JP5774073B2 - 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. 4335401 discloses a quick pipe joint having a retaining clip having a cam surface, and the protruding portion of the male tube having a smaller diameter than the protruding portion of the female tube.

Japanese Patent No. 3711224 Japanese Patent No. 3711246 Japanese Patent No. 4335401

  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 joint according to the present invention includes a male pipe having a male side connection part, a female pipe having a female side connection part, a quick fastener, a fastener member attached to the outside of the quick fastener, and the male pipe or the above. An attachment member that can be attached to the female pipe and an outer member that can be attached to the outside of the fastener member in a normal state are provided. The quick fastener can realize a locked state in which a normal connection state between the male side connection portion and the female side connection portion is maintained and a non-locking state in which release of the normal connection state is allowed. Mutual transition between the locked state and the unlocked state is enabled by operating the fastener member. The mounting member can hold the fastener member and / or the quick fastener in the unlocked state while allowing the operation. One of the mounting member or the outer member has an engagement groove. The other of the mounting member or the outer member has an engaging protrusion. The engagement between the engagement groove and the engagement protrusion achieves connection between the outer member and the mounting member. The outer member can adopt the normal state and the detached state while maintaining the connection.

  Preferably, the engagement protrusion can move inside the engagement groove. Due to the movement of the engaging protrusion, the outer member can be moved in the axial direction. Preferably, the engagement protrusion has a rotation allowing portion that allows the outer member to rotate. By the axial movement and the rotation, the outer member can take the normal state and the detached state while being engaged with the mounting member.

  The posture of the outer member when in the normal state is a normal posture. Preferably, the normal posture can be maintained in the axial movement.

  Preferably, the outer member in the normal posture can be shifted to the detached state by the rotation.

  Preferably, by the axial movement, the outer member can move to the smooth rotation position while maintaining the normal posture. However, the smooth rotation position is an axial position where the contact between the other member and the outer member can be avoided in the rotation from the normal posture to the detached state.

  Preferably, the mounting member further includes an upward projecting portion that projects upward from the outer member in the normal state. Preferably, the upward projecting portion has an outer engaging portion. Preferably, the outer member has a missing portion. Preferably, when the outer member is in the normal state, the upper edge of the missing portion is in contact with the outer engagement portion.

  A preferred faucet device of the present invention comprises any of the joints described above.

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

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a joint according to an embodiment of the present invention. 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 a front view of the joint of FIG. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the joint of FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the quick fastener and the fastener member. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a state in which the quick fastener is held by the fastener member. In other words, FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the fastener assembly member. Fig.8 (a) is a top view of the fastener assembly member in a natural state, and FIG.8 (b) is a top view of the fastener assembly member expanded and deformed. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the quick fastener in a lockable state. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the quick fastener in the locked state. FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B are perspective views of the outer member. FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B are perspective views as viewed obliquely from above. FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B are perspective views of the outer member. 12 (a) and 12 (b) are perspective views as seen obliquely from below. FIG. 13A is a bottom view of the upper part of the mounting member, and FIG. 13B is a perspective view of the upper part of the mounting member. FIG.13 (b) is the perspective view seen from diagonally downward. FIGS. 14A to 14C are perspective views showing a procedure for connecting the outer member and the mounting member. FIG. 15 is a perspective view for illustrating the internal configuration of the lower portion of the mounting member. In FIG. 15, the lower part of the mounting member is in an open state. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a joint in which a male pipe is not inserted. In FIG. 16, the outer member is in a normal state. FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a state where the outer member in FIG. 16 has been moved upward in the axial direction. In FIG. 17, the outer member is in a non-normal state and in a normal posture. 18 is a perspective view showing a state where the outer member in FIG. 17 is rotated. In FIG. 18, the outer member is in a removed state. FIG. 19A is a side view of the joint when the outer member is not in a normal state. FIG. 19B is a side view of the joint when the outer member is in a normal state. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. FIG. 22A is a perspective view of the joint when the fastener assembly member is not in the locking position. In FIG. 22A, the outer member is in a normal posture. FIG. 22B is a perspective view of the joint when the fastener assembly member is expanded and deformed. In FIG. 22B, the outer member is in a normal posture. FIG. 23A is a perspective view of the joint when the fastener assembly member is in the locking position. In FIG. 23A, the outer member is in a removed state. FIG. 23B is a perspective view of the joint when the fastener assembly member is expanded and deformed. In FIG. 23B, the outer member is in a removed state. FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing a procedure for removing the male tube. FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing the construction procedure of the joint. FIG. 26 is a plan view of the quick fastener.

  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.

  FIG.1 and FIG.2 is a perspective view which shows the coupling 2 of 1st embodiment. FIG. 1 is a perspective view seen from diagonally above, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view seen from diagonally below. FIG. 3 is a side view of the joint 2. FIG. 4 is a front view of the joint 2. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 show the connection state. 1 to 4, the male tube 4 and the female tube 6 are in a normal connection state. 1 to 4, the outer member 14 is in a normal state. The joint 2 is used for a faucet device, for example. For example, the faucet device has a joint 2 and a faucet body. The joint 2 can be connected to the faucet body. A faucet body 200 to be described later is an example of a faucet body.

  FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the joint 2. The joint 2 includes a male pipe 4, a female pipe 6, and a joint assembly. The joint assembly includes a quick fastener 8, a fastener member 10, an attachment member upper part 11, an attachment member lower part 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.

  In the present embodiment, the mounting member mt1 has two members. That is, the mounting member mt <b> 1 includes the mounting member upper portion 11 and the mounting member lower portion 12. The mounting member mt1 may be configured by a single member.

  The mounting member lower portion 12 has an opening / closing structure. The mounting member lower portion 12 includes a first portion 12a, a second portion 12b, and a rotation connecting portion 12c (described later). The first part 12a and the second part 12b are connected by a rotation connecting part 12c. The rotation connecting part 12c functions as a hinge. The rotation connecting part 12c can be opened and closed. In FIG. 5, the mounting member lower portion 12 is in an open state.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the mounting member lower portion 12 includes a first partition portion w1, a second partition portion w2, an engagement portion a1, an engagement portion b1, and a direction restriction portion d1. A closed state is implement | achieved by engaging the engaging part a1 and the engaging part b1. The first partition part w1 is provided in each of the first part 12a and the second part 12b. The second partition part w2 is provided in each of the first part 12a and the second part 12b.

  A gap is formed between the first partition part w1 and the second partition part w2. This gap forms a circumferential groove in the lower mounting member 12 in the closed state. When the mounting member lower portion 12 is closed, a flange f2 (described later) is disposed inside the circumferential groove. Due to the engagement between the flange f2 and the circumferential groove, the movement of the mounting member lower portion 12 with respect to the female tube 6 in the axial direction is restricted. Further, when the mounting member lower portion 12 is closed, a part of the mounting member upper portion 11 (an outer protrusion 11p described later) is sandwiched between the mounting member lower portions 12. Therefore, the mounting member upper portion 11 is attached to the female tube 6. That is, the mounting member mt1 is attached to the female tube 6.

  The mounting member mt1 can protect the quick fastener 8 from external contact. When attaching / detaching the male tube 4 to / from the female tube 6, it is not necessary to remove the mounting member mt1. The male tube 4 can be attached to and detached from the female tube 6 in a state where the mounting member mt <b> 1 is attached to the female tube 6.

  The mounting member mt1 can hold the fastener member 10. The mounting member mt1 can hold the fastener member 10 at all positions within the movable range of the fastener member 10. The holding of the fastener member 10 may be direct or indirect. That is, the mounting member mt1 may indirectly hold the fastener member 10 via another member. As will be described later, in the present embodiment, the fastener member 10 is directly held by the mounting member mt1. The mounting member mt1 preferably holds the fastener member 10 directly or indirectly.

  The quick fastener 8 is attached to the fastener member 10. The quick fastener 8 is fixed to the fastener member 10. Since the fastener member 10 is held by the mounting member mt1, the quick fastener 8 is also held by the mounting member mt1. The mounting member mt1 may hold only the fastener member 10, may hold only the quick fastener 8, or may hold the fastener member 10 and the quick fastener 8.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the male tube 4 has a male side connection portion 4a. The female tube 6 has a female side connection portion 6a. 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.

  The male side connection portion 4a has a seal member s1 (see FIG. 5). 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. 5). 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. The male side locking portion k1 may have a shape other than the flange. The male side locking part k1 is located above the male side connection part 4a.

  The female tube 6 has a female side locking portion k2 (see FIG. 5). 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. The female side locking portion k2 may have a shape other than the flange. The female side locking portion k2 forms the end portion (upper end portion) of the female side connection portion 6a.

  The male side locking part k1 has a contact surface t1. The contact surface t1 is the lower surface of the male locking portion k1. The female side locking portion k2 has a contact surface t2. The contact surface t2 is the upper surface of the female side locking portion k2. The contact surface t2 is the upper end surface of the female tube 6. In the normal connection state, the contact surface t2 contacts the contact surface t1 of the male tube 4. In the normal connection state, the contact surface t1 is in surface contact with the contact surface t2.

  The male side connection part 4a and the female side connection part 6a are simple shapes. The cross-sectional shape of the outer surface of the male side connection part 4a is circular at every axial position. At every axial position, the cross-sectional shape of the inner surface of the male side connection portion 4a is circular. At every axial position, the cross-sectional shape of the outer surface of the female-side connecting portion 6a is circular. The cross-sectional shape of 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 upper portion 11 (mounting member mt1) has a passage hole 11t that allows passage of the male connection portion 4a. The diameter of the passage hole 11t is larger than the outer diameter of the male locking portion k1. The mounting member mt1 does not hinder attachment / detachment of the male tube 4 with respect to the female tube 6.

  As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, etc., the mounting member upper portion 11 (mounting member mt <b> 1) has an upper protruding portion 11 w. The upper protruding portion 11w protrudes above the outer member 14 in the normal state.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the upward projecting portion 11 w has an outer engaging portion 11 e. As shown in FIG. 4, two outer engaging portions 11e are provided. When the outer member 14 is in a normal state, the outer engaging portion 11e is positioned above the outer member 14.

  As shown in the enlarged portion of FIG. 4, the engaging portion 11e has a first slope SL1. The first slope SL1 increases the height of the engaging portion 11e as it goes downward. At the upper end of the engaging portion 11e, the height of the engaging portion 11e is zero. The first slope SL1 includes the upper end of the engaging portion 11e. At the upper end of the first slope SL1, the height of the engaging portion 11e is zero.

