Patent Publication Number: US-2009224536-A1

Title: Connector for Connecting Hoses

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to connectors used for connecting hoses or tubes that are made of synthetic resin, etc. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , in a known connector for connecting hoses, a nipple  111  as a tubular member is formed with a rotational head portion  111   a  for a spanner at the middle portion and is formed with an apparatus thread  111   b  for attaching an apparatus on the outer periphery on the left side of the rotational head portion  111   a . On the other hand, a bamboo shoot-like tubular member  112  is formed on the outer periphery on the right side of the rotational head portion  111   a , and the outer diameter of the bamboo shoot-like tubular member  112  is set to be able to be fitted into an inner diameter of a hose  100  so as to serves as a resisting member against removal. A hose band  105  that is well known tightens this connector. 
     Here, the construction of this connector is well known, and therefore, listing of documents is omitted because it does not need to do. 
     DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION 
     Problem to be Solved by the Invention 
     Tightening by the hose band  105  as described above does not uniformly tighten the outer periphery of the hose  100 , and therefore, this may lead to cause leakage. 
     For this reason, the outer diameter of the bamboo shoot-like tubular member  112  is set to be larger than the inner diameter of the hose  100 . Therefore, when the hose  100  is to be fitted to the bamboo shoot-like tubular member  102 , the fitting is possible because the hose  100  may expand in the direction of the outer diameter in the case that the hose  100  is a soft one, but the fitting is not possible when the hose  100  is made of hard material. In view of this, a method of softening the end portion of the hose  100  by hot water or the like and then fitting the hose  100  has been used, but this requires troublesome fitting and removing operations. 
     Therefore, the present invention provides a hose connector that can eliminate the above inconvenience. 
     Means for Solving the Problem 
     A connector for connecting a hose according to claim  1  of the present invention includes, a nipple, into which the hose can be inserted, and a cap nut engaging the nipple. With this connector, the cap nut, a tapered washer, a cap and an inner member constituting connector components are preset to an end portion of the hose, and the hose with the connector components set is inserted into the aforementioned nipple and is tightened through engagement between the nipple and the cap nut. In addition, with this connector, projections ( 5   b ) are formed on an outer periphery of the aforementioned cap ( 5 ), a groove ( 5   c ) is formed between the projections ( 5   b ), and additionally a protrusion ( 2   b ) that can engage with an inner periphery of the hose ( 100 ) is formed on the inner member ( 2 ) or a tubular member ( 21 ) in a position corresponding to the projections ( 5   b ) formed on the outer periphery of the cap ( 5 ). 
     With the connector having this construction, when the cap nut  10  is rotated after engagement with the nipple  1 , V-shaped deformation is resulted due to the projections  5   b  and the groove  5   c , and the projections  5   b  apply pressing forces from the outer peripheral side of the hose  110  in a direction toward the central axis to establish a compressed state, so that it is possible to prevent leakage. In addition, the protrusion ( 2   b ) that can engage with the inner periphery of the hose ( 100 ) is formed on the inner member ( 2 ) or a tubular member ( 21 ) in a position corresponding to the projections ( 5   b ) formed on the outer periphery of the cap ( 5 ), and therefore, due to extension of the protrusions ( 5   b ), the protrusion ( 2   b ) engages with the inner periphery of the hose for the purpose of preventing removal. 
     With the connector for connecting a hose according to claim  2 , the tubular member ( 21 ) extends on the right side of the nipple ( 1 ) so as to be able to be fitted with an inner diameter of the hose, and an insertion hole ( 60 ), into which the hose can be inserted, is formed in an outer peripheral side of the tubular member ( 21 ), so that the inner member is formed integrally with the nipple ( 1 ), and therefore, it is not necessary to set an inner member as an additional member, and the setting operation can be facilitated. 
     With the connector for connecting a hose according to claim  3 , an irregular portion  5   d  that can engage with an outer periphery of the hose  100  is formed on an inner periphery of the cap  5 A in a position corresponding to the projections  5   b  formed on the outer periphery of the cap  5 A, and therefore, the projections  5   b  may be brought into contact with the outer periphery of the compressed hose  100 , and additionally, the irregular portion  5   d  formed on the inner periphery to correspond to the projections  5   b  of the cap may engage with the outer periphery of the hose  100 , so that it is possible to further prevent the removal. 
