JP7236375B2 - Universal joint for long body cover - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to universal joints for elongate body covers.

For example, in air conditioning equipment used in buildings, factories, stores, etc., the air conditioning pipe (an example of a long body) connected over the indoor unit in each air conditioning room and the outdoor unit on the roof of the building is covered with a long body. The air conditioning piping is protected by covering with Usually, each long body cover is linear, and two adjacent long body covers are directly connected in a region where air conditioning pipes are arranged in a straight line, while two long body covers are connected directly in a region where air conditioning pipes are bent. Long body covers are connected via joints.

An example of a joint for a long body cover is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2017-211039 (Patent Document 1). The joints [universal joints 7 and 8] of Patent Document 1 can connect two long body covers [piping covers 3] to each other so that the angle can be changed. Such a universal joint is preferable because it can correspond to various bending angles of air-conditioning pipes by preparing a single type.

However, the universal joint of Patent Literature 1 is composed of a bellows-like cloth body, and is greatly different in both appearance and material from the long body cover. Therefore, when the two long covers are connected to each other via the universal joint, there is a drawback that the overall design lacks uniformity. In addition, since it is difficult to maintain the strength of the connecting portion and is vulnerable to external force, there is a possibility that the protection of the elongated body housed inside may be insufficient.

JP 2017-211039 A

It is desired to realize a universal joint capable of connecting two long body covers with a changeable angle while maintaining a desired strength without impairing the sense of unity as a whole.

A universal joint for a long body cover according to the present invention includes:
Two elongated covers comprising a pair of cover side plates facing each other in the width direction and a cover top plate having a stepped portion along the cover side plates and fixed to the pair of cover side plates as a whole A universal joint that connects so that the angle can be changed so as to form a curved shape ,
The pair of cover side plates includes an outer cover side plate arranged outside the bent portion after connecting the long body covers, and an inner cover side plate arranged inside the bent portion with respect to the outer cover side plate. , including
an outer side plate to which an outer connection end portion, which is a connection end portion of the outer cover side plate, is hinged;
an inner side plate to which an inner connection end portion, which is a connection end portion of the inner cover side plate , is slidably connected.

According to this configuration, the outer cover side plate hinged to the outer side plate can be pivoted with respect to the outer side plate to change the angle. Since the inner cover side plate integrally formed with the outer cover side plate is slidably connected to the inner cover side plate through the cover top plate, the inner cover side plate is slidably moved to swing the outer cover side plate. It can follow the movement. Thereby, the angle of the elongated cover including the outer cover side plate and the inner cover side plate can be changed with respect to the outer side plate and the inner side plate. As a result, the two long body covers connected via the long body cover universal joint can be properly connected according to the angle they form. In this case, the outer side plate and the inner side plate can have the same shape as the cover side plate of the elongated cover, so that the feeling of unity as a whole is not spoiled. Therefore, it is possible to realize a universal joint capable of connecting two long body covers with a changeable angle while maintaining a desired strength without impairing the sense of unity as a whole.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited by the preferred embodiments described below.

As one aspect,
the inner side plate has a long hole through which an inner connecting member for connecting the inner side plate and the inner connecting end portion of the inner cover side plate is inserted;
It is preferable that the inner connecting end portion is slidable with respect to the inner side plate as the inner connecting member slides in the elongated hole.

According to this configuration, the inner connecting end portion can be slid with respect to the inner side plate by sliding the inner connecting member within the elongated hole. As a result, the inner cover side plate, of which the inner connecting end portion is a part, can be slid relative to the inner side plate, and the inner cover side plate can follow the rocking movement of the outer cover side plate that accompanies the angle change. .

As one aspect,
the outer side plate has a hole through which an outer connecting member for hinge-connecting the outer side plate and the outer connecting end portion of the outer cover side plate is inserted;
It is preferable that the elongated hole is formed in an arc shape centering on the hole in a plan view.

According to this configuration, the outer cover side plate can be hinged to the outer side plate so as to be swingable about the hole. Since the elongated hole formed in the inner side plate has an arcuate shape centered on the hole in a plan view, the inner cover side plate connected to the inner side plate by the inner connecting member inserted through the elongated hole is positioned in the hole. It becomes easy to smoothly follow the outer cover side plate swinging about the part.

As one aspect,
The outer side plate includes an outer central plate portion extending in the vertical direction, an outer upper flange portion extending along the width direction from an upper portion of the outer central plate portion, and a lower portion of the outer central plate portion extending in the width direction. an outer lower flange portion extending along the
The inner side plate includes an inner central plate portion extending in the vertical direction, an inner upper flange portion extending along the width direction from an upper portion of the inner central plate portion, and a lower portion of the inner central plate portion extending in the width direction. an inner lower flange portion extending along the
the hole is formed in the outer lower flange,
It is preferable that the long hole is formed in the inner lower flange portion.