  As shown in the enlarged portion of FIG. 4, the engaging portion 11e has a second slope SL2. The second slope SL2 is located below the first slope SL1. The second inclined surface SL2 increases the height of the engaging portion 11e as it goes upward. At the lower end of the engaging portion 11e, the height of the engaging portion 11e is zero. The second slope SL2 includes the lower end of the engaging portion 11e. At the lower end of the second slope SL2, the height of the engaging portion 11e is zero.

  FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the quick fastener 8 and the fastener member 10.

  FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the fastener assembly member 810. A fastener assembly member 810 is obtained by attaching the fastener member 10 to the quick fastener 8. The quick fastener 8 is held by the fastener member 10.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the quick fastener 8 has a first arm portion 8a and a second arm portion 8b 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 quick fastener 8 is symmetrical as a whole.

  The first arm portion 8a has a first through hole h1, an outward extending portion g1, and an expanding inclined surface p1. The second arm portion 8b has a second through hole h2, an outward extending portion g2, and an expanding inclined surface p2. 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.

  A flat plate portion j1 is provided above the first through hole h1. An expansion inclined surface p1 is provided above the flat plate portion j1. A curved surface portion r1 is provided below the first through hole h1. The shape of the curved surface portion r1 is convex outward.

  A flat plate portion j2 is provided on the upper side of the second through hole h2. An expansion inclined surface p2 is provided on the upper side of the flat plate portion j2. A curved surface portion r2 is provided below the second through hole h2. The shape of the curved surface portion r2 is convex outward.

  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. These outward extending part g1 and outward extending part g2 make the transition from the non-locking state 8y to the locking state 8x smooth.

  The fastener member 10 has through holes h10 and h12. The first through hole h10 is provided in the first arm 10a. The second through hole h12 is provided in the second arm 10b.

  The installation region of the first through hole h10 includes at least a part of the installation region corresponding to the first through hole h1 of the quick fastener 8. Therefore, when assembled as a fastener assembly member, the first through hole h <b> 10 overlaps at least a part of the first through hole h <b> 1 of the quick fastener 8. This overlapping portion can function as a confirmation window for confirming the joint connection state. That is, the joint connection portion can be visually recognized from the outside through the first through hole h1 and the first through hole h10.

  Similarly, when assembled as a fastener assembly member, the second through hole h12 overlaps at least a part of the second through hole h2 of the quick fastener 8. This overlapping portion can function as a confirmation window for confirming the joint connection state. That is, the joint connecting portion can be visually recognized from the outside through the second through hole h2 and the second through hole h12.

  By these confirmation windows, a visual function for confirming whether or not a normal connection state is established is enhanced.

  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 biasing force contributes to maintaining the locked state 8x.

  As FIG. 6 shows, the fastener member 10 is substantially U-shaped as a whole. The fastener member 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.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the fastener member 10 has a convex portion 10 d. A pair of left and right convex portions 10d is provided. Each convex portion 10d extends along the axial direction. These convex portions 10d are provided on the outer surface of the connecting portion 10c.

  The fastener member 10 includes stopper portions st10 and st20. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the first arm 10a has a stopper portion st10. The second arm 10b has a stopper part st20. The stopper part st10 is provided at the open end of the first arm 10a. The stopper part st10 is provided above the open end. The stopper part st10 protrudes upward. The direction of protrusion of the stopper part st10 is the axial direction. The stopper part st20 is provided at the open end of the second arm 10b. The stopper part st20 is provided above the open end. The stopper part st20 protrudes upward. The direction of protrusion of the stopper part st20 is the axial direction.

  Note that these stopper portions may be provided on the quick fastener 8.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the stopper portion st <b> 10 has a stopper surface sm <b> 10. The stopper surface sm10 extends along the axial direction. The stopper part st20 has a stopper surface sm20. The stopper surface sm20 extends along the axial direction.

  The functions of the stopper part st10 and the stopper part st20 will be described later.

  Although not shown, the fastener holding portion 10h forms a gap. This gap is opened downward. The connecting portion 8c is inserted in this gap. The size of the gap is set so that the completely inserted connecting portion 8c can be held. As a result, the connecting portion 8c is sandwiched between the fastener holding portions 10h.

  FIG. 8A is a plan view showing the fastener assembly member 810 in a natural state. FIG. 8B is a plan view of the fastener assembly member 810 that has been expanded and deformed.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the first arm 10a has an end holding portion th1. Similarly, the second arm 10b has an end holding part th2.

  The end portion of the first arm portion 8a is held by an end holding portion th1 (see FIGS. 7, 8A, and 8B). Similarly, the end portion of the second arm portion 8b is held by the end holding portion th2. In the present embodiment, the first open end Tg of the quick fastener 8 is held by the end holding portion th1, and the second open end Tg of the quick fastener 8 is held by the end holding portion th2. Since the two open ends Tg are held by the fastener member 10, the quick fastener 8 and the fastener member 10 are easily expanded and deformed integrally.

  As described above, the plurality of quick fasteners 8 are held by the fastener member 10. As shown in FIG. 8B, when the quick fastener 8 is expanded and deformed, the fastener member 10 is also expanded and deformed. Regarding the expansion deformation, the quick fastener 8 and the fastener member 10 are integrally deformed.

  As described above, the quick fastener 8 is fixed to the fastener member 10. When the fastener member 10 is operated, the quick fastener 8 moves together with the fastener member 10. When the fastener member 10 is slid, the quick fastener 8 is also slid. That is, the fastener assembly member 810 is integrally slid. By this sliding movement, mutual transition between the first position (locking position) and the second position (release position) is enabled. The direction restricting portion d1 restricts the moving direction of the fastener assembly member 810.

  9 and 10 are diagrams for explaining the locked state 8x. In order to facilitate understanding, the description of the fastener member 10, the mounting member upper portion 11, the mounting member lower portion 12, and the outer member 14 is omitted in FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 9, 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 8x is realized.

  In this way, the locking state 8x is realized simply by inserting the male tube 4. In other words, the connection between the male tube 4 and the female tube 6 is achieved with one action. The male tube 4 and the female tube 6 can be connected without moving the quick fastener 8. Although the fastener member 10 and the mounting member mt1 are not illustrated in FIG. 9, even if the fastener member 10 and the mounting member mt1 are present, this one-action connection is achieved. Details of this connection will be described later.

  FIG. 10 shows the quick fastener 8 in the locked state 8x. As shown in FIG. 10, in the locked state 8x, both the male side locking portion k1 and the female side locking portion k2 enter the first through hole h1 and the second through hole h2. In other words, in the locked state 8x, the male locking portion k1 and the female 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 8x 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 facilitating the reception of the flange k1 and suppressing the axial height of the expansion inclined surfaces p1, p2, the inclination angle of the expansion inclined surfaces p1, p2 is preferably 20 ° or more, more than 30 °. Is more preferable. In light of suppressing male tube insertion resistance, the inclination angles of the expanding inclined surfaces p1 and p2 are preferably 60 ° or less, and more preferably 45 ° or less. In the present embodiment, the inclination angle of the expanding inclined surfaces p1 and p2 is 39 °. This inclination angle is an angle with respect to the axial direction.

  Thus, when in the locked state 8x, the male side locking part k1 and the female side locking part k2 penetrate the first through hole h1. At the same time, when in the locked state 8x, the male side locking portion k1 and the female side locking portion k2 pass through the second through hole h2. In the locked state 8x, the quick fastener 8 may be in a natural state or may be expanded and deformed with respect to the natural state.

  FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B are perspective views of the outer member 14. FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B are perspective views as viewed obliquely from above.

  FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B are perspective views of the outer member 14. 12 (a) and 12 (b) are perspective views as seen obliquely from below.

  The outer member 14 includes an upper surface portion 14a, a first side surface portion 14b, a second side surface portion 14c, a front surface portion 14d, and a rear surface portion 14e. The lower side of the outer member 14 is open.

  As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the outer member 14 has a lower end surface 14g. The lower end surface 14g is a single plane as a whole. The lower end surface of the first side surface portion 14b is the lower end surface 14g. The lower end surface of the second side surface portion 14c is the lower end surface 14g. The lower end surface of the front surface portion 14d is the lower end surface 14g. The lower end surface of the rear surface portion 14e is the lower end surface 14g.

  The outer member 14 has a missing part k14. The missing part k14 is continuous from the upper surface part 14a to the front surface part 14d.

  The upper surface portion 14a has a missing edge ka. The missing edge ka extends from the front edge of the upper surface portion 14a toward the rear surface portion 14e. A part of the missing edge ka and another part of the missing edge ka face each other. The front surface portion 14d has a missing edge kd. The missing edge ka and the missing edge kd are continuous. The left and right missing edges kd face each other. The missing part k14 is formed by the missing edge ka and the missing edge kd being continuous. A missing portion k14 opened to the front side is formed.

  Thus, the outer member 14 has the missing part k14. By this missing portion k14, interference with the male tube 4 can be avoided. The outer member 14 can be attached and detached in the presence of the male tube 4.

  In the outer member 14 in the normal state, the upper protruding portion 11w is disposed at the missing portion k14. The upper protrusion 11w is disposed between the missing edges ka facing each other (see FIG. 1). The upper protruding portion 11w can suppress deformation of the outer member 14 such that the missing edges ka approach each other. The upper protruding portion 11w can suppress deformation of the outer member 14 in the normal state.

  In the outer member 14 in the normal state, the pair of convex portions 10d are in contact with the respective missing edges kd facing each other (see FIG. 1). These convex portions 10d can suppress deformation of the outer member 14 such that the missing edges kd approach each other. The convex portion 10d can suppress deformation of the outer member 14 in the normal state.

  As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the outer member 14 has a downward extending portion 14f. The downward extending portion 14f is located at the end of the missing portion k14 on the rear surface portion 14e side. The downward extending portion 14 f has a first portion 140 and a second portion 142. The first portion 140 extends below the second portion 142. Second portions 142 are arranged on both sides of the first portion 140. When the outer connection member 14 is in the normal connection state and the outer member 14 is in the normal state, the end surface of the downward extending portion 14 f (first portion 140) can abut on the male side locking portion k 1 of the male tube 4.

  Further, the outer member 14 has an engagement protrusion Et. The engagement protrusion Et can connect the outer member 14 and the mounting member mt1. The engagement protrusion Et can function as a hinge. In addition, the engagement protrusion Et should just be provided in any one of the outer member 14 or the mounting member mt1. Therefore, the engagement protrusion Et may be provided on the mounting member mt1.

