Abstract:
There are provided a joint connecting clip which can be removed easily with access from one direction only, thereby having excellent removing workability, is provided with rotation preventive means to prevent a joint from turning and also can be provided with a locking mechanism to prevent the clip from being removed easily, and is suitable for obtaining a compact piping configuration, and a joint connecting structure having the said joint connecting clip. The construction of a joint connecting clip  1  is such that a pair of handling portions 11 are provided above gripping portions  10,  and the gripping portions  10  are opened and closed with access of only one direction by an operation of pinching the handling portions  11  from upper both sides of the gripping portions  10.  The operation of pinching the paired handling portions  11  can be performed satisfactorily, for example, with the thumb and the forefinger of one hand, so that the joint connecting clip  1  can be removed easily with one hand. Since the gripping portions  10  can be opened by a one-hand operation performed from the upside of the gripping portions  10,  there is no need for securing a space, which is necessary for removing the joint connecting clip  1,  on both sides of the joint connecting clip  1.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention relates to a joint connecting clip used when two joints are connected and a joint connecting structure using the same joint connecting clip.  
         [0003]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0004]     Conventionally, as a joint connecting clip of this type, a joint connecting clip having a construction as disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-28368 has been known. A joint connecting clip (locking body) ( 1 ) described in the Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-28368 has a construction such that one plate material having suitable elasticity is bent into a C shape to form the clip ( 1 ) (refer to Paragraph 0010 of the Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-28368), and when a connecting pipe ( 5 ) is connected to a pipe to be connected ( 6 ), both lower skirt portions ( 34 ) at both ends of the C shape are opened toward both sides of right and left to mount the clip ( 1 ). Reference numerals in the parentheses are those used in the Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-28368. The same is true in the description below.  
         [0005]     However, the joint connecting clip ( 1 ) having the above-described conventional construction is constructed so that both of the lower skirt portions ( 34 ) are opened toward both sides of right and left to mount the clip ( 1 ) to the connecting portion. Therefore, the clip removing access direction at the time when the already mounted joint connecting clip ( 1 ) is removed is the both sides of right and left or the rear of the joint connecting clip ( 1 ), so that when the joint connecting clip ( 1 ) is removed, both of the skirt portions ( 34 ) must be gripped and opened with both hands by inserting both hands, for example, from both sides of the joint connecting clip ( 1 ). Therefore, it is difficult to easily remove the joint connecting clip ( 1 ) with one hand.  
         [0006]     In particular, in the case where there is no enough space for hands to be inserted on both sides of the joint connecting clip ( 1 ), since the skirt portions ( 34 ) cannot be gripped with both hands, the joint connecting clip ( 1 ) cannot sometimes be removed even if both hands are used.  
         [0007]     Also, for the joint connecting clip ( 1 ) having the above-described conventional construction, in order for the clip ( 1 ) to be removed, an enough space for hands to be inserted must always be secured on both sides of the joint connecting clip ( 1 ). Therefore, when it is attempted to use the joint connecting clip ( 1 ) having the above-described construction in an area in which a plurality of pipes are closely arranged in parallel as is often seen in a plant, for example, the joint connecting clips ( 1 ) must be arranged in a zigzag form as measures for securing an enough space for hands to be inserted on both sides of the joint connecting clip ( 1 ). This complicates the arrangement configuration of clip connecting clips. Also, even if the joint connecting clips ( 1 ) are arranged in a zigzag form, since the joint connecting clip ( 1 ) having the above-described construction always requires the aforementioned space on both sides, a plurality of pipes cannot be arranged closely in parallel, which poses a problem in that a compact pipe arrangement cannot be adopted.  
         [0008]     Further, the joint connecting clip ( 1 ) having the above-described conventional construction has no locking mechanism. Therefore, there arises a problem in that the joint connecting clip ( 1 ) may be removed easily by a person unconcerned, or the joint connected by the joint connecting clip ( 1 ) may turn.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009]     The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and accordingly an object of the present invention is to provide a joint connecting clip and a joint connecting structure which can be removed easily with access from one direction only, thereby having excellent removing workability.  
         [0010]     Another object of the present invention is to provide a joint connecting clip and a joint connecting structure which prevent relative turning between the connected joints.  
         [0011]     Another object of the present invention is to provide a joint connecting clip and a joint connecting structure which prevent the clip from wrong removing.  
         [0012]     Another object of the present invention is to provide a joint connecting clip and a joint connecting structure which is suitable for obtaining a compact piping configuration.  
         [0013]     To achieve the above object, (1) the present invention provides a joint connecting clip for connecting a pair of joints ( 50 , 60 ) which are arranged to butt against each other at a flange portion ( 52 , 62 ) of the joints, holding the butted flange portions therein, comprising: gripping portions ( 10 ) arranged to surround and hold the flange portions of the joints therebetween; engagement portions ( 12 , 13 ) to engage with the outer peripheries of the flange portions when the gripping portions surround and hold the flange portions, at least one of the engage portions having two opening holes ( 121 , 122 ) which is divided by a bridge ( 120 ), each of the opening holes engaging with a pair of sprockets ( 56 A, 64 A) respectively formed on peripheries of the flange portions, and the bridge engaging with the concave portions ( 56 B, 64 B) between the adjacent sprockets on the flange, for preventing joint relative turning; forcing means ( 5 ) for always forcing the gripping portions in the holding direction; and a pair of handling portions ( 11 ) integrally formed with the gripping portions, for opening the gripping portions against the force of the forcing means apart from the flange portions, by a pinching operation thereon with only-one-direction access from the upside of the gripping portions.  