According to this configuration, by utilizing the outer lower flange portion extending along the width direction, it is possible to provide the hole extending through the outer lower flange portion in the thickness direction. Similarly, by utilizing the inner lower flange portion extending along the width direction, it is possible to provide a long hole penetrating the inner lower flange portion in the thickness direction. Thereby, it is possible to easily realize a configuration in which the long body cover is slid and rocked. In addition, since the hole and the long hole are formed in the lower flanges of the outer side plate and the inner side plate, respectively, when the long body cover is fixed on a frame, for example, the long body cover can be rocked and fixed. can be used in combination with the configuration of

As one aspect,
an outer divided top plate having a stepped portion along the outer side plate and an outer upper surface portion extending planarly from the stepped portion, and fixed to the outer side plate in a cantilevered state;
The inner side has a stepped portion along the inner side plate and an inner upper surface portion extending in a plane from the stepped portion, and is fixed to the inner side plate in a cantilevered state in a state in which the inner upper surface portion overlaps the outer upper surface portion. and a split top plate,
It is preferable that a reinforcing member that receives and supports the inner divided top plate and the outer divided top plate from below is bridged over the inner upper flange portion and the outer upper flange portion.

According to this configuration, the inner divided top plate and the outer divided top plate are fixed to the inner side plate or the outer side plate while the inner upper surface portion and the outer upper surface portion overlap each other. For example, the desired strength can be easily ensured, unlike the case where a cloth material is used to change the intersecting angle between two long body covers. Further, since the outer divided top plate and the inner divided top plate have a shape similar to that of the cover top plate of the long body cover, the uniformity as a whole is not spoiled. Therefore, it is possible to realize a universal joint capable of connecting two long body covers with a changeable angle while maintaining a desired strength without impairing the sense of unity as a whole.
Further, according to this configuration, the inner upper flange portion and the outer upper flange portion that extend along the width direction are used to provide a reinforcing member that receives and supports the inner divided top plate and the outer divided top plate from below. be able to. Thereby, for example, the strength of the inner divided top plate and the outer divided top plate against external force from above can be increased.

As one aspect,
The inner divided top plate is formed larger than the outer divided top plate,
It is preferable that an overlapping region where the outer divided top plate and the inner divided top plate overlap is formed closer to the outer side plate than the inner side plate.

When two long body covers are connected to each other with a predetermined crossing angle, the members are densely packed in the inner region of the connecting portion, which also serves as reinforcement. On the other hand, the outer area of the connecting portion may have large gaps between the members and may not have sufficient strength. Therefore, as in this configuration, the overlapping region where the outer divided top plate and the inner divided top plate overlap is formed on the outer side plate side rather than the inner side plate side. The intensity of the region can be increased. In particular, when a plurality of reinforcing members spanning the inner side plate and the outer side plate are arranged in the direction in which the two long body covers are arranged, the spacing between the plurality of reinforcing members becomes narrow in the inner region. In addition, since the outer region is widened, the merits of this configuration can be sufficiently enjoyed.

Further features and advantages of the technology according to the present disclosure will become clearer from the following description of exemplary and non-limiting embodiments described with reference to the drawings.

The schematic diagram which shows the usage condition of the universal joint which concerns on embodiment Exploded perspective view of long body cover Perspective view of universal joint Partial exploded perspective view of universal joint Perspective view showing the peripheral structure of the outer side plate Perspective view showing the peripheral structure of the inner side plate Explanatory drawing when changing the angle between two long body covers Explanatory drawing when changing the angle between two long body covers

An embodiment of a universal joint for elongate body covers will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the universal joint 1 used together with the long body cover 7 covering air conditioning pipes (an example of the long body 9) on the roof of buildings such as buildings, factories, and stores will be described as an example. The universal joint 1 is configured so that two long body covers 7 can be connected to each other so that the angle can be changed. More specifically, the universal joint 1 is configured such that two long body covers 7 can be connected to each other so that the plane angle can be changed. A "plane angle" is an angle formed in a horizontal plane.

As shown in FIG. 1, on the roof of the building, a pigeon hut 91 is installed to keep out the rain, and a plurality of outdoor units 92 are installed. The air conditioning pipe (long body 9) extending from the outdoor unit 92 is led from the pigeon coop 91 to the indoor side and connected to an indoor unit (not shown). On the roof of the building, the air conditioning pipe (long body 9) is covered and protected by a plurality of long body covers 7 and universal joints 1 installed along the installation path. Since the universal joint 1 connects the two long body covers 7 to be connected so that the angle can be changed, for example, unlike the case of using a joint with a fixed angle (30°, 45°, 60°, etc.), construction It is preferable to be able to respond flexibly according to the situation at the site.

The long body cover 7 and the universal joint 1 are fixed to a plurality of substantially inverted U-shaped mounts 8 installed at predetermined intervals. The elongated body cover 7 is also connected to a waterproof sleeve 95 provided on the pigeon coop 91 via a vertical corner joint 94 .

As shown in FIG. 2 , the elongated cover 7 to be connected by the universal joint 1 includes a pair of cover side plates 70 facing each other in the width direction W and a cover top plate fixed to the pair of cover side plates 70 . 75. The cover side plate 70 has a cover central plate portion 71 , a cover upper flange portion 72 and a cover lower flange portion 73 . The cover center plate portion 71 is formed to extend along the longitudinal direction L and arranged along the vertical direction H. As shown in FIG. The cover upper flange portion 72 extends inward in the width direction W from the upper portion of the cover central plate portion 71 . The cover lower flange portion 73 extends inward in the width direction W from the lower portion of the cover central plate portion 71 . Between the cover central plate portion 71 and the cover upper flange portion 72 and between the cover central plate portion 71 and the cover lower flange portion 73, respectively, inclined surface portions extending obliquely may be provided. shows such an example.