     With the connector for connecting a hose according to claim  4 , a tapered portion  1   d  having a bore diameter narrowing in a left direction along a central axis is formed on the middle of the inner periphery of the nipple  1 , into which the hose  100  can be inserted, and therefore, a contact portion  5   a  of the cap  5  may closely contact with the tapered portion  1   d  formed within the nipple, and additionally, the inner diameter of the contact portion  5   a  of the cap may constrict to contact with the outer diameter of the inner member  2 , so that it is possible to prevent leakage. 
     With the connector for connecting a hose according to claim  5 , a flange portion  2   a  is formed on the left side of the inner member  2 , and a groove for an O-ring  12  is formed in the flange portion, and therefore, it is possible to prevent leakage by the O-ring  12 . 
     A connector for connecting a hose according to claim  6  utilizes a cap that incorporates at least one of forming an inclined portion  5   x  on an end portion of a cap  5 B formed with projections  55   b  and a recessed groove  55   c  between the projections  55   b  and forming slits  30 , which have a length to extend from an inlet into inside by a small distance, around the outer periphery of a right end portion of a cap  5 D. 
     A connector for connecting a hose according to claim  7  utilizes an inner member that is formed with a rectangular cross sectional groove  22   c  and protrusions  22   b.    
     ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION 
     With the connector for connecting a hose according to claim  1 , it is possible to conveniently connect the hose due to the projections  5   b  formed on the outer periphery of the cap  5  and the protrusion  2   b  formed on the inner member  2  or the tubular member  21 , and additionally, it is possible to prevent leakage and removal. 
     With the connector for connecting a hose according to claim  2 , because the inner member  2  is formed integrally with the nipple  1 , it is not necessary to set the inner member as an additional component, so that the setting operation can be facilitated. 
     With the connector for connecting a hose according to claim  3 , the irregular portion  5   d  formed on the cap  5  may engage with the hose  2 , and therefore, it is possible to prevent removal of the hose. 
     With the connector for connecting a hose according to claim  4 , a tapered portion is included and therefore it is possible to prevent leakage. 
     With the connector for connecting a hose according to claim  5 , it is possible to prevent leakage because the O-ring is mounted on the flange portion at the left end portion of the inner member  2 . 
     With the connector for connecting a hose according to claim  6 , by the formation of the inclined portion  5   x  at the end portion of the cap  5 B, and by the taper washer  7  and the nipple  1  having configurations conforming to the inclined portion  5   x , it is possible to prevent leakage with more closely contact condition. Alternatively, by forming the slits  30  to extend in a left direction from the right end portion of the cap  5 D, it is possible to easily tighten the outer periphery of the hose  100  and to improve the removal preventing performance. 
     With the connector for connecting a hose according to claim  7 , the inner  2 A is formed with the rectangular protrusions  22   b  and groove  22   c , and therefore, it is possible to effectively engaging the hose  100 . 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1(A)  is a front sectional view of a connector before assembling and (B) is a front sectional view of the connector after assembling. 
         FIG. 2  A view showing the components. 
         FIG. 3  A view showing a front sectional view of a connector for connecting a hose according to a second embodiment. 
         FIG. 4(A)  is a front sectional view of a nipple  1 A, (B) is a front sectional view of a cap  5 A, and (C) is a front sectional view after assembling. 
         FIG. 5  A front sectional view showing a connecting condition of a known connector. 
