connector

Abstract

To provide a connector to be inserted in a tubular member to couple and fix the tubular member from the inside.SOLUTION: A connector is equipped with a pair of a first connector member and a second connector member that are arranged oppositely to each other and form a cylindrical shape whose one end can be inserted in a tubular member. The first connector member and the second connector member are arranged oppositely to each other at an interval and can rock so that both ends come close to or separate from each other at the interval by a fulcrum portion provided at an intermediate portion in an axial direction. If the approaching of the tubular member and the other end on the opposite side in the axial direction exceeds a predetermined amount, the fulcrum portion also separates. A coupling portion is provided, which sequentially brings the first connector member and the other end side of the second connector member closer to each other or separates them from each other. If the coupling portion brings the other end side to come close to, the one end side is separated and fixed in the tubular member by pressing an inner wall of the tubular member. If the coupling portion separates the other end side, the fixing into the tubular member is released by decreasing force bringing the one end side to come close or pressing to the inner wall of the tubular member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an insertion type connector used when connecting a tubular member to another tubular member or the like.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in factories and warehouses, various shelves and the like have been installed by combining cylindrical tubular members with resin coating on steel pipes and connectors (joints) for connecting them. As such connectors, insertion type connectors such as those in Patent Documents 1, 3 to 4 and external fitting type connectors such as those in Patent Document 2 are known.

[0003] In conventional external fitting type connectors, it is necessary to tighten the tubular member with bolts from the outside, the connector is largely exposed outside, the design property is poor, and there is interference with the surroundings. Further, the pressure contact force between the inner diameter surface of the connector and the tubular member is dispersed, and there is a possibility of play or disengagement. Therefore, it cannot be said that they are necessarily excellent in design property and assemblability, and the aspect of being generalized due to the superiority in terms of the fact that many persons skilled in the art have adopted them conventionally cannot be denied.

[0004] On the other hand, even in insertion type connectors, there are improvement points such as the connector being largely exposed at the end of the tubular member, the need to apply a special shape to the end, inner diameter, or the connector itself of the tubular member according to the connector, the number of parts increasing according to the shape of the assembled product, poor workability in a narrow space, and durability problems.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

[0006] This invention was created to solve the above problems, and aims to provide a connector that offers high workability even in confined spaces where surrounding parts interfere, and that can be securely fixed to various tubular members with a single connection operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention provides a connector for inserting into a tubular member and connecting and fixing the tubular member from the inside. This connector is It comprises a pair of first and second connector members arranged opposite each other and forming a cylindrical shape with one end insertable into a tubular member, The first connector member and the second connector member are arranged facing each other with a gap between them, and a pivot point provided in the axial middle allows both ends to swing closer together or further apart in the gap, and when the other end opposite the tubular member in the axial direction approaches each other by a predetermined amount, the pivot point also moves apart. The first connector member and the second connector member are provided with a connecting portion that sequentially brings the other ends of the connector members closer together or further apart. When the other ends are brought closer together by the connecting portion, one end is separated and presses against the inner wall of the tubular member, thereby fixing it inside the tubular member. When the other ends are separated by the connecting portion, one end is brought closer together or the force pressing against the inner wall of the tubular member decreases, releasing it from being fixed inside the tubular member. The connecting portion comprises a pair of first and second connector members, each having a through hole that penetrates diagonally from one end to the other end toward the pivot point, and a screw member that is inserted into the through hole and fastened with a screw.

[0008] The above-described connector is used to connect tubular members (for example, tubular members 50, 52 in the embodiment) or other members (for example, angle adjuster 40 in the embodiment). The connector is provided in which one cylindrical end (for example, insertion part 24 in the embodiment) is inserted into the tubular member, and then the end is expanded radially to contact the inner wall of the tubular member and connect them. Unlike so-called externally fitted connectors that are fastened by covering from the outside, this connector employs a so-called internally fitted type that is fastened from the inside by expanding the diameter after insertion. In particular, this connector is designed so that a first connector member and a second connector member (for example, first connector member 12 and second connector member 14 in the embodiment), which are shaped by dividing a cylindrical member into two in the vertical direction (axial direction), are arranged opposite each other (overlapping) to form a substantially cylindrical shape, and the first connector member and the second connector member are designed to be overlapped with a "gap" (for example, gaps t3, t4 in the embodiment) between them.