  The engagement protrusion Et has an engagement slide portion Et1 and a rotation allowance portion Et2. Furthermore, the engagement protrusion Et has an engagement stabilization portion Et3 and an insertion guide portion Et4. Further, the engagement protrusion Et has a connection portion Et5. The insertion guide part Et4 has a protrusion-side contact part Et40. The protrusion side contact portion Et40 is provided on the outer surface of the insertion guide portion Et4. The protrusion side contact portion Et40 is provided on both side surfaces of the insertion guide portion Et4. The protrusion side contact portion Et40 is in contact with a groove side contact portion (described later). Details of the function of each unit will be described later.

  The engagement protrusion Et allows the outer member 14 in a normal state and also allows the outer member 14 in a detached state. As will be described later, when the outer member 14 is in the detached state, the engagement protrusion Et can maintain the connection between the outer member 14 and the mounting member mt1.

  In the present application, a first state E1 and a second state E2 are defined with respect to the engagement protrusion Et. The state of the engagement protrusion Et when the outer member 14 is in the detached state is defined as the first state E1. The state of the engagement protrusion Et when the outer member 14 is in the normal state is defined as the second state E2. In FIG. 11A, the engagement protrusion Et is in the first state E1. In FIG. 11B, the engagement protrusion Et is in the second state E2. In FIG. 12A, the engagement protrusion Et is in the first state E1. In FIG. 12B, the engagement protrusion Et is in the second state E2. Details of the first state E1 and the second state E2 will be described later.

  FIG. 13A is a bottom view of the mounting member upper portion 11. FIG. 13B is a perspective view of the mounting member upper portion 11. FIG.13 (b) is the figure seen from diagonally downward.

  As described above, the mounting member upper portion 11 includes the passage hole 11t, the upper protruding portion 11w, and the outer engaging portion 11e (see FIG. 5). Further, as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the mounting member upper portion 11 has a lower through hole 11h, a guide wall 11g, an engagement groove 11v, and a stopper surface sm11. Furthermore, the mounting member upper part 11 has an outward projecting part 11p. The outward projecting portion 11 p is located at the lower end portion of the mounting member upper portion 11. The outward projecting portion 11p has a flat plate shape. As described above, the outward protrusion 11p can be engaged with the mounting member lower portion 12. By this engagement, the axial movement of the mounting member upper portion 11 is restricted. By this engagement, the mounting member upper portion 11 is attached to the female tube 6 via the mounting member lower portion 12.

  The engagement groove 11v has a groove side contact portion 11c. The groove side contact portion 11c is two side surfaces facing each other in the groove opening 110 (described later). A gap between the two side surfaces forms a groove opening 110. The groove-side contact portion 11c is in contact with the projection-side contact portion Et40. The posture of the insertion guide portion Et4 in the sliding movement is maintained by the contact between the protrusion side contact portion Et40 and the groove side contact portion 11c. The insertion guide portion Et4 moves along the groove side contact portion 11c (groove opening 110). The movement of the engagement protrusion Et in the radial direction with respect to the engagement groove 11v is restricted by the contact between the protrusion side contact part Et40 and the groove side contact part 11c. The radial direction is perpendicular to the direction of sliding movement of the engagement protrusion Et and perpendicular to the direction from the center of the mounting member mt1 toward the outside. The contact of the projection-side contact portion Et40 and the groove-side contact portion 11c restricts the disengagement of the engagement projection Et from the engagement groove 11v. Due to the contact between the protrusion-side contact portion Et40 and the groove-side contact portion 11c, the engagement groove 11v is in a state in which the engagement protrusion Et can move in the extending direction of the engagement groove 11v. Holding. Due to the contact between the protrusion-side contact portion Et40 and the groove-side contact portion 11c, the posture of the engagement protrusion Et during the slide movement is constant. Contact between the projection-side contact portion Et40 and the groove-side contact portion 11c may be surface contact, line contact, or point contact. From the viewpoint of enhancing the durability and scratch resistance of each contact portion, surface contact is preferable. Surface contact means that the contact portion is a surface, line contact means that the contact portion is a line, and point contact means that the contact portion is a point. It means that there is.

  The female tube 6 is inserted through the lower through hole 11h. The lower through hole 11 h serves to attach the mounting member upper portion 11 to the female tube 6.

  The guide wall 11g can guide the inserted male tube 4 to the female tube 6. The guide wall 11g suppresses the inclination of the male tube 4. The normal connection state is easily realized by inserting the male tube 4 into the female tube 6 without being largely inclined. The guide wall 11g can promote the realization of the normal connection state. The mounting member upper portion 11 is not an opening / closing structure or a separation structure. Therefore, no opening or division occurs when force is applied. The guide wall 11g provided on the mounting member upper portion 11 guides the male tube 4 more reliably. By using the mounting member upper portion 11 that is an integral member, the occurrence of the irregular connection state is more effectively suppressed. Further, the mounting member upper portion 11 as an integral member is not opened or divided by a force for operating the fastener assembly member 810. Therefore, the mounting member upper portion 11 can improve the accuracy of the slide movement of the fastener assembly member 810.

  The stopper surface sm11 can come into contact with the stopper portions st10 and st20 of the fastener member 10. This contact occurs when the fastener assembly member 810 is pulled out. By this contact, the fastener assembly member 810 is prevented from falling off.

  As shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the engagement groove 11v includes a groove opening 110, an upper stopper portion 112, and a lower opening 114.

  The groove opening 110 extends along the axial direction. The width of the groove opening 110 is constant. The width of the groove opening 110 is narrower than the maximum width of the internal space of the engagement groove 11v.

  The upper stopper portion 112 is provided at the upper end portion of the engagement groove 11v. The upper stopper portion 112 closes a part of the upper opening of the engagement groove 11v. The upper stopper portion 112 defines the upper limit of the movable range of the engagement protrusion Et.

  The engaging groove 11v is opened downward by the lower opening 114.

  In addition, the engagement groove | channel 11v should just be provided in either one of the outer member 14 or the mounting member mt1. Therefore, the engaging groove 11v may be provided in the outer member 14.

  FIG. 14 shows a procedure for connecting the outer member 14 and the mounting member mt1. The connection is completed in the order of step (a), step (b), and step (c). In FIG. 14, the mounting member mt1 is shown upside down.

  In this connection operation, the engagement protrusion Et is preferably in the first state E1. The engagement protrusion Et in the first state E1 is easily inserted into the engagement groove 11v.

  The engagement between the engagement groove 11v and the engagement protrusion Et is achieved by inserting the engagement slide portion Et1 into the engagement groove 11v. By this engagement, the connection between the outer member 14 and the mounting member mt1 is achieved.

  As described above, the engagement groove 11v has the lower opening 114. From the lower opening 114, the engagement slide portion Et1 is inserted into the engagement groove 11v. Prior to the engagement slide portion Et1, the insertion guide portion Et4 is inserted into the engagement groove 11v (see step (b) in FIG. 14). The insertion guide portion Et4 protrudes so that it can be inserted into the engagement groove 11v prior to the engagement slide portion Et1 (see FIG. 14B).

  The insertion guide portion Et4 extends from the central portion in the width direction of the engagement slide portion Et1 (see FIG. 11A). This width direction is perpendicular to the sliding direction. This sliding direction is the axial direction. The width of the insertion guide part Et4 is smaller than the width of the engagement slide part Et1. The insertion guide part Et4 extends parallel to the sliding direction of the engagement protrusion Et. The insertion guide portion Et4 has a guide function that facilitates insertion of the engagement slide portion Et1.

  Step (c) in FIG. 14 shows a state where the insertion of the engagement slide portion Et1 is completed. This state is an insertion completion state. The width of the groove opening 110 of the engagement groove 11v is narrower than the width of the engagement slide part Et1. Therefore, the engagement slide portion Et1 does not pass through the groove opening 110.

  As shown in step (c) of FIG. 14, in a state where the engagement slide portion Et1 is inserted, the engagement stabilization portion Et3 is in surface contact with the outer surface of the mounting member mt1. By this surface contact, the posture of the engagement protrusion Et is stabilized, and smooth sliding can be realized.

  The length of the insertion guide portion Et4 in the slide direction is longer than that of the engagement slide portion Et1. Due to this length, the posture of the insertion guide portion Et4 is unlikely to fluctuate inside the engagement groove 11v. Therefore, the posture of the engagement slide portion Et1 is not easily changed. Since the posture of the engagement slide portion Et1 is stable, the slide movement of the engagement slide portion Et1 is made smooth.

  In the insertion completion state, the connection portion Et5 penetrates the groove opening 110 (see FIG. 14C). Therefore, regardless of the state of the outer member 14, the connection between the mounting member mt1 and the outer member 14 can be maintained. Further, since the groove opening 110 extends in the direction of the slide movement, the groove movement 110 is not hindered.

  FIG. 15 is a view for explaining a connection state between the mounting member mt <b> 1 and the female pipe 6. Similar to FIG. 5, in FIG. 15, the mounting member lower portion 12 is in an open state.

  The mounting member lower portion 12 has an opening / closing structure. As shown in FIGS. 15 and 5, the mounting member lower portion 12 includes a first portion 12 a and a second portion 12 b. Furthermore, as FIG. 15 shows, the attachment member lower part 12 has the rotation connection part 12c. The rotation connection part 12c has connected the 1st part 12a and the 2nd part 12b so that rotation is possible. This rotation connection part 12c functions as a hinge. This rotational connection part 12c consists of a material which can be elastically deformed. Specifically, the rotation connecting part 12c is a thin resin. The rotation connecting portion 12c can be deformed so as to allow the mounting member lower portion 12 to be opened and closed.

  The mounting member lower part 12 has a maintenance mechanism for maintaining the closed state.

  This maintenance mechanism has an engaging part a1 and an engaging part b1 (see FIGS. 15 and 5). In the closed state, the engaging part a1 and the engaging part b1 are engaged. In this embodiment, the engaging part a1 has a hole, and the engaging part b1 has a convex part. A recess may be provided instead of the hole. Engagement is achieved by fitting the convex part of the engaging part b1 into the hole of the engaging part a1. In order to release the engagement, for example, the engaging portion a1 is elastically deformed.

  When the mounting member lower portion 12 is closed, the female tube 6 and the mounting member upper portion 11 are sandwiched. The female tube 6 does not come out of the mounting member upper portion 11 by this sandwiching. The axial movement of the mounting member mt1 with respect to the female tube 6 is restricted. Since the mounting member lower portion 12 is closed, the female pipe 6 does not come out of the mounting member mt1. However, the shaft rotation of the mounting member upper portion 11 with respect to the female tube 6 is free. Axial rotation of the mounting member mt1 with respect to the female tube 6 is free.

  In addition to the opening / closing structure, a separation structure (not shown) is exemplified as the structure enabling the sandwiching. In the case of a separation structure, a preferred mounting member is a two-part structure. In this case, 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.

