JP7611595B2 - Flexible pipe protection equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a flexible pipe protector used to prevent bending or crushing of flexible pipes such as hoses and tubes through which fluids or particles pass.

Conventionally, for flexible pipes such as hoses and tubes through which fluids or particles pass, pipe joints have been prepared to accommodate various flexible pipes of different sizes and properties, preventing leakage or loss of fluids. However, sufficient measures have not been taken to prevent flexible pipes from bending or collapsing. When flexible pipes are bent or crushed, the transport efficiency decreases, the transported material becomes clogged or remains, and the flexible pipe may burst due to an increase in internal pressure, water may leak from the connection, or the flexible pipe may peel or break, resulting in a decrease in quality. Although this problem has been recognized, the current situation is that users of flexible pipes deal with it themselves by purchasing commercially available springs and fixing them to the joints where bending is likely to occur. Meanwhile, there have been some attempts to provide dedicated parts (Patent Document 1).

JP 2005-121125 A

However, the device described in Patent Document 1 requires the use of fastening devices such as hose clamps and clasp bands in addition to the spring, which increases costs and makes the device difficult to use. In that case, it is better for users to make the device themselves, and the reality is that this is handled on a per-user basis.

The present invention aims to address these problems and provide a flexible tube protector that is simple in structure, easy to operate, and convenient to use.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems by providing a flexible tube protector comprising a coil spring and a handle, the coil spring having a coated coil whose inner diameter is the same as or larger than the outer diameter of a flexible tube, and a small diameter loop whose inner diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the flexible tube, the small diameter loop being disposed near at least one end of the coil spring and pressing against the flexible tube, the handle having only one radial extension portion that bends and extends radially from the small diameter loop disposed near the one end , and functions to expand the diameter of the small diameter loop by moving the radial extension portion in a circumferential direction opposite to the spiral direction of the coil spring, and the coated coil and the small diameter loop being made of a continuous linear body.

The present invention, which has the above-mentioned characteristics, can provide a flexible tube protector that is simple in structure, easy to operate, and convenient to use.

1(a) is a front view, FIG. 1(b) is a right side view, FIG. 1(c) is a cross-sectional view along line A-A in FIG. 1(b), and FIG. 1(d) is an enlarged view of portion B in FIG. 1(c). 2A and 2B are perspective views of a flexible tube protector according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 2A shows only the flexible tube protector, and FIG. 2B shows a state in which the flexible tube protector is assembled together with a pipe joint and a flexible tube. 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating the manner in which a flexible tube protector according to an embodiment of the present invention is attached to/detached from a flexible tube, in which FIG. 3A shows the normal state and FIG. 3B shows the state in which a small diameter loop is being expanded. 4A, 4B, and 4C are diagrams for explaining a usage mode when a flexible tube protector according to an embodiment of the present invention is placed at an intermediate position of a flexible tube, in which FIG. 4A is a front view, FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view, and FIG. 4C is a perspective view. 5(a) and 5(b) are front views of the flexible tube protector alone; FIG. 5(c) is an oblique view of the flexible tube protector alone in a state where it is assembled with a pipe fitting and a flexible tube; and FIG. 5(d) is a front view of the flexible tube protector alone in a standard state for reference. 6(a) and 6(b) are diagrams for explaining the manner of use when the flexible tube protector according to an embodiment of the present invention is compressed for use, in which FIG. 6(a) is a front view of the flexible tube protector assembled together with a pipe fitting and a flexible tube, FIG. 6(b) is a front view of only the flexible tube protector, FIG. 6(c) is an oblique view of the flexible tube protector assembled together with a pipe fitting and a flexible tube, and FIG. 6(d) is a front view of only the flexible tube protector in a standard state for reference. 7A to 7D are diagrams for explaining a usage mode when a flexible tube protector according to an embodiment of the present invention is used together with a dedicated tube joint, in which Fig. 7A is a top view, Fig. 7B is a front view, Fig. 7C is a perspective view, and Fig. 7D is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of Fig. 7B. 8A, 8B, and 8C are explanatory views showing a flexible tube protector according to another embodiment (second embodiment) of the present invention, in which FIG. 8A is a top view, FIG. 8B is a front view, and FIG. 8C is a perspective view. 9A to 9D are explanatory diagrams showing a flexible tube protector according to another embodiment (third embodiment) of the present invention, in which FIG. 9A is a top view, FIG. 9B is a front view, FIG. 9C is a perspective view, and FIG. 9D is a right side view. 10(a) is a top view, FIG. 10(b) is a front view, FIG. 10(c) is a perspective view, and FIG. 10(d) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of FIG. 10(b). 11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams showing a flexible tube protector according to a reference embodiment, in which FIG. 11A is a front view and FIG. 11B is a right side view.