[0009] Furthermore, the first connector member and the second connector member are provided with a pivot point (for example, a pivot point composed of a protruding pivot point 18 and a recessed part 20 in the embodiment) in the axial middle portion, and both ends can swing around this "pivot point" so as to move closer together or further apart by a "gap". When one end is inserted into the tubular member, the "connecting part" at the other end opposite the tubular member in the axial direction is closed and brought closer together, the one end side moves apart and expands.

[0010] Thus, the connecting portion on the other end employs a configuration in which screw members (for example, bolt member 30 and nut member 32 in the embodiment) pass through inclined through holes (for example, first screw hole 3636 and second screw hole 38 in the embodiment) to fasten. By enabling inclined screw fastening at the connecting portion, screw fastening tools can easily access the connecting portion even in narrow spaces where surrounding parts are close together at the assembly site. In addition, by performing inclined screw fastening at the connecting portion, compared to simply tightening radially to apply force to bring the other ends of the first connector member and the second connector member closer together, the progress of screw fastening includes not only a radial tightening component but also an axial progression component. As a result, by simply overlapping (arranging opposite) the two separate members and tightening the screws, it is possible to push and fix them into the tubular member while correcting the axial misalignment during the initial overlapping.

[0011] By adopting this configuration, the connector can be securely fixed to the tubular member without any wobbling, and even if the machining accuracy of the inner diameter of the tubular member is not precise, it can be provided with a connector that can be securely fixed and function as a connector for connecting to tubular members of various diameters and inner wall shapes and materials (including cases where an angle adjustment device described later is interposed).

[0012] Furthermore, in a suitable connector, The pivot point is composed of a protruding pivot point that protrudes toward the second connector member at the axial intermediate portion of the first connector member, and a recess at the axial intermediate portion of the second connector member that can engage with and receive the protruding pivot point.

[0013] As described above, the connector of the present invention is an improved example of an internal-fit type connector in which, after inserting one cylindrical end into a tubular member, the connecting portion on the other end (opposite side from the tubular member) of a pair of first and second connector members arranged opposite each other with a gap between them is closed, thereby expanding the one end radially and bringing it into contact with the inner wall of the tubular member for connection. In a typical form, a pivot point is provided in the axial middle of each of the first and second connector members, consisting of a protruding pivot point (for example, the protruding pivot point 18 in the embodiment) and a recess that engages with it (for example, the recess 20 in the embodiment), and a configuration is adopted in which the "gap" between the first and second connector members described above swings around this pivot point.

[0014] With this configuration, the first connector member and the second connector member can be easily manufactured in processes such as casting. By simply overlapping the two and inserting them into a tubular member, and then diagonally screwing the connecting portion provided on the end (the other end) that protrudes from the outside of the tubular member, even if the machining accuracy of the inner diameter of the tubular member is not precise, the misalignment during overlapping can be corrected and the two members can be gradually pushed in and firmly fixed inside the tubular member. This allows the connector to function as a connector for connecting with various tubular members (including cases where an angle adjustment device described later is interposed).

[0015] Furthermore, in other suitable connectors, The first connector member and the second connector member are connected by screw fastening of the connecting portion, so that when the other end approaches, the one end moves apart and comes into contact with the inner wall of the tubular member. After contact, they are fixed inside the tubular member by pressing down while elastically deforming. When the screw fastening of the connecting portion is released, the pressing force on the inner wall of the tubular member by the elastic deformation of the other end decreases, and when it moves away from the inner wall of the tubular member, it is released from being fixed to the tubular member.

[0016] In this connector example, a configuration is employed that allows the tubular member to expand or close within the range of elastic deformation, without plastic deformation. When one end is inserted into the tubular member, and the other end, the "connecting part" on the axial opposite side of the tubular member, is brought closer together by screw fastening, the two ends move apart, causing the connector to expand within the tubular member. At this time, the expansion occurs within the tubular member due to oscillation around the aforementioned "fulcrum," but this expansion has two stages: one until it contacts the inner wall of the tubular member, and another after contact, where further screw fastening pushes the inner wall of the tubular member beyond the point of contact, and this pressing force fixes it in place. Furthermore, as screw fastening progresses, the "fulcrum" moves apart, the fulcrum shifts to the other end, and oscillation occurs around this point, potentially causing a large force to act on the inner wall of the tubular member due to the increased distance from the fulcrum.