  When the pinching is achieved, the first partition portion w1 of the mounting member lower portion 12 closes the lower opening 114 of the engagement groove 11v (see FIG. 15). With this blockage, the engagement slide portion Et1 is prevented from coming off from the lower opening 114.

  FIG. 16 shows the outer member 14 in a normal state. FIG. 17 shows the outer member 14 moved upward in the axial direction.

  As described above, the engagement slide portion Et1 can slide in the axial direction. Therefore, the outer member 14 can move in the axial direction while maintaining the connection with the mounting member mt1. In this axial movement, the state of the engagement protrusion Et is not limited. In the axial movement of the outer member 14, the engagement protrusion Et can maintain the first state E1. In the axial movement of the outer member 14, the engagement protrusion Et can maintain the second state E2. In the axial movement of the outer member 14, the engagement protrusion Et may be in the intermediate state E3. The intermediate state E3 means a state between the first state E1 and the second state E2.

  FIG. 18 shows the outer member 14 in a removed state. In FIG. 18, the engagement protrusion Et is in the first state E1. 16 and 17, the engagement protrusion Et is in the second state E2.

  As can be understood from the comparison between FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, the engagement protrusion Et enables the rotation R <b> 14 of the outer member 14. The rotation R14 of the outer member 14 is rotation about the engaging protrusion Et as a rotation center. More specifically, this rotation center is the rotation permission portion Et2. This rotation permission portion Et2 functions as a hinge. The rotation allowing portion Et2 of the present embodiment is a thin resin. Since the rotation allowance Et2 is a thin resin, it easily deforms. The rotation R14 of the outer member 14 is achieved by the deformation of the resin.

  In addition, the rotation permission part Et2 should just be a structure which can accept | permit the said rotation R14 of the outer member 14. FIG. The thin resin rotation allowing portion Et2 is merely an example.

  As another example of the connection structure between the mounting member mt1 and the mounting member upper portion 11, a ball joint-shaped connection structure is exemplified. In this connection structure, the engaging protrusion has a spherical tip portion and an extending portion extending from the tip portion. The thickness of the extending part is smaller than the diameter of the tip part. In this connection structure, the engagement groove has an internal space and a groove opening. The inner space of the engagement groove can accommodate the tip portion. Further, the internal space extends in the axial direction (vertical direction), and the tip portion can slide in the internal space in the axial direction. Since the groove opening is thinner than the diameter of the tip portion, the tip portion cannot pass through the groove opening. On the other hand, since the thickness of the extending portion is smaller than the width of the groove opening, the extending portion can move the groove opening in the axial direction. For example, such a connection structure is also possible.

  The rotation allowing portion Et2 is integrally formed with other portions of the engaging protrusion Et. Therefore, the structure of the engagement protrusion Et including the rotation allowing portion Et2 is simple. This structure contributes to cost reduction.

In the present application, the following terms are used for the outer member 14.
[Normal state]: State in which the outer member 14 is in the normal position and normal posture [Non-normal state]: State other than the normal state [Non-normal position]: Position other than the normal position [Removed state]: A state in which the outer member 14 is separated from other members except for the engagement protrusion Et. [Unnormal posture]: posture other than the normal posture

  The irregular state is a concept including the removed state.

  In FIG. 16, the outer member 14 is in a normal state. In other words, in FIG. 16, the outer member 14 is in a normal position and in a normal posture. In the present embodiment, the normal position is the lower limit position of the axial movement of the outer member 14. In the present embodiment, the posture in which the lower end surface 14g is lower and horizontal is the normal posture. The outer member 14 can satisfactorily protect the fastener assembly member 810 when in the normal state. In this normal state, the engagement protrusion Et is at the lower limit position of the movable range.

  In FIG. 17, the outer member 14 is in an irregular state. In FIG. 17, the outer member 14 is not in the normal position but is in the normal posture. In FIG. 17, the outer member 14 is positioned axially above the normal position. In FIG. 17, the engagement protrusion Et is at the upper limit position of the movable range.

  As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the outer member 14 can move in the axial direction while maintaining a normal posture. In this axial movement, the outer member 14 moves together with the engagement protrusion Et. That is, the axial movement of the outer member 14 is accompanied by the axial movement of the engagement protrusion Et. In this axial movement, the engagement between the outer member 14 and the mounting member mt1 is maintained.

  In FIG. 18, the outer member 14 is in an irregular state. In FIG. 17, the outer member 14 is in a removed state. In FIG. 18, the outer member 14 is in a non-regular posture. In FIG. 18, the engagement protrusion Et is at the upper limit position of the movable range.

  In the normal state (FIG. 16), the outer member 14 covers the fastener assembly member 810. From the viewpoint of avoiding an increase in size of the outer member 14, the gap between the outer member 14 and other members (the fastener assembly member 810 and the mounting member upper portion 11) is small. For this reason, it is difficult to rotate the outer member 14 in the normal state to shift to the detached state. In this case, in the process of this transition, interference is likely to occur between the outer member 14 and the other member.

  In the present embodiment, the outer member 14 can be moved in the axial direction while maintaining a normal posture. That is, the outer member 14 can move in the axial direction while maintaining the normal posture. Therefore, the axial movement of the outer member 14 can be made smoothly. Furthermore, the outer member 14 can move to a position where the interference can be suppressed. Therefore, the rotation R14 of the outer member 14 is facilitated (see FIGS. 17 and 18). That is, the transition to the detached state is facilitated.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the connection between the outer member 14 and the mounting member mt1 is maintained even in the detached state. Therefore, loss of the outer member 14 is prevented. Furthermore, forgetting to attach the outer member 14 is suppressed.

  As described above, the fastener assembly member 810 can be integrally expanded and deformed (see FIG. 8). That is, when the quick fastener 8 is expanded and deformed, the fastener member 10 is also expanded and deformed. When the fastener assembly member 810 is expanded and deformed, the fastener assembly member 810 cannot be accommodated inside the outer member 14. In a state where the fastener assembly member 810 is expanded and deformed, the outer member 14 and the fastener assembly member 810 interfere with each other, and thus the outer member 14 cannot be brought into a normal state. When in the non-regular connection state, the quick fastener 8 is expanded and deformed, and the fastener assembly member 810 is also expanded and deformed. When in the irregular connection state, the outer member 14 cannot be in the regular state. Therefore, the irregular connection state becomes clear. As described above, the fastener member 10 is expanded and deformed together with the quick fastener 8 so that the irregular connection state can be reliably detected. The fastener assembly member 810 can exhibit a detection function A that causes the outer member 14 to detect the expansion and deformation of the quick fastener 8 (see FIGS. 22B and 23B).

  FIG. 19A is a side view of the joint 2 when the outer member 14 is in an irregular state (non-regular position). FIG. 19B is a side view of the joint 2 when the outer member 14 is in a normal state. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. In FIG. 20, the male tube and the female tube 6 are in an irregular connection state. In FIG. 21, the male tube and the female tube 6 are in a regular connection state.

  When the male tube 4 is separated from the female tube 6 as compared to the normal connection state, the downward extending portion 14f abuts on the male side locking portion k1 (see FIG. 20). In other words, when the insertion of the male tube 4 into the female tube 6 is insufficient, the downward extending portion 14f contacts the male locking portion k1. Due to this contact, the outer member 14 cannot be lowered to the normal position. That is, the outer member 14 cannot be arranged in the normal state in the irregular connection state. On the other hand, in the normal connection state, the outer member 14 can be lowered to the normal position (see FIG. 21). Thus, the outer member 14 has the detection function B that can detect whether or not the normal connection state between the male tube 4 and the female tube 6 is possible.

Typically, the expression of the detection function B is based on the following phenomena (G1) and (G2).
(G1) When the insertion of the male tube 4 into the female tube 6 is insufficient, the male side locking portion k1 may be present at a position where it can contact the expanding inclined surfaces p1, p2. In this case, when the downward extending portion 14f presses the male side locking portion k1, the male side locking portion k1 presses the expansion inclined surfaces p1 and p2.
(G2) When the expansion inclined surfaces p1 and p2 are pressed, the fastener assembly member 810 attempts to expand and deform, but this expansion is caused by the outer member 14 (particularly the first side surface portion 14b and the second side surface portion 14c). Open deformation is impeded. Therefore, the fastener assembly member 810 cannot be expanded and deformed even when the male locking portion k1 presses the expansion inclined surfaces p1 and p2. For this reason, the male side latching | locking part k1 cannot move below, and the outer member 14 does not fall to a regular position.

  As described above, the large inclination of the male tube 4 is suppressed by the guide wall 11g. However, if the insertion of the male tube 4 into the female tube 6 is extremely insufficient, a large inclination of the male tube 4 may occur. When the outer member 14 is pushed downward with this large inclination, the downward extending portion 14f comes into contact with the male locking portion k1 in an abnormal state. For example, in this case, the downwardly extending portion 14f and another portion (for example, the fastener assembly member 810) sandwich the inclined male side locking portion k1. As a result, the inclined state of the male locking portion k1 is maintained by the contact of the downward extending portion 14f. In this state, since the first side surface portion 14b and the second side surface portion 14c are located outside the fastener assembly member 810, the above phenomenon (G2) occurs. Therefore, the detection function B appears. Further, when the male tube 4 is greatly inclined, the male side locking portion k1 is inclined. In this case, any part (the first part 140 or the second part 142) of the downward extending part 14f can abut on any part (the male side locking part k1 or the like) of the male tube 4. Due to this abnormal contact, the outer member 14 cannot be lowered to the normal position. Also in this case, the detection function B appears. Thus, the detection function B can detect not only the axial position of the male tube 4 but also the posture of the male tube 4.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the end surface (lower end surface) of the downward extending portion 14 f has an arc shape that follows the male locking portion k <b> 1 of the male tube 4. When the posture of the male tube 4 is along the axial direction, the end surface of the downward extending portion 14f can be in surface contact with the upper surface of the male side locking portion k1. On the other hand, when the posture of the male tube 4 is inclined, the end surface of the downward extending portion 14f cannot make surface contact with the upper surface of the male side locking portion k1. Therefore, the posture of the male tube 4 can be detected with high accuracy. When the outer member 14 is in the normal state, the male tube 4 and the female tube 6 are in a normal connection state, and the end surface of the downward extending portion 14f is in surface contact with the upper surface of the male side locking portion k1.

