JP5671489B2 - Fitting - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a joint.

  A joint using a quick fastener is known. Japanese Patent No. 3711224 discloses a quick fitting that can connect pipes in one action (one action). Japanese Patent No. 3711246 discloses a one-touch joint that can be connected by a one-touch operation.

Japanese Patent No. 3711224 Japanese Patent No. 3711246

  It has been found that it is possible to further improve convenience and reliability in a joint using a quick fastener.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a joint that can improve convenience and reliability.

  A preferred aspect of the joint according to the present invention is a male pipe having a male side connection portion, a female pipe having a female side connection portion, and a relationship for maintaining a normal connection state between the male side connection portion and the female side connection portion. A quick fastener capable of realizing a stop state and a non-locking state allowing release of the normal connection state, a fastener operating portion capable of operating the quick fastener, and attachable to the male tube or the female tube And a mounting member. Mutual transition between the locked state and the unlocked state is made possible by operation of the fastener operating portion. The mounting member can hold the fastener operating portion and / or the quick fastener in the unlocked state while allowing the operation. The said quick fastener has a pair of arm part and the connection part which connects both arm parts. An expansion inclined surface for realizing the expansion deformation of the quick fastener is provided at the upper ends of the both arm portions. When the quick fastener is in the locking position at the female side connecting portion, the locking is possible, and when the movement of inserting the male tube into the female tube is inserted into the male tube, the expanding inclination The surface is configured such that the quick fastener in the lockable state causes the expanding deformation accompanying the insertion of the male tube. In this joint, the quick fastener, the fastener operating portion, and the mounting member can be rotated in the circumferential direction while maintaining the normal connection state.

  Preferably, the mounting member is a protective case that covers the quick fastener. Preferably, the mutual transition can be realized by movement of the quick fastener accompanying movement of the fastener operating portion. Preferably, the quick fastener has a stopper portion that can be engaged with the protective case. Preferably, the protective case has a stopper surface that can be engaged with the stopper portion. Preferably, the quick fastener is prevented from dropping from the protective case in the non-locking state by the engagement between the stopper portion and the stopper surface.

  Preferably, the protective case has a divided structure or an opening / closing structure. Preferably, the protective case is attached to the male tube or the female tube using the divided structure or the opening / closing structure. Preferably, the quick fastener is stored in the protective case using the divided structure or the opening / closing structure.

  Preferably, the joint further includes an outer member that can be attached to the protective case from the outside. Preferably, when the quick fastener is in the locked state and the male side connection portion and the female side connection portion are in the normal connection state, the outer member can be mounted in a normal position. Preferably, when the quick fastener is in the non-locking state and / or when the male side connection portion and the female side connection portion are in a non-normal connection state, the outer member cannot be mounted in a normal position. It is. Preferably, the outer member has an outer protrusion that can contact the male pipe. Preferably, when the outer member is pressed to the normal position, the outer projecting portion presses the male pipe until the normal connection state is reached.

  Preferably, a regular position confirmation convex portion is provided on a side surface of the fastener operation portion. Preferably, a regular position confirmation hole is provided on a side surface of the outer member. Preferably, only when the outer member is in the regular position, the regular position confirmation convex portion and the regular position confirmation hole are engaged.

  Preferably, the mounting member is a protective case that covers the quick fastener. Preferably, the mutual transition can be realized by movement of the quick fastener accompanying movement of the fastener operating portion. Preferably, the fastener operating portion has an engaging convex portion that can be engaged with the protective case. Preferably, the protective case has a temporary engagement recess that can be engaged with the engagement protrusion. Preferably, the fastener operating portion can be positioned with respect to the protective case in the non-locked state by the engagement of the engaging convex portion and the temporary engaging concave portion.

  Preferably, the female side connecting portion has a female side end surface that contacts the contact surface of the male pipe in a normal connection state. Preferably, the protective case has a slide groove. Preferably, the protective case has a confirmation through hole. Preferably, the fastener operating portion is configured to be able to slide along the slide groove while engaging with the slide groove. Preferably, when in the normal connection state, the female side end surface and the contact surface of the male tube are located at a position where they can be seen through the confirmation through hole.

  Preferably, the pair of arm portions have curved surface portions that allow surface contact with the side surface of the female tube in the locked state. Preferably, in the locked state, the extension angle of the two curved surface portions is inward.

  In a joint using a quick fastener, convenience and reliability can be enhanced.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a joint according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The joint in FIG. 1 is in a normal connection state. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the joint of FIG. The viewpoint in FIG. 2 is different from the viewpoint in FIG. FIG. 3 is a side view of the joint of FIG. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the joint of FIG. FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along the axial direction of the joint of FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the quick fastener and the fastener operation unit. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a state in which the quick fastener is held by the fastener operation portion. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining one-touch connection by inserting a male tube. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining one-touch connection by male tube insertion. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining one-touch connection by inserting a male tube. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the movement of the fastener operation unit. FIG. 12 is a side view in a state where the fastener operation portion is pulled out. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the engagement between the engaging convex portion and the temporary engaging concave portion. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 14 is an axial cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a cross section taken along line BB in FIG. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the outer member. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a connection release process. 18A is an axial cross-sectional view in the normal connection state, and FIG. 18B is an axial cross-sectional view in the non-normal connection state. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a modified quick fastener. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view when the quick fastener of FIG. 19 is in a locked state. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view when a quick fastener according to another modification is in a locked state.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on preferred embodiments with appropriate reference to the drawings.

  In the present application, the circumferential direction means the circumferential direction of the male tube 4 and the female tube 6. In the present application, the axial direction means the axial direction of the male tube 4 and the female tube 6. In the present application, a direction perpendicular to the axial direction is also referred to as an axial vertical direction.

  In the present application, words such as “upper”, “upper”, “lower”, and “lower” are used in consideration of typical usage conditions. In this typical use state, the male tube 4 is located above the female tube 6. Of course, the joint in the present application may be used in an atypical use state. For example, the joint in the present application may be used in a state where the axial direction is horizontal. For example, the joint in the present application may be used in a state where the male tube 4 is positioned below the female tube 6.

  1 and 2 are perspective views showing the joint 2 according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a side view of the joint 2. 1, 2 and 3 show the connection state. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the joint 2. In FIG. 4, the mounting member 12 having an opening / closing structure is in an open state. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the joint 2 along the axial direction. In FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, the male tube 4 and the female tube 6 are in a regular connection state.

  The joint 2 includes a male tube 4, a female tube 6, a quick fastener 8, a fastener operation unit 10, a mounting member 12, and an outer member 14. The quick fastener 8 can maintain a normal connection state between the male tube 4 and the female tube 6. The joint 2 preferably has a fastener operating portion 10. The joint 2 preferably has a mounting member 12.

  The outer member 14 may be omitted. Even without the outer member 14, the joint 2 can exhibit a plurality of actions and effects. Preferably, the joint 2 has an outer member 14. The outer member 14 will be described later.

  The quick fastener 8 is stored inside the mounting member 12. When attaching / detaching the male tube 4 to / from the female tube 6, it is not necessary to remove the mounting member 12. The male tube 4 can be attached to and detached from the female tube 6 while the mounting member 12 is attached to the female tube 6.

  The mounting member 12 is a protective case that covers the quick fastener 8 in the configuration of the example of FIG. Therefore, the quick fastener 8 is not visually recognized from the outside. The mounting member 12 may not cover the quick fastener 8. The mounting member 12 may cover a part of the quick fastener 8 or the entire quick fastener 8. Preferably, the mounting member 12 has an abnormal connection state detection function (detection function A described later) and a protection function for protecting the quick fastener 8, and covers a part or the whole of the quick fastener 8. preferable. From the viewpoint of securing a gap into which the male tube 4 or the female tube 6 is inserted, it is more preferable that the mounting member 12 covers a part of the quick fastener 8.