[0017] This connector is designed with an elastic material and the aforementioned "gap" that allows the pressing force to remain within the range of elastic deformation even when the pressing force is applied due to expansion within the tubular member.

[0018] Furthermore, when the screw fastening of the "connecting part" is released and the connector is removed from the tubular member, the restoring force of the elastic material reduces the elastic force, decreasing the pressing force. When the screw fastening is released beyond this point, one end separates from the inner wall of the tubular member, allowing the connector to be removed from the tubular member.

[0019] By adopting this configuration, compared to simply using a pivot point to expand and press against the inner wall of the tubular member and fix it inside the tubular member with that pressing force, the elastic force gradually increases as the screw fastening progresses even after contact with the inner wall of the tubular member, allowing for firm fixation without providing any special fitting parts on the inner wall of the tubular member. At the same time, because the inner wall of the tubular member is pressed within the range of elastic deformation, "plastic deformation" of the contact part can be prevented, and when the connection with the tubular member is released and removed, it returns to its original state due to "elastic deformation," thus providing a connector that can be used repeatedly. In this respect as well, this connector has a great advantage. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the connector of the present invention, by screwing and fastening the side opposite to the tubular member in an oblique direction while pushing it into the tubular member and pressing it radially from the inside, it is possible to firmly connect to tubular members of various diameters, materials, and inner shapes. At the same time, the connector of the present invention can eliminate plastic deformation when connecting to the tubular member, so it also has high durability due to repeated use.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view including an exploded view of a connector showing a state in which another connector is connected to a tubular member with an angle adjuster connected between the connectors of the present invention. [Figure 2] (a) is a view seen from the right side in the radial direction of the state in which the connector, angle adjuster, and tubular member of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 are connected, and (b) is a view seen from the lower side in the radial direction. [Figure 3] (a) is a view seen from the left side in the radial direction of the state in which the connector, angle adjuster, and tubular member of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 are connected, and (b) is a sectional view taken along the line V-V of FIG. 2(a) seen from the lower side in the radial direction. [Figure 4] It is an enlarged view of the region W on the right side of FIG. 3(b), showing (a) the state when the tightening on the insertion side of this connector is loosened and (b) the state when the tightening progresses.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] Hereinafter, the connector 10 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0023] Figure 1 is a perspective view including an exploded view of the connector 10, showing the connector 10, 10' connected to the tubular members 50, 50' with the angle adjustment device 40 connected between the connectors 10, 10' of the present invention. Figures 2 to 4 are views from the right radial side (right X direction as shown in Figure 1) with the connector 10, angle adjustment device 40, and tubular member 50 connected, similar to Figure 1. Figure 2(b) is a view from the lower radial side (lower Z direction as shown in Figure 1), Figure 3(a) is a view from the left radial side (left Z direction as shown in Figure 1), and Figure 3(b) is a VV cross-sectional view of Figure 2(a) viewed from the lower radial side (lower Z direction as shown in Figure 1). Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the area W on the right side of Figure 3(b), where (a) shows the state when the tightening of the insertion side of the connector is loosened, and (b) shows the state as the tightening progresses.

[0024] This connector 10 is composed of a first connector member 12 and a second connector member 14. The first connector member 12 and the second connector member 14 are generally cylindrical in shape, divided into two parts in the axial direction (Y direction), and are a pair of members whose opposing sides are superimposed on each other. The first connector member 12 and the second connector member 14 are each generally semi-cylindrical in shape, and are formed sequentially along the axial direction by an insertion portion 24 that can be inserted into and removed from a hollow tubular member 50 when the first connector member 12 and the second connector member 14 are superimposed, and a head portion 22 that is continuous with the insertion portion 24.