  As shown in FIG. 19A, when the outer member 14 is in an irregular state (non-regular position), the fastener member 10 is visually recognized between the mounting member lower portion 12 and the side surface portions 14b and 14c. Although not shown in FIG. 19A, when the outer member 14 is in an irregular state (non-regular position), the fastener member 10 is also visually recognized between the mounting member lower portion 12 and the rear surface portion 14e. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 19B, when the outer member 14 is in the normal state, there is no gap between the mounting member lower portion 12 and the side surface portions 14b and 14c, and the mounting member lower portion 12 and the rear surface portion 14e. There is no gap between them. When the outer member 14 is in a normal state, the lower end surface 14g (see FIG. 19A) of the outer member 14 contacts the upward surface 12g of the mounting member mt1 (the mounting member lower portion 12). The upward surface 12g extends in the direction perpendicular to the axis. In the present embodiment, the upward surface 12g is a flat surface. In the present embodiment, the upward surface 12g is a slide surface 12s. The lower end surface 14g of the outer member 14 abuts on the upward surface 12g. By this contact, the lower limit position in the axial movement of the outer member 14 is determined. By this contact, the normal posture of the outer member 14 is determined.

  When the outer member 14 is in a normal state, the fastener member 10 cannot be visually recognized from between the mounting member lower portion 12 and the side surface portions 14b and 14c. Thus, a large visual difference is caused due to the state (position) of the outer member 14. Furthermore, a great difference also occurs in tactile sense. The lower end surface 14 g of the outer member 14 that has reached the normal state is in surface contact with the upper surface of the mounting member lower portion 12. This surface contact is sensed by touch. As understood from the comparison between FIG. 19A and FIG. 19B, it is easy to determine whether or not the outer member 14 is in the normal state. The detection function B can be detected visually and by touch.

  As described above, the mounting member upper portion 11 (mounting member mt1) has the upper protruding portion 11w. Further, the upper protruding portion 11w has an outer engaging portion 11e (see FIG. 4). As shown in FIG. 19B, when the outer member 14 is in the normal state, the upper protruding portion 11 w protrudes above the outer member 14. When the outer member 14 is in the normal position, the upper protruding portion 11w is not concealed by the outer member 14. When the outer member 14 is in the normal position, the upper protruding portion 11w protrudes higher than the outer member 14. Whether the upper protruding portion 11w is visible or not can be confirmed as to whether it is in a normal state. The upper protruding portion 11w can exhibit a detection function C that visually detects whether or not the outer member 14 is in a normal state.

  In FIG. 20, the upper surface of the outer member 14 is flush with the upper end surface of the upper protruding portion 11w. This state is also referred to as a flush state. In a typical non-regular connection state, the outer member 14 in a normal posture tends to be in the above-described flush state. As shown in FIG. 20, in this flush state, the downward extending portion 14 f is in contact with the male locking portion k <b> 1 of the male tube 4. Due to this contact, further downward movement of the outer member 14 is restricted. In a typical non-regular connection state, the male tube 4 is in contact with the quick fastener 8 in the locking position, but the normal connection state is not achieved. In a natural state where an external force such as a pushing force is not applied, a state where the male tube 4 is in contact with the quick fastener 8 is a typical irregular connection state. If the external force of the pushing is released in a state where the pushing into the female tube 6 is not sufficient, the male tube 4 is usually returned to this typical irregular connection state. Due to the above-described flush state, a typical irregular connection state is easily visually recognized. Therefore, the detection function C is enhanced.

  FIG. 22A is a perspective view showing a state where the fastener assembly member 810 is not in the locking position. In FIG. 22A, the fastener assembly member 810 is in the release position. FIG. 22B is a perspective view showing a state where the fastener assembly member 810 is expanded and deformed. 22 (a) and 22 (b), the outer member 14 is in a normal posture.

  FIG. 23A is a perspective view showing a state where the fastener assembly member 810 is in the locking position. In FIG. 23A, the outer member 14 is in a removed state. FIG. 23B is a perspective view showing a state where the fastener assembly member 810 is expanded and deformed. In FIG. 23B, the outer member 14 is in a removed state. 23A and 23B, the engagement protrusion Et of the outer member 14 is at the upper limit position of the movable range.

  When the quick fastener 8 is in a position other than the locking position, the outer member 14 cannot be mounted in the normal state. As shown in FIG. 22A, when the quick fastener 8 (fastener assembly member 810) is in the release position, the outer member 14 in the non-regular position cannot be moved to the regular position. The outer member 14 has a detection function D that can detect that the quick fastener 8 and the fastener member 10 (fastener assembly member 810) are in the release position (second position). This detection function D can detect whether or not the quick fastener 8 is in the locked state 8x. This detection function D can also contribute to the confirmation of the normal connection state.

  When the quick fastener 8 is expanded and deformed compared to the locked state 8x, the fastener member 10 is also expanded and deformed along with this deformation. In this case, the outer member 14 interferes with the fastener assembly member 810. As shown in FIG. 22B, when the quick fastener 8 (fastener assembly member 810) is expanded and deformed, the outer member 14 at the non-normal position cannot be moved to the normal position. As shown in FIG. 23B, when the quick fastener 8 (fastener assembly member 810) is expanded and deformed, the outer member 14 in the removed state cannot be shifted to the normal state. That is, in the case of FIG. 23B, the outer member 14 can be rotated to the normal posture, but the outer member 14 in the normal posture cannot be lowered to the normal position (FIG. 22 ( b)). When the quick fastener 8 is expanded and deformed, at least one of the first side surface portion 14 b and the second side surface portion 14 c interferes with the fastener assembly member 810. Therefore, the outer member 14 cannot be installed in a normal state. Thus, the outer member 14 has a detection function E that can detect that the quick fastener 8 (fastener assembly member 810) is expanded and deformed. This detection function E can also detect whether or not the quick fastener 8 is in the locked state 8x. The detection function E can detect whether or not the connection state is normal.

  As described above, the mounting member mt1 has the upper protruding portion 11w. The upper protruding portion 11w does not hinder the outer member 14 from being installed in a normal state. The upper protruding portion 11w does not interfere with the outer member 14 in the normal state.

  FIG. 24 shows a procedure for releasing the normal connection state.

  In this release, first, the outer member 14 in the normal state is moved in the axial direction while maintaining the normal posture (step ST1). As described above, the rotation R14 of the outer member 14 is facilitated by this axial movement.

  Next, the outer member 14 is rotated (step ST2). By this rotation R14, the outer member 14 is shifted to a detached state. Due to the missing part k14, the male tube 4 does not inhibit the rotation R14. The rotation R14 can be performed while the normal connection state is maintained.

  Next, the fastener assembly member 810 is moved from the first position (locking position) to the second position (release position) (step ST3).

  Next, the male tube 4 is pulled out from the female tube 6 (step ST4).

  The normal connection state of the male pipe 4 is achieved by reversing the steps ST1 to ST4. In this reverse procedure, the male tube 4 is inserted into the female tube 6 starting from the state in which the outer member 14 is in the removed state and the fastener assembly member 810 is in the second position (release position) (step ST4). The fastener assembly member 810 is moved from the second position to the first position (step ST3), the outer member 14 is rotated from the removed state to the normal posture (step ST2), and the outer member 14 is also in the normal state. (Step ST1). However, as will be described later, the male tube 4 can be inserted in a state where the fastener assembly member 810 is in the first position (see FIG. 25D).

  As shown in FIG. 24C, when the fastener assembly member 810 is in the second position, the inside of the mounting member mt1 can be visually recognized. Therefore, the joining state of the male tube 4 and the female tube 6 can be visually recognized. Therefore, it can be confirmed visually whether it is a regular connection state. Further, the mounting member mt1 and the fastener assembly member 810 can rotate relative to the female tube 6 and the male tube 4. Therefore, it can be visually confirmed from all directions whether it is a regular connection state.

  Furthermore, even when the fastener assembly member 810 is in the first position, the inside of the mounting member mt1 can be visually recognized. As described above, the first through hole h10 of the fastener member 10 overlaps at least a part of the first through hole h1 of the quick fastener 8. This overlapping portion can function as a confirmation window for confirming the joint connection state. Similarly, the second through hole h12 of the fastener member 10 overlaps at least a part of the second through hole h2 of the quick fastener 8. This overlapping portion can also function as a confirmation window for confirming the joint connection state. These confirmation windows allow the inside of the mounting member mt1 to be visually recognized even when the fastener assembly member 810 is in the first position (see FIG. 24B).

  FIG. 25 shows a procedure in which the joint 2 is constructed. Here, the joint 2 is used by being connected to the faucet body 200.

  First, the female pipe 6 having the mounting member mt1 is connected to the faucet body 200 (step STP1). The outer member 14 is in a normal state.

  Next, the outer member 14 is moved in the axial direction (step STP2). In this axial movement, the normal posture is maintained.

  Next, the outer member 14 is rotated (step STP3). By this rotation R14 (forward rotation), the engagement protrusion Et shifts from the second state E2 to the first state E1. By this rotation R14, the outer member 14 shifts from the normal posture to the non-normal posture. By this rotation R14, the outer member 14 shifts to a detached state.

  Next, the male tube 4 is inserted into the female tube 6, and the male tube 4 and the female tube 6 are connected (step STP4). As described above, the fastener assembly member 810 can be connected with one action while being in the first position (locking position).

  Next, the outer member 14 is rotated (step STP5). This rotation R14 is a rotation opposite to the rotation R14 in step STP3. By this rotation R14 (reverse rotation), the engagement protrusion Et shifts from the first state E1 to the second state E2. By this rotation R14, the outer member 14 shifts from the non-normal posture to the normal posture. By this rotation R14, the detached state of the outer member 14 is eliminated.

  Next, the outer member 14 is moved in the axial direction (step STP6). This movement is a downward movement. In this movement, the normal posture of the outer member 14 can be maintained. Therefore, the mounting member mt1 and the fastener assembly member 810 do not hinder the movement of the outer member 14.

  Next, the outer member 14 is brought into a normal state (step STP7). The normal state is achieved by moving the outer member 14 to the lower limit position.

  As shown in FIGS. 25B and 25F, the normal posture is maintained in the axial movement of the outer member 14.

  As shown in FIGS. 25B and 25C, the outer member 14 in the normal posture can shift to the detached state by the rotation R <b> 14 of the outer member 14.

  By the axial movement, the outer member 14 in the normal posture can move to the smooth rotation position. FIG. 25B and FIG. 25F show the outer member 14 in the smooth rotation position.

  The smooth rotation position is an axial position where the contact between the other member and the outer member 14 can be avoided in the rotation R14 from the normal posture to the detached state. This other member means a member other than the outer member 14.