  The mounting member 12 can hold the fastener operation unit 10. The mounting member 12 holds the fastener operation unit 10 at all positions within the movable range of the fastener operation unit 10. In the present embodiment, the mounting member 12 directly holds the fastener operation unit 10. This holding may be indirect. That is, the mounting member 12 may indirectly hold the fastener operating unit 10 via another member. The mounting member 12 preferably holds the fastener operating portion 10 directly or indirectly.

  An example of this indirect holding is a form in which the mounting member 12 holds the quick fastener 8. By holding the quick fastener 8, the fastener operation unit 10 connected to the quick fastener 8 does not fall off the mounting member 12. That is, in this case, the fastener operation unit 10 is indirectly held via another member (quick fastener 8). The mounting member 12 may hold only the fastener operating portion 10, may hold only the quick fastener 8, or may hold the fastener operating portion 10 and the quick fastener 8. In the above embodiment, the mounting member 12 holds the fastener operation unit 10 and the quick fastener 8.

  FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the quick fastener 8 and the fastener operation unit 10. A perspective view of the assembled state of the quick fastener 8 and the fastener operation unit 10 is shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a plan view of the assembled state of the quick fastener 8 and the fastener operation unit 10. The quick fastener 8 is held by the fastener operation unit 10.

  The male tube 4 has a male side connection portion 4a (see FIG. 4). The female tube 6 has a female side connection portion 6a (see FIG. 4). The male side connection part 4a is connected to the female side connection part 6a. The male side connection part 4a can be attached to and detached from the female side connection part 6a. In the normal connection state, the male side connection portion 4a is inserted inside the female side connection portion 6a (see FIG. 5).

  The male side connection portion 4a has a seal member s1 (see FIG. 4). The seal member s1 is disposed in a circumferential groove provided on the outer surface of the male connection portion 4a. The seal member s1 is an O-ring. In the normal connection state, the seal member s1 is in close contact with the inner surface of the female side connection portion 6a. This adhesion improves water tightness. The seal member s1 may be provided on the female side connection portion 6a. From the viewpoint of water tightness, it is preferable that the male side connection portion 4a or the female side connection portion 6a has the seal member s1.

  The male tube 4 has a male side locking part k1 (see FIG. 4). The male side locking portion k1 extends in the direction perpendicular to the axis. The male side locking part k1 is ring-shaped. The male side locking part k1 is a flange. It may have a shape other than the flange.

  The female tube 6 has a female side locking portion k2 (see FIG. 4). The female side locking part k2 extends in the direction perpendicular to the axis. The female side locking portion k2 has a ring shape. The female side locking part k2 is a flange. It may have a shape other than the flange.

  The male side locking part k1 has a contact surface t1 (see FIG. 4). The female side locking portion k2 has a contact surface t2 (see FIG. 4). The contact surface t2 is the upper end surface of the female tube 6. The contact surface t2 is a female side end surface that contacts the contact surface of the male pipe 4 (the lower surface of the flange k1) in the normal connection state. As shown in FIG. 5, in the normal connection state, the contact surface t1 is in surface contact with the contact surface t2. From the viewpoint of stabilizing the normal connection state, this surface contact is preferably achieved in the normal connection state.

  The male side connection part 4a and the female side connection part 6a are simple shapes. The cross-sectional shape of the outer surface and inner surface of the male side connection part 4a is circular in every axial position. The cross-sectional shape of the outer surface and the inner surface of the female side connection portion 6a is circular at every axial position. The male side connection part 4a consists only of a cylindrical part and a flange. The female side connection part 6a consists only of a cylindrical part and a flange. There is no through hole in the side surface of the male side connection portion 4a. There is no through hole in the side surface of the female side connection portion 6a.

  The mounting member 12 has a passage hole 12t that allows passage of the male connection portion 4a (see FIGS. 4 and 5). The diameter of the passage hole 12t is larger than the outer diameter of the male locking portion k1. The mounting member 12 does not hinder attachment / detachment of the male tube 4 with respect to the female tube 6.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the quick fastener 8 has a first arm portion 8 a and a second arm portion 8 b as a pair of arm portions. Furthermore, the quick fastener 8 has the connection part 8c. The connecting portion 8c connects the first arm portion 8a and the second arm portion 8b. The quick fastener 8 is opened on the side opposite to the connecting portion 8c. The first arm portion 8a and the second arm portion 8b face each other.

  The first arm portion 8a includes a first through hole h1, an outward extending portion g1, an expanding inclined surface p1, and a stopper portion st1. The second arm portion 8b includes a second through hole h2, an outwardly extending portion g2, an expanding inclined surface p2, and a stopper portion st2. The expansion inclined surface p1 is provided above the first through hole h1. The expansion inclined surface p2 is provided on the upper side of the second through hole h2. The stopper part st1 is provided above the end part on the open side of the first arm part 8a. The stopper part st2 is provided above the end part on the open side of the second arm part 8b. The stopper part st1 and the stopper part st2 protrude upward. The functions of the stopper part st1 and the stopper part st2 will be described later.

  A flat plate portion j1 is formed around the first through hole h1. An expansion inclined surface p1 is provided above the flat plate portion j1. The first through hole h1 is located in the flat plate portion j1. A flat plate portion j2 is formed around the second through hole h2. An expansion inclined surface p2 is provided on the upper side of the flat plate portion j2. The second through hole h2 is located in the flat plate portion j2.

  The outward extending portion g1 is provided at the end of the first arm portion 8a on the open side. The outward extending portion g2 is provided at the open end of the second arm portion 8b. The distance between the outwardly extending portion g1 and the outwardly extending portion g2 is increased as it approaches the open ends Tg (two locations) of the quick fastener 8.

  The 1st arm part 8a has the 1st intermediate part m1 between the flat plate part j1 and the connection part 8c (refer FIG.6 and FIG.7). The second arm portion 8b has a second intermediate portion m2 between the flat plate portion j2 and the connecting portion 8c. The flat plate portion j1 is connected to the connecting portion 8c by the intermediate portion m1. The flat plate portion j2 is connected to the connecting portion 8c by the intermediate portion m2. The connecting portion 8c connects the first intermediate portion m1 and the second intermediate portion m2.

  The first intermediate portion m1 has a through hole ha (see FIG. 6). The through hole ha is provided from the first intermediate part m1 to the connecting part 8c. The second intermediate part m2 has a through hole hb. The through hole hb is provided from the second intermediate part m2 to the connecting part 8c. The ease of expanding and deforming the quick fastener 8 can be adjusted according to the specifications (opening area, contour shape, etc.) of the through hole ha and the through hole hb. The through hole ha and the through hole hb can contribute to weight reduction of the quick fastener 8.

The following height is defined for the quick fastener 8. These heights are measured along the vertical direction (axial direction).
-Height Hhc of the through hole hc
・ Height H8c of connecting part 8c
-Height Hha of the through hole ha
-Height Hm1 of the first intermediate part m1
-Height Hhb of through-hole hb
-Height Hm2 of the second intermediate part m2
-Height Hh1 of the first through hole h1
-Height H8a from the lower end of the first arm portion 8a to the lower end of the expanding inclined surface p1
-Height Hh2 of the second through hole h2
-Height H8b from the lower end of the second arm portion 8b to the lower end of the expanding inclined surface p2

From these heights, the following height ratio can be calculated.
・ Ratio (Hhc / H8c)
・ Ratio (Hha / Hm1)
・ Ratio (Hhb / Hm2)
・ Ratio (Hh1 / H8a)
・ Ratio (Hh2 / H8b)

  From the viewpoint of enhancing the ease of expansion and deformation of the quick fastener 8, the ratio (Hhc / H8c) is preferably equal to or greater than 0.4, more preferably equal to or greater than 0.5, and still more preferably equal to or greater than 0.6. From the viewpoint of durability of the quick fastener 8, the ratio (Hhc / H8c) is preferably 0.9 or less, more preferably 0.8 or less, and further preferably 0.7 or less.