         FIGS. 6(A) , (B) and (C) show views of caps  5 B to  5 D, and (D) and (E) are views of inner members  2 A and  2 B. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF NUMERALS 
     
         
         
           
               1 ,  1 A nipple 
               1   a  rotational head portion 
               1   d  tapered portion 
               1   e  tapered portion 
               2 ,  2 A,  2 B inner member 
               2   a  flange portion 
               2   b ,  22   b  projection 
               2   c ,  22   c  groove 
               5 ,  5 A,  5 B,  5 C,  5 D cap 
               5   b ,  55   b  protrusion 
               5   c ,  55   c  groove 
               5   d  irregular portion 
               7  tapered washer 
               7   b  inclined portion 
               10  cap nut 
               11  O-ring 
               21  tubular member 
               60  insertion hole 
               100  hose 
           
         
       
    
     BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
     Hose connectors are taken as connectors of the present embodiments and will be described with reference to the drawings. 
     First Embodiment 
       FIG. 1(A)  is a front sectional view of a connector before assembling,  FIG. 1(B)  is a front sectional view of the connector after assembling, and  FIG. 2  is a view showing the components. 
     On the outer periphery of substantially the middle portion of a tubular nipple  1 , that is made of metal, etc., a rotational head portion  1   a  for a spanner is formed, and an apparatus screw  1   b  for attaching an apparatus is formed on the left side of the rotational head portion  1   a.    
     On the other hand, on the outer periphery on the right side of the rotational head portion  1   a , a nut thread  1   c  is formed for engaging with a cap nut  10  that is made of metal, hard resin, etc. 
     A method of attaching the apparatus to the left side of the nipple  1  may be that of a type using the apparatus thread  1   b  or binding by a band or the like and may be suitably adapted depending on the type of the apparatus. 
     Further, a tapered portion  1   d  is formed in the middle portion of the inner periphery of the nipple  1  and has a bore diameter narrowing in a left direction along the central axis of cap  5  (that will be explained later) is inserted. On the other hand, a tapered portion  1   e  is formed in the right end portion (inlet) of the nipple  1  and is inclined to have such a bore diameter that decreases in a left direction (a direction from the inlet toward the inner side) in order that projections  5   b  formed on the outer periphery of the cap  5 , which will be described later, can contact and press against it in the direction along the central axis. 
     An inner member  2  is a tubular member having a flange portion  2   a  on the outer periphery at its left end portion and is made of metal in order that it can bear with minimum deformation against the pressing force applied by the cap  5  in the direction of the inner diameter (toward the central axis), however, the inner member  2  may be made of material other than metal. 
     In addition, on the outer periphery on the right side of the inner member  2 , three raised protrusions  2   b  are formed in positions to correspond to the projections  5   b  and a recessed groove  5   c  formed on and in the aforementioned cap  5 , and recessed grooves (roots)  2   c  are formed between the protrusions  2   b . The number of the protrusions  2   b  and the number of the grooves  2   c  can be suitably chosen. 
     Further, the cap  5  is a tubular member formed by a resilient member made of rubber, etc., and a contact portion  5   a  is formed on the left end portion of the cap  5  and is formed with a small bore diameter at its opening, so that the contact portion  5   a  can contact with the flange portion  2   a  of the inner member  3  and can stop the hose  100  when the hose  100  has been inserted into the cap  5 . 
     Here, the inner diameter of the cap  5  is set such that a bore diameter enables the sliding movement relative to the outer diameter of the hose  100 . Further, two raised projections  5   b  are formed on the outer periphery of the right end portion of the cap  5 , and a recessed groove (root)  5   c  is formed between the projections  5   b . The number of the projections  5   b  and the number of the groove  5   c  can be suitably chosen. 
     Further, on the inner periphery of the cap  5 , a fine irregular portion  5   d  is formed in a position corresponding to the projections  5   b  and may engage with the hose  100  in order to prevent removal of the same. 
     A tapered washer  7  is a tubular member made of synthetic resin, metal, etc., and is manufactured to have such a bore diameter that enables the sliding movement relative to the outer periphery of the hose  100 . In addition, a stepped portion  7   a  is formed on the outer periphery of the right side of the tapered washer  7  and can contact with a pressing portion  10   b  formed on the cap nut  10  as will be explained later, whereas a stepped inclined portion  7   b  is formed on the left side of the inner periphery of the tapered washer  7  to have such a bore diameter that gradually decreases along the central axis in the right direction and can contact with the projections  5   b  of the cap  5  in order to press and break the same. 