[0025] The insertion portion 24 has an anti-slip member 24a attached to its outer peripheral wall that extends in the axial direction, which serves to prevent slippage when inserted into the tubular member 50. The head portion 22 consists of a flange portion 22a that protrudes from the tubular member 50 when the insertion portion 24 is inserted into the tubular member (see also the flange portion 22a of the connector 10' protruding from the tubular member 52 in Figure 1), and a small-diameter portion 22a that is sandwiched between the flange portion 22a and the insertion portion 24 and has a reduced diameter.

[0026] Furthermore, the first connector member 12 and the second connector member 14 are each provided with a first receiving portion 12a and a second receiving portion 14a that open to the opposite side when superimposed. These first receiving portion 12a and second receiving portion 14a are surrounded by frame portions 12b and 14b with a height t1 extending from the head portion 22 to the insertion portion 24, forming a substantially flat surface that receives the plate-shaped member 42 described later by countersinking.

[0027] Furthermore, by aligning the frame portions 12b and 14b of the first connector member 12 and the second connector member 14 to opposite sides (overlapping them), the outer peripheral wall surfaces become a continuous plane, forming a single substantially cylindrical connector 10, with its flange portion 22a acting as a stopper, allowing it to be inserted into the tubular member 50 from the insertion portion 24 to the small diameter portion 24b of the head portion 24. Insertion into the tubular member 50 can be done by inserting the connector 10 by simply overlapping the first connector member 12 and the second connector member 14, or by overlapping them with the plate-shaped member 42 sandwiched in between, as shown in Figures 1 to 4.

[0028] Furthermore, the first receiving portion 12a and the second receiving portion 14a of the first connector member 12 and the second connector member 14 are provided with a first screw hole 36 and a second screw hole 38 that penetrate diagonally in the radial direction (X direction in Figure 1) on the head 22 side, respectively. As will be described in detail later, the first screw hole 36 and the second screw hole 38 are positioned so that they are visible to each other when the first connector member 12 and the second connector member 14 are placed facing each other and overlapped, and the first connector member 12 and the second connector member 14 are connected by screw fastening a bolt member 30 and a nut member 32 together. At this time, the plate-shaped member 42 is provided with a through hole 44 on the side opposite to the tubular member 50 (head 22 side) so that the first connector member 12 and the second connector member 14 can also be connected with the plate-shaped member 42 in between, and when the bolt member 30 passes through when screw fastening the first connector member 12 and the second connector member 14 together, the plate-shaped member 42 is sandwiched and fixed at the same time as the connection of the first connector member 12 and the second connector member 14.

[0029] Therefore, when the plate-shaped member 42 is inserted between the first receiving portion 12a and the second receiving portion 14a, the frame portions 12b and 14b act as stoppers against large displacements in the axial direction (Y direction in Figure 1) and radial direction (X direction in Figure 1), and are positioned to be visible to the first screw hole 36 and the second screw hole 38.

[0030] The bolt member 32 and nut member 30 shown in Figures 1 to 4 are a hex socket head bolt and a hex nut, respectively, which are fastened with a hex wrench. The first screw hole 36 forms a hexagonal hole into which the hex bolt 30 is fitted to prevent it from rotating. As a result, by inserting the nut member 30 into the first screw hole 36, inserting the bolt member 32 into the second screw hole 38, and accessing it with a hex wrench from diagonally above to tighten it, the nut member 32 can be easily fastened with just a hex wrench without the need for a separate anti-rotation tool. This allows assembly work to be performed even in situations where there is limited radial space, such as in assembly sites, by inserting a hex wrench diagonally from available space. Furthermore, although the connector 10 in Figures 1 to 4 uses the above-mentioned bolt member 32 and nut member 30 as the connecting part, it is also possible to use a structure in which a screw groove is directly created in the second screw hole 38 by tapping, and the bolt member 32 is fastened to that screw groove, without using the nut member 30. In this case as well, the point that a separate anti-rotation tool is not used remains the same.

[0031] Furthermore, the first connector member 12 and the second connector member 14 are provided with pivot points (protruding pivot points 18 and recessed parts 20) 16 such that their respective ends move closer together or further apart around the position between their heads 22 and insertion portions 24. The pivot points rotate by sliding contact between them when the protruding pivot point 18 of the first connector member 12 is received by the recessed part 20 of the second connector member 14.