The flexible tube protected by the flexible tube protector according to the embodiment of the present invention is a hose made of soft rubber or synthetic resin that is flexible enough to be bent at least in one place for use, and is used to transport food powders and granules such as wheat, soybeans, and seasonings, or powders and liquids, or fluids in other fields, and is connected to a supply pipe or the like via a pipe joint.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, but the drawings are created for the purpose of explanation, and in order to make the explanation easier to understand, some members not necessary for the explanation may not be shown intentionally. In addition, some members may be shown intentionally large or small for the purpose of explanation, and the drawings are not drawn to an exact scale.
First Embodiment
(Specific configuration of flexible tube protector)
Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overall configuration in which a flexible tube protector according to a first embodiment of the present invention is assembled together with a tube joint and a flexible tube, Fig. 1(a) is a front view, Fig. 1(b) is a right side view, Fig. 1(c) is a cross-sectional view along line A-A in Fig. 1(b), and Fig. 1(d) is an enlarged view of part B in Fig. 1(c). Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the flexible tube protector according to the first embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2(a) shows only the flexible tube protector, and Fig. 2(b) shows a state in which it is assembled together with the tube joint and the flexible tube.
1(a) to 1(d) and 2(a) to 2(b), the flexible tube protector according to the first embodiment of the present invention comprises a coil spring 1 and a handle 2, the coil spring 1 having a coated coil 11 whose inner diameter is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the flexible tube 3, and a small diameter loop 12 whose inner diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the flexible tube 3, the small diameter loop 12 being disposed at both ends of the coil spring 1, and the handle 2 having a radial extension 21 that bends and extends radially from the small diameter loop 12, a longitudinal extension 22 connected thereto, and a radial return portion 23 further connected thereto. The coated coil 11, the small diameter loop 12, and the handle 2 (comprised of the radial extension 21, the longitudinal extension 22, and the radial return portion 23) are formed of continuous linear bodies.
The small diameter loop 12 presses against the flexible tube 3 in the normal state, but when the radial extension portion 21 of the handle 2 is moved circumferentially against the spiral direction of the coil spring 1, the small diameter loop 12 expands and the pressure on the flexible tube 3 is released.

1(c) and 1(d), the inner diameter of the coated coil 11, which constitutes most of the middle of the coil spring 1, is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the flexible tube 3, whereas the inner diameter of the small diameter loops 12 located at both ends of the coil spring 1 is smaller than the outer diameter of the flexible tube 3 in order to press and hold the flexible tube 3. The inner diameter of the coated coil 11 may be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the flexible tube 3. Also, as shown in FIG. 1(d), the tip of the radial return portion 23 is covered with a protective member 24 so as not to injure the operator's hand. In the figure, a mode in which it is covered with a separate cap-shaped member is shown, but a mode of application such as dipping is also included in the category of modes in which it is covered with a protective member. Also, if there is no safety problem by polishing the edges of the end, it is possible to adopt a mode in which no protective member is provided.

As described above, the flexible tube protector of the first embodiment is composed of a continuous linear body from the coil spring 1 to the handle 2. From the viewpoint of ease of processing, the handle portion may be connected by welding or the like according to other required specifications. This will be described later. The coil spring 1 as the linear body can be made of metal or synthetic resin. Specific materials for the coil spring 1 are steel wire formed into a coil shape and zinc-plated or nickel-plated steel wire, stainless steel wire, etc., in the case of metal, and spring steel wire is suitable. In the case of synthetic resin, polypropylene, polyacetal, nylon, polyvinyl chloride, etc. are formed into a coil shape, but these are merely examples, and any appropriate material can be used as long as the coil spring 1 exerts the intended function of preventing the flexible tube from bending or collapsing.