In the present embodiment, the longitudinal direction L is the direction along the arrangement path of the elongated body 9, and can be a different direction depending on the position of the arrangement path when the elongated body 9 is bent, for example. (See FIG. 3, etc.). Moreover, the width direction W is a direction perpendicular to the arrangement path of the elongated body 9 in the horizontal plane, and similarly, it can be a different direction depending on the position of the arrangement path. In addition, when referring to the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W in the description of each member described below, unless otherwise specified, the direction in which the member is arranged in the assembled state is intended. It is assumed that there is

Cover lower flange portions 73 of a pair of cover side plates 70 facing each other in the width direction W are connected to each other by a plurality of connecting members 74 arranged at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction L. As shown in FIG. A space surrounded by the pair of cover side plates 70 and the plurality of connecting members 74 serves as an installation space for the elongated body 9, and the elongated body 9 is supported from below by the plurality of connecting members 74. It is arranged along the longitudinal direction L.

The cover top plate 75 is detachably fixed to the pair of cover side plates 70 so as to cover the upper openings of the pair of cover side plates 70 . The cover top plate 75 has a cover upper surface portion 76 , a stepped portion 77 and an extended side portion 78 . The cover upper surface portion 76 is formed in a rectangular shape extending in the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W, and is arranged along the horizontal plane. The cover upper surface portion 76 may be formed in the shape of a flat plate, or may be formed with, for example, ribs for increasing strength and a plurality of small projections for anti-slipping.

The stepped portion 77 is formed as an inclined surface portion and is formed along the cover side plate 70 (along the longitudinal direction L). The stepped portions 77 are provided on both sides in the width direction W, and the cover top plate 75 has a pair of stepped portions 77 . The extending side portion 78 is formed along the cover side plate 70 (along the longitudinal direction L) in a state of extending outward in the width direction W from the stepped portion 77 . The extending side portion 78 is arranged along a horizontal plane, and is placed on the cover upper flange portion 72 when the cover top plate 75 is fixed to the pair of cover side plates 70 .

A reinforcing member 79 is also provided between the pair of cover side plates 70 and the cover top plate 75 so as to bridge the pair of cover side plates 70 . The reinforcing member 79 is placed on the cover upper flange portion 72 . The reinforcing member 79 is arranged in an offset space between the extended side portion 78 and the cover upper surface portion 76 due to the presence of the stepped portion 77, and receives the cover top plate 75 (specifically, the cover upper surface portion 76) from below. To support.

The cover side plates 70, the connecting members 74, the cover top plate 75, and the reinforcing members 79 that constitute the elongated cover 7 are made of steel. These can be made of, for example, plated steel sheets or stainless steel sheets. These materials having weather resistance are preferable because they can be used suitably for a long period of time even outdoors where they are exposed to rain and wind.

As shown in FIG. 3, the universal joint 1 is arranged between two long body covers 7 arranged in the longitudinal direction L, and connects these two long body covers 7 so that the angle can be changed. That is, each of the two long body covers 7 is linear, but the two long body covers 7 connected at a predetermined angle by the universal joint 1 form a curved shape as a whole. In this embodiment, of the pair of cover side plates 70 constituting one long body cover 7, the one that is arranged outside after connection is referred to as an outer cover side plate 70X, and among the pair of cover side plates 70 after connection, it is arranged inside. The inner cover side plate 70Y is defined as the inner cover side plate 70Y.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the universal joint 1 is fixed to the outer side plate 2 to which the outer cover side plate 70X is connected, the inner side plate 3 to which the inner cover side plate 70Y is connected, and the outer side plate 2 in a cantilevered state. and an inner divided top plate 5 fixed to the inner side plate 3 in a cantilever state. In this embodiment, the universal joint 1 further includes a reinforcing member 6 that receives and supports the outer divided top plate 4 and the inner divided top plate 5 from below.

The outer side plate 2 and the inner side plate 3 are arranged to face each other in the width direction W and are supported from below by a frame 8 . In this embodiment, the outer side plate 2 arranged on the outside and the inner side plate 3 arranged on the inside are configured so that the length in the longitudinal direction L (the direction perpendicular to the width direction W in plan view) is the same. (See FIG. 7, etc.). The configurations of the outer side plate 2 and the inner side plate 3 will be described below.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view that clearly shows the peripheral structure of the outer side plate 2, and elements that are not particularly necessary for explaining the peripheral structure of the outer side plate 2 are not shown. For example, in FIG. 5, the cover top plate 75, the outer divided top plate 4, and the inner divided top plate 5 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 are not shown, and the outer cover side plate 70X is indicated by phantom lines. In addition, in FIG. 6, the peripheral structure of the inner side plate 3 is well shown along with the same meaning as this.