[0032] More specifically, the protruding pivot point 18 of the first connector member 12 is composed of a pair of semicircular flange portions 18a provided on both sides (in the Z direction) that protrude from the frame portion 12b of the first receiving portion 12a toward the opposite side (second connector member 14 side), and a semi-cylindrical shaft portion 18b (not shown) that connects the pair of flange portions 18a (in the Z direction) and protrudes from the first receiving portion 12a toward the opposite side (second connector member 14 side). On the other hand, the recess 20 of the second connector member 14 that receives the protruding pivot point 18 of the first connector portion 12 is composed of a pair of flange receiving portions 20a that are recessed from the frame portion 14b of the second receiving portion 14a and receive the flange portions 18a of the first connector member 12 while allowing them to slide during axial rotation, and a substantially semi-cylindrical groove-shaped shaft receiving portion 20b that connects the pair of flange receiving portions 20a in the Z direction and receives the shaft portion 18b while allowing it to slide during axial rotation.

[0033] With this configuration, the first connector member 12 and the second connector member 14 swing around the pivot point (protruding pivot point 18 and recess 20). As the bolt member 30 is screwed to the nut member 32, the screw fastening progresses and the heads 22 sides of the first connector member 12 and the second connector member 14 move closer together. As a result, the insertion portion 24 sides move apart and expand, and the sides of the insertion portion 24, especially the anti-slip 24a, press against the inner wall of the tubular member 50, firmly fixing the connector 10 to the tubular member 50 (details of this fixing will be described later).

[0034] On the other hand, when the plate-shaped member 42 is sandwiched between the first connector member 12 and the second connector member 14, the plate-shaped member 42 is located between the first connector member 12 and the second connector member 14. Therefore, the entire protruding pivot point 18 on the first connector member 12 side cannot be received by the entire recess 20 on the second connector member 14 side. As a result, only the pair of flanges 18a on both sides of the frame 12b are slidably and rotatably received by the pair of flange receiving parts 20a on both sides of the frame 14b, causing both sides of the first connector member 12 and the second connector member 14 to swing around the "pivot point". In this case, notches 46 are provided on both sides of the longitudinal position of the plate-shaped member 42 that align with the axial position (Y direction position in Figure 1) of the flanges 18a and the flange receiving parts 20a, so that the flanges 18a do not come into contact with the plate-shaped member 42.

[0035] Furthermore, when sandwiching the plate-shaped member 42, in order to avoid the balance of forces acting in the opposing direction (X direction in Figure 1) becoming unbalanced due to the shaft portion 18a of the protruding pivot portion 18 of the first connector member 12 contacting the plate-shaped member 42 too much, and the plate-shaped member 42 being fixed in an oblique position, it is preferable that the depth t1 of the first receiving portion 12a and the second receiving portion 14a and the thickness t2 of the plate-shaped member be t1 × 2 > t2.

[0036] Next, the principle of fixing and releasing the insertion portion 24 side of the first connector member 12 and the second connector member 14 within the tubular member 50 by fastening the bolt member 30 and the nut member 32 will be explained with reference to Figures 3(b) and 4(a)(b). In the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 3(b), the right side shows the connector 10 before insertion and fixing into the tubular member 50, as in Figures 1 to 3(a), and the left side, with the angle adjustment tool 40 in between, shows the connector 10' in the state of being inserted and fixed into the tubular member 52. Furthermore, Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the area W on the right side of Figure 3(b), with Figure 4(a) showing the state when the tightening of the bolt member 30 and the nut member 32 is being loosened, and Figure 4(b) showing the state as the tightening progresses.

[0037] The first connector member 12 and the second connector member 14 are stacked so that a predetermined gap is maintained between them by a "pivot point," and both ends can swing within that "gap." However, in the state where the screw fastening is loosened as shown in Figure 4(a), the insertion end of the first connector member 12 and the second connector member 14 (the right end of the insertion part 24) are close to each other, while the opposite end (the left end of the flange part 22a of the head 22) rotates and swings around the pivot point (protruding pivot point 18 and recess 20: (see dashed line OO)) (see arrow r1), creating a gap 60 of t3 between them. Therefore, because the outer diameter of the insertion part 24 is small and there is no pressure on the inner wall of the tubular member 50, the connection between the connector 10 and the tubular member 50 is released. At this time, the tip of the bolt member 30 has a gap 62 with respect to the first screw hole 36 on the first connector member 12 side.