         [0014]     (2) The present invention also provides a joint connecting clip for connecting a pair of joints ( 50 , 60 ) which are arranged to butt against each other at a flange portion ( 52 , 62 ) of the joints, holding the butted flange portions therein, comprising: a bent plate ( 21 ) made of spring material which forms the joint connecting clip body, the bent plate comprising gripping portions ( 10 ) arranged to surround and hold the flange portions of the joints therebetween by elastic deformation of the bent plate of spring material, engagement portions ( 12 , 13 ) to engage with the outer peripheries of the flange portions when the gripping portions surround and hold the flange portions, and a pair of mounting holes ( 24 , 214 , 215 ) provided above the gripping portions; and a pair of handling members ( 22 , 23 ) which are respectively inserted and mounted in the mounting holes detachably, for opening the gripping portions by a pinching operation thereon with only-one-direction access from the upside of the gripping portions.  
         [0015]     In the joint connecting clip in accordance with the present invention of the above item (1), the joint connecting clip may further comprises open-operation obstructing means ( 14 ) for obstructing opening operation of the gripping portions.  
         [0016]     In the joint connecting clip in accordance with the present invention of the above item (1), the open-operation obstructing means may have a set of engagement holes ( 15 , 16 ) which are provided in the upper end portions of the handling portions so as to face to each other, and an insertion device ( 17 ) inserted between the upper end portions of the handling portions, the insertion device comprising a plate portion ( 170 ), a fixed protrusion ( 171 ) formed so as to project from one end of the plate portion, a sliding protrusion ( 172 ) provided so as to project from or withdraw in the other end of the plate portion; and forcing means ( 177 ) for forcing the sliding protrusion in a direction such that the sliding protrusion is projected to the outside from the other end portion of the plate portion, the sliding protrusion and the fixed protrusion being respectively inserted into the engagement holes, and the sliding protrusion being locked in this state, for obstructing opening operation of the gripping portions.  
         [0017]     the open-operation obstructing means may have a set of engagement holes which are provided in the upper end portions of the handling portions so as to face to each other; and an insertion device inserted between the upper end portions of the handling portions, and the insertion device may include a plate portion; a fixed protrusion formed so as to project from one end portion of the plate portion; a sliding protrusion provided so as to project from or withdraw in the other end of the plate portion; and forcing means for forcing the sliding protrusion in a direction such that the sliding protrusion is projected to the outside from the other end portion of the plate portion, and may be constructed so that, the sliding protrusion and the fixed protrusion being respectively inserted into the engagement holes, and the sliding protrusion being locked in this state.  
         [0018]     In the joint connecting clip in accordance with the present invention of the above item (1), the open-operation obstructing means may have a set of locking convex portions ( 18 , 19 ) which are provided in the upper end portions of the handling portions and face to each other; and an insertion member ( 20 ) inserted between the upper end portions of the handling portions, and the insertion member may have a construction such that both ends of a plate spring material ( 200 ) are bent in the same direction, and both bent portions are provided with locking concave portions ( 202 ) which are concaved so as to match the shapes of the locking convex portions, and the locking concave portions are fitted on the locking convex portions by deflecting deformation of the bent portions, so that opening operation of the gripping portions is obstructed.  
         [0019]     In the joint connecting clip in accordance with the present invention of the above item (2), a plurality of sprockets may be formed on the outer peripheral surfaces of the flange portions, and the engagement portion may have two opening holes ( 121 , 122 ) which is divided by a bridge ( 120 ), each of the opening holes engaging with a pair of sprockets ( 56 A, 64 A) respectively formed on peripheries of the flange portions, and the bridge engaging with the concave portions ( 54 B, 64 B) between the adjacent sprockets on the flange, for preventing joint relative turning.  
         [0020]     In the joint connecting clip in accordance with the present invention of the above item (2), there may be provided a lock screw ( 217 ) for fixedly locking the joint connecting clip to the joint side.  
         [0021]     To achieve the above object, (3) the present invention provides a joint connecting structure in which a first joint ( 50 ) having a flange portion ( 52 ) on the outer peripheral surface and a second joint ( 60 ) having a flange portion ( 62 ) on the outer peripheral surface are connected to each other so that the flange portions are butted against each other, wherein the joint connecting structure has a joint connecting clip ( 1 ) for fixing the flange portions in a state in which the flange portions are butted against each other, the joint connecting clip comprises: gripping portions ( 10 ) which are closed so as to hold the flange portions therebetween from outer periphery both sides; engagement portions ( 12 ) with which the outer peripheral portions of the flange portions engage, at least one of the engage portions having two opening holes ( 121 , 122 ) which is divided by a bar portion ( 120 ), each of the opening holes engaging with a pair of sprockets ( 56 A,  64 A) respectively formed on peripheries of the flange portions, and the bridge engaging with the concave portions ( 56 B, 64 B) between the adjacent sprockets on the flange, for preventing joint relative turning; forcing means ( 5 ) for always forcing the gripping portions in the closing direction; and a pair of handling portions ( 11 ) which are integrally provided above the gripping portions, for opening the gripping portions apart from the flange portions by a pinching operation with access of only one direction from the upside of the gripping portions.  
         [0022]     (4) The present invention also provides a joint connecting structure in which a first joint ( 50 ) having a flange portion ( 52 ) on the outer peripheral surface and a second joint ( 60 ) having a flange portion ( 62 ) on the outer peripheral surface are connected to each other so that the flange portions are butted against each other, wherein the joint connecting structure has a joint connecting clip (  1 ) for fixing the flange portions in a state in which the flange portions are butted against each other, the joint connecting clip is formed by bending a plate ( 21 ) made of spring material, and comprises: gripping portions ( 10 ) which are closed so as to hold the flange portions therebetween from outer periphery both sides by elastic deformation of the plate spring material; an engagement portion ( 12 ) with which the outer peripheral portions of the flange portions engage when the gripping portions are closed; a pair of mounting holes ( 24 , 214 , 215 ) provided above the gripping portions; and a pair of handling members ( 22 , 23 ) which are insertedly mounted in the paired mounting holes detachably, for opening the gripping portions with access of only one direction from the upside of the gripping portions by a pinching operation.  