As shown in Fig. 2(a) and Fig. 2(b), the small diameter loop 12 is located at both ends of the coil spring 1. However, depending on the situation, it is possible to make a modified example in which the small diameter loop 12 is located only at one end of the coil spring 1 and not at the other end. This situation is, for example, when the stress on the flexible tube 3 is small, such as when the bending is caused only by the weight of the moving fluid and there is no particular need to make the piping bent. Even if the small diameter loop 12 is provided only on the opposite side of the pipe joint 4, when the coil spring 1 is compressed in the longitudinal direction, the other end will abut against the pipe joint 4, so there will be no positional deviation. Also, if there is not much concern about positional deviation, the small diameter loop 12 may be provided only on the pipe joint 4 side. On the other hand, if a large curvature is required for the piping to be bent depending on the situation of the equipment to be piped, it is naturally necessary to place the small diameter loop 12 on both ends of the coil spring 1 and firmly fix the position.

A detailed description will be omitted since it is not a component of the present invention, but a brief description will be given of the pipe joint 4 shown together with the first embodiment. The pipe joint 4 shown in Figures 1(a) to 1(c) and 2(b) is a pipe joint in which a flexible tube 3 is inserted between a nipple and a radially deformable sleeve (neither shown), a plurality of split holders are placed on the outside of the sleeve from above and below in the drawings, and the split holders are fastened with a fastening member to move closer to each other in the radial direction and connect into a cylindrical shape to connect the tubes, and can be called a split holder type pipe joint.
However, since the present invention is a flexible pipe protector, the pipe joint used therewith is not limited to a split holder type pipe joint, and can be any type. For example, it can be used with a one-touch type pipe joint that can be connected simply by inserting the pipe body, or a cap nut type pipe joint that is tightened with a tightening tool such as a spanner or wrench. However, if the flexible pipe protector of the present invention is to be retrofitted to an existing piping facility, the pipe joint needs to have a structure that allows the flexible pipe to be removed and reinserted.

(Method of installing flexible pipe protector)
A method for attaching the flexible pipe protector according to the first embodiment of the present invention to an existing pipe will be described.
First, the connection of the flexible tube 3 to the pipe joint 4 is released in accordance with the required procedure, and the flexible tube 3 is removed from the pipe joint 4 .
Next, one of the small diameter loops 12 of the flexible tube protector according to the first embodiment of the present invention is expanded by moving the handle 2 against the spiral direction of the spring (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as "operation" or "expanding operation"). At the same time, the end of the flexible tube 3 is inserted into the coil spring 1, and the coil spring 1 is moved to an appropriate position while maintaining the expanded state. As the movement progresses and the other small diameter loop 12 approaches the flexible tube 3, the other small diameter loop 12 is also expanded by the same operation.
Finally, when the coil spring 1 has moved to a position on the flexible tube 3 where the pipe joint 4 can be reconnected, the diameter expansion operation is terminated and the small diameter loop 12 presses the flexible tube 3 by the restoration caused by the spring elastic force, so that the coil spring 1 is held in the correct position. After that, the pipe joint 4 is reattached according to the required procedure.

3A and 3B are diagrams for explaining the operation mode when attaching/detaching the flexible tube protector according to the first embodiment of the present invention to/from the flexible tube, in which FIG. 3A shows the normal state and FIG. 3B shows the state in which the small diameter loop 12 is expanded. As an operation mode in the process of moving from FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B, the small diameter loop 12 is expanded by pushing the handle 2 with the pad of the thumb while supporting the coated coil 11 with four fingers other than the thumb. However, this operation mode may be appropriately changed depending on the size of the flexible tube 3 and the magnitude of the spring elasticity. For example, if the flexible tube 3 is large, the coated coil 11 is held in one hand and the handle 2 is firmly grasped with the other hand to perform the expansion operation. In addition, the handles 2 on both sides may be expanded simultaneously with the fingers of both hands.

In the case of a modified example in which the small diameter loop 12 is provided only on the side opposite to the side facing the pipe joint 4 described above (this embodiment is different from that shown in FIG. 3 and is not shown), the end of the flexible tube 3 is expanded while holding the coated coil 11 with one hand when inserting the end of the flexible tube 3 into the coil spring 1, and while maintaining the expanded state, it is moved to a position with a shorter moving distance than a normal flexible tube protector in which small diameter loops 12 are arranged on both ends, and the expansion operation is completed. At this point, the flexible tube 3 has not yet reached the other end of the coil spring 1. After that, the other end of the coil spring 1 is pushed into a position where the coil spring 1 is compressed, and while maintaining this state, the pipe joint 4 is attached according to the necessary procedure. The other end of the coil spring 1 will abut against the split holder of the pipe joint 4. This is sufficient if the bending stress to be countered is assumed to be small.