As shown in FIG. 5, the outer side plate 2 has a hole portion 23h through which an outer connecting member 24 is inserted to hinge-connect the outer side plate 2 and an outer connecting end portion 70Xe, which is a connecting end portion of the outer cover side plate 70X. The outer connecting end portion 70Xe is hinge-connected to the outer side plate 2 . This allows the outer cover side plate 70X to swing with respect to the outer side plate 2 . In the present embodiment, holes 23h are provided on both sides of the outer side plate 2 in the longitudinal direction L, and the outer connecting ends 70Xe of the outer cover side plates 70X are hingedly connected. In this example, the outer connecting member 24 includes a bolt and a nut.

In this embodiment, the outer side plate 2 includes an outer central plate portion 21 extending in the vertical direction H, an outer upper flange portion 22 extending along the width direction W from the upper portion of the outer central plate portion 21, and an outer central plate portion. and an outer lower flange portion 23 extending along the width direction W from the lower portion of 21 . Between the outer central plate portion 21 and the outer upper flange portion 22 and between the outer central plate portion 21 and the outer lower flange portion 23, respectively, inclined surface portions extending obliquely may be provided. 6 illustrates such a configuration.

The outer central plate portion 21 is formed in a plate shape. The outer central plate portion 21 may be formed in a flat plate shape, or may be formed with, for example, ribs for increasing strength and a plurality of small projections for slip prevention. In the illustrated example, ribs extending in the longitudinal direction L are formed on the outer central plate portion 21 .

The outer upper flange portion 22 extends toward the inner side plate 3 side (inner side) in the width direction W. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, one end of the reinforcing member 6 is connected to the outer upper flange portion 22 .
The other end of the reinforcing member 6 is connected to the inner upper flange portion 32 of the inner side plate 3 , details of which will be described later. In the illustrated example, the outer upper flange portion 22 is formed in a triangular plate shape in plan view, and an insertion hole into which the first fastening member t1 is inserted is provided at the vertex of the triangular shape. . One end of the reinforcing member 6 is fastened to the outer upper flange portion 22 by a first fastening member t1. It is preferable that the first fastening member t1 includes, for example, bolts, nuts, washers, and the like.

The outer lower flange portion 23 extends toward the inner side plate 3 side (inner side) in the width direction W. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the outer lower flange portion 23 is formed in a long plate shape along the longitudinal direction L. As shown in FIG. The outer cover side plates 70X of the long body cover 7 are connected to both side portions of the outer lower flange portion 23 in the longitudinal direction L, respectively. In this embodiment, the hole 23h described above, that is, the hole 23h through which the outer connecting member 24 that hinge-connects the outer side plate 2 and the outer connecting end 70Xe is inserted is formed in the outer lower flange 23. . As shown in FIG. 5 , the hole portions 23 h are formed in a state of penetrating the outer lower flange portion 23 in the vertical direction H on both side portions in the longitudinal direction L of the outer lower flange portion 23 .

The hole portion 23h is formed to have a size equivalent to the diameter of the outer connecting member 24 (bolt) (more specifically, slightly larger than the diameter of the outer connecting member 24). It is configured. Similarly, the outer connecting end portion 70Xe of the outer cover side plate 70X is formed to have a size equivalent to the diameter of the outer connecting member 24 (bolt) (more specifically, slightly larger than the diameter of the outer connecting member 24). It has a round hole with no threads. As a result, the outer side plate 2 and the outer cover side plate 70X are hingedly connected to each other in a state where the outer connecting member 24 is inserted through both the hole portion 23h and the round hole of the outer connecting end portion 70Xe. be done.

At the time of assembly, the bolt (outer connecting member 24) is inserted through the round hole and the hole 23h of the outer connecting end portion 70Xe from above, and the bolt (outer connecting member 24) is further downwardly inserted into the upper surface of the mount 8. , and is projected from the back surface of the pedestal 8 . Then, the outer side plate 2 and the outer cover side plate 70X are fixed to the base 8 by screwing nuts (outer connecting members 24) onto bolts (outer connecting members 24) protruding from the rear surface of the base 8.

Next, the configuration of the inner side plate 3 will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, the inner side plate 3 has a long hole 33h through which an inner connecting member 34 is inserted to connect the inner side plate 3 and the inner connecting end portion 70Ye, which is the connecting end portion of the inner cover side plate 70Y. The inner connection end portion 70Ye is slidably connected to the inner side plate 3 . The inner connecting end portion 70Ye is slidable with respect to the inner side plate 3 as the inner connecting member 34 slides in the long hole 33h. As a result, the inner cover side plate 70Y can be slid with respect to the inner side plate 3. As shown in FIG. Here, the inner cover side plate 70Y and the outer cover side plate 70X are elements constituting one long body cover 7 and are in an integral relationship. According to the above configuration, since the inner cover side plate 70Y can be slid with respect to the inner side plate 3, the inner cover side plate 70Y can follow the rocking movement of the outer cover side plate 70X with respect to the outer side plate 2. In the present embodiment, long holes 33h are provided on both sides of the inner side plate 3 in the longitudinal direction L, and the inner connection end portions 70Ye of the inner cover side plates 70Y are slidably connected. In this example, the inner connecting member 34 includes a bolt and a nut.