  From the viewpoint of enhancing the ease of expansion and deformation of the quick fastener 8, the ratio (Hha / Hm1) is preferably equal to or greater than 0.4, more preferably equal to or greater than 0.5, and still more preferably equal to or greater than 0.6. From the viewpoint of durability of the quick fastener 8, the ratio (Hha / Hm1) is preferably 0.9 or less, more preferably 0.8 or less, and even more preferably 0.7 or less.

  From the viewpoint of increasing the ease of expansion and deformation of the quick fastener 8, the ratio (Hhb / Hm2) is preferably equal to or greater than 0.4, more preferably equal to or greater than 0.5, and still more preferably equal to or greater than 0.6. From the viewpoint of durability of the quick fastener 8, the ratio (Hhb / Hm2) is preferably 0.9 or less, more preferably 0.8 or less, and further preferably 0.7 or less.

  From the viewpoint of enhancing the ease of expansion and deformation of the quick fastener 8, the ratio (Hh1 / H8a) is preferably equal to or greater than 0.4, more preferably equal to or greater than 0.5, and still more preferably equal to or greater than 0.6. In light of durability of the quick fastener 8, the ratio (Hh1 / H8a) is preferably equal to or less than 0.9, more preferably equal to or less than 0.8, and still more preferably equal to or less than 0.7.

  From the viewpoint of enhancing the ease of expansion and deformation of the quick fastener 8, the ratio (Hh2 / H8b) is preferably equal to or greater than 0.4, more preferably equal to or greater than 0.5, and still more preferably equal to or greater than 0.6. In light of durability of the quick fastener 8, the ratio (Hh2 / H8b) is preferably equal to or less than 0.9, more preferably equal to or less than 0.8, and still more preferably equal to or less than 0.7.

  These five height ratios need not be the same. For example, the three height ratios of the ratio (Hhc / H8c), ratio (Hha / Hm1), and ratio (Hhb / Hm2) need not be the same. These height ratios can be defined separately using the above numerical ranges.

  The connecting portion 8c has a concave curved surface portion e1 (see FIG. 6). The concave curved surface portion e1 is recessed toward the open side of the quick fastener 8. The ease of expanding and deforming the quick fastener 8 can be adjusted by the shape (curvature or the like) of the concave curved surface portion e1. In addition, as the modification mentioned later shows, the connection part 8c may be flat form.

  The connecting portion 8c has a through hole hc (see FIG. 6). The ease with which the quick fastener 8 can be expanded and deformed can be adjusted according to the specifications (opening area, contour shape, etc.) of the through hole hc. The through hole hc can contribute to weight reduction of the quick fastener 8.

  The quick fastener 8 can be elastically deformed. The quick fastener 8 can be deformed like a leaf spring as a whole. The material of the quick fastener 8 is, for example, metal or resin. The quick fastener 8 can be elastically deformed so that the distance between the first arm portion 8a and the second arm portion 8b is increased. In the present application, this deformation is also referred to as an expansion deformation. When the expansion deformation is performed, the quick fastener 8 generates a biasing force to return to the natural state. This urging force contributes to maintaining the locked state 8y.

  8 and 9 are diagrams for explaining the locked state 8y. In order to facilitate understanding, in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, descriptions of the fastener operating portion 10 and the mounting member 12 are omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the quick fastener 8 is locked to the female tube 6 in the use state. In other words, the quick fastener 8 is in the locking position in the female side connection portion 6a. This state is also referred to as a lockable state 8z. In the lockable state 8z, the female side locking portion k2 enters the first through hole h1 and the second through hole h2. In other words, in the lockable state 8z, the female side locking portion k2 protrudes outward from the first through hole h1 and protrudes outward from the second through hole h2. Unless an external force for expanding and deforming the quick fastener 8 is applied, the lockable state 8z is maintained.

  The quick fastener 8 in the lockable state 8z is expanded and deformed as the male tube 4 is inserted. In the present application, the movement of inserting the male tube 4 into the female tube 6 is also referred to as male tube insertion. The expansion inclined surface p1 and the expansion inclined surface p2 are configured to cause the above-described expansion deformation accompanying male tube insertion. The expanding inclined surface p1 and the expanding inclined surface p2 have a shape substantially along the conical surface. In the lockable state 8z, the upper end of the expanding inclined surface p1 and the upper end of the expanding inclined surface p2 have a separation distance that allows the male locking portion k1 to be received. By inserting the male tube, the male locking portion k1 comes into contact with the inner surface of the expanding inclined surface p1 and the inner surface of the expanding inclined surface p2 (not shown). When the male tube insertion is further advanced, the male side locking portion k1 presses the expansion inclined surface p1 and the expansion inclined surface p2. The expansion deformation is caused by this pressing. When the male tube insertion is further advanced, the male side locking portion k1 enters the first through hole h1 and the second through hole h2, and at the same time, the quick fastener 8 undergoes contraction and deformation. The contraction deformation is the reverse of the expansion deformation. The contraction deformation occurs due to the elastic restoring force of the quick fastener 8. By this contraction and deformation, the locked state 8y is realized (see FIG. 9). In this locking state 8y, both the male side locking part k1 and the female side locking part k2 enter the first through hole h1 and the second through hole h2. In other words, in the locked state 8y, the male side locking portion k1 and the female side locking portion k2 protrude outward from the first through hole h1, and protrude outward from the second through hole h2. Unless an external force for expanding and deforming the quick fastener 8 is applied, the locked state 8y is maintained. The detachment of the male tube 4 from the female tube 6 is prevented by the first through hole h1 and the second through hole h2. The axial width of the first through hole h1 is substantially equal to the sum of the thickness of the male locking portion k1 and the thickness of the female locking portion k2. The axial width of the second through hole h2 is substantially equal to the sum of the thickness of the male locking portion k1 and the thickness of the female locking portion k2.

  From the viewpoint of suppressing the axial height of the expanding inclined surface while facilitating the reception of the flange k1, the inclined angle of the expanding inclined surface is preferably 20 ° or more, and more preferably 30 ° or more. From the viewpoint of suppressing male tube insertion resistance, the inclination angle of the expanding inclined surface is preferably 60 ° or less, and more preferably 45 ° or less. In this embodiment, the inclination angle of the expanding inclined surface is 39 °. This inclination angle is an angle with respect to the axial direction.

  Thus, when it is in the locked state 8y, the male side locking part k1 and the female side locking part k2 have penetrated the 1st through-hole h1. At the same time, when in the locked state 8y, the male side locking portion k1 and the female side locking portion k2 penetrate the second through hole h2. When in the locked state 8y, the quick fastener 8 may be in a natural state or may be expanded and deformed.

  Although not shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, in the actual use state, the male tube is inserted while the fastener operation unit 10 and the mounting member 12 are mounted. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state of male tube insertion in an actual use state. Although not shown in FIG. 10, the quick fastener 8 is in the lockable state 8 z inside the mounting member 12. The male tube 4 is inserted into the female tube 6 while the mounting member 12 is mounted. By this male pipe insertion, the locked state 8y is achieved inside the mounting member 12.

  Although not shown, the quick fastener 8 can shift from the locked state 8y to the non-locked state 8x by an external force. This transition is achieved by operating the fastener operating unit 10.

  The mounting member 12 is attached to the female tube 6. The mounting member 12 is attached to the female tube 6 so as to be rotatable with respect to the female tube 6. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the mounting member 12 has an engagement portion 12 k that allows engagement with the female tube 6. The engaging portion 12k has a protruding end surface w1 and a groove v1.

  On the other hand, the female tube 6 has an engaging portion 6k that enables engagement with the mounting member 12. The engaging portion 6k has a first flange f1 and a second flange f2 (see FIG. 4). A gap is provided between the first flange f1 and the second flange f2. This gap is useful for attaching the mounting member 12.