  Even if the outer member 14 in the normal state is to be rotated, the outer member 14 comes into contact with the mounting member upper portion 11 and the like. That is, the rotation R14 of the outer member 14 is inhibited by the mounting member mt1. As the outer member 14 is moved upward, this inhibition is suppressed, and the rotation R14 of the outer member 14 becomes smoother. In this embodiment, since the movement to the smooth rotation position is possible, the outer member 14 can be shifted to the detached state very smoothly.

  In the present application, a movable distance D1 of the axial movement of the outer member 14 is defined. This movable distance D1 is a movable distance when the normal posture of the outer member 14 is maintained. This movable distance D1 is indicated by a double arrow in FIG. This movable distance D1 is equal to the movable distance of the engagement slide part Et1. This movable distance D1 is measured along the axial direction.

  In the present application, an axial height Hs is defined. This height Hs is the axial height of the portion of the mounting member mt1 that is accommodated in the outer member 14 in the normal state.

  More preferably, the ratio (D1 / Hs) is 1 or more. The movable distance D1 is preferably not less than the height Hs.

  Hereinafter, the function of the outer engaging portion 11e will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, when the outer member 14 is in a normal state, the outer engaging portion 11 e is located on the upper side of the outer member 14. When the outer member 14 is in a normal state, the outer engaging portion 11e is visually recognized from the outside. The outer engaging portion 11e has a function of visually indicating whether or not the outer member 14 is in a normal state (function 1).

  This function 1 is also apparent from the comparison between FIG. 19A and FIG.

  As described above, the outer member 14 can move in the axial direction while maintaining a normal posture. When the outer member 14 in the normal state is moved in the axial direction with the normal posture, the missing portion k14 of the outer member 14 is deformed. The details of this deformation mechanism will be described later.

  In FIG. 4 and FIG. 11A, the double arrow Dx indicates the facing distance between the missing edges ka facing each other. In FIG. 4, what is indicated by a double arrow Dy is the distance between the apexes of the left and right outer engaging portions 11e. As shown in FIG. 4, the distance Dy is larger than the facing distance Dx. For this reason, the said deformation | transformation of the missing part k14 arises.

  Along with the movement of the outer member 14, the facing distance between the missing edges ka facing each other is expanded by the left and right outer engaging portions 11e. When the missing edge ka gets over the outer engaging portion 11e, this deformation is eliminated. Thus, the outer member 14 is deformed when the missing edge ka gets over the outer engaging portion 11e. This deformation can be transmitted as a tactile sensation to a human finger operating the outer member 14.

  The contact between the outer engaging portion 11e and the missing edge ka gives resistance to the axial movement of the outer member 14. This resistance causes a sense of resistance as a tactile sensation. When the outer engagement portion 11e is overcome, the resistance disappears. This disappearance gives a sense of liberation as a tactile sensation. From this feeling of release, it can be determined that the outer member 14 has shifted to the normal state.

  In the axial movement toward the normal state, the outer member 14 gets over the outer engaging portion 11e. The outer member 14 can be deformed by this overcoming. The outer member 14 may vibrate due to this overcoming. This deformation or vibration is transmitted to the human body by touch. Thus, the outer engaging portion 11e has a function of tactilely indicating that the outer member 14 has shifted to the normal state (function 2).

  Even in the axial movement from the normal state to the non-normal state, the outer member 14 gets over the outer engaging portion 11e. The outer member 14 can be deformed by this overcoming. The outer member 14 may vibrate due to this overcoming. This deformation or vibration is transmitted to the human body by touch. Therefore, the outer engaging portion 11e has a function of tactilely indicating that the normal state of the outer member 14 has been released (function 3).

  As described above, in the axial movement toward the normal state, the outer member 14 gets over the outer engaging portion 11e. A sound may be generated at the moment when this overtaking is completed. A sound may be generated at the moment when the elastic deformation of the outer member 14 is released. Sound may be generated by the collision between the lower end surface 14g and the slide surface 12s. Thus, the outer engaging portion 11e may have a function of indicating by sound that the outer member 14 has shifted to the normal state (function 4).

  As described above, even in the axial movement from the normal state to the non-normal state, the outer member 14 gets over the outer engaging portion 11e. A sound may be generated at the moment when this overtaking is completed. This sound may be generated when the missing edge ka collides with the upper protruding portion 11w at the moment when the elastic deformation of the outer member 14 is released. Thus, the outer engaging portion 11e may have a function of indicating by sound that the outer member 14 has shifted to the normal state (function 5).

  When the outer member 14 is in the normal state, the upper edge of the missing part k14 (missing edge ka) is in contact with the outer engaging part 11e (FIGS. 1, 16, 19B, 25G). ) Etc.). The normal state is reliably maintained by this contact. Thus, the outer engaging portion 11e has a function of maintaining the normal state of the outer member 14 by contact (function 6).

  The missing edge ka and the outer engaging portion 11e are in contact with each other at a pair of left and right portions. Therefore, the function 6 is enhanced as compared with the case where the contact is in one place. Further, in the joint 2, the missing edge ka and the outer engaging portion 11 e are arranged symmetrically. Therefore, the function 6 is achieved with a good balance.

  As described above, the outer member 14 can be deformed when getting over the outer engaging portion 11e. The normal state of the outer member 14 can be maintained unless a force that enables this deformation is applied.

  The deformation that occurs when getting over the outer engaging portion 11e is elastic deformation. The outer member 14 is configured so that this elastic deformation is possible. For example, the outer member 14 has a material and dimensions that allow the elastic deformation. An example of a preferable material of the outer member 14 is resin from the viewpoint that elastic deformation can be obtained with an appropriate external force.

  As described above, the outer engaging portion 11e has the first inclined surface SL1 (see FIG. 4). This first slope SL1 makes it possible to smoothly get over the vehicle when going to the normal state. Further, as described above, the outer engaging portion 11e has the second inclined surface SL2 (see FIG. 4). By the second inclined surface SL2, the above-described overcoming when the normal state is canceled can be smoothly performed.

  In the case of overcoming the above, deformation of the upper protruding portion 11w may occur along with the deformation of the outer member 14. In the present embodiment, the deformation amount of the outer member 14 is larger than the deformation amount of the upper protruding portion 11w. From the viewpoint of appropriately setting the resistance force at the time of overcoming, the upper protruding portion 11w may be easily deformed. For example, a slit (cut) may be provided in the upper protruding portion 11w. By adjusting the distance between the slit and the outer engaging portion 11e, it is possible to adjust the amount of deformation of the upper protruding portion 11w at the time of the overcoming.

  By the way, in the natural state where no external force is applied, the engagement protrusion Et does not become the second state E2. In a natural state where no external force is applied, the engagement protrusion Et is in the first state E1 or in a state between the first state E1 and the second state E2. This is based on the shape of the rotation allowance Et2 in the natural state. Accordingly, a restoring force that returns to the natural state acts on the engaging protrusion Et. This restoring force acts in a direction to release the normal state of the outer member 14. The outer engaging portion 11e maintains the outer member 14 in a normal state against the restoring force of the engaging protrusion Et. In other words, a moment (blocking moment) for blocking the rotation R14 can be generated by the contact between the outer engaging portion 11e and the missing edge kd.

  The outer engaging portion 11e is disposed at a position far from the engaging protrusion Et. In FIG. 19A, a double arrow DZ indicates the distance between the rotation center axis of the rotation R14 and the center axis of the joint 2. In FIG. 19A, a double arrow DE indicates the distance between the rotation center axis of the rotation R14 and the outer engagement portion 11e. The distance DZ and the distance DE are measured along the direction perpendicular to the axis. This distance DE is larger than the distance DZ. The blocking moment is increased by disposing the outer engaging portion 11e away from the rotation center axis. Therefore, the function 6 is further improved.

  FIG. 26 is a plan view of the quick fastener 8. In FIG. 26, the minimum width Wx is shown. The width Wx is the minimum width of the contact portion that can contact the female tube 6 or the male tube 4 in the transition from the non-locking state 8y to the locking state 8x. This width Wx is measured in the quick fastener 8 in a natural state.

  In the male tube 4 or the female tube 6, a fastener expansion width Wy (not shown) is defined. The fastener expansion width Wy is the maximum width of the portion that contacts the quick fastener 8 in the transition from the non-locking state 8y to the locking state 8x. During the transition from the non-locking state 8y to the locking state 8x, the width Wx of the quick fastener 8 is expanded to the width Wy. In the present embodiment, the abutting portions are the male side locking portion k1 and the female side locking portion k2. In the present embodiment, the outer diameters of the male locking portion k1 and the female locking portion k2 correspond to the fastener expansion width Wy. From the viewpoint of maintaining the locked state 8x, the width Wx is set smaller than the width Wy.

  The quick fastener 8 can be elastically deformed so that the transition between the non-locking state 8y and the locking state 8x is possible. The fastener member 10 can be elastically deformed so that the non-locking state 8y and the locking state 8x of the quick fastener 8 are possible. In the transition from the non-locking state 8y to the locking state 8x, an expanded state in which the width Wx portion becomes the width Wy is passed.

  From the viewpoint of preventing the locked state 8x from being easily released, the difference (Wy−Wx) is preferably 4 mm or more, and more preferably 5 mm or more. These numerical ranges are also preferable from the viewpoint of obtaining a good engagement feeling and release feeling. The locking feeling is a sense obtained by tactile sensation when shifting from the non-locking state 8y to the locking state 8x. The release feeling is a sensation obtained by tactile sense when shifting from the locked state 8x to the non-locked state 8y. In light of smooth transition between the locked state 8x and the non-locked state 8y, the difference (Wy−Wx) is preferably equal to or less than 7 mm, and more preferably equal to or less than 6 mm. In the above embodiment, the width Wx is 13 mm and the width Wy is 19 mm.

  In FIG. 26, a double arrow θ indicates the tip opening angle of the quick fastener 8. In the present embodiment, the angle θ is an angle formed by the straight line L1 and the straight line L2. This angle θ is measured in a plan view as shown in FIG. The straight line L1 is a straight line along the inner surface of the outward extending portion g1. The straight line L2 is a straight line along the inner surface of the outward extending portion g2.

  From the viewpoint of smooth transition from the non-locking state 8y to the locking state 8x, the angle θ is preferably 60 ° or more, and preferably 70 ° or less. In addition, if the outward extending part g1 and the outward extending part g2 are lengthened, the transition from the non-locking state 8y to the locking state 8x can be made smooth even if the angle θ is small. From this viewpoint, the angle θ may be 45 ° or more. However, from the viewpoint of miniaturization of the device, it is preferable that the outward extending portion g1 and the outward extending portion g2 are short. In this case, the angle θ is preferably 60 ° or more and 70 ° or less.