In this embodiment, the inner side plate 3 includes an inner central plate portion 31 extending in the vertical direction H, an inner upper flange portion 32 extending along the width direction W from the upper portion of the inner central plate portion 31, and an inner central plate portion. and an inner lower flange portion 33 extending along the width direction W from the lower portion of 31 . Between the inner central plate portion 31 and the inner upper flange portion 32 and between the inner central plate portion 31 and the inner lower flange portion 33, respectively, inclined surface portions extending obliquely may be provided. 6 illustrates such a configuration.

The inner central plate portion 31 is formed in a plate shape. The inner central plate portion 31 may be formed in a flat plate shape, or may be formed with, for example, ribs for increasing strength and a plurality of small projections for slip prevention. In the illustrated example, the inner central plate portion 31 is formed with ribs extending in the longitudinal direction L (see also FIG. 5).

The inner upper flange portion 32 extends toward the outer side plate 2 side (outside) in the width direction W. As shown in FIG. Here, one end of the reinforcing member 6 is connected to the outer upper flange portion 22 of the outer side plate 2 as described above. In this embodiment, the other end of the reinforcing member 6 is connected to the inner upper flange portion 32 . In the illustrated example, the inner upper flange portion 32 has a rectangular shape in which the central portion in the longitudinal direction L protrudes most toward the outer side plate 2 side (outside) in plan view, and both sides adjacent to the central portion in the longitudinal direction L. The portion is formed in a plate-like shape that widens in the longitudinal direction L as it approaches the inner central plate portion 31 . An insertion hole into which the first fastening member t1 is inserted is provided in the rectangular central portion of the inner upper flange portion 32 . The other end of the reinforcing member 6 is fastened to the inner upper flange portion 32 by a first fastening member t1. This first fastening member t1 may be the same as that used to fasten one end of the reinforcing member 6 to the outer upper flange portion 22 as described above.

The inner lower flange portion 33 extends toward the outer side plate 2 side (outside) in the width direction W. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the inner lower flange portion 33 is formed in a long plate shape along the longitudinal direction L. As shown in FIG. In the illustrated example, the central portion of the inner lower flange portion 33 in the longitudinal direction L protrudes most toward the outer side plate 2 (outside), and both side portions adjacent to the central portion in the longitudinal direction L are the inner central plate. The skirt widens in the longitudinal direction L as it approaches the portion 31 . In other words, the inner lower flange portion 33 is formed in a plate shape that is generally trapezoidal in plan view. The inner cover side plates 70Y of the long body cover 7 are connected to both side portions of the inner lower flange portion 33 in the longitudinal direction L, respectively. In this embodiment, the long hole 33h, that is, the long hole 33h through which the inner connecting member 34 for connecting the inner side plate 3 and the inner connecting end 70Ye is inserted is formed in the inner lower flange portion 33. there is As shown in FIG. 6, the elongated holes 33h are formed in a state of penetrating the inner lower flange portion 33 in the vertical direction H at both side portions of the inner lower flange portion 33 in the longitudinal direction L. As shown in FIG.

As well shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, in this embodiment, the elongated hole 33h is formed in an arcuate shape around the hole 23h provided in the outer side plate 2 in plan view. The inner connecting end portion 70Ye of the inner cover side plate 70Y is formed to have a size equivalent to the diameter of the inner connecting member 34 (bolt) (more specifically, slightly larger than the diameter of the inner connecting member 34). It has a round hole with no threads. Then, with the inner connecting member 34 inserted through both the long hole 33h and the round hole of the inner connecting end portion 70Ye, the inner connecting member 34 is slid to draw an arc around the hole 23h of the outer side plate 2. By doing so, when the outer cover side plate 70X swings about the hole 23h (outer connecting member 24) of the outer side plate 2, the inner cover side plate 70Y can follow the swinging motion of the outer cover side plate 70X. .

At the time of assembly, the bolt (inner connecting member 34) is inserted through the round hole and the long hole 33h of the inner connecting end portion 70Ye from above, and further below that, the bolt (inner connecting member 34) is attached to the upper surface of the mount 8. , and is projected from the back surface of the pedestal 8 . The inner side plate 3 and the inner cover side plate 70Y are fixed to the pedestal 8 by screwing a nut (inner connecting member 34) onto a bolt (inner connecting member 34) protruding from the rear surface of the pedestal 8.

In this embodiment, the long body cover includes a swing mechanism X for swinging the outer cover side plate 70X with respect to the outer side plate 2 and a slide mechanism Y for sliding the inner cover side plate 70Y with respect to the inner side plate 3. An angle adjustment mechanism Z for adjusting the connection angle of 7 is configured. In this example, the rocking mechanism X includes a hole portion 23h provided in the outer side plate 2 and an outer connecting member 24 inserted through the hole portion 23h. The slide mechanism Y includes an elongated hole 33h provided in the inner side plate 3 and an inner connecting member 34 inserted through the elongated hole 33h.