         [0023]     In the joint connecting structure in accordance with the present invention of the above item (3), the joint connecting clip may further include open-operation obstructing means ( 14 ) for obstructing opening operation of the gripping portions.  
         [0024]     In the joint connecting structure in accordance with the present invention of the above item (3), the open-operation obstructing means may have a set of engagement holes ( 15 ,  16 ) which are provided in the upper end portions of the handling portions so as to face to each other; and an insertion device ( 17 ) inserted between the upper end portions of the handling portions, and the insertion device may comprise a plate portion ( 170 ), a fixed protrusion ( 171 ) formed so as to project from one end of the plate portion, a sliding protrusion ( 172 ) provided so as to project from or withdraw in the other end of the plate portion; and forcing means ( 177 ) for forcing the sliding protrusion in a direction such that the sliding protrusion is projected to the outside from the other end of the plate portion, the sliding protrusion and the fixed protrusion being respectively inserted into the engagement holes, and the sliding protrusion being locked in this state, for obstructing opening operation of the gripping portions.  
         [0025]     In the joint connecting structure in accordance with the present invention of the above item (3), the open-operation obstructing means may have a set of locking convex portions ( 18 , 19 ) which are provided in the upper end portions of the handling portions and face to each other; and an insertion member ( 20 ) inserted between the upper end portions of the handling portions, and the insertion member may have a construction such that both ends of a plate made of spring material are bent in the same direction, and both bent portions are provided with locking concave portions ( 202 ) which are concaved so as to match the shapes of the locking convex portions, and when opening operation of the gripping portions is obstructed, the locking concave portions are fitted on the locking convex portions by deflecting deformation of the bent portions.  
         [0026]     In the joint connecting structure in accordance with the present invention of the above item (4), a plurality of sprockets ( 56 , 64 ) may be formed on the outer peripheral surfaces of the flange portions, and the engagement portion may have two opening holes ( 121 , 122 ) divided by a bridge ( 120 ), and may have a construction such that of the sprockets, at least any one of convex portions of the sprockets engages with one opening hole ( 121 ); an upper convex portion adjacent to the engaging convex portion engages with the other opening hole ( 122 ); and the bridge engages with the concave portion between the upper and lower convex portions engaging with the opening holes, by which the turning of the first and second joints is prevented.  
         [0027]     In the joint connecting structure in accordance with the present invention of the above item (4), there may be provided a lock screw ( 217 ) for fixedly locking the joint connecting clip to the joint side.  
         [0028]     In the present invention, there is adopted a configuration in which a paired handling portions (or members) are provided above the gripping portions, and the gripping portions are opened with access of only one direction by an operation of pinching the handling portions (or members) from upper both sides of the gripping portions. Therefore, the joint connecting clip can be removed easily with one hand only with access of one direction such that the paired handling members are pinched from the upside of the gripping portions.  
         [0029]     Also, in the present invention, when it is attempted to remove the joint connecting clip, since the gripping portions are opened by a one-hand operation performed from the upside of the gripping portions, unlike the joint connecting clip having the conventional construction, there is no need for securing a space, which is necessary for removing the joint connecting clip, on both sides of the joint connecting clip. Since such a space can be omitted, a plurality of joint connecting clips can be arranged closely in the transverse direction in a row, so that the arrangement configuration of joint connecting clips can be simplified. Therefore, the joint connecting clip in accordance with the present invention is suitable for obtaining a compact piping configuration. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0030]      FIG. 1  is an explanatory view of a male joint (first joint),  FIG. 1 (A) being a front view of the male joint,  FIG. 1 (B) being a right side view thereof, and  FIG. 1 (C) being a sectional view taken along the line c-c of  FIG. 1 (A);  
         [0031]      FIG. 2  is an explanatory view of a female joint (second joint) mating with the male joint shown in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 (A) being a front view of the female joint,  FIG. 2 (B) being a right side view thereof, and  FIG. 2 (C) being a sectional view taken along the line c-c of  FIG. 2 (A);  
         [0032]      FIG. 3  is an explanatory view showing a state in which the male joint shown in  FIG. 1  and the female joint shown in  FIG. 2  are connected to each other,  FIG. 3  (A) being a front view of the connected male joint and female joint, and  FIG. 3 (B) being a sectional view taken along the line b-b of  FIG. 3 (A);  
         [0033]      FIG. 4  is an explanatory view of a joint connecting clip in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,  FIG. 4 (A) being a front view of the joint connecting clip,  FIG. 4 (B) being a top view thereof, and  FIG. 4 (C) being a right side view thereof;  
         [0034]      FIG. 5  is an explanatory view of open-operation obstructing means which obstructs opening operation of gripping portions of the joint connecting clip shown in  FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 5 (A) being a sectional view of the joint connecting clip and the open-operation obstructing means mounted thereto, which is viewed from the front,  FIG. 5 (B) being a top view thereof, and  FIG. 5 (C) being a right side view thereof;  
         [0035]      FIG. 6  is an explanatory view showing a state in which the joint connecting clip shown in  FIG. 4  is used and a state in which the open-operation obstructing means shown in  FIG. 5  is used;  
         [0036]      FIG. 7  is an explanatory view of a joint connecting clip in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention,  FIG. 7 (A) being a front view of the joint connecting clip,  FIG. 7 (B) being a top view thereof, and  FIG. 7 (C) being a right side view thereof;  
         [0037]      FIG. 8  is an explanatory view of open-operation obstructing means which obstructs opening operation of gripping portions of the joint connecting clip shown in  FIG. 7 ,  FIG. 8 (A) being a front view of the joint connecting clip and the open-operation obstructing means mounted thereto,  FIG. 8 (B) being a top view thereof, and  FIG. 8 (C) being a right side view thereof;  
         [0038]      FIG. 9  is an explanatory view showing a state in which the joint connecting clip shown in  FIG. 7  is used and a state in which the open-operation obstructing means shown in  FIG. 8  is used;  
         [0039]      FIG. 10  is an explanatory view of a joint connecting clip in accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention,  FIG. 10 (A) being a sectional view of the joint connecting clip, which is viewed from the front,  FIG. 10 (B) being a top view thereof, and  FIG. 10 (C) being a right side view thereof;  
         [0040]      FIG. 11  is an explanatory view of open-operation obstructing means which obstructs opening operation of gripping portions of the joint connecting clip shown in  FIG. 10 ;  
         [0041]      FIG. 12  is an explanatory view showing a state in which the joint connecting clip shown in  FIG. 10  is used and a state in which the open-operation obstructing means shown in  FIG. 11  is used;  
         [0042]      FIG. 13  is an explanatory view of a joint connecting clip in accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention,  FIG. 13 (A) being a sectional view of the joint connecting clip, which is viewed from the front,  FIG. 13 (B) being a top view thereof, and  FIG. 13 (C) being a right side view thereof; and  
         [0043]      FIG. 14  is an explanatory view showing a state in which the joint connecting clip shown in  FIG. 13  is used. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0044]     Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.  