Previously, hoses could bend or crush near the connection with the pipe fitting due to localized bending of the piping, handling of the hose when attaching or detaching, vibrations caused by the operation of the device, softening of the hose due to the fluid temperature, etc., but the piping to which the flexible pipe protector of the first embodiment is attached can adequately prevent bending or crushing of the flexible pipe 3 near the connection with the pipe fitting 4. Previously, commercially available springs were used to address this issue, but because the springs could not be fixed in a fixed position, the position of the spring would change due to vibrations caused by the operation of the device, and sufficient bending and crushing prevention effects could not be obtained. However, with the piping to which the flexible pipe protector of the first embodiment is attached, the position of the coated coil 11 does not change even when the piping is handled or vibrations caused by the operation of the device, etc., and it is possible to adequately maintain the bending and crushing prevention effect near the connection with the pipe fitting 4. In addition, when using commercially available springs, it is necessary to select the spring diameter and cut the spring halfway, which can lead to the risk of cutting the hand on the end of the cut spring, making it difficult to work with. However, in the first embodiment, a dedicated spring is provided according to the size of the flexible tube 3, making it easy to work with, and the handle 2 at the end has been designed with sufficient consideration given to the possibility of it coming into contact with the worker's hand, ensuring safety during work.

(Another Use Mode 1 of the Flexible Tube Protector)
The vicinity of the connection part of the pipe joint 4 where the position of the flexible tube 3 is completely fixed is the location where bending or crushing is most likely to occur. However, depending on the spatial factors of the location where the piping equipment is installed, such as the proximity to a wall or floor or being installed in a narrow space, bending or crushing may occur in a location other than the vicinity of the connection part. For example, depending on the surrounding environment, it may be necessary to bend the flexible tube 3 at an intermediate position away from the connection part when piping.
Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating a usage mode when the flexible tube protector of the first embodiment of the present invention is placed in the intermediate position of a flexible tube, where Figure 4(a) is a front view, Figure 4(b) is a cross-sectional view, and Figure 4(c) is a perspective view.

As shown in FIG. 4(b), the inner diameter of the coated coil 11, which constitutes most of the middle of the coil spring 1, is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the flexible tube 3, while the inner diameter of the small diameter loops 12 located at both ends of the coil spring 1 is smaller than the outer diameter of the flexible tube 3 in order to press and hold the flexible tube 3. This is no different from when the coil spring 1 is installed near the connection part of the pipe joint 4. However, it is not possible to adopt a modified example in which the small diameter loop 12 is located only at one end of the coil spring 1, which could be adopted as a modified example when installed near the connection part. This is because there is no support, and both ends of the coil spring 1 must be firmly maintained in the correct position against vibrations, etc.

(Another Use Mode 2 of the Flexible Tube Protector)
Depending on space factors, other requirements may arise. For example, the curvature may be small, but the hose may need to be bent gently over a wide range. In such cases, it is effective to use the coil spring 1 in an extended state.

Figure 5 is a diagram explaining the usage mode when the flexible tube protector according to the first embodiment of the present invention is extended and used, where Figure 5(a) is a front view of the flexible tube protector assembled with a tube joint and a flexible tube, Figure 5(b) is a front view of the flexible tube protector alone, Figure 5(c) is a perspective view of the flexible tube protector assembled with a tube joint and a flexible tube, and Figure 5(d) is a front view of the flexible tube protector alone in a standard state for reference.

5(b) and 5(d), in the second usage mode, the small diameter loops 12 located at both ends of the coil spring 1 are farther apart than in the standard usage mode. Of course, this is not due to a difference in size of the coil spring 1, but because the coil spring 1 is stretched. This state is created by the installation method used when installing the flexible pipe protector, as will be described next.
That is, one of the small diameter loops 12 of the flexible tube protector is expanded by operation, while the end of the flexible tube 3 is inserted into the coil spring 1, and the coil spring 1 is moved to an appropriate location while maintaining the expanded state. As the movement progresses and the other small diameter loop 12 approaches the flexible tube 3, the other small diameter loop 12 is also expanded by operation. While maintaining the expanded state of the small diameter loops 12 at both ends, the movement of one of the small diameter loops 12 is further continued to elongate the coil spring 1 to the required length. When the coil spring 1 is placed in the appropriate position with the required length, the expanding operation is completed.