     Further, a thread  10   a  is formed on the inner periphery of the cap nut  10  for engaging with the nut thread  1   c  formed on the nipple  1 , and the pressing portion  10   b  that can contact with the stepped portion  7   a  formed on the tapered washer  7  is formed on the right side of the thread  10   a.    
     A method of connecting the connecter, which is constructed as described above, to the hose will now be described. 
     First, the cap nut  10 , the tapered washer  7 , the cap  5  and the inner member  2  that are the connector components are inserted with the end portion of the hose  100 , and the hose  100  with the connector components inserted therewith is then inserted into the nipple  1 . 
     Then, the cap nut  10  that engages with the nut thread  1   c  formed on the nipple  1  is rotated, so that the cap nut  10  moves leftward by the thread action, and additionally, the tapered washer  7  is moved leftward by the pressing portion  10   b  of the cap nut  10  so as to press against the projections  5   b  of the cap  5 . At this stage, the projections  5   b  are gradually compressed from their outer peripheral sides so as to be deformed to configure a V-shape by the projections  5   b  and the groove  5   c.    
     Further, the tapered portion  1   e  is formed to be inclined such that the bore diameter decreases in the left direction (a direction from the inlet toward the inner side), and the inclined portion  7   b  on the left side of the inner periphery of the tapered washer  7  is formed to be inclined such that the bore diameter gradually decreases in the right direction along the central axis. Therefore, the tapered portion  1   e  on the right side of the nipple  1  and the inclined portion  7   b  of the tapered washer  7  may contact at their outer peripheral side with the inner peripheral region broadened, and therefore, a space having a substantially triangular cross section is defined at the outer periphery of the hose  100 . 
     Here, if the projections  5   b  are formed such that their volume is greater than the volume of the aforementioned space having the triangular cross section, the projections  5   b  may protrude from the space to extend in the direction along the central axis, because it is not possible to protrude in the direction of outer peripheral side; and therefore, the projections  5   b  may press against the outer periphery of the hose  100  and may be compressed so as to be brought to a close contact condition therewith, so that leakage can be prevented. 
     On the other hand, due to the pressing force in a direction toward the central axis of the hose  100 , the protrusions  2   b  formed on the inner member  2  may engage with the inner peripheral surface of the hose  100 , so that the removal of the hose  100  can be prevented. 
     Here, the inner member  2  is inserted into the inner diameter side of the hose  100  in order to prevent the hose  100  from being crushed by the pressing force that may act to cause constriction toward the side of the central axis of the hose  100 . 
     As described above, by rotating the cap nut  10 , the projections  5   b  and the groove  5   c  may be deformed to form a V-shape, therefore, the tightening torque may be reduced and it is possible to improve the workability. 
     In addition, as the cap nut  10  is tightened after engagement with the nipple  1 , the cap  5  may move in the left direction, resulting in that the contact portion  5   a  formed on the left end portion of the cap  5  closely contacts with the tapered portion  1   d  formed within the nipple  1 , so that it is possible to prevent leakage. 
     Further, in addition to the situation that the contact portion  5   a  closely contacts with the tapered portion  1   d , the inner diameter of the contact portion  5   a  decreases to closely contact with the outer diameter of the inner member  2 , and therefore, it is possible to prevent leakage. 
     As described above, by the construction including the nipple  1 , the inner member  2 , the cap  5 , the tapered washer  7  and the cap nut  10 , and by rotating the cap nut  5 , the hose  100  can be conveniently connected and it is possible to prevent removal of the hose and to prevent leakage. 
     Second Embodiment 
     The description will now be made with reference to  FIG. 3  that shows a front sectional view of a connector for connecting a hose according to this embodiment. The connector for connecting the hose according to this embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the internal construction of the nipple  1  and the construction of the inner member  2  but is the same as the first embodiment in the other components, and therefore, the same components are labeled with the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted. 
     The nipple  1  does not have the tapered portion  1   d  but is straight with a uniform bore diameter starting from the inlet. In addition, with regard to the inner member  2 , the flange portion  2   a  is formed to be thicker, a groove is formed in the flange portion  2   a , and an O-ring  12  is fitted into the groove. 