In the present embodiment, the universal joint 1 includes a pair of angle adjustment mechanisms Z each including a swing mechanism X and a slide mechanism Y, which are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction L. As shown in FIG. That is, the swinging mechanism X and the sliding mechanism Y arranged on the same side of the universal joint 1 in the longitudinal direction L constitute (at least part of) one angle adjusting mechanism Z. As shown in FIG. With such a configuration, the universal joint 1 according to this embodiment has a connection angle of the long cover 7 connected on one side in the longitudinal direction L and a connection angle of the long cover 7 connected on the other side in the longitudinal direction L. The connection angle and both angles are freely changeable.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a scale portion 33a displayed along the elongated hole 33h is provided around the elongated hole 33h. In the illustrated example, the scale portion 33a is provided around the long hole 33h on the upper surface of the inner lower flange portion 33. As shown in FIG. This makes it easier to visually recognize the connection angle of the long body cover 7 with respect to the universal joint 1 . In particular, like the universal joint 1 according to this embodiment, the angle adjustment mechanisms Z are provided on both sides in the longitudinal direction L, and the connection angles of the pair of long body covers 7 connected on both sides in the longitudinal direction L can be adjusted. In the case of such a configuration, adjusting the angle while visually recognizing the scale portion 33a makes it easier to match the connection angles of the pair of long body covers 7 to each other.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in this embodiment, the reinforcing member 6 receives and supports the inner divided top plate 5 and the outer divided top plate 4 (see FIG. 4) from below. It spans across. In the illustrated example, the reinforcing member 6 spans the inner upper flange portion 32 and the outer upper flange portion 22 . As described above, one end of the reinforcing member 6 is fastened to the outer upper flange portion 22 by the first fastening member t1, and the other end of the reinforcing member 6 is fastened to the inner upper flange portion 32 by the first fastening member t1. It is

In this embodiment, in addition to the reinforcing member 6, a movable reinforcing member 61 is provided for receiving and supporting the inner divided top plate 5 and the outer divided top plate 4 from below. The movable reinforcing member 61 is formed between the connection-side end of the outer cover side plate 70X (the end on the universal joint 1 side in the longitudinal direction L) and the connection-side end of the inner cover side plate 70Y (the end of the universal joint 1 in the longitudinal direction L). side end). Therefore, the movable reinforcing member 61 changes its posture as the outer cover side plate 70X swings and the inner cover side plate 70Y slides. In other words, the movable reinforcing member 61 is configured to swing around the end connected to the outer cover side plate 70X as the angle of the elongated cover 7 is changed. The end of the movable reinforcing member 61 connected to the inner cover side plate 70Y moves toward or away from the end of the reinforcing member 6 connected to the inner side plate 3 (inner upper flange portion 32). In this embodiment, such movable reinforcing members 61 are arranged on both sides of the reinforcing member 6 in the longitudinal direction L, respectively. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the smaller the angle formed by the two long body covers 7, the narrower the space between the reinforcing member 6 and the two movable reinforcing members 61 in the inner region, so that they are densely packed. will do. In comparison, in the outer region the spacing between the stiffener 6 and the two movable stiffeners 61 is increased.

As shown in FIG. 4, the outer divided top plate 4 and the inner divided top plate 5 are fixed while being placed on the reinforcing member 6 (in this example, two movable reinforcing members 61 in addition to this). .

As described above, the outer divided top plate 4 is fixed to the outer side plate 2 in a cantilevered state. As shown in FIG. 4 , the outer divided top plate 4 has a stepped portion 42 along the outer side plate 2 and an outer upper surface portion 41 extending planarly from the stepped portion 42 . The outer upper surface portion 41 extends toward the inner side plate 3 side (inner side) in the width direction W. As shown in FIG. The outer upper surface portion 41 may be formed in the shape of a flat plate, or may be formed with, for example, ribs for increasing strength and a plurality of small projections for slip prevention. In this embodiment, the outer upper surface portion 41 is formed with a through hole 41h penetrating in the vertical direction H. As shown in FIG. The outer divided top plate 4 is fastened to the reinforcing member 6 by a second fastening member t2 (for example, a screw or screw) that is inserted through the through hole 41h and an insertion hole formed in the upper surface of the reinforcing member 6 . In the illustrated example, such through holes 41 h are formed in both the outer region and the inner region in the width direction W of the outer upper surface portion 41 .

As shown in FIG. 4 , the inner divided top plate 5 has a stepped portion 52 along the inner side plate 3 and an inner upper surface portion 51 extending planarly from the stepped portion 52 . The inner upper surface portion 51 extends toward the outer side plate 2 side (outer side) in the width direction W. As shown in FIG. The inner upper surface portion 51 may be formed in the shape of a flat plate, or may be formed with, for example, ribs for increasing strength and a plurality of small projections for anti-slipping. The inner divided top plate 5 is fixed to the inner side plate 3 in a cantilevered state with the inner upper surface portion 51 overlapping the outer upper surface portion 41 of the outer divided top plate 4 . In this embodiment, the inner upper surface portion 51 is formed with a through hole 51h penetrating in the vertical direction H. As shown in FIG. The inner divided top plate 5 is fastened to the reinforcing member 6 by a second fastening member t2 (for example, a screw or screw) that is inserted through the through hole 51h and an insertion hole formed in the upper surface of the reinforcing member 6. As shown in FIG. In the illustrated example, such through holes 41h are formed in the central area, the inner area, and the outer area in the width direction W of the inner upper surface portion 51 . The through holes 51h formed in the central area and the outer area in the width direction W of the inner upper surface portion 51 are arranged so as to overlap the through holes 41h formed in the outer upper surface portion 41 of the outer side plate 2 in plan view. be done. In each of the central region and the outer region in the width direction W of the inner upper surface portion 51, the second fastening members t2 are formed in the through holes 51h formed in the inner upper surface portion 51 and in the outer upper surface portion 41. 41 h of through-holes and the through-hole formed in the reinforcement member 6 are inserted. As a result, the inner divided top plate 5, the outer divided top plate 4, and the reinforcing member 6 are fixed.