In this way, the flexible tube 3 is covered over a wide area by the flexible tube protector while the bending is gentle. The main purpose of the flexible tube protector is to resist bending and crushing, but the flexible tube protector also functions to prevent interference with the outside of the flexible tube 3, so it is effective to cover the flexible tube 3 over a wide area.

(Another Use Mode 3 of the Flexible Tube Protector)
Conversely, in contrast to the above-mentioned usage mode 2, there are also cases where use with a large curvature is unavoidable. In a narrow space, it is necessary to forcibly bend the coil spring 1 beyond the bending tolerance range. In such cases, it is effective to use the coil spring 1 in a compressed state.

Figure 6 is a diagram explaining the usage mode when the flexible tube protector according to the first embodiment of the present invention is compressed for use, where Figure 6(a) is a front view of the flexible tube protector assembled together with a tube joint and a flexible tube, Figure 6(b) is a front view of the flexible tube protector alone, Figure 6(c) is a perspective view of the flexible tube protector assembled together with a tube joint and a flexible tube, and Figure 6(d) is a front view of the flexible tube protector alone in a standard state for reference.

6(b) and 6(d), in the usage mode 3, the small diameter loops 12 located at both ends of the coil spring 1 are closer together than in the standard usage mode. Of course, this is not due to a difference in size of the coil spring 1, but because the coil spring 1 is compressed. This state is created by the installation method used when installing the flexible pipe protector, as will be explained next.
That is, while expanding one of the small diameter loops 12 of the flexible tube protector by operation, the end of the flexible tube 3 is inserted into the coil spring 1, and while maintaining the expanded state, it is moved to a position that is a shorter distance than in normal use, and the expanding operation is terminated. At this point, the flexible tube 3 has not yet reached the other end of the coil spring 1. Thereafter, the other small diameter loop 12 is also expanded by operation, and while maintaining the expanded state of the small diameter loops 12 at both ends, the other end of the coil spring 1 is pushed in to a position where the coil spring 1 is compressed, and when the coil spring 1 is compressed to the required length and positioned in the appropriate position, the expanding operation is terminated.

Even if the bend is tight, if the springs are densely packed, the change in outer diameter can be suppressed even if the hose is bent forcefully. It is also effective in preventing breakage when bending a hard hose. In this way, the advantage of being able to pipe without bending or collapsing is great in situations where a forceful bend beyond the bending tolerance range in a narrow area or when a hard hose needs to be bent.

(Configuration of a Pipe Joint Suitable for Use with a Flexible Pipe Protector)
A pipe joint that is effective for use with the flexible pipe protector according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.
Fig. 7 is a diagram for explaining a usage mode when a flexible tube protector according to an embodiment of the present invention is used together with a dedicated tube joint, Fig. 7(a) is a top view, Fig. 7(b) is a front view, Fig. 7(c) is a perspective view, and Fig. 7(d) is a partially enlarged view of Fig. 7(b) in a sectional view. The viewpoint in Fig. 7(d) is the same as the viewpoint explained in Fig. 1(d).
The pipe joint 4' is a dedicated product assumed to be used together with the flexible pipe protector of the first embodiment, and is provided with a holder extension 41' with small holes drilled in the upper divided holder. The holder extension 41' can be manufactured integrally with the pipe joint 4', or can be manufactured by welding a plate material to be integrated in a post-processing process.
The assembly method is to insert the flexible tube protector into the flexible tube 3, then pass the handle 2 of the flexible tube protector through the small hole from the back side of the holder extension 41', and assemble the tube joint 4'. To make it easier to pass through the small hole, one side of the handle 2 of the flexible tube protector has only a radial extension 21 and a longitudinal extension 22, and is a modified configuration in which the radial return portion 23 is omitted.

The mechanism by which the flexible tube protector of the first embodiment is held in the correct position is by the small diameter loop 12 pressing against the flexible tube 3, but in cases where the pressing and holding force is insufficient depending on the usage conditions, it is expected that the small hole in the holder extension 41' will contribute to preventing the flexible tube protector from slipping. This is particularly effective when the coil spring 1 is used in an extended state. In that case, it is effective to configure the small diameter loop 12 located on the opposite side to the pipe joint 4' to have a smaller diameter in order to increase the pressing and holding force of the spring.
The small hole in the holder extension 41' may be a notch that allows the handle 2 to pass through from the side of the holder extension 41'. In that case, the notch should be oriented so as to fully perform the function of preventing misalignment. Since the handle 2 can be passed through the holder extension 41' from the side instead of from the back side, there is no need to omit the radial return portion 23.