         [0045]      FIG. 1  is an explanatory view of a male joint (first joint). A male joint  50  shown in  FIG. 1  has a construction such that a flange portion  52  is integrally formed on the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical body  51 . The flange portion  52  is formed at a position slightly retracting from the tip end (one end) of the body  51 . Also, a tip end portion of the body  51  in front of the flange portion  52  is formed as an insertion portion  53  that is inserted into a female joint  60  shown in  FIG. 2 , and on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion  53 , a no-ring mounting groove  54  and an O-ring  55  mounted irregin the groove  54  are provided. Further, on the outer peripheral surface of the flange portion  52 , ularities  56  are formed at fixed intervals.  
         [0046]      FIG. 2  is an explanatory view of a female joint (second joint) mating with the male joint shown in  FIG. 1 . A female joint  60  shown in  FIG. 2  has a construction such that a flange portion  62  is integrally formed on the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical body  61 . In the female joint  60  shown in  FIG. 2 , the flange portion  62  has the same diameter as that of the flange portion  52  of the male joint  50 , and is formed at the tip end (one end) of the body  61 . An inside space on the tip end portion side of the body  61  forms an insertion hole  63  into which the insertion portion  53  of the male joint  50  is inserted. On the outer peripheral surface of the flange portion  62  of the female joint  60  as well, sprockets  64  similar to those on the flange portion  52  are formed at the same fixed intervals as those of the sprockets  56  of the male joint  50 .  
         [0047]     When the insertion portion  53  of the male joint  50  is inserted into the insertion hole  63  of the female joint  60 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , the male joint  50  and the female joint  60  are connected to each other in a state in which the flange portions  52  and  62  are butted against each other.  
         [0048]     In this embodiment, it is assumed that the male joint  50  and the female joint  60  are directly attached to equipment that handles a fluid, such as a flow control valve, or a hose (pipe). In order to install the male joint  50  to the equipment, an externally threaded portion  58  formed on the rear end outer peripheral surface of the body  51  or a connecting portion such as a flange is connected to a connecting portion of the equipment or the hose (pipe). This work is performed by gripping a nut  57  provided integrally on the body middle portion outer peripheral surface of the body  51 . Also, in order to install the female joint  60  to the equipment, an externally threaded portion  66  formed on the rear end outer peripheral surface of the body  61  is screwed in the joint connecting portion of the equipment. This work is performed by gripping a nut  65  provided integrally on the body middle portion outer peripheral surface of the body  61 .  
         [0049]      FIG. 4  is an explanatory view of a joint connecting clip in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,  FIG. 5  is an explanatory view of open-operation obstructing means which obstructs opening operation of gripping portions of the joint connecting clip shown in  FIG. 4 , and  FIG. 6  is an explanatory view showing a state in which the joint connecting clip shown in  FIG. 4  is used and a state in which the open-operation obstructing means shown in  FIG. 5  is used.  
         [0050]     A joint connecting clip  1  shown in  FIG. 4  is used as a means for preventing the male joint  50  and the female joint  60  from coming off by fixing the male joint  50  and the female joint  60  connected as shown in  FIG. 3  to each other in a state in which the flange portions  52  and  62  are butted against each other (refer to  FIG. 6 ).  
         [0051]     The joint connecting clip  1  shown in  FIG. 4  is made up of two metal plate members  2  and  3 , a pin shaft  4 , and a spring  5 . The two metal plate members  2  and  3  face to each other via the pin shaft  4 , and are arranged so as to be at right angles to the pin shaft  4 .  
         [0052]     Also, the metal plate members  2  and  3  are provided so as to be turnable around the pin shaft  4 . As a turnable configuration of the metal plate members  2  and  3 , in this embodiment, bent elements  6  and  7 , which are bent substantially at right angles and projected toward the pin shaft, are provided at both side edges of the metal plate members  2  and  3 , the bent element  6  of one metal plate member  2  and the bent element  7  of the other metal plate member  3  are overlapped, and the pin shaft  4  penetrates the overlapping portion.  
         [0053]     Further, each of the metal plate members  2  and  3  is formed with a valley bent portion  8  and a peak bent portion  9  viewed from the centerline S of the joint connecting clip  1 . The valley bent portion  8  is provided below the bent element  6 ,  7  of the metal plate member  2 ,  3 , and on the other hand, the peak bent portion  9  is provided below the valley bent portion  8 .  