     According to this embodiment, the connection of the hose  100  can be made in substantially the same manner as the first embodiment, and thus, the projections  5   b  and the groove  5   c  formed on and in the cap  5  may be deformed to form a V-shape, the pressing force is applied from the outer peripheral side of the hose  100  in the direction toward the central axis to establish a compressed state so as to bring the outer periphery of the hose  100  and the projections  5   b  to a closely contact state with each other. On the other hand, the protrusions  2   b  may engage with the inner peripheral surface of the hose  100 , so that it is possible to prevent removal of the hose  100 . 
     In addition, due to the pressing force applied by the cap  5  from the left direction, the O-ring  12  formed on the flange portion  2   a  is brought to a compressed state and extends toward the inner peripheral surface of the nipple  1  to closely contact therewith, so that it is possible to prevent leakage. 
     Third Embodiment 
     This embodiment will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 4(A)  and (B).  FIG. 4(A)  is a front sectional view of a nipple  1 A,  FIG. 4(B)  is a front sectional view of a cap  5 A and  FIG. 4(C)  is a front sectional view in an assembled state. 
     The nipple  1 A corresponds to the nipple  1  and the inner member  2 A that are formed integrally with each other, and the components providing the same operations are labeled with the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted. 
     A tubular member  21  corresponding to the inner member  2  is disposed to extend on the right side of the nipple  1 A such that it can be fitted into the inner diameter of the hose  100 . In addition, on the outer peripheral side of the tubular member  21 , the tapered portion  1   d  is formed to have a bore diameter narrowing in the left direction along the central axis as the cap  5 A is inserted, and an insertion hole  60  into which the hose  100  can be inserted is formed. 
     In addition, on the aforementioned cap  5 A, the irregular portion  5   d  is formed on the inner periphery in a position corresponding to the projections  5   b  that are formed on the outer periphery. 
     A method of connecting the connector having the above construction to the hose will now be described with reference to  FIG. 4(C) , whereas the configuration after assembling is substantially the same as the first embodiment, and therefore, it is not necessary to manufacture the inner member  2  as an additional component, and it is not necessary to assemble the inner member as an independent component, so that it is possible to save the trouble. 
     The cap nut  10  and the tapered washer  7  shown in  FIG. 2 , and the cap  5 A are inserted in this order with the end portion of the hose  100 , and the end portion of the hose  100  is inserted into the insertion hole  60   a  formed on the right side of the nipple  1 A. Then, as the cap nut  10  is rotated, the pressing force applied by the tapered washer  7  causes V-shape deformation of the projections  5   b  and the groove  4   c  formed on the cap  5 A and to cause extension in a direction from the outer side of the hose  100  toward the central axis, so that the hose  100  is depressed in a direction toward the central axis, and additionally, the protrusions  2   b  formed on the tubular member  21  corresponding to the inner member  2  engage with the inner peripheral portion of the hose  100  to prevent removal of the hose  100 . In addition, due to the extension of the projections  5   b , the irregular portion  5   d  may engage with the outer periphery of the hose  100  to prevent removal of the hose  100 . 
     The connection of the hose according to this arrangement is made in substantially the same manner as the first embodiment, and therefore, the description will be omitted. 
     Next, a cap and an inner member having different construction from those described above are shown  FIG. 6 . 
     In  FIG. 6(A) , a cap  5 B is shown with a partial cross sectional view. Although this cap  5 B has a recessed groove  55   c  formed between projections  55   b , it is different from the cap  5  shown in  FIG. 2  in that it is characterized in the cross sectional configurations of a pair of the projections  55   b  formed on the outer periphery. 
     In addition, on the right end portion of the projection  55   b  on the side of the inlet, an inclined portion  5   x  oriented toward the center and toward the inner side is formed, so that the projection  55   b  has a substantially inverted trapezoidal configuration. Additionally, on the left side of another projection  55   b , an inclined portion  5   x  oriented toward the center and toward the inlet is formed. Thus, the inclined portions  5   x  are formed on opposite end portions of the cap  5 B or on the right-side projection  55   b  and on the left-side projection  55   b , and the inclined portions  5   x  are configured to be symmetrical with respect to a Y-axis (vertical line) passing through the center of the recessed groove  55   c.    