  As described above, the mounting member (protective case) 12 has an open / close structure. FIG. 4 shows the open state. On the other hand, in the state attached to the female tube 6, the mounting member 12 is in a closed state.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the mounting member 12 has a first portion 12a, a second portion 12b, and a connecting portion 12c. The connection part 12c has connected the 1st part 12a and the 2nd part 12b so that rotation is possible. A hinge-like structure is used as the connecting portion 12c. The hinge-like structure allows opening and closing, like the hinge. In the present embodiment, the connecting portion 12c is made of a material that can be elastically deformed. Specifically, the connecting portion 12c is a thin resin. The connecting portion 12c is deformable so as to allow the first portion 12a and the second portion 12b to be opened and closed. The mounting member 12 can be attached to the female tube 6 by such an opening / closing structure. The female tube 6 is sandwiched between the first portion 12a and the second portion 12b.

  In the first portion 12a and the second portion 12b, the projecting end surface w1 is a substantially semicircular surface. However, when the first portion 12a is combined with the second portion 12b, the protruding end surface w1 becomes a substantially circumferential surface. In other words, when the mounting member 12 is in the closed state, the protruding end surface w1 becomes a substantially circumferential surface. The protruding end surface w1 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface f11 of the first flange f1 (see FIG. 5). By this contact, the movement of the mounting member 12 with respect to the female tube 6 is restricted in the direction perpendicular to the axis. That is, movement restriction in the direction perpendicular to the axis is achieved.

  In the first part 12a and the second part 12b, the groove v1 is a semicircular groove. However, when the first portion 12a is combined with the second portion 12b, the groove v1 becomes a circumferential groove. In other words, the groove v1 becomes a circumferential groove when the mounting member 12 is closed. A second flange f2 is inserted into the groove v1. By this insertion, the movement of the mounting member 12 with respect to the female tube 6 is restricted in the axial direction of the female tube 6. That is, movement restriction in the axial direction is achieved.

  Due to these movement restrictions, attachment of the mounting member 12 to the female tube 6 is achieved. In this attachment structure, the rotation of the mounting member 12 relative to the female tube 6 is not hindered. The mounting member 12 is rotatable with respect to the female tube 6 (see arrow Rt in FIGS. 1 and 10). This relative rotation is preferable in terms of increasing the degree of freedom when operating the fastener operation unit 10. Further, since the orientation of the mounting member 12 can be changed by this relative rotation, it is advantageous when the joint 2 is installed in a narrow place.

  In the present embodiment, the relative rotation between the mounting member 12 and the female tube 6 is free rotation. In the present embodiment, the relative rotation angle between the mounting member 12 and the female tube 6 is 360 °. In the present embodiment, the relative rotation is possible over the entire circumference. This relative rotation may be a partial range in the circumferential direction. In other words, the relative rotation angle between the mounting member 12 and the female tube 6 may be less than 360 °. Even in a partial range in the circumferential direction, the operability of the fastener operation unit 10 can be improved by the relative rotation. From the viewpoint of operability, the relative rotation angle between the mounting member 12 and the female tube 6 is preferably 90 ° or more, more preferably 180 ° or more, and further preferably 270 ° or more.

  In the prior art described above, the relative rotation is impossible. In Japanese Patent No. 3711246, a retaining clip 72 and a cover 88 are provided (see FIGS. 4 and 6), but the retaining clip 72 and the cover 88 cannot rotate with respect to the female tube 46. In Japanese Patent No. 3711246, when the retaining clip 72 and the cover 88 are rotated with respect to the female tube 46, the locking state is released, and the retaining clip 72 and / or the cover 88 may be damaged. In the present embodiment, there is no such inconvenience. In the present embodiment, even when the mounting member 12 rotates with respect to the female tube 6, the locked state is maintained and inconvenience such as breakage does not occur. The quick fastener 8, the fastener operation unit 10, and the mounting member 12 can rotate in the circumferential direction while maintaining the regular connection state.

  The engagement between the engaging portion 6k and the engaging portion 12k is achieved by sandwiching the female tube 6 between the first portion 12a and the second portion 12b. The opening / closing structure of the mounting member 12 enables this pinching.

  The mounting member 12 is provided with a maintenance mechanism capable of maintaining a closed state. In the present embodiment, a first maintenance mechanism and a second maintenance mechanism are provided.

  The first maintaining mechanism is the engagement between the engagement portion Ea1 and the engagement portion Eb1 (see FIG. 4). In the closed state, the engaging portion Ea1 and the engaging portion Eb1 are engaged. In this embodiment, the engaging part Ea1 is a convex part, and the engaging part Eb1 has a hole. A recess may be provided instead of the hole. Engagement is achieved by fitting the convex part of the engaging part Ea1 into the hole of the engaging part Eb1. In order to release the engagement, for example, the engaging portion Eb1 is elastically deformed.

  A 2nd maintenance mechanism is engagement with the engaging part Ea2 and the engaging part Eb2 (refer FIG. 4). In the closed state, the engaging portion Ea2 and the engaging portion Eb2 are engaged. In the present embodiment, the engaging portion Ea2 is a hole and the engaging portion Eb2 is a convex portion. A recess may be provided instead of the hole. Engagement is achieved by fitting the convex part of the engaging part Eb2 into the hole of the engaging part Ea2. In order to release the engagement, for example, the mounting member 12 is elastically deformed so that the engagement portion Ea2 and the engagement portion Eb2 are separated from each other.

  An example of another structure that enables this sandwiching is a separation structure (not shown). In the case of a separation structure, a preferred mounting member (protective case) is a two-part structure. The mounting member has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has a first engagement portion for merging with the second portion. The second part has a second engaging part for merging with the first part. Preferably, the first engaging part is a convex part or a concave part. The recess may be a hole. Preferably, the second engaging portion is a convex portion or a concave portion. The recess may be a hole. When the first engagement portion is engaged with the second engagement portion, the combined state in which the first portion is combined with the second portion is maintained. The first engagement portion and the second engagement portion are an example of a maintenance mechanism that maintains this combined state.

  As shown in FIGS. 4, 6, and 7, the fastener operating portion 10 is generally U-shaped as a whole. The fastener operating unit 10 includes a first arm 10a, a second arm 10b, and a connecting portion 10c. The first arm 10a and the second arm 10b are opposed to each other. The connecting portion 10c connects the first arm 10a and the second arm 10b.

  The connecting part 10c has a fastener holding part 10h. The fastener holding portion 10h holds the quick fastener 8. The fastener holding portion 10 h holds the connecting portion 8 c of the quick fastener 8.

  The fastener holding portion 10h has an open / close structure. Specifically, the fastener holding portion 10h includes a rotating body 101, a hinge-like portion 102, a fixed engagement portion 103, and a holding body 105 (see FIG. 6). Furthermore, a part of the connecting portion 10c also functions as the fastener holding portion 10h. The holding body 105 has a substantially flat plate shape. The holding body 105 is fixed to the connecting portion 10c. The holding body 105 is disposed to face the inner surface of the connecting portion 10c. A fastener insertion gap gp1 is provided between the connecting portion 10c and the holding body 105. The fastener insertion gap gp1 is open on the upper side and closed on the lower side. The fixed engagement portion 103 is provided on the holding body 105. The rotating body 101 has an engaging portion 104. The fixed engagement portion 103 and the engagement portion 104 can engage with each other. In this embodiment, the engaging part 104 is a hole, and the fixed engaging part 103 is a convex part.

  The hinge-like portion 102 allows opening and closing of the fastener holding portion 10h. The hinge-like portion 102 allows the rotating body 101 to rotate. The hinge-like portion 102 has the same action as the hinge. In the present embodiment, the hinge-like portion 102 is made of a material that can be elastically deformed. Specifically, the hinge-like portion 102 is a thin resin.