As shown in FIG. 4 , in this embodiment, the inner divided top plate 5 is formed larger than the outer divided top plate 4 . In the illustrated example, the length in the width direction W of the inner divided top plate 5 is longer than the length in the width direction W of the outer divided top plate 4. More specifically, the width direction W of the outer divided top plate 4 is about twice the length of . In this example, the length of the inner divided top plate 5 in the longitudinal direction L and the length of the outer divided top plate 4 in the longitudinal direction L are substantially the same.

In this embodiment, an overlapping region A where the outer divided top plate 4 and the inner divided top plate 5 overlap is formed closer to the outer side plate 2 than the inner side plate 3 is. When two long body covers 7 are connected to each other with a predetermined crossing angle, the members are densely packed in the inner region of the connecting portion to increase the strength. It is difficult to ensure sufficient strength due to widening of the gap between the members. Particularly in this example, as described above, the smaller the angle formed by the two long body covers 7, the narrower the space between the reinforcing member 6 and the two movable reinforcing members 61 in the inner region, so that they are densely packed. become. In comparison, in the outer region the spacing between the stiffener 6 and the two movable stiffeners 61 is increased. However, as in the above configuration, the overlapping region A where the outer divided top plate 4 and the inner divided top plate 5 overlap is formed closer to the outer side plate 2 than the inner side plate 3, so that the outer region of the connecting portion can improve the strength of As a result, it is possible to ensure the strength of the universal joint 1 as a whole in a well-balanced manner.

As described above, the universal joint 1 includes the outer side plate 2, the inner side plate 3, the outer divided top plate 4, and the inner divided top plate 5 as constituent elements. These components are made of steel plate, and can be made of plated steel plate or stainless steel plate, for example. These materials having weather resistance are preferable because they can be used suitably for a long period of time even outdoors where they are exposed to rain and wind. Moreover, since it is excellent in strength, it is strong against external force and can sufficiently protect the elongated body 9 accommodated therein.

Furthermore, if the universal joint 1 and the long body cover 7 are made of the same material, and if they are both made of steel plate, weather resistance and strength can be improved, and the sense of unity as a whole can be enhanced to improve the design. It is more preferable because it is possible to

The connection of the two long body covers 7 using the universal joint 1 of this embodiment can be performed by the following construction procedure.

First, the cover side plate 70 (the outer cover side plate 70X and the inner cover side plate 70Y) is temporarily fixed to the mount 8. As shown in FIG. Then, the outer side plate 2 is inserted between the outer cover side plate 70X and the frame 8 in the vertical direction H, and the outer side plate 2 and the outer cover side plate 70X are temporarily fixed. At this time, the outer connecting member 24 is inserted through the hole 23h provided in the outer side plate 2 and the hole provided in the outer connection end portion 70Xe of the outer cover side plate 70X, and temporarily fixed in a loosely tightened state. Also, the inner side plate 3 is inserted between the inner cover side plate 70Y and the frame 8 in the vertical direction H, and the inner side plate 3 and the inner cover side plate 70Y are temporarily fixed. At that time, the inner connecting member 34 is inserted through the long hole 33h provided in the inner side plate 3 and the hole provided in the inner connecting end portion 70Ye of the inner cover side plate 70Y, and temporarily fixed in a loosely tightened state.

Next, the angles of the outer cover side plate 70X and the inner cover side plate 70Y with respect to the universal joint 1 are adjusted by the angle adjustment mechanism Z. Specifically, the swinging mechanism X swings the outer cover side plate 70X with respect to the outer side plate 2 at a desired angle, and the sliding mechanism Y slides the inner cover side plate 70Y with respect to the inner side plate 3. It is made to follow the swing of 70X. At this time, it is preferable to adjust the angle while checking the scale portion 33a provided on the inner side plate 3, since it is easy to adjust to the desired angle. When the angle adjustment is completed, the outer connecting member 24 is fully tightened to fully fix the outer cover side plate 70X to the outer side plate 2, and the inner connecting member 34 is fully tightened to attach the inner cover side plate to the inner side plate 3. 70Y is permanently fixed.

Next, the reinforcing member 6 is attached to the outer side plate 2 and the inner side plate 3, and the movable reinforcing member 61 is attached to the outer cover side plate 70X and the inner cover side plate 70Y.