         [0054]     In this embodiment, of the whole of the metal plate members  2  and  3 , peripheral portions on both sides of the peak bent portions  9  serve as a portion for closing so as to hold the flange portions  52  and  62  of the male joint  50  and the female joint  60  therebetween from the outer periphery both sides as gripping portions  10  of the joint connecting clip  1 . Also, of the whole of the metal plate members  2  and  3 , portions above the valley bent portions  8 , namely, portions that are open into a V shape with respect to the centerline S of the joint connecting clip  1  serves as a portion operated so as to be pinched from upper both sides of the gripping portion  10  as a pair of handling portions  11  of the joint connecting clip  1 .  
         [0055]     The aforementioned gripping portions  10  of the joint connecting clip  1  are always forced in the closing direction by the force of the spring  5 .  
         [0056]     Specifically, the spring  5  is mounted on the pin shaft  4 . One end (right end)  5   a  of the spring  5  is configured so as to press an upper portion of the metal plate member  2  on the right-hand side in the figure from the inside to the outside, and the other end (left end)  5   b  of the spring  5  is configured so as to press an upper portion of the metal plate member  3  on the left-hand side in the figure from the inside to the outside.  
         [0057]     By the action of force of the spring  5 , a clockwise turning force around the pin shaft  4  is given to the upper side of the right-hand side metal plate member  2 , namely, one handling portion  11 , and a counterclockwise turning force around the pin shaft  4  is given to the upper side of the left-hand side metal plate member  3 , namely, the other handling portion  11 . Therefore, the two metal plate members  2  and  3  are in a state of being closed so that the lower sides thereof collide opposedly. This state is a closing state of the gripping portions  10  of the joint connecting clip  1 . For convenience of explanation, a state in which the gripping portions  10  are slightly open is shown in  FIGS. 4, 5 ,  7  and  8 .  
         [0058]     When the paired handling portions  11  are operated so as to be pinched with a force greater than the force of the spring  5 , the right-hand side metal plate member  2  turns counterclockwise around the pin shaft  4 , and at the same time, the left-hand side metal plate member  3  turns clockwise around the pin shaft  4 , by which the gripping portion  10  having been closed by the force of the spring  5  is opened.  
         [0059]     The gripping portion  10  of the joint connecting clip  1  constructed as described above is provided with a first engagement portion  12  and a second engagement portion  13  as portions with which the outer peripheral portions of flange portions of the male joint  50  and the female joint  60  engage.  
         [0060]     The first and second engagement portions  12  and  13  are configured so as to be arranged vertically along the outer peripheries of the flange portions  52  and  62  of the male and female joints  50  and  60 . Also, of the engagement portions  12  and  13 , the lower first engagement portion  12  is formed by two opening holes  121  and  122  divided vertically by a bridge  120 .  
         [0061]     This embodiment employs a construction such that of the sprockets  56  and  64  on the outer peripheral surfaces of the flange portions  52  and  62  of the male and female joints  50  and  60 , at least any one of convex portions  56 -A 1  engages with one (lower) opening hole  121 , an upper convex portion  56 -A 2  adjacent to the engaging convex portion  56 -A 1  engages with the other (upper) opening hole  122 , and further the bridge  120  engages with the concave portion  56 -B 1 ,  64 -B 1  between the upper and lower convex portions  56 -A 2  and  56 -A 1  engaging with the opening holes  121  and  122 , by which the turning of the male and female joints  50  and  60  is prevented (refer to  FIG. 6 (D- 2 )). On the other hand, the upper second engagement portion  13  consists of one opening hole  131  so that other several number of convex portions  56 -A 3 ,  56 -A 4  and  56 -A 5  engage with the opening hole  131  (refer to  FIG. 6 (D- 1 )).  
         [0062]     The joint connecting clip  1  shown in  FIG. 4  is provided with open-operation obstructing means  14  for obstructing/locking an operation for opening the gripping portions  10 . The open-operation obstructing means  14  is made up of a set of engagement holes  15  and  16  and an insertion device (slide lock device)  17 . The set of the engagement holes  15  and  16  are formed in upper end portions of the handling portions  11  of the joint connecting clip  1 , namely, in upper end portions of the metal plate members  2  and  3 , respectively, so as to face to each other. The insertion device  17  is inserted between the upper end portions of the handling portions  11  of the joint connecting clip  1 , namely, between the upper end portions of the metal plate members  2  and  3 . The insertion device  17  is specifically configured as described below.  
         [0063]     The insertion device  17  has a metallic plate portion  170 . In one end portion of the plate portion  170 , a fixed protrusion  171  is projectingly formed, and in the other end portion of the plate portion  170 , a sliding protrusion.  172  is provided. The fixed protrusion  171  has a construction formed by bending one end portion of the plate portion  170 , and is integrally fixed to the plate portion  170 . On the other hand, the sliding protrusion  172  is provided so as to project from or withdraw in the other end portion of the plate portion  170 .  
         [0064]     As a specific configuration for providing the sliding protrusion  172  so as to project from or withdraw in the other end portion of the plate portion  170  as described above, a configuration was adopted in which slide guide plates  173  are provided at both side edges of the plate portion  170 , a slider  174  is arranged between the slide guide plates  173 , and the sliding protrusion  172  is integrally formed in the tip end portion in the slide direction of the slider  174 .  
         [0065]     In this configuration, the slider  174  is supported on the plate portion  170  side by a screw  176  inserted in an elongated hole  175  provided in the plate portion  170 . When the screw  176  is tightened, the slider  174  comes into close contact with the plate portion  170 , by which the slider  174  is made incapable of sliding. When the screw  176  is loosened, the contacting state of the slider  174  and the plate portion  170  is released, so that the slider  174  becomes slidable while being guided by the slide guide plates  173  with a stroke corresponding to the length of the elongated hole  175 . Also, the slider  174  is always forced by a spring  177  in the direction such that the sliding protrusion  172  is projected to the outside.  