  In order to attach the quick fastener 8 to the fastener operating portion 10, first, the fastener holding portion 10h is opened (see FIG. 6). Next, the connecting portion 8c is inserted into the fastener insertion gap gp1 from the upper opening of the fastener insertion gap gp1. By this insertion, the connecting portion 8 c is sandwiched between the connecting portion 10 c and the holding body 105. That is, by this insertion, the connecting portion 8c is arranged at a position where it can be sandwiched by the fastener holding portion 10h. Next, the rotating body 101 is rotated, and the fastener holding portion 10h is closed (see FIGS. 4 and 6). This closed state is achieved by the engagement between the fixed engagement portion 103 and the engagement portion 104 (see FIG. 4). The upper opening of the fastener insertion gap gp1 is closed by the fastener holding portion 10h in the closed state. Therefore, the quick fastener 8 is more reliably held by the fastener operation unit 10. When the fastener operation unit 10 is operated, the quick fastener 8 moves together with the fastener operation unit 10. When the fastener operating unit 10 is slid, the quick fastener 8 is also slid.

  The structure of the fastener holding portion 10h is not limited to this embodiment. For example, even when the rotating body 101 is removed from the above embodiment, the quick fastener 8 is held by the fastener operation unit 10. Of course, the quick fastener 8 may be held by the fastener operation unit 10 with a simpler structure.

  The first arm 10a has an outer convex portion 106 (see FIG. 7). The second arm 10 b also has an outer convex portion 106. These outer convex portions 106 contribute to the engagement with the outer member 14. This point will be described later. These outer convex portions 106 are provided on the outer surface of the fastener operation portion 10. The outer convex portion 106 can also play a role of preventing slippage during operation.

  The first arm 10 a has an engaging convex portion 108. The second arm 10b also has an engaging convex portion 108. These engagement convex portions 108 are provided on the inner surface of the fastener operation portion 10. The function of these engagement convex portions 108 will be described later.

  The first arm 10 a has an inner rail 110. The second arm 10 b also has an inner rail 110. These inner rails 110 are provided on the inner surface of the fastener operation unit 10. The function of these inner rails 110 will be described later.

  FIG. 11 is a perspective view for explaining the movement of the fastener operation unit 10. On the left side of FIG. 11, the quick fastener 8 and the fastener operating portion 10 are in the first position Pf. On the right side of FIG. 11, the quick fastener 8 and the fastener operation unit 10 are in the second position Ps. By moving the fastener operating unit 10, the first position Pf and the second position Ps can be moved to each other. The transition from the first position Pf to the second position Ps is achieved, for example, by pulling the fastener operating portion 10 while pressing the first arm 10a and the second arm 10b with a finger. The first arm 10a and the second arm 10b are provided with an uneven portion as1 for preventing slipping.

  In the locked state 8y, the quick fastener 8 and the fastener operating portion 10 are located at the first position Pf. On the other hand, when the quick fastener 8 and the fastener operating portion 10 move to the second position Ps, the unlocked state 8x is obtained. In order to cancel the normal connection state, the fastener operation unit 10 is operated, and the quick fastener 8 and the fastener operation unit 10 are moved from the first position Pf to the second position Ps. In the process of this movement, the quick fastener 8 is expanded and deformed, and is disengaged from the male side locking part k1 and the female side locking part k2.

  In both the first position Pf and the second position Ps, the quick fastener 8, the fastener operation unit 10, and the mounting member 12 are rotatable with respect to the female tube 6. Therefore, the fastener operation part 10 can be operated from all directions.

  FIG. 12 is a side view of the second position Ps in FIG. The mounting member 12 has a confirmation through hole hc1. The confirmation through hole hc1 is a long hole. The confirmation through hole hc <b> 1 is provided on each of the first side surface and the second side surface of the mounting member 12. When the fastener operation part 10 is in the first position Pf, the confirmation through hole hc1 is covered with the fastener operation part 10. However, when the fastener operation unit 10 moves to the second position Ps, the confirmation through hole hc1 is exposed to the outside. When the fastener operating portion 10 is at the second position Ps, the inside of the mounting member 12 can be viewed from the confirmation through hole hc1. In the side view of FIG. 12, the upper end surface t2 of the female tube 6 is visually recognized from the outside through the confirmation through hole hc1. When in the normal connection state, the flange k1 of the male tube 4 abuts on the upper end surface t2. When in the normal connection state, the flange k1 and the upper end surface t2 can be visually confirmed from the confirmation through hole hc1. Thus, when in the normal connection state, the flange k1 is located at a position where it can be seen through the confirmation through hole hc1. Therefore, it can be confirmed from the outside whether or not it is in the normal connection state by the through hole hc1 for confirmation.

  The inner rail 110 of the fastener operation unit 10 is engaged with the confirmation through hole hc1. In the movement of the fastener operation unit 10, the inner rail 110 slides in the confirmation through hole hc1. The confirmation through hole hc1 has a function of guiding the sliding movement of the inner rail 110 (guide function A). The confirmation through hole hc1 fulfills the guide function A as well as the confirmation function of the normal connection state.

  The mounting member 12 has a slide groove gv1. The slide groove gv <b> 1 is provided on each of the first side surface and the second side surface of the mounting member 12. The slide groove gv <b> 1 is engaged with the engagement convex portion 108 of the fastener operation unit 10. In the movement of the fastener operating portion 10, the engagement convex portion 108 slides in the slide groove gv1. The slide groove gv <b> 1 performs a guide function (guide function B) for sliding movement of the fastener operation unit 10.

  FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view along the line AA in FIG. The mounting member 12 has a temporary engagement recess 12p. The temporary engagement recess 12p is provided on an extension line of the slide groove gv1. A partition br1 exists between the slide groove gv1 and the temporary engagement recess 12p. The partition br1 has a slope br2 that increases as it approaches the temporary engagement recess 12p. When the fastener operating portion 10 is slid toward the second position Ps, the engaging convex portion 108 comes into contact with the inclined surface br2, and when further sliding in the same direction, the engaging convex portion 108 gets over the partition br1, It reaches the temporary engagement recess 12p. In order to get over this, it is necessary to expand and deform the fastener operating portion 10. Overcoming this requires moderate resistance. Due to the engagement between the engaging convex portion 108 and the temporary engaging concave portion 12p, the fastener operating portion 10 is temporarily fixed at the second position Ps. On the other hand, when the fastener operating portion 10 is moved toward the first position Pf, the engaging convex portion 108 that has been engaged with the temporary engaging concave portion 12p gets over the partition br1 and reaches the slide groove gv1. In order to overcome this, it is necessary to expand and deform the fastener operating portion 10. Overcoming this requires moderate resistance. In this way, the fastener operating portion 10 is positioned with respect to the mounting member 12 by temporary fixing with appropriate resistance. By this positioning, the quick fastener 8 can be stably maintained at the second position Ps.

  With the guide function A and the guide function B, the moving direction of the fastener operation unit 10 is guided. By these guide functions, the mutual transition between the first position Pf and the second position Ps is smooth. Therefore, the mutual transition between the non-locking state 8x and the locking state 8y is also smooth.

  The quick fastener 8 moves together with the fastener operation unit 10. Therefore, the moving direction of the quick fastener 8 is also guided by the guide function. The moving direction of the quick fastener 8 is the direction perpendicular to the axis. This moving direction facilitates the transition to the locked state 8y and the release of the locked state 8y.

  As described above, the quick fastener 8 is held by the fastener operation unit 10. Furthermore, the quick fastener 8 is also held by the mounting member 12. As shown in FIG. 4, the mounting member 12 has a fastener housing space fv <b> 1 that restricts the movement of the quick fastener 8 in the vertical direction. The upper side of the fastener housing space fv1 is defined by the upper surface portion 12u of the mounting member 12. The lower side of the fastener housing space fv1 is defined by partitions sk1 and sk2.

  FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the axis of the female tube 6. In FIG. 14, what is indicated by a double-headed arrow H1 is the maximum height in the axial direction of the quick fastener 8 excluding the portion provided with the stopper portions st1, st2. In FIG. 14, what is indicated by a double arrow H2 is the axial height of the quick fastener 8 at the portion where the stopper portions st1, st2 are provided. The height H2 is larger than the height H1. The axial height of the fastener housing space fv1 is substantially equal to the height H1. Therefore, the movement of the quick fastener 8 in the mounting member 12 in the axial direction is restricted. The fastener housing space fv1 fulfills a guide function (guide function C) that regulates the moving direction of the quick fastener 8. By this guide function C, the slide operation of the fastener operating unit 10 and the quick fastener 8 can be performed stably.