Second to fifth embodiments, which are other embodiments of the present invention, will now be described.
Second Embodiment
8A, 8B, and 8C are explanatory views showing a flexible tube protector according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 8A is a top view, FIG. 8B is a front view, and FIG. 8C is a perspective view.
The present embodiment is similar to the first embodiment in that it is provided with a coil spring and a handle, the coil spring having a coated coil and a small diameter loop, the small diameter loop being disposed at both ends of the coil spring, and the handle 2A having a radial extension 21A that is bent from the small diameter loop and extends in the radial direction. The difference from the first embodiment is that a longitudinal extension 22A connected to the radial extension 21A extends outward in the longitudinal direction of the coil spring. A radial return portion 23A is connected to the longitudinal extension 22A, as in the first embodiment. The coated coil, the small diameter loop, and the handle 2A are also configured as a continuous linear body, as in the first embodiment.
In the situation where the flexible tube protector is placed in an intermediate position away from the connection part as described above in the first usage mode, it is not necessary to have the handle facing inward in the longitudinal direction. In the case where the coil diameter or the overall length is small, it may be easier to operate if the handle faces outward in the longitudinal direction. The second embodiment is effective in such a situation. However, since the tip of the radial return portion 23A is more likely to come into contact with the operator's hand, it is necessary to take sufficient safety measures, such as polishing the edge of the end portion.

Third Embodiment
9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D are explanatory diagrams showing a flexible tube protector according to a third embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 9A is a top view, FIG. 9B is a front view, FIG. 9C is a perspective view, and FIG. 9D is a right side view.
The present embodiment is the same as the first and second embodiments in that it is provided with a coil spring and a handle, the coil spring having a coated coil and a small diameter loop, the small diameter loop being disposed at both ends of the coil spring, and the handle 2B being bent and extended radially from the small diameter loop. However, the handle 2B that is bent and extended from the small diameter loop is circular, and the entire circular shape extends radially. From this, it can be understood that the "radial extension that is bent and extended radially from the small diameter loop" is not necessarily limited to a linear shape. And, this shape does not have to be circular, and may be another shape, such as an ellipse.
The third embodiment is advantageous in terms of safety since there is almost no possibility that the tip of the handle 2B will come into contact with the hand of an operator.

<Fourth embodiment>
10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing a flexible tube protector according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 10A is a top view, FIG. 10B is a front view, FIG. 10C is a perspective view, and FIG. 10D is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of FIG. 10B.
The fourth embodiment is the same as the first embodiment in that it includes a coil spring and a handle 2C, the coil spring having a coated coil and a small diameter loop 12C, and the handle 2C has a radial extension 21C that is bent from the small diameter loop 12C and extends in the radial direction, a longitudinal extension 22C connected thereto, and a radial return portion 23C connected thereto. The difference from the first embodiment is the position at which the small diameter loop 12C is disposed. That is, in the first embodiment, the small diameter loop is disposed at both ends of the coil spring, whereas in the fourth embodiment, the small diameter loop 12C is disposed at a position slightly inside in the longitudinal direction (a position two turns inside in the figure) when viewed from both ends of the coil spring. As a manufacturing method, the handle 2C may be attached to the small diameter loop 12C by welding or the like in a post-processing process.
According to the configuration of the fourth embodiment, in addition to the pressing and holding force by the small diameter loop 12C, the pressing force caused by the contact between the coil outside it and the pipe joint can also be utilized, which has the effect of strengthening the holding force.

< Reference embodiment>
11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams showing a flexible tube protector according to a reference embodiment, in which FIG. 11A is a front view and FIG. 11B is a right side view.
The characteristic feature of the reference embodiment is that there are two handles 2D at each end of the coil spring. One is configured to extend from the small diameter ring, and the other is attached by welding or the like to the coated coil located inside the small diameter ring in the longitudinal direction.
The configuration of the reference embodiment is suitable for application to a small-sized flexible tube protector that protects a relatively small-sized flexible tube. By clamping the two handles 2D, it becomes possible to easily operate it with one hand.