[0038] As the screw fastening progresses from the loosened state shown above (see arrow l1) as in Figure 4(b), the gap 62 between the tip of the bolt member 30 and the first screw hole 36 on the first connector member 12 side closes (there is no gap in Figure 4(b)). Accordingly, the insertion-side tips of the first connector member 12 and the second connector member 14 (the right end of the insertion portion 24) move apart with a gap 64 between them, while the opposite tip (the left end of the flange portion 22a of the head 22) rotates and oscillates around the pivot point (see dashed line OO) (see arrow r2) and moves apart, causing the gap 64 to widen (in Figure 4(b), the gap 64 is shown as distance t4). As a result, the outer diameter of the insertion portion 24 increases, and contact with the inner wall of the tubular member 50 progresses, acting as a radially outward pressing force (see arrow F), and the connector 10 and the tubular member 50 are firmly connected by the pressing force F.

[0039] At this time, we consider the distance between the insertion-side tip (right end of the insertion portion 24) and the distance l1 over which the bolt member 30 has been fastened, in relation to the distance l1 shown on the right side of Figure 4(b), specifically the distances l1f and l1w in each direction of distance l1. Distance l1f represents the axial portion (Y direction in Figure 1) of the distance l1 in the direction of screw fastening, and distance l1w represents the radial portion (Z direction in Figure 1) of the distance l1 in the direction of screw fastening.

[0040] As the fastening of the bolt member 30 progresses by a distance l1, it progresses by a distance l1f in the axial direction and a distance l1w in the radial direction. Therefore, as the fastening of the bolt member 30 progresses, the flange portions 22a of the first connector member 12 and the second connector member 14 close and the insertion portion 24 expands in the radial direction (Z direction in Figure 1), and at the same time, the insertion portion 24 advances into the tubular member 50 in the insertion direction (rightward direction in Figure 4).

[0041] For example, as shown in Figure 4(b), when the first screw hole 36 and the second screw hole 38 are inclined at an angle θ from the radial direction, as the bolt member 30 advances a distance l1, the flange portion 22a closes by a distance l1 × cosθ, and the tip of the insertion portion 24 expands by a distance l1 × cosθ × l4 / l3 (l3 = axial length of the head 22, l4 = axial length of the insertion portion 24). In addition, as the bolt member 30 advances a distance l1, the first connector member 12 and the second connector member 14 advance by a distance l1 × sinθ in the axial direction (Y direction in Figure 1).

[0042] By tilting the first screw hole 36 and the second screw hole 38 in this manner and fastening the screws, fastening tools such as hex wrenches are easier to access than when simply fastening radially. Furthermore, a force acts on the insertion part 24 to advance into the tubular member 50 as the screw rotates, ensuring a secure connection to the tubular member 50. In addition, as the first connector member 12 and the second connector member 14 shown in Figures 1 to 4 are fastened with screws, the tip of the insertion part 24 expands and elastically deforms, increasing the pressing force against the inner wall of the tubular member 50. When axial movement is added, the elastic force pushes in and expands, further enhancing the fixing force.

[0043] Furthermore, even when radial screw fastening progresses, increasing the travel distance l1 of the bolt member 30, causing the tubular member 50 to expand to the point where the protruding pivot point 18 and recess 20 of the pivot point are separated beyond the insertion portion 24, and the pivot center shifts from the pivot point towards the head 22, expanding the oscillation radius (from l3 to l3+l4), the connector 10 allows for slower radial fastening than simply using radial screw fastening. Additionally, axial movement is also involved, preventing sudden elastic deformation and significantly reducing the possibility of exceeding the elastic limit and leading to plastic deformation. As a result, this connector can be repeatedly inserted and removed for reuse.