     In this way, by forming the inclined portions  5   x  on opposite sides of the cap  5 B and by providing the tapered washer  7  and the nipple  1  configured to conform to the inclined portions  5   x , it is possible to provide more close contact in order to prevent leakage. Here, the inclined portions  5   x  on one side may suffice. 
     Next,  FIG. 6(B)  shows a cap  5 C in a partial cross sectional view. The cap  5 C is characterized in the number of the projections  5   b  formed on the outer periphery of the cap  5  and is configured to have four projections  5   b . Also, the recessed grooves  5   c  are formed between the projections  5   b.    
     By forming multiple projections  5   b  and the grooves  5   c  on and in the cap  5 C, it is possible to further prevent leakage. The number of the projections  5   b  and the number of the grooves  5   c  may be suitably chosen depending on the purpose. 
       FIG. 6(C)  shows a cap  5 D in a partial cross sectional view and the right side view of the cap  5 D. 
     Similar to the cap  5  shown in  FIG. 2 , on the outer periphery of the cap  5 D, a pair of the projections  5   b  are formed and the recess  5   c  is formed therebetween. The cap  5 D is characterized in that slits  30  having a length to extend from the inlet into inside by a small distance are formed, in a group of eight, around the outer periphery of the right end portion. The number of the slits  30  to be formed can be selectively determined. 
     By forming the slits  30  in the left direction from the right end portion of the cap  5 D, the right end portion of the cap  5 D can easily constrict in the direction of the inner diameter when the right end portion of the cap  5 D has pressed the tapered washer  7  in the axial direction via the cap nut  10 . Therefore, it is possible to easily tighten the outer periphery of the hose  100 , and it is possible to improve the removal preventing performance. Here, the inclined portions  5   x  formed on the cap  5 B may be formed also on the cap  5 D. 
       FIG. 6(D)  is a view of an inner member  2 A with a partial cross section. This inner member  2 A is different in configuration from the protrusions  2   b  and the groove  2   c  formed in the inner member  2  shown in  FIG. 2 . Here, protrusions  22   b  and grooves  22   c  formed on and in the inner member  2 A have rectangular cross sections. 
     In this way, although the configurations of the protrusions  22   b  and the grooves  22   c  formed on and in the inner member  2 A may have various cross sectional configurations that may enable engagement with the hose  100 , the rectangular configurations of the protrusions  22   b  and the grooves  22   c  may be formed differently depending on the purpose of use. 
       FIG. 6(E)  is a view of an inner member  2 B with a partial cross section, and this inner member  2 B is different from the inner member  2  with protrusions  2   b  and grooves  2   c  shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     Although a plurality of protrusions  22   b  and grooves  22   c  are formed on the outer periphery of the inner member  2 B, O-rings  2 X are inserted into some of the grooves  22   c . Here, the grooves  22   c , into which the O-rings  2 X are inserted, are configured to be deeper. 
     In the state where the O-rings  2 X are inserted into the grooves  22   c , they do not protrude from the outer periphery of the inner member  2 B and are planer therewith. 
     With the inner member  2 B having the O-rings  2 X pre-mounted thereto in this way, it is possible to easily mount and it is possible to improve the leakage preventing performance. 
     The connectors constructed as described above are not limited to the constructions of the embodiments, but may be configured by suitably combining the configurations of the components of the embodiments, for example, by forming either or both of the inclined portions  5   x  and the slits  30  in or on the cap. In addition, the number of the protrusions and the grooves and their configurations may be suitable chosen depending on an object to be applied. 
     Further, although the hose has been described as being made of resin, it is possible to use various kinds of hoses (including tubes), such as a hollow hose made of synthetic resin and having a resin portion, about which a spring made of a wire or hard resin is wound, and a hose covered with a net, etc.