  15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. However, FIG. 15 is a sectional perspective view. The mounting member 12 has a stopper surface st12. The stopper surface st12 is formed on the back surface of the upper surface portion 12u. In the second position Ps, the stopper portions st1, st2 of the quick fastener 8 abut on the stopper surface st12. By this contact, the slide movement of the quick fastener 8 is restricted, and the quick fastener 8 does not fall off. Therefore, the fastener operation unit 10 does not fall off. Since the guide function C is acting, the quick fastener 8 cannot be detached from the mounting member 12 while avoiding the stopper portions st1 and st2. Therefore, the quick fastener 8 and the fastener operation unit 10 are reliably prevented from falling off. In order to remove the quick fastener 8 from the mounting member 12, the mounting member 12 must be opened.

  In addition, the fastener operation part 10 and the quick fastener 8 may be integrally molded. For example, a portion corresponding to the quick fastener 8 and a portion corresponding to the fastener operation unit 10 may be provided on the leaf spring-shaped member. Moreover, the fastener operation part 10 and the quick fastener 8 may be integrally molded by the resin which can be elastically deformed.

  As described above, the outer member 14 may be omitted. Preferably, the joint 2 has an outer member 14.

  FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the outer member 14 as viewed obliquely from below. The outer member 14 can cover the mounting member 12 and the fastener operation part 10 when the fastener operation part 10 is in the first position Pf (see FIG. 1). In FIG. 1, the outer member 14 is in a normal position.

  On the other hand, as described above, the fastener operating portion 10 has the outer convex portion 106. The outer convex portion 106 is a regular position confirmation convex portion.

  The outer member 14 has a regular position confirmation hole 14h. The regular position confirmation hole 14 h is provided on each of the two side surfaces of the outer member 14. Furthermore, the outer member 14 has a chipped portion 14k that allows the male tube 4 to pass therethrough. The chipped portion 14k is provided on the upper surface portion of the outer member 14. Further, the outer member 14 has an outer protrusion 14t that can come into contact with the male tube 4. The outer protrusion 14t protrudes downward from the inner surface of the upper surface portion of the outer member 14. The outer protrusion 14t has a shape like a part of a cylinder.

  FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing connection release procedures (a) to (f) when the outer member 14 is used. In the state (a) of FIG. 17, it is in a regular connection state and the outer member 14 is in a regular position. When the outer member 14 is in the regular position, the regular position confirmation projection 106 and the regular position confirmation hole 14h are engaged.

  Next, the outer member 14 is removed (procedure (b)). By pulling up the outer member 14, the engagement between the regular position confirmation hole 14h and the regular position confirmation convex portion 106 is released, and the outer member 14 is removed.

  Next, the fastener operating portion 10 is pulled to release the locked state 8y (procedure (c)). The quick fastener 8 and the fastener operation unit 10 move to the second position Ps. By releasing the locked state 8y, the male tube 4 can be pulled out from the female tube 6 (procedure (d)).

  Next, the fastener operation unit 10 at the second position Ps is pushed in (procedure (e)). By this pushing, the quick fastener 8 moves to the first position Pf (state (f)). In this state (f), the quick fastener 8 can be locked. That is, preparation for reconnection is completed. Therefore, the normal connection state is realized simply by inserting the male tube 4 into the female tube 6.

  In a state where the fastener operation unit 10 is not in the first position Pf, the fastener operation unit 10 interferes with the outer member 14, and thus the outer member 14 cannot be mounted at the normal position. Therefore, the outer member 14 has a detection function (detection function X) for detecting whether or not the quick fastener 8 is in the locked state 8y. Whether or not the outer member 14 is in the regular position is confirmed by the engagement between the regular position confirmation convex portion 106 and the regular position confirmation hole 14h. This engagement can be confirmed by touch (fitting feeling), sound and vision. Since the regular position confirmation hole 14h is a through hole, visual confirmation is also possible.

  The outer member 14 has a function (detection function Y) for detecting whether or not the male-side connecting portion 4a and the female-side connecting portion 6a are in the normal connection state. FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining the detection function Y. As described above, the outer member 14 has the outer protrusion 14t. In the normal connection state, when the outer member 14 is in the normal position, the end surface 14m of the outer protrusion 14t abuts on the male locking portion k1 (flange k1) (see FIG. 18A). On the other hand, in the irregular connection state, the insertion of the male tube 4 into the female tube 6 is insufficient, and the flange k1 and the flange k2 are separated (see FIG. 18B). In this state, the regular position confirmation hole 14h cannot be lowered to the position of the regular position confirmation convex portion 106 by the contact between the end face 14m of the outer protrusion 14t and the flange k1. Therefore, the engagement between the regular position confirmation convex portion 106 and the outer protruding portion 14t becomes impossible. When in the irregular connection state, the outer member 14 cannot be mounted in the regular position. Thus, the outer member 14 exhibits the detection function Y.

  The outer member 14 has a correction function (normal connection correction function) for correcting the non-normal connection state to the normal connection state. In the state of FIG. 18B, when the outer member 14 is pressed downward, the flange k1 is pressed by the outer protrusion 14t. And if a press is continued until the outer member 14 becomes a regular position, finally a regular connection state will be implement | achieved. Thus, in addition to the detection function X and the detection function Y, the outer member 14 has a normal connection correction function. By these functions, the irregular connection state can be effectively prevented.

  FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a quick fastener 80 according to a modification. The quick fastener 80 has a first arm portion 80a and a second arm portion 80b as a pair of arm portions. Furthermore, the quick fastener 80 has a connection part 80c. The connecting portion 80c connects the first arm portion 80a and the second arm portion 80b. The quick fastener 80 is opened on the side opposite to the connecting portion 80c. The first arm portion 80a and the second arm portion 80b face each other.

  The first arm portion 80a includes a first through hole h1, an outward extending portion g1, an expanding inclined surface p1, and a stopper portion st1. The second arm portion 80b includes a second through hole h2, an outwardly extending portion g2, an expanding inclined surface p2, and a stopper portion st2. The expansion inclined surface p1 is provided above the first through hole h1. The expansion inclined surface p2 is provided on the upper side of the second through hole h2. The stopper part st1 is provided on the upper side of the open end of the first arm part 80a. The stopper part st2 is provided on the upper side of the open end of the second arm part 80b. The stopper part st1 and the stopper part st2 protrude upward.

  Unlike the quick fastener 8 described above, the quick fastener 80 has a curved surface portion. The first arm portion 80a has a curved surface portion r1. The second arm portion 80b has a curved surface portion r2. A curved surface portion r1 is provided below the first through hole h1. A curved surface portion r2 is provided below the second through hole h2.

  FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the quick fastener 80 when in the locked state. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the quick fastener 90. The quick fastener 90 is the same as the quick fastener 80 except that the curved surface portion r1 and the curved surface portion r2 are flat. 20 and 21 are cross-sectional views as seen from below.

  As shown in FIG. 20, the curved surface portion r1 and the curved surface portion r2 enable surface contact with the female tube 6 in the locked state. In the locked state, the curved surface portion r1 and the curved surface portion r2 are in surface contact with the outer peripheral surface cf1 (see FIG. 4) of the female tube 6. The outer peripheral surface cf1 is located below the flange k2. The outer peripheral surface cf1 is located between the flange k2 and the flange f1.

  In FIG. 20, what is indicated by a double-pointed arrow E1 is the engagement length between the quick fastener 80 and the flange k2. In FIG. 21, the double arrow E2 indicates the engagement length between the quick fastener 90 and the flange k2. The length E1 is larger than the length E2. That is, the engagement length E1 with the flange k2 is increased by the curved surface portion r1 and the curved surface portion r2. Therefore, a larger locking force can be obtained and the stability of the locked state is increased. Therefore, the maintainability of the regular connection state is increased.