         [0066]     In order to obstruct opening operation of the gripping portions  10  of the joint connecting clip  1  by using the insertion device (slide lock device)  17  having the above-described construction, the screw  176  is loosened to make the slider  174  capable of sliding, and thereby the sliding protrusion  172  is retracted (refer to  FIG. 6 (C)). In this state, the whole of the insertion device  17  is inserted between the upper end portions of the handling portions  11  of the joint connecting clip  1 . At this time, the fixed protrusion  171  is inserted in one engagement hole  16 , and the sliding protrusion  172  is arranged so as to face to the other engagement hole  15 . Then, the sliding protrusion  172  is projected by the force of the spring  177 . The projecting sliding protrusion  172  engages with the other engagement hole  15 , and in this state, the screw  176  is tightened. Thus, the slider  174  becomes incapable of sliding, and hence the sliding protrusion  172  is locked. After the work for setting the insertion device  17  has been finished in this manner, the whole of the insertion device  17  becomes an obstacle to an operation for pinching the handling portions  11  of the joint connecting clip  1 . Therefore, that operation cannot be performed, so that the operation for opening the gripping portions  10  of the joint connecting clip  1  is obstructed.  
         [0067]     A usage example of the joint connecting clip  1  constructed as described above, which is shown in  FIG. 4 , will be explained with reference to  FIG. 6 .  
         [0068]     A work procedure for fixing the male joint  50  and the female joint  60  to each other by using the joint connecting clip  1  shown in  FIG. 4  is as described below. First, the male joint  50  and the female joint  60  are connected to each other as shown in  FIG. 6 (A). On the other hand, the paired handling portions  11  are pinched with one hand from the upside of the gripping portions  10  of the joint connecting clip  1  shown in  FIG. 4  so that the handling portions  11  are brought close to each other, by which the gripping portions  10  are opened as shown in  FIG. 6 (A) with access of only one direction from the upside of the gripping portions  10 . In this state, as shown in  FIG. 6 (B), the open gripping portions  10  are set so as to cover the outer peripheral portions of the flange portions  52  and  62  of the male and female joints  50  and  60 , and the hand that pinches the handling portions  11  is let go.  
         [0069]     Thereby, the gripping portions  10  are closed by the force of the spring  5 , so that the outer peripheral portions of the flange portions  52  and  62  engage with the engagement portions  12  and  13  of the gripping portions  10 . This engaging mode is a mode in which as shown in FIGS.  6 (C),  6 (D- 1 ) and  6 (D- 2 ), the convex portions  56 -A 1  and  64 -A 1  on the outer peripheral surfaces of the flanges  52  and  62  engage with the opening hole  121 , the upper convex portions  56 -A 2  and  64 -A 2  adjacent to the engaging convex portions  56 -A 1  and  64 -A 1  engage with the opening hole  122 , and further the bridge  120  engages with the concave portions  56 -B 1  and  64 -B 1  between the upper and lower convex portions  56 -A 2  and  56 -A 1  and  64 -A 2  and  64 -A 1  engaging with the opening holes  121  and  122 , and a mode in which the plurality of convex portions  56 -A 3 ,  56 -A 4 ,  56 -A 5 ,  64 -A 3 ,  64 -A 4  and  64 -A 5  engage with the opening hole  131 . Also, the engaging mode is a loosely engaging mode in which a gap is provided in the vertical direction of the convex portions  56 -A 1 ,  64 -A 1 ,  56 -A 2  and  64 -A 2 . The reason for this is as follows: for example, the convex portion  56 -A 1  of the male joint  50  and the convex portion  64 -A 1  of the female joint  60  do not sometimes align with each other in a straight line depending on the installation state of the male joint  50  and the female joint  60  to the equipment, and even if such a shift occurs, both of the convex portions  56 -A 1  and  64 -A 1  are made capable of engaging with one opening hole  121 .  
         [0070]     By the above-described procedure, the fixing of the male joint  50  and the female joint  60  using the joint connecting clip  1  is competed. In order to remove the joint connecting clip  1  that fixes the male joint  50  and the female joint  60  to each other, the paired handling portions  11  have only to be pinched with one hand from upper both sides of the gripping portions  10  of the joint connecting clip  1  so that the handling portions  11  are brought close to each other. By doing this, the gripping portions  10  are opened with access of only one direction from the upside of the gripping portions  10 . Thereby, the engagement portions  12  and  13  are removed from the flange portions  52  and  62 , so that the joint connecting clip  1  can be removed easily.  
         [0071]     In the case where it is desired to obstruct the operation for opening the gripping portions  10  of the joint connecting clip  1  that fixes the male joint  50  and the female joint  60  to each other as described above, work for setting the insertion device  17  on the handling portion  11  side of the joint connecting clip  1  is performed. This setting work is performed in accordance with the following steps:  
         [0000]     &lt;Step 1&gt; 
         [0072]     First, as shown in  FIG. 6 (C), the sliding protrusion  172  is retracted, and in this state, the whole of the insertion device  17  is inserted between the upper end portions of the handling portions  11  of the joint connecting clip  1 . In order to retract the sliding protrusion  172 , the screw  176  has only to be loosened to slide the slider  174 . When the insertion device  17  is inserted, the fixed protrusion  171  of the insertion device  17  is inserted into one engagement hole  16 , and the sliding protrusion  172  is arranged so as to face to the other engagement hole  15 . As shown in FIGS.  6 (D- 1 ) and  6 (D- 2 ), the projecting sliding protrusion  172  is allowed to engage with the other engagement hole  15  by the force of the spring  177 .  
         [0000]     &lt;Step 2&gt; 
         [0073]     Next, the screw  176  is tightened not to allow the slider  174  to slide, locking the sliding protrusion  172 . Thereby, the fixed protrusion  171  and the sliding protrusion  172  are engaged with the engagement holes  15  and  16 , respectively, so that the insertion device  17  is prevented from coming off between the upper end portions of the handling portions  11 . Also, the insertion device  17  disables the operation for pinching the handling portions  11 , so that the operation for opening the gripping portions  10  of the joint connecting clip  1  by the pinching operation is obstructed. By performing the above steps, the work for setting the insertion device  17  is completed.  