  In FIG. 8A, what is indicated by a double arrow Wz is the minimum gap distance between the expanding inclined surfaces p1, p2 and the fastener member 10. In assembling the fastener assembly member 810, the quick fastener 8 is attached to the fastener member 10. When the distance Wz is small, the expanding inclined surfaces p <b> 1 and p <b> 2 are likely to come into contact with the fastener member 10. Due to this contact, a large force is likely to act between the outwardly extending portions g1 and g2 and the end holding portions th1 and th2. In this state, it is difficult to perform the mounting operation. In this respect, the distance Wz is preferably equal to or greater than 0.4 mm, more preferably equal to or greater than 0.5 mm, and still more preferably equal to or greater than 0.6 mm. In light of overall downsizing, the distance Wz is preferably 1 mm or less, more preferably 0.9 mm or less, and even more preferably 0.8 mm or less.

  In the above embodiment, the mounting member mt1 is divided into the mounting member upper portion 11 and the mounting member lower portion 12. In the present embodiment, the mounting member upper portion 11 that does not open and close has a guide wall 11g (see FIGS. 13A and 13B). The guide wall 11g can accurately guide the inserted male tube 4 to the female tube 6. The guide wall 11g suppresses the inclination of the male tube 4. The normal connection state is easily realized by inserting the male tube 4 into the female tube 6 without being largely inclined. The guide wall 11g can promote the realization of the normal connection state. The mounting member upper part 11 is integrally formed as a whole. The mounting member upper portion 11 is not an opening / closing structure or a separation structure. Therefore, no opening or cracking occurs when force is applied. The guide wall 11g provided on the mounting member upper portion 11 guides the male tube 4 more reliably. By using the mounting member upper portion 11 that is an integral member, the occurrence of the irregular connection state is more effectively suppressed. Further, the mounting member upper portion 11 as an integral member is not opened or broken by a force for operating the fastener assembly member 810. Therefore, the mounting member upper portion 11 can improve the accuracy of the slide movement of the fastener assembly member 810.

  Of course, the mounting member mt1 may be a single member as a whole. In this case, it is preferable that the entire mounting member mt1 has the opening / closing structure or the separation structure.

  The mounting member mt <b> 1 is attached to the female tube 6 so as to be rotatable with respect to the female tube 6. All of the engagement and contact described above do not hinder the rotation of the mounting member mt <b> 1 with respect to the female tube 6. This relative rotation is preferable in terms of increasing the degree of freedom when operating the fastener member 10. Moreover, since the direction of the mounting member mt1 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 mt1 and the female tube 6 is free rotation. In the present embodiment, the relative rotation angle between the mounting member mt1 and the female tube 6 is 360 °. In the present embodiment, the relative rotation is possible over the entire circumference. In the present embodiment, the mounting member mt1 can freely rotate relative to the female tube 6. The mounting member mt1, the fastener assembly member 810, and the outer member 14 can freely rotate R with respect to the male tube 4 and the female tube 6 (see a double arrow R in FIG. 1 and the like). In this free relative rotation R, the normal connection state and the locked state 8x are maintained.

  The relative rotation between the female tube 6 and the mounting member mt1 may be a partial range in the circumferential direction. In other words, the relative rotation angle between the mounting member mt1 and the female tube 6 may be less than 360 °. Even in a partial range in the circumferential direction, the operability of the fastener member 10 can be improved by the relative rotation. From the viewpoint of operability, the relative rotation angle between the mounting member mt1 and the female tube 6 is preferably 90 ° or more, more preferably 180 ° or more, and still more preferably 270 ° or more.

  Regardless of the position of the fastener assembly member 810 in the sliding direction, the fastener assembly member 810 and the mounting member mt1 can rotate with respect to the female tube 6. In other words, regardless of the position of the fastener assembly member 810 in the sliding direction, the joint assembly can rotate with respect to the female tube 6. When the male tube 4 and the female tube 6 are in a normal connection state, the joint assembly is rotatable with respect to the male tube 4 and the female tube 6.

  Regardless of the position of the fastener assembly member 810 in the sliding direction, the fastener assembly member 810 and the mounting member mt1 can rotate with respect to the female tube 6. In other words, regardless of the position of the fastener assembly member 810 in the sliding direction, the joint assembly can rotate with respect to the female tube 6. When the male tube 4 and the female tube 6 are in a normal connection state, the joint assembly is rotatable with respect to the male tube 4 and the female tube 6.

  Even when the quick fastener 8 is in the locked state 8x, the joint assembly can rotate with respect to the female tube 6. Even when the quick fastener 8 is in the non-locking state 8 y, the joint assembly can rotate with respect to the female tube 6. Even when the quick fastener 8 is in the lockable state 8z, the joint assembly is rotatable with respect to the female tube 6. Therefore, the freedom degree of operation of the fastener member 10 is high.

  In the above-mentioned Japanese Patent No. 3711224 and Japanese Patent No. 3711246, the female tube and the quick fastener cannot be rotated relative to each other. 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 Japanese Patent No. 4335401, in order for the stopper claw to hit the stopper surface, the direction of the retaining clip is limited to one direction.

  In the present embodiment, there is no inconvenience as described above. In the present embodiment, even when the mounting member mt1 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 member 10, and the mounting member mt1 can rotate in the circumferential direction while maintaining the normal connection state. As will be described later, the stopper mechanism of the quick fastener 8 can act regardless of the orientation of the quick fastener 8. Similarly, the stopper mechanism of the fastener member 10 can act regardless of the direction of the fastener member 10.

  The outer member 14 can protect the fastener assembly member 810. As shown in FIG. 1 and the like, the outer member 14 in a normal state covers a part of the fastener member 10. The outer member 14 in the normal state covers the entire first arm 10a. The outer member 14 in the normal state covers the entire second arm 10b. Further, the outer member 14 in a normal state covers a part of the connecting portion 10c. When the outer member 14 is in a normal state, it is difficult to operate the fastener member 10. The outer member 14 can prevent an unintended operation of the fastener member 10. The outer member 14 can contribute to maintaining the locked state 8x. The outer member 14 can contribute to maintaining a normal connection state.

  The joint 2 has an engagement mechanism X that suppresses the fastener assembly member 810 from falling off. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 13B, the mounting member mt1 (the mounting member upper portion 11) has a stopper surface sm11. As shown in FIGS. 24C and 24D, the engagement mechanism X is an engagement between the stopper portions st10 and st20 and the stopper surface sm11. More specifically, the engagement mechanism X is an engagement between the stopper surfaces sm10 and sm20 and the stopper surface sm11. The engagement mechanism X restricts the fastener assembly member 810 from falling off. Further, the engagement mechanism X defines a slidable range of the fastener assembly member 810. Due to the engagement mechanism X, the fastener assembly member 810 is effectively prevented from falling off.

  As shown in FIGS. 18, 8A, and 8B, the fastener member 10 has an engaging portion 10s. The engaging portion 10s is provided on each of the left and right sides. The engaging portion 10s is a convex portion. When the fastener assembly member 810 is in the second position (release position), the engaging portion 10s contacts the direction restricting portion d1.

  The engaging portion 10s and the direction restricting portion d1 constitute an engaging mechanism Y that can hold the release position of the fastener assembly member 810. When the fastener assembly member 810 is in the release position, the engaging portion 10s can engage with the direction restricting portion d1. In this embodiment, this engagement is a contact between the direction restricting portion d1 and the engaging portion 10s (see FIG. 24C). By this contact, the two engaging portions 10 s are pressed toward the center side of the fastener member 10. By this pressing, the fastener member 10 is deformed so that the first arm 10a and the second arm 10b approach each other. This deformation is elastic deformation. The engaging part 10s presses the direction restricting part d1 by the restoring force of this elastic deformation. By this pressing, the static friction force acting between the engaging portion 10s and the direction restricting portion d1 is enhanced. The release position of the fastener assembly member 810 can be held by the static friction force. The engagement between the engaging portion 10s and the direction restricting portion d1 may be, for example, uneven engagement.

  As described above, the mounting member mt1 and the fastener assembly member 810 can rotate with respect to the female tube 6. Regardless of the orientation of the mounting member mt1 and the fastener assembly member 810, the engagement mechanism X can function. Therefore, the fastener assembly member 810 is easy to operate and is difficult to drop off.

  As shown in FIGS. 5, 18, 24 (c) and 24 (d), the mounting member mt <b> 1 (the mounting member lower portion 12) has a direction regulating portion d <b> 1. In the present embodiment, two direction restricting portions d1 are provided. These direction restricting portions d1 are located on both sides of the fastener assembly member 810 (fastener member 10). More specifically, the first direction restricting portion d1 is located outside the first arm 10a, and the second direction restricting portion d1 is located outside the second arm 10b.

  The direction restricting portion d1 is provided on the slide surface 12s of the mounting member mt1 (the mounting member lower portion 12) (see FIG. 5). The direction restricting portion d1 is a protrusion. The direction restricting portion d1 protrudes upward.

  As shown in FIG. 24, in step ST3, the fastener assembly member 810 is moved from the first position (locking position) to the second position (release position). For this movement, a force along the pulling direction (the direction of the arrow in FIG. 24C) is applied to the fastener assembly member 810. However, forces other than the pulling direction may be applied to the fastener assembly member 810. In this case, the fastener assembly member 810 can be deformed. This deformation can promote the dropping of the fastener assembly member 810. The direction restricting portion d1 can restrict the deformation of the fastener assembly member 810. The direction regulating portion d1 can effectively prevent the fastener assembly member 810 from dropping off.

  Forces other than the pulling direction described above can be caused by operational mistakes, collisions with other objects, and the like. The deformation due to this force can be suppressed by the direction restricting portion d1.

  Due to the above deformation, the stopper part st10 may be displaced to a position where it cannot engage with the stopper surface sm11. Due to the above deformation, the stopper portion st20 may be displaced to a position where it cannot engage with the stopper surface sm11. If the direction restricting portion d1 does not exist, the engagement mechanism X can be invalidated due to these displacements. The direction restricting portion d1 can suppress the expiration of the engagement mechanism X.

  The fastener assembly member 810 slides on the slide surface 12s. The direction restricting portion d1 can effectively suppress the fastener assembly member 810 from coming off the slide surface 12s.

  In FIG.25 (d), the quick fastener 8 in a 1st position (locking position) is the said lockable state 8z. The male tube 4 is inserted into the female tube 6 through the passage hole 11t in the upper portion 11 of the mounting member. The female tube 6 is connected to the male tube 4 simply by inserting the male tube 4. That is, the male tube 4 is connected to the female tube 6 with one action. In this connection, the operation of the quick fastener 8 and the fastener member 10 is unnecessary. Of course, in this connection, the mounting member upper portion 11 and the mounting member lower portion 12 remain attached to the female tube 6. In this way, the male tube 4 is connected to the female tube 6 while the quick fastener 8 and the fastener member 10 are in the first position.