  In FIG. 20, what is indicated by a double arrow Ex is the engagement width between the quick fastener 80 and the flange k2. In FIG. 21, a double arrow Ey indicates an engagement width between the quick fastener 90 and the flange k2. The width Ex is larger than the width Ey. The engagement width Ex is increased by the curved surface portion r1 and the curved surface portion r2. Therefore, a larger locking force can be obtained and the stability of the locked state is increased. Therefore, the maintainability of the regular connection state is increased.

  In the quick fastener 80, the extending angles of the two curved surface portions r1 and r2 are inward. “The extending angle is inward” means that the straight line Lx and the straight line Ly intersect on the open side of the quick fastener 80 (see FIG. 20). The straight line Lx is a straight line connecting both end points P1x of the engaging portion between the second arm portion 80b and the flange k2. The straight line Ly is a straight line connecting both end points P1y of the engaging portion between the first arm portion 80a and the flange k2. The straight line Lx and the straight line Ly are defined in the cross section of FIG. This cross section is a cross section along the direction perpendicular to the axis.

  In FIG. 20, a bisector Lc of an angle (not shown) formed by the virtual line Lx and the virtual line Ly is shown. Furthermore, a straight line Lp orthogonal to the bisector Lc is shown. The angle θ1 is an angle formed by the virtual line Lx and the straight line Lp. The angle θ2 is an angle formed between the virtual line Ly and the straight line Lp.

  By reducing the angle θ1, the amount of expansion deformation for releasing the locked state increases. Therefore, the transition from the locked state to the non-locked state hardly occurs, and the stability of the locked state is increased. In this respect, the angle θ1 is preferably less than 90 degrees, preferably 88 degrees or less, and more preferably 86 degrees or less. From the viewpoint of smooth transition from the non-locking state to the locking state, the angle θ1 is preferably 65 degrees or more, more preferably 70 degrees or more, and more preferably 75 degrees or more. In the present embodiment, the angle θ1 is 86 °.

  For the same reason as the angle θ1, the angle θ2 is preferably less than 90 degrees, preferably 88 degrees or less, and more preferably 86 degrees or less. For the same reason as the angle θ1, the angle θ2 is preferably 65 degrees or more, more preferably 70 degrees or more, and more preferably 75 degrees or more. In the present embodiment, the angle θ2 is 86 °.

  In the joint 2, the mounting member 12 has a holding function for holding the fastener operation unit 10 and / or the quick fastener 8. Furthermore, the mounting member 12 serves as a protective case. That is, the mounting member 12 has a protective function for protecting the quick fastener 8. The mounting member 12 preferably has at least one of the holding function or the protective function, and more preferably has the holding function and the protective function.

  In the said embodiment, the mounting member 12, the quick fastener 8, and the fastener operation part 10 are hold | maintained by the coupling in the connected state and the non-connected state by the said holding function. The mounting member 12 can hold the fastener operating portion 10 and the quick fastener 8 in the non-locking state 8x while allowing the fastener operating portion 10 to be operated. Therefore, the quick fastener 8 and the fastener operation unit 10 are prevented from falling off. Further, the presence of the quick fastener 8 is always conscious even in the disconnected state. Therefore, mistakes forgetting to attach the quick fastener 8 are suppressed. Furthermore, loss of the quick fastener 8 is prevented.

  When the quick fastener 8 is exposed, a situation in which foreign matter or the like is caught on the quick fastener 8 may occur. Such a situation is prevented by the protection function. In the joint 2 of the above embodiment, there is a passage hole 12t for inserting the male pipe 4. Therefore, the mounting member 12 does not completely cover the entire quick fastener 8. However, since the gap generated by the passage hole 12t is small, the protective function is not substantially reduced.

  A mounting member having the holding function and having the protective function reduced or eliminated is also possible. Examples of such a mounting member include a configuration in which the skeleton portion and the through hole 12h remain while reducing the wall surface.

  In the above embodiment, the mounting member 12 is attached to the female tube 6. Unlike this, the mounting member 12 may be attached to the male tube 4. In a more preferred form, the mounting member 12 is attached to the female tube 6 as in the above embodiment. In a normal usage pattern, the attachment / detachment operation is easier when the mounting member 12 is attached to the female tube 6 and the male tube 4 is taken in and out. In general, the female tube 6 is thicker than the male tube 4. Therefore, the mounting member 12 is preferably attached to the female tube 6 from the viewpoint of reducing the passage hole 12t.

  In the said embodiment, the fastener operation part 10 moves the quick fastener 8, The expansion deformation of the quick fastener 8 is produced with this movement. By this expansion deformation, the mutual transition between the non-locking state 8x and the locking state 8y is possible. Further, the quick fastener 8 can be expanded and deformed by inserting the male pipe. Therefore, if the quick fastener 8 is in a lockable state, a normal connection state is realized simply by inserting the male tube 4.

  By adopting the opening / closing structure or the separation structure, the mounting member 12 can be easily attached to the female pipe 6 (or the male pipe 4). This attachment can be easily realized by sandwiching the female tube 6 (or the male tube 4). With the opening / closing structure or the separation structure, the mounting structure between the female pipe 6 (or male pipe 4) and the mounting member 12 is simplified. This simplification can contribute to the miniaturization and cost reduction of the joint.

  The opening / closing structure or the separation structure may not be adopted. For example, a configuration in which the female tube 6 is mounted on the mounting member by inserting the female tube 6 into the mounting member (hereinafter referred to as configuration X) is also possible. However, in this case, in order to realize the attachment that does not easily come off, it may be necessary to press-fit the engaging portion of the mounting member by elastic deformation or the like when the female tube 6 is inserted. It is difficult to insert due to the interference (hook) of the engaging portion. Therefore, it is difficult to attach the mounting member as compared to the above embodiment. Further, the mounting member may be damaged or worn by repeating the elastic deformation.

  In the above embodiment, since the female tube 6 is sandwiched by the opening / closing structure or the separating structure, the degree of freedom in designing the fixing structure for fixing the mounting member 12 to the female tube 6 is high. For example, the degree of freedom of the position, number, size, shape, etc. of the fixed structure is high. Therefore, more reliable fixing can be performed. On the other hand, in the above configuration X, the fixing structure has to be designed within a range where press-fitting is possible, so the degree of freedom in designing the fixing structure is low. For this reason, it is difficult to ensure sufficient fixing strength.

  In the expansion deformation using the expansion inclined surface p1 and the expansion inclined surface p2, the flange k1 of the male tube 4 contacts the inclined surfaces p1 and p2. Therefore, it is not necessary to bring the outer peripheral surface related to water tightness into contact with the inclined surfaces p1 and p2. Therefore, scratches and the like that affect water tightness are unlikely to occur.

  When the quick fastener is expanded and deformed by inserting the male tube 4 into the female tube 6, it is necessary to bring the male tube into contact with the quick fastener inside the female tube. In order to realize this contact, for example, it is conceivable to provide holes at two locations in the circumferential direction of the female tube and to provide quick fasteners so as to sandwich the two holes. And a quick fastener is made to protrude inside a female tube from these two holes. A male pipe inserted into the female pipe can come into contact with the protruding portion. By this contact, the quick fastener can be expanded and deformed. When such a configuration is employed, the quick fastener is expanded and deformed by inserting the male tube into the female tube. Such a structure is adopted in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent No. 3711224 and Japanese Patent No. 3711246.