         [0074]      FIG. 7  is an explanatory view of a joint connecting clip in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention,  FIG. 8  is an explanatory view of open-operation obstructing means which obstructs opening operation of gripping portions of the joint connecting clip shown in  FIG. 7 , and  FIG. 9  is an explanatory view showing a state in which the joint connecting clip shown in  FIG. 7  is used and a state in which the open-operation obstructing means shown in  FIG. 8  is used.  
         [0075]     The basic construction of the joint connecting clip shown in  FIG. 7  is the same as that of the joint connecting clip shown in  FIG. 4 . Therefore, the same reference numerals are applied to elements that are the same as those in  FIG. 4 , and the detailed explanation thereof is omitted. The joint connecting clip shown in  FIG. 7  has open-operation obstructing means  14  of a construction different from that for the joint connecting clip shown in  FIG. 4 .  
         [0076]     Specifically, the open-operation obstructing means  14  for the joint connecting clip shown in  FIG. 7  is made up of a set of locking convex portions  18  and  19  and an insertion member (one-touch lock member)  20  of a construction different from that shown in  FIG. 5 . Like the set of engagement holes  15  and  16  shown in  FIG. 5 , the set of locking convex portions  18  and  19  are provided in the upper end portions of the handling portions  11  of the joint connecting clip  1 , namely, in the upper end portions of the metal plate members  2  and  3  so as to face to each other. The insertion member  20  has a construction such that both ends of a plate spring material  200  are bent in the same direction, and both bent portions  201  are provided with locking concave portions  202  that are concaved so as to match the shapes of the locking convex portions  18  and  19 . Like the insertion device  17  shown in  FIG. 5 , this insertion member  20  is also inserted between the upper end portions of the handling portions  11 .  
         [0077]     In order to obstruct opening operation of the gripping portions of the joint connecting clip i by using the insertion member (one-touch lock member)  20  having the above-described construction, as shown in  FIG. 9 (B), the insertion member  20  is put on the upper end portions of the handling portions  11  with the bent portions  201  being directed downward, and in this state, the top surface of the insertion member  20  is pressed by a finger from the upside. By doing this, as shown in FIGS.  9 (C- 1 ) and  9 (C- 2 ), the locking concave portions  202  are fitted on the locking convex portions  18  and  19  by deflecting deformation of the bent portions  201 . After the one-touch setting operation of merely pressing the insertion member  20  has been completed in this manner, the whole of the insertion member  20  becomes an obstacle to the operation for pinching the handling portions  11  of the joint connecting clip  1 , so that the operation cannot be performed. Therefore, the operation for opening the gripping portions  10  of the joint connecting clip  1  is obstructed.  
         [0078]     The work procedure for fixing the male joint  50  and the female joint  60  to each other by using the joint connecting clip  1  shown in  FIG. 7  is the same as that for the joint connecting clip  1  shown in  FIG. 4  (refer to FIGS.  6 (A),  6 (B) and  6 (C)) as shown in FIGS.  9 (A) and  9 (B)), so that the detailed explanation thereof is omitted.  
         [0079]      FIG. 10  is an explanatory view of a joint connecting clip in accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention,  FIG. 11  is an explanatory view of open-operation obstructing means which obstructs opening operation of gripping portions of the joint connecting clip shown in  FIG. 10 , and  FIG. 12  is an explanatory view showing a state in which the joint connecting clip shown in  FIG. 10  is used and a state in which the open-operation obstructing means shown in  FIG. 11  is used.  
         [0080]     For the male joint  50  and the female joint  60  connected as shown in  FIG. 3 , the joint connecting clip shown in  FIG. 10  is used as a means for preventing the male joint  50  and the female joint  60  from coming off each other by fixing the flange portions  52  and  62  to each other in a butted state (refer to  FIG. 12 ).  
         [0081]     The joint connecting clip  1  shown in  FIG. 10  consists of one plate spring material  21  that is bendedly formed. In this embodiment, as a specific construction of the joint connecting clip  1 , one plate spring material  21  is bent in the same direction at two places near the central portion, by which a top plate portion  210  and right and left inclined plate portions  211  and  212 , which are inclined so as to become narrower on the lower side, are formed. Also, the inclined plate portions  211  and  212  are further bent at three places. Of bent portions  213 A,  213 B and  213 C at three places, the first bent portion  213 A close to the upper portion of the clip  1  is valley bent as viewed from the centerline S of the joint connecting clip  1 . The second bent portion  213 B, which is located below the first bent portion  213 A, is peak bent as viewed from the centerline S of the joint connecting clip  1 . Further, the third bent portion  213 C, which is located below the second bent portion  213 B, is valley bent as viewed from the centerline S of the joint connecting clip  1 . A tip end portion from the third bent portion  213 C is parallel with the top plate portion  210  in the upper portion of the clip  1 . Further, the top plate portion  210  is provided with a threaded hole  216  so that a lock screw  217  can be installed in the downward direction in this threaded hole  216 .  
         [0082]     Of the one plate spring material  21  bent as described above, a range running from the first bent portion  213 A to the third bent portion  213 C through the second bent portion  213 B forms the gripping portion  10  of the joint connecting clip  1  shown in  FIG. 10 . The gripping portions  10  can be opened and closed transversely with both sides of the top plate portion  210  being supporting points by elastic deformation of the plate spring material  21 , and are closed so as to hold the outer peripheries of the flange portions  52  and  62  of the male joint  50  and the female joint  60  therebetween from both sides.  
         [0083]     The gripping portion  10  of the joint connecting clip  1  shown in  FIG. 10  is also provided with the engagement portions  12  and  13 . The specific construction of the engagement portions  12  and  13  are the same as that shown in  FIG. 4 , so that the same reference numerals are applied to elements that are the same as those shown in  FIG. 4 , and the detailed explanation thereof is omitted.  