  In FIG. 24C and FIG. 24D, the quick fastener 8 and the fastener member 10 are in the second position (release position). The fastener member 10 can be pulled out from the state of FIG. By pulling out the fastener member 10, the state of FIG. 24C can be realized. In FIG. 24C, the fastener member 10 is in the second position. The quick fastener 8 moves integrally with the fastener member 10. In FIG. 24C, the quick fastener 8 is also in the second position. By the movement of the quick fastener 8, the first through hole h1 is disengaged from the male locking portion k1 and the female locking portion k2. Similarly, the second through hole h2 is disengaged from the male side locking part k1 and the female side locking part k2. As a result, when the fastener member 10 is pulled out, the quick fastener 8 can shift from the locked state 8x to the non-locked state 8y. On the contrary, the quick fastener 8 can shift from the non-locking state 8y to the locking state 8x by pushing the fastener member 10 in the second position. Thus, the mutual transition between the locked state 8x and the non-locked state 8y is achieved by the operation of the fastener member 10. The quick fastener 8 and the fastener member 10 move together as a fastener assembly member 810. The quick fastener 8 can be moved only by operating the fastener member 10.

  As described above, the fastener assembly member 810 slides on the slide surface 12s. When the quick fastener 8 is in the locked state 8x, the lower end surface of the fastener assembly member 810 is in contact with the slide surface 12s. The slide surface 12s is a flat surface. The slide surface 12s extends in the direction perpendicular to the axis. By the contact between the lower end surface of the fastener assembly member 810 and the slide surface 12s, the inclination of the fastener assembly member 810 is suppressed. Furthermore, the inclination of the fastener assembly member 810 is suppressed by the contact between the upper end surface of the fastener assembly member 810 and the downward surface 11k of the mounting member upper portion 11 (see FIG. 13B). Therefore, an irregular connection state is unlikely to occur. Furthermore, the axial position of the fastener assembly member 810 is determined by the contact between the slide surface 12s and the fastener assembly member 810. With this contact, the axial position of the fastener assembly member 810 becomes the normal position. Therefore, the irregular connection state is effectively suppressed.

  The fastener member 10 and the quick fastener 8 may be integrally formed. That is, the fastener assembly member 810 may be integrally formed as a whole. For example, a portion corresponding to the quick fastener 8 and a portion corresponding to the fastener member 10 may be provided on the leaf spring-shaped member. Further, the fastener member 10 and the quick fastener 8 may be integrally formed with a resin that can be elastically deformed.

  In the above embodiment, the mounting member mt <b> 1 is attached to the female tube 6. Unlike this, the mounting member mt <b> 1 may be attached to the male tube 4. In a more preferred form, the mounting member mt1 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 mt1 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. The mounting member mt1 is preferably attached to the female tube 6 also from the viewpoint of increasing the protective effect of the connecting portion by reducing the passage hole 11t.

  The mounting member mt1 may not include an opening / closing structure or a separation structure. For example, a configuration in which the female tube 6 is mounted on the mounting member by press-fitting the female tube 6 into the mounting member is also possible. However, in this case, the material of the mounting member mt1 can be limited to a material that can be easily elastically deformed. Therefore, there is a possibility that the rigidity of the mounting member mt1 is insufficient. Moreover, the freedom degree of the material of mounting member mt1 may fall. In addition, 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 said embodiment, since the female tube 6 is inserted | pinched by the opening-and-closing structure, easy attachment is possible, without being accompanied by elastic deformation. Moreover, the freedom degree of the material selection of the mounting member mt1 is high. Furthermore, the degree of freedom in designing the mounting structure for mounting the mounting member mt1 to the female tube 6 is high.

  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 mt1 and the quick fastener 8 are allowed to rotate.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, since the rotation of the fastener assembly member 810 (fastener member 10) is permitted, the fastener member 10 can be operated from any 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 member 10 is not limited. Resin is preferable as the material of the fastener member 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 mt1 (the mounting member upper portion 11 and the mounting member lower portion 12) is not limited. From the viewpoint of the degree of freedom in molding, a resin is preferable as the material of the mounting member mt1. 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 low cost, polypropylene is used as the material of the mounting member upper portion 11 and the mounting member lower portion 12 in the above embodiment.

  Different materials may be used for the mounting member upper portion 11 and the mounting member lower portion 12. Considering the guide function of the slide movement of the fastener assembly member 810 and the guide function of the male tube 4 at the time of insertion, the mounting member upper portion 11 is preferably made of a material having relatively high rigidity. On the other hand, the mounting member lower portion 12 is preferably made of a material having a relatively high rigidity from the viewpoint of a hinge function in the rotation connecting portion 12c. From these viewpoints, the rigidity of the material of the mounting member upper portion 11 may be higher than the rigidity of the material of the mounting member lower portion 12.

  The material of the outer member 14 is not limited. As the outer member 14, an excessively high strength is not necessary. Considering the degree of freedom of molding, the outer member 14 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 facilitating the engagement with the mounting member mt1 and low cost, polypropylene is used in the above embodiment.

  A preferable material of the engaging protrusion Et is the same as the preferable material of the outer member 14. A preferable material of the rotation allowing portion Et2 is the same as the preferable material of the outer member 14.

  The thickness of the rotation allowing portion Et2 is not limited. In consideration of durability when the rotation R14 is repeatedly performed, the thickness of the rotation allowing portion Et2 is preferably 0.3 mm or more, more preferably 0.35 mm or more, and more preferably 0.4 mm or more. If the rotation allowing portion Et2 is easily deformed, the rotation R14 can be smoothly performed. Further, if the rotation allowance Et2 is excessive, cracking may occur easily. From these viewpoints, the thickness of the rotation allowing portion Et2 is preferably 0.7 mm or less, more preferably 0.6 mm or less, and more preferably 0.5 mm or less.

  In the above embodiment, since the quick fastener 8 is held when the joint is attached and detached, forgetting to attach and losing the quick fastener 8 can be prevented. Further, since the quick fastener 8 is moved by operating the fastener member 10, the quick fastener 8 can be easily attached. Moreover, since the quick fastener 8 is covered with the mounting member mt1 and the fastener member 10, 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 non-regular connection state can be detected by the fastener member 10. Furthermore, the outer member 14 can improve the detection accuracy of the irregular connection state. In this way, problems with quick fastener attachment and joint connection can be detected with high accuracy.

  In the above embodiment, the outer member 14 is held when the joint is attached and detached. Therefore, forgetting to attach and losing the outer member 14 can be prevented. The outer member 14 can be removed while being engaged with the mounting member mt1. Therefore, the outer member 14 does not get in the way of attachment / detachment of the joint.

  The outer member 14 can move in the axial direction while maintaining the same posture as in the normal state. Therefore, it is possible to move the outer member 14 to a position where it can be easily rotated. It is easy to remove the outer member 14 by rotating the outer member 14 at this position.

  The present application also describes other inventions not included in the invention according to the 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.

  For example, the present invention also describes an invention in which the male tube 4 and the female tube 6 are not constituent elements. For example, the present application describes an invention of a joint assembly. The following invention A is given as an example of the invention of the joint assembly.

[Invention A]
Quick fasteners,
A fastener member attached to the outside of the quick fastener;
A mounting member attachable to the male tube or the female tube;
An outer member that can be mounted in a regular state on the outside of the fastener member,
The quick fastener can realize a locked state that maintains a normal connection state between the male tube and the female tube and a non-locking state that allows the normal connection state to be released,
Mutual transition between the locked state and the unlocked state is enabled by operation of the fastener member,
The mounting member can hold the fastener member and / or the quick fastener in the non-locking state while allowing the operation.
One of the mounting member or the outer member has an engagement groove,
The other of the mounting member or the outer member has an engagement protrusion,
Due to the engagement between the engagement groove and the engagement protrusion, the connection between the outer member and the mounting member is achieved,
A joint assembly in which the outer member can adopt the normal state and the detached state while maintaining the connection.

  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 ... Quick fastener 10 ... Fastener member 11 ... Installation Upper part 11w ... Upward projecting part 11e ... Engagement part 11v ... engagement groove 12 ... lower part of mounting member 14 ... outer member Et ... engagement protrusion E1 ... engagement First state of the mating protrusion (the state of the engaging protrusion when the outer member is in the removed state)
E2: Second state of the engaging protrusion (the state of the engaging protrusion when the outer member is in the normal state)
Et2 ... Rotation permitting part k1 ... Male locking part (flange)
k2 ... Female side locking part (flange)
mt1 ... Mounting member

Claims (7)

A male tube having a male side connection;
A female tube having a female connection,
Quick fasteners,
A fastener member attached to the outside of the quick fastener;
A mounting member attachable to the male tube or the female tube;
An outer member that can be mounted in a regular state on the outside of the fastener member,
The quick fastener is capable of realizing a locked state that maintains a normal connection state between the male side connection portion and the female side connection portion, and a non-locking state that permits the release of the normal connection state,
Mutual transition between the locked state and the unlocked state is enabled by operation of the fastener member,
The mounting member can hold the fastener member and / or the quick fastener in the non-locking state while allowing the operation.
One of the mounting member or the outer member has an engagement groove,
The other of the mounting member or the outer member has an engagement protrusion,
Due to the engagement between the engagement groove and the engagement protrusion, the connection between the outer member and the mounting member is achieved,
A joint in which the outer member can adopt the normal state and the detached state while maintaining the connection. The engagement protrusion can move inside the engagement groove;
Due to the movement of the engagement protrusion, the outer member can be moved in the axial direction,
The engagement protrusion has a rotation permission portion that enables the outer member to rotate,
The joint according to claim 1, wherein the outer member can adopt the normal state and the detached state while being engaged with the mounting member by the axial movement and the rotation. When the posture of the outer member when in the normal state is a normal posture,
The joint according to claim 2, wherein the normal posture can be maintained in the axial movement.   The joint according to claim 3, wherein the outer member in the normal posture can be shifted to the detached state by the rotation. The joint according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the outer member can move to a smooth rotation position while maintaining the normal posture by the axial movement.
However, the smooth rotation position is an axial position where contact between the other member and the outer member can be avoided in the rotation from the normal posture to the detached state. The mounting member further includes an upper protrusion protruding upward from the outer member in the normal state;
The upper protruding portion has an outer engaging portion,
The outer member has a missing part,
The joint according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein when the outer member is in the normal state, an upper edge of the missing portion is in contact with the outer engaging portion.   A faucet device comprising the joint according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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