[0044] Furthermore, by inclining the first screw hole 36 and the second screw hole 38 as described above, and by adding axial fastening as the bolt member 30 is fastened, when sandwiching the plate-shaped member 42, even if the through hole 44 through which the bolt member 30 passes is long in the axial direction, the fixing force can be strengthened as the bolt member 30 is fastened without loosening. Since it is sufficient to prepare a through hole 44 that is of a certain size, high positioning accuracy is not required when overlapping the first connector member 12, the second connector member 14 and the plate-shaped member 32 before fastening, making on-site assembly work easier.

[0045] This significantly improves the degree of freedom for the clamping plate-shaped member 42 and the parts attached thereto. As a result, it becomes easier to provide this connector 10 with a high-precision device having a certain amount of weight, such as the angle adjustment device 40 in the examples of Figures 1 to 4, and it becomes highly versatile as an internal-fit type connector for connecting tubular members.

[0046] The angle adjustment tool 40 illustrated in Figures 1 to 4 is provided by the inventor in the aforementioned Patent Document 3. It is a jig used at the pivot point of the tubular members 50 and 52 connected to it. By releasing the lock with the lock bar 41, the tubular members 50 and 52 are pivotally rotated, and the lock is operated with the lock bar 41 at the desired angle, allowing the tubular members 50 and 52 to be easily locked and unlocked at the desired angle.

[0047] As described above with reference to Figures 1 to 4, embodiments of the connector of the present invention have been explained. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is not limited thereto, and other modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the spirit and teachings described in the claims and specification. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] 10,10' connector 12 First Connector 12a First receptive area 12b Frame 12c gap 14 Second connector 14a Second receptor area 14b Frame 14c gap 18 Protruding fulcrum part 18a Brim 18b Shaft 20 recesses 20a Flange receiving part 20b Axle receiving part 22 Head 22a Flange 22b Small diameter section 24 Insertion part 24a Anti-slip 26 Connecting part 30 Bolt Members 32 Nut component 34 Screw holes (through holes) 36 First screw hole 38 Second screw hole 40 Angle adjuster 41 Rock Bar 42 Plate-shaped member 44 Through holes 46 Notch 50, 52 Tubular members

Claims

1. A connector for inserting into a tubular member and connecting and fixing the tubular member from the inside, It comprises a pair of first and second connector members arranged opposite each other and forming a cylindrical shape with one end insertable into a tubular member, The first connector member and the second connector member are arranged facing each other with a gap between them, and a pivot point provided in the axial middle allows both ends to swing closer together or further apart in the gap, and when the other end opposite the tubular member in the axial direction approaches each other by a predetermined amount, the pivot point also moves apart. The first connector member and the second connector member are provided with a connecting portion that sequentially brings the other ends of the connector members closer together or further apart. When the other ends are brought closer together by the connecting portion, one end is separated and presses against the inner wall of the tubular member, thereby fixing it inside the tubular member. When the other ends are separated by the connecting portion, one end is brought closer together or the force pressing against the inner wall of the tubular member decreases, releasing it from being fixed inside the tubular member. The connector is characterized in that the connecting portion comprises a pair of first and second connector members, each having a through hole that penetrates diagonally from the other end of one of them toward the pivot point, to the other end, and a screw member that is inserted into the through hole and fastened with a screw.

2. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the pivot point is composed of a protruding pivot point that protrudes toward the second connector member at the axial intermediate portion of the first connector member, and a recess at the axial intermediate portion of the second connector member that can engage with and receive the protruding pivot point.

3. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the first connector member and the second connector member are fixed inside the tubular member by pressing them together while elastically deforming after contact when the other end approaches when the connecting portion is fastened with screws, and the pressing force due to elastic deformation on the inner wall of the tubular member is reduced when the screw fastening of the connecting portion is released, the other end approaches and the pressing force due to elastic deformation on the inner wall of the tubular member is reduced, and when the one end moves away from the inner wall of the tubular member it is released from being fixed to the tubular member.

4. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first connector member and the second connector member, which are arranged facing each other, are each provided with a first receiving recess and a second receiving recess on their opposing sides for receiving another member that opens facing each other, and the other member is positioned between the first receiving recess and the second receiving recess according to the connection by the connecting portion when sandwiched between the first connector member and the second connector member.

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