         [0084]     In the joint connecting clip  1  shown in  FIG. 10 , the upper portion of the gripping portion  10 , specifically, the top plate portion  210  is provided with a pair of mounting holes  214  and  215 . One mounting hole  214  is provided so as to be close to one inclined plate portion  211 , and the other mounting hole  215  is provided so as to be close to the other inclined plate portion  212 .  
         [0085]     Also, the joint connecting clip  1  shown in  FIG. 10  is provided with a pair of handling members  22  and  23  (refer to  FIG. 11 ). One handling element  22  includes a pressing plate portion  220 , which is detachably inserted in the mounting hole  214  in the joint connecting clip  1 , and a pinching plate portion  221 , which is bent into an S shape from the upper end of the pressing plate portion  220  and is inclined slantwise upward. The other handling members  23  also includes a pressing plate portion  230  and a pinching plate portion  231  in the same way.  
         [0086]     The paired handling members  22  and  23  having the above-described construction are used when the gripping portions  10  of the joint connecting clip  1  are opened. In order to open the gripping portions  10 , the pressing plate portions  220  and  230  of the handling members  22  and  23  are inserted into the corresponding mounting holes  214  and  215  substantially at right angles from above the top plate portion  210 . By doing this, the tip ends of the pressing plate portions  220  and  230  of the handling members  22  and  23  are brought into contact with the corresponding inclined plate portions  211  and  212 . Also, the pinching plate portions  221  and  231  of the handling members  22  and  23  are arranged in a state of being open in a V shape toward the outside. In this state, when the pinching plate portions  221  and  231  of the handling members  22  and  23  are pinched from upper both sides of the gripping portions  10  so as to be brought close to each other, the pressing plate portions  220  and  230  of the handling members  22  and  23  press the inclined plate portions  211  and  212  to the outside using the principle of the lever with the S-shaped portions  222  and  232  of the handling members  22  and  23  being the fulcrums, by which the gripping portions  10  are opened.  
         [0087]     A usage example of the joint connecting clip  1  constructed as described above, which is shown in  FIG. 10 , will be explained with reference to  FIG. 12 .  
         [0088]     A work procedure for fixing the male joint  50  and the female joint  60  to each other by using the joint connecting clip  1  shown in  FIG. 10  is as described below. As shown in  FIG. 12 (A), the paired handling members  22  and  23  are insertedly set in the mounting holes  214  and  215  in the joint connecting clip  1 . Then, the handling members  22  and  23  are pinched with one hand from upper both sides of the gripping portions  10  so as to be brought close to each other. Thereby, the gripping portions  10  are opened as shown in  FIG. 12 (A) with access of only one direction from the upside of the gripping portions  10 . In this state, as shown in  FIG. 12 (B), the open gripping portions  10  are set so as to cover the outer peripheral portions of the flange portions  52  and  62  of the male and female joints  50  and  60 , and the hand that pinches the handling members  22  and  23  is let go.  
         [0089]     By doing this, the gripping portions  10  are closed by the spring force of the plate spring material  21 , and the outer peripheral portions of the flange portions  52  and  62  engage with the engagement portions  12  and  13  of the gripping portions  10 . This engaging mode is the same as that for the joint connecting clip  1  shown in  FIG. 4 . When the lock screw  217  of the top plate portion  210  is tightened in this engaged state, the tip end of the lock screw  217  presses the bottoms of the concave portions  56 -B 2  and  64 -B 2  of the flange portions  52  and  62 , and the whole of the joint connecting clip  1  is pulled upward by the reaction. Thereby, the bridge  120  of the first engagement portion  12  is strongly brought into contact with the convex portions  56 -A 2  and  64 -A 2  of the flange portions  52  and  62  located above the bridge  120 , so that the connection fixing force of the male and female joints  50  and  60  due to the joint connecting clip  1  increases. Therefore, the joint connecting clip  1  is fixedly locked to the male and female joint  50  and  60  side, and the male and female joints  50  and  60  are firmly fixed via the joint connecting clip  1 .  
         [0090]     By the above-described procedure, the fixing of the male joint  50  and the female joint  60  using the joint connecting clip  1  shown in  FIG. 10  is completed. After the fixing has been completed, the paired handling members  22  and  23  are removed, and are stored at a predetermined place.  
         [0091]     In order to remove the joint connecting clip  1  shown in  FIG. 10  that fixes the male joint  50  and the female joint  60  to each other as described above, as in the case of the installation, the paired handling members  22  and  23  are insertedly set in the mounting holes  214  and  215  in the joint connecting clip  1 . Then, the paired handling members  22  and  23  have only to be pinched with one hand from upper both sides of the gripping portions  10  so as to be brought close to each other. By doing this, the gripping portions  10  are opened, and thereby the engagement portions  12  and  13  are removed from the flange portions  52  and  62 , so that the joint connecting clip  1  shown in  FIG. 10  can be removed easily.  
         [0092]     The joint connecting clip  1  shown in  FIG. 10  employs a construction in which paired mounting holes  214  and  215  are provided in the top plate portion  210 , and the paired handling members  22  and  23  are insertedly mounted in the mounting holes  214  and  215 . However, in place of this construction, as in the case of the joint connecting clip  1  shown in  FIG. 13 , a construction can be employed in which pockets  24  that are open upward and downward are integrally provided on the inclined plate portions  211  and  212  (refer to  FIG. 14 ), and the handling members  22  and  23  are insertedly mounted in the pockets  24 . In this case, the inside portions of the pockets  24  function as mounting holes for the handling members  22  and  23 . Also, the handling members  22  and  23  insertedly mounted in the pockets  24  have a flat plate construction that is not bent as shown in  FIG. 13 . By employing such a construction, the cost of the whole of the clip  1  can be reduced due to the saving of the bending fabrication cost.