<Appendix 1>
Various combinations of the flexible tube protector of the present invention will be summarized as technical ideas.
(1) A flexible tube protector comprising a coil spring and a handle, the coil spring having a coated coil whose inner diameter is the same as or larger than the outer diameter of a flexible tube, and a small diameter loop whose inner diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the flexible tube, the small diameter loop being disposed near at least one end of the coil spring and pressing against the flexible tube, the handle having a radial extension that bends and extends radially from the small diameter loop, and functions to expand the diameter of the small diameter loop by moving the radial extension in a circumferential direction opposite to the spiral direction of the coil spring, and the coated coil and the small diameter loop being made of a continuous linear body.
(2) The flexible tube protector according to (1) above, wherein the small diameter loop is disposed near the end of each of both ends of the coil spring.
(3) A flexible tube protector as described in (1) or (2) above, characterized in that the small diameter loop and the handle are all arranged at the end of the coil spring, and the coated coil, the small diameter loop, and the handle are made of a continuous linear body.
(4) A flexible tube protector as described in any one of (1) to (3) above, characterized in that the radial extension portion that bends and extends radially from the small diameter loop has a shape that extends linearly in the radial direction.
(5) A flexible tube protector as described in any one of (1) to (3) above, characterized in that the radial extension portion that bends and extends radially from the small diameter loop has a non-linear shape, and the entire shape extends radially.
(6) A flexible tube protector according to any one of (1) to (5) above, characterized in that the handle has a tip end covered with a protective material.

<Appendix 2>
This specification discloses not only the invention relating to the flexible tube protector described above, but also aspects of a pipe joint suitable for use with the flexible tube protector. For reference, these aspects are summarized below as technical ideas.
(1) A pipe joint to be used with a flexible pipe protector having a coating coil that covers a flexible pipe, a small diameter loop that presses and holds the flexible pipe, and a handle that is bent from the small diameter loop and extends in the radial direction,
The pipe joint is configured to insert a flexible pipe between a nipple and a sleeve capable of being deformed in a radial direction, and connect the pipes in a cylindrical shape by moving the pressing member toward each other in a radial direction by tightening the pressing member with a tightening member,
A pipe joint, characterized in that at least one of the split holders is provided with a holder extension portion having an engagement portion that engages with the handle.
(2) The pipe joint according to (1) above, wherein the engagement portion is a small hole through which the handle can be passed from the rear side of the holder extension portion.
(3) The pipe joint according to (1) above, wherein the engagement portion is a notch through which the handle can be passed from the side of the holder extension portion.
(4) The pipe joint according to any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein the holder extension portion is manufactured integrally with the pipe joint.
(5) A pipe fitting according to any one of (1) to (3) above, characterized in that the holder extension portion is manufactured so as to be integrated with the pipe fitting by post-processing.

The flexible tube protector according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, and its structure has been explained, but the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and the present invention includes design changes within the scope of the present invention. For example, in addition to the small diameter loops located near one end of the coil spring or near both ends, a small diameter loop may also be located in the middle, so that the flexible tube is pressed at three points, thereby increasing the holding force.

Reference Signs List 1 Coil spring 11 Covered coil 12 Small diameter loop 2 Handle 21 Radial extension 22 Longitudinal extension 23 Radial return 24 Protective member 3 Flexible tube 4 Pipe joint

Claims (6)

Equipped with a coil spring and handle,
The coil spring has a coated coil having an inner diameter equal to or larger than an outer diameter of a flexible tube, and a small diameter loop having an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the flexible tube,
the small diameter loop is disposed near at least one end of the coil spring and presses against the flexible tube;
The handle has only one radial extension portion that is bent and extends radially from the small diameter loop disposed near the one end , and functions to expand the small diameter loop by moving the radial extension portion in a circumferential direction opposite to the spiral direction of the coil spring,
The flexible tube protector, wherein the covering coil and the small diameter loop are made of a continuous linear body. The flexible tube protector according to claim 1 , wherein the small diameter loop is disposed near each end of the coil spring. The small diameter loop and the handle are both disposed at the end of the coil spring,
3. The flexible tube protector according to claim 1, wherein the covering coil, the small diameter loop and the handle are made of a continuous linear body. The flexible tube protector according to claim 1 , wherein the radial extension portion that is bent and extends radially from the small diameter loop has a shape that extends linearly in the radial direction. The flexible tube protector according to claim 1 , wherein the radial extension portion that is bent and extends radially from the small diameter loop has a non-linear shape, and the entire shape of the radial extension portion extends radially. The flexible tube protector according to claim 1 , wherein a tip of the handle is covered with a protective member.

Images