from rotating.

[0073] (3) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the nut holding member 50 is attached to the base fixing part 13 via the fixing auxiliary member 30 within the notch 21 was described as an example. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and the nut holding member 50 may be attached to the tightening action part 16 within the notch 21. Alternatively, the nut holding member 50 may be attached to the base fixing part 13 via the fixing auxiliary member 30 outside the notch 21.

[0074] (4) In the above embodiment, the nut holding member 50 was described as having a holding engagement portion 56 that engages with the tightening action portion 16 from the opposite side of the holding body portion 51. However, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration, and the nut holding member 50 may be attached to the restraining member 10 by the holding mounting portion 54 alone without having such a holding engagement portion 56.

[0075] (5) In the above embodiment, a configuration was described as in which the pipe support member 1 is equipped with a fixing auxiliary member 30 and the nut holding member 50 is indirectly attached to the restraint member 10 via the fixing auxiliary member 30. However, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration, and the nut holding member 50 may be directly attached to the restraint member 10 even if the pipe support member 1 is equipped with a fixing auxiliary member 30 (or even if the pipe support member 1 is equipped with a fixing auxiliary member 30).

[0076] (6) In the above embodiment, the nut retaining member 50 was described as being used in conjunction with a restraining member 10 that is fixed to the base fitting 70 in a manner that surrounds the outer surface of the pipe P and holds the pipe P in place. However, the nut retaining member 50 is not limited to such a configuration and can also be used with any member that is fixed by fastening a bolt B and a nut N screwed onto it. Such an application-independent nut retaining member 50 is also disclosed herein. In this case, the nut retaining member 50 is, A nut holding member 50 is detachably attached to a fixed member, which is fixed by fastening a bolt B and a nut N screwed onto it, such that the nut N is positioned at the mounting location while holding the nut N. It has the following configuration.

[0077] (7) The configurations disclosed in each of the above-described embodiments (including the above-described embodiments and other embodiments; the same applies hereinafter) can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as this does not cause a conflict. With respect to other configurations, the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0078] 1. Pipe support member 10 Restraining member 11 Holding part 13 Base fixing part 16. Tightening part 21 Notch 30 Fixing support member 50 Nut retaining member 52 First retaining insertion hole 52a Slit-shaped notch 53 Second retaining insertion hole 53a Slit-shaped notch 56 Holding engagement part 70 Base fittings B1 First bolt B2 Second bolt N1 First Nut N2 Second Nut P piping S structure

Claims

1. A pipe support member that is connected to a base fitting fixed to a structure and supports the piping, A restraining member is fixed to the base fitting by fastening a first bolt and a first nut screwed onto it, in a state that it surrounds the outer surface of the pipe and holds the pipe in place, A nut holding member is attached directly or indirectly to the restraining member so as to be detachable, while holding the first nut, such that the first nut is positioned at the mounting location. Equipped with, The nut holding member has a first holding insertion hole that holds the first nut in the inserted state, The first retaining insertion hole has a shape that prevents the first nut from rotating, and is formed by cutting out a part of its circumference. The first retaining insertion hole prevents the first nut from rotating when the first bolt and the first nut are fastened with a force of a first magnitude, while allowing the first nut to rotate when the first bolt and the first nut are fastened with a force of a second magnitude greater than the first magnitude. A pipe support member in which the thickness of the nut holding member is thinner than the thickness of the first nut.

2. The restraining member comprises a holding portion that surrounds the outer surface and holds the piping, a base fixing portion that extends from the holding portion so as to face each other and is fixed to the base fitting by fastening the first bolt and the first nut, and a tightening portion that extends from the holding portion so as to face each other and applies a tightening force to the holding portion by fastening a second bolt, which is different from the first bolt, and a second nut that is screwed onto it. The pipe support member according to claim 1, wherein the nut holding member is attached directly or indirectly to the base fixing part or the tightening part so as to hold the second nut in addition to the first nut, and the first nut and the second nut are positioned at their respective mounting positions.

3. The nut holding member has a second holding insertion hole that holds the second nut in the inserted state, The second retaining insertion hole has a shape that prevents the second nut from rotating, and is formed by cutting out a part of its circumferential direction. The pipe support member according to claim 2, wherein the second retaining insertion hole prevents the second nut from rotating when the second bolt and the second nut are fastened with a force of a first magnitude, while allowing the second nut to rotate when the second bolt and the second nut are fastened with a force of a second magnitude greater than the first magnitude.

4. The holding portion, the base fixing portion, and the tightening portion are integrally formed, and a notch is provided between the base fixing portion and the tightening portion to reduce the transmission of the tightening force due to the fastening of the second bolt to the base fixing portion. The pipe support member according to claim 2, wherein the nut holding member is directly or indirectly attached to the base fixing portion at the position of the notch.

5. The pipe support member according to claim 2, wherein the thickness of the nut holding member is thinner than the thickness of the second nut.

6. A pipe support member that is connected to a base fitting fixed to a structure and supports the piping, A restraining member is fixed to the base fitting by fastening a first bolt and a first nut screwed onto it, in a state that it surrounds the outer surface of the pipe and holds the pipe in place, The system includes a nut holding member which is directly or indirectly attached to the restraining member so as to hold the first nut and position the first nut at the mounting position, The restraining member comprises a holding portion that surrounds the outer surface and holds the piping, a base fixing portion that extends from the holding portion so as to face each other and is fixed to the base fitting by fastening the first bolt and the first nut, and a tightening portion that extends from the holding portion so as to face each other and applies a tightening force to the holding portion by fastening a second bolt, which is different from the first bolt, and a second nut that is screwed onto it. The nut holding member is attached directly or indirectly to the base fixing part or the tightening part so as to be detachable, such that the first nut and the second nut are positioned at their respective mounting locations, while holding the second nut in addition to the first nut. The nut holding member has a first holding insertion hole that holds the first nut in the inserted state, The first retaining insertion hole has a shape that prevents the first nut from rotating, and is formed by cutting out a part of its circumference. The first retaining insertion hole prevents the first nut from rotating when the first bolt and the first nut are fastened with a force of a first magnitude, while allowing the first nut to rotate when the first bolt and the first nut are fastened with a force of a second magnitude greater than the first magnitude. A pipe support member in which the thickness of the nut holding member is thinner than the thickness of at least one of the first nut and the second nut.

7. The nut holding member further has a second holding insertion hole that holds the second nut in the insertion state, The second retaining insertion hole has a shape that prevents the second nut from rotating, and is formed by cutting out a part of its circumferential direction. The pipe support member according to claim 6, wherein the second retaining insertion hole prevents the second nut from rotating freely when the second bolt and the second nut are fastened with a force of the first magnitude, and allows the second nut to rotate when the second bolt and the second nut are fastened with a force of the second magnitude.

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