  However, this configuration has several problems. The first problem is that the structure of the female tube 6 is complicated by providing two holes. In this case, a hole is provided in a portion related to water tightness, and a dimensional error or the like that affects the water tightness may occur. This complication can also increase manufacturing costs. The second problem is durability when a rotational force acts on the mounting member. In this configuration, the quick fastener 8 cannot be rotated (rotation around the central axis of the female tube 6), and the mounting member that holds the quick fastener 8 cannot be rotated. When a rotational force is applied to the non-rotatable mounting member, deformation or breakage may occur in any part or part. In the above embodiment, such a problem does not occur because the mounting member 12 and the quick fastener 8 are allowed to rotate.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, since rotation of the fastener operation part 10 is accept | permitted, the fastener operation part 10 can be operated from every direction in the circumferential direction. Therefore, even when the installation place is small, the operation is easy.

  The material of the quick fastener 8 is not limited. From the viewpoint of strength, the material of the quick fastener 8 is preferably metal, and spring steel is more preferable from the viewpoint of elasticity (spring property). Moreover, from the viewpoint of rust prevention, the material of the quick fastener 8 is preferably a stainless steel metal, and more preferably stainless steel. For example, SUS304 is preferable. In the above embodiment, “SUS304-CSP-3 / 4H” is used as the material of the quick fastener 8.

  The material of the fastener operation unit 10 is not limited. Resin is preferable as the material of the fastener operation portion 10 from the viewpoint of the degree of freedom in molding and operability. Examples of this resin include polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS), polyamide (PA), polyoxymethylene (POM), and the like. Since such high strength is not required, general-purpose resins such as polypropylene (PP) and ABS can be suitably used. In the above embodiment, polypropylene was used from the viewpoint of low cost.

  The material of the mounting member 12 (protective case) is not limited. From the viewpoint of the degree of freedom in molding, the mounting member 12 is preferably made of resin. Examples of this resin include polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS), polyamide (PA), polyoxymethylene (POM), and the like. From the viewpoint of the mobility and durability of the hinge-like structure and the viewpoint of low cost, polypropylene was used in the above embodiment.

  The material of the outer member 14 is not limited. From the viewpoint of the degree of freedom in molding, the outer member 14 is preferably made of a resin. Examples of this resin include polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS), polyamide (PA), polyoxymethylene (POM), and the like. From the viewpoint of facilitating engagement with the mounting member 12 (protective case) and low cost, polypropylene is used in the above embodiment.

  As described above, in the above embodiment, since the quick fastener 8 is held when the joint is attached and detached, forgetting to attach the quick fastener 8 and losing it can be prevented. Further, since the quick fastener 8 is moved by the operation of the fastener operation unit 10, the quick fastener 8 can be easily attached and detached. Moreover, since the quick fastener 8 is covered with the protective case 12, a situation where the quick fastener 8 is caught by a foreign object is prevented. Therefore, unintentional detachment of the quick fastener 8 is prevented. Furthermore, the outer member 14 can detect the non-normal connection state, and can detect the non-locking state of the quick fastener and / or the non-normal position of the fastener operation portion. Therefore, the trouble of wearing a quick fastener can be detected with high accuracy.

  The present application also describes other inventions that are not included in the claimed invention (including independent claims). Each form, member, configuration, and the like described in the claims and embodiments of the present application are recognized as inventions based on the respective functions and effects.

  Each form, member, configuration, etc. shown in each of the above embodiments is not limited to all of the forms, members, or configurations of these embodiments. It can be applied to all described inventions.

  The method described above can be used for joints of any application.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 ... Joint 4 ... Male pipe 4a ... Male side connection part 6 ... Female pipe 6a ... Female side connection part 8, 80, 90 ... Quick fastener 8a ... First arm Part 8b ... Second arm part p1, p2 ... Inclination surface for expansion 10 ... Fastener operation part 12 ... Mounting member (protective case)
14 ... Outer member 14t ... Outer protrusion 14h ... Regular position confirmation hole 106 ... Regular position confirmation convex part k1 ... Male locking part (flange)
k2 ... Female side locking part (flange)

Claims (9)

A male tube having a male side connection;
A female tube having a female connection,
A quick fastener capable of realizing a locking state that maintains a normal connection state between the male side connection part and the female side connection part, and a non-locking state that permits release of the normal connection state;
A fastener operating section capable of operating the quick fastener,
A mounting member attachable to the male tube or the female tube;
Mutual transition between the locked state and the unlocked state is enabled by the operation of the fastener operation unit,
By the operation of the fastener operation part, the fastener operation part and the quick fastener can move to the first position and the second position,
The mutual transition can be realized by the movement of the quick fastener accompanying the movement of the fastener operation part,
The moving direction of the quick fastener and the fastener operating part is the axis vertical direction,
The mounting member can hold the fastener operating portion and / or the quick fastener in the unlocked state while allowing the operation.
The quick fastener has a pair of arm portions and a connecting portion that connects both arm portions,
On the upper ends of the both arm portions, there is provided an expanding inclined surface for realizing the expanding deformation of the quick fastener,
When the quick fastener is in the locking position at the female-side connecting portion and is locked, and the movement of inserting the male tube into the female tube is a male tube insertion, the expanding inclination The surface is configured such that the quick fastener in the lockable state causes the expansion deformation accompanying the insertion of the male pipe,
While maintaining the regular connection state, the quick fastener, the fastener operating portion and the mounting member are rotatable in the circumferential direction ,
A joint in which the quick fastener, the fastener operating portion, and the mounting member are rotatable in the circumferential direction even when the quick fastener and the fastener operating portion are in either the first position or the second position . The mounting member is a protective case that covers the quick fastener ,
Upper Symbol quick fastener has a stopper portion capable of being engaged in the protective case,
The protective case has a stopper surface that can be engaged with the stopper portion;
The joint according to claim 1, wherein the quick fastener is prevented from dropping from the protective case in the non-locking state by engagement between the stopper portion and the stopper surface. The protective case has a split structure or an open / close structure,
The protective case is attached to the male tube or the female tube using the split structure or the opening / closing structure,
The joint according to claim 2, wherein the quick fastener is stored in the protective case by using the divided structure or the opening / closing structure. It further comprises an outer member that can be attached to the protective case from the outside,
When the quick fastener is in the locked state, and the male side connection portion and the female side connection portion are in the normal connection state, the outer member can be mounted at a normal position,
When the quick fastener is in the non-locking state and / or when the male side connection portion and the female side connection portion are in a non-normal connection state, the outer member cannot be mounted in a normal position,
The outer member has an outer protrusion that can come into contact with the male pipe. When the outer member is pressed to the normal position, the outer protrusion presses the male pipe to the normal connection state. The joint according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the joint is configured to. It further comprises an outer member that can be attached to the protective case from the outside,
  The joint according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, in a state where the fastener operating portion is not in the first position, the fastener operating portion interferes with the outer member, and the outer member cannot be mounted at a normal position. Protrusions for regular position confirmation are provided on the side surfaces of the fastener operation part,
A regular position confirmation hole is provided on the side surface of the outer member,
The joint according to claim 4 or 5 , wherein only when the outer member is in the regular position, the convex part for regular position confirmation and the regular position confirmation hole are engaged. The mounting member is a protective case that covers the quick fastener,
The mutual transition can be realized by the movement of the quick fastener accompanying the movement of the fastener operation part,
The fastener operating part has an engaging convex part that can engage with the protective case,
The protective case has a temporary engagement recess that can be engaged with the engagement protrusion,
The joint according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the fastener operating portion can be positioned with respect to the protective case in the non-locked state by engagement of the engaging convex portion and the temporary engaging concave portion. The female side connection portion has a female side end surface that comes into contact with the contact surface of the male pipe in a normal connection state,
The protective case has a slide groove,
The protective case has a through hole for confirmation,
The fastener operating portion is configured to be able to slide along the slide groove while engaging with the slide groove,
When in the normal connection condition, joint according to any one of claims 2 7, in which the abutment surface of the female side end surface and the male pipe at a position visible through the confirmation holes is located. The pair of arm portions have curved portions that enable surface contact with the side surface of the female tube in the locked state,
The joint according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , wherein an extension angle of the two curved surface portions is inward in the locked state.

Images