After that, the outer divided top plate 4 is placed from above the reinforcing member 6 (and the movable reinforcing member 61), and the inner divided top plate 5 is further placed thereon to form the overlapping region A. After placing the outer divided top plate 4 and the inner divided top plate 5 on the reinforcing member 6 (and the movable reinforcing member 61), the inner divided top plate 5 and the outer divided top plate 4 are attached using the second fastening member t2. and the reinforcing material 6 are fixed.

According to the construction procedure described above, the two long body covers 7 can be connected by the universal joint 1 .

[Other embodiments]
Next, another embodiment of the universal joint 1 will be described.

(1) In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the long hole 33h provided in the inner side plate 3 is formed in an arc shape centering on the hole 23h provided in the outer side plate 2 in plan view has been described as an example. .
However, without being limited to such a configuration, the long hole 33h may be formed along at least the direction in which the inner connecting end portion 70Ye of the inner cover side plate 70Y slides as the angle is adjusted. For example, the elongated hole 33h may be formed in a straight line, or may be formed in a broken line.

(2) In the above embodiment, the hole 23h through which the outer connecting member 24 that hinge-connects the outer side plate 2 and the outer cover side plate 70X is inserted is formed in the outer lower flange 23 as an example. However, without being limited to this, the hole portion 23h may be formed in the outer upper flange portion 22, for example. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the inner lower flange portion 33 is formed with the long hole 33h through which the inner connecting member 34 that slides and connects the inner side plate 3 and the inner cover side plate 70Y is explained as an example. 33 h of long holes may be formed in the inner upper flange part 32, for example, without being limited to this.

(3) In the above embodiment, the universal joint 1 is provided with the reinforcing member 6 for receiving and supporting the outer divided top plate 4 and the inner divided top plate 5 from below. is not a required component. Similarly, the movable reinforcing member 61 is also not an essential component.

(4) In the above embodiment, the inner divided top plate 5 is formed to be larger than the outer divided top plate 4, as an example. However, without being limited to such a configuration, the outer divided top plate 4 may be formed larger than the inner divided top plate 5, and the inner divided top plate 5 and the outer divided top plate 4 may They may be formed to have the same size.

(5) In the above-described embodiment, the universal joint 1 is provided with a pair of angle adjustment mechanisms Z each including the swing mechanism X and the slide mechanism Y, which are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction L. explained as. However, the universal joint 1 may be provided with the angle adjustment mechanism Z only on one side in the longitudinal direction L without being limited to such a configuration. That is, the other side of the universal joint 1 in the longitudinal direction L may be configured to be connected to the long body cover 7 in an angle-unadjustable manner.

(6) It should be noted that the configurations disclosed in the respective embodiments described above can also be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as there is no contradiction. Regarding other configurations, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely examples in all respects. Therefore, various modifications can be made as appropriate without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The technology according to the present disclosure can be used for universal joints for long body covers.

Reference Signs List 1: universal joint 2: outer side plate 21: outer central plate portion 22: outer upper flange portion 23: outer lower flange portion 23h: hole portion 24: outer connecting member 3: inner side plate 31: inner central plate portion 32: inner upper flange Portion 33 : Inner lower flange portion 33h : Long hole 34 : Inner connecting member 4 : Outer divided top plate 41 : Outer upper surface portion 42 : Stepped portion 5 : Inner divided top plate 51 : Inner upper surface portion 52 : Stepped portion 6 : Reinforcing material 7: Elongated cover 70: Cover side plate 70X: Outer cover side plate 70Xe: Outer connection end 70Y: Inner cover side plate 70Ye: Inner connection end A: Overlapping region H: Vertical direction L: Longitudinal direction W: Width direction

Claims (4)

Two elongated covers comprising a pair of cover side plates facing each other in the width direction and a cover top plate having a stepped portion along the cover side plates and fixed to the pair of cover side plates as a whole A universal joint that connects so that the angle can be changed so as to form a curved shape,
The pair of cover side plates includes an outer cover side plate arranged outside the bent portion after connecting the long body covers, and an inner cover side plate arranged inside the bent portion with respect to the outer cover side plate. , including
an outer side plate to which an outer connection end portion, which is a connection end portion of the outer cover side plate, is hinged;
A universal joint for a long body cover, comprising: an inner side plate to which an inner connection end, which is a connection end of the inner cover side plate, is slidably connected. the inner side plate has a long hole through which an inner connecting member for connecting the inner side plate and the inner connecting end portion of the inner cover side plate is inserted;
2. A universal joint for a long body cover according to claim 1, wherein said inner connecting end portion is slidable with respect to said inner side plate as said inner connecting member slides in said elongated hole. the outer side plate has a hole through which an outer connecting member for hinge-connecting the outer side plate and the outer connecting end portion of the outer cover side plate is inserted;
3. The universal joint for a long body cover according to claim 2, wherein the elongated hole is formed in an arcuate shape centered on the hole in a plan view. The outer side plate includes an outer central plate portion extending in the vertical direction, an outer upper flange portion extending along the width direction from an upper portion of the outer central plate portion, and a lower portion of the outer central plate portion extending in the width direction. an outer lower flange portion extending along the
The inner side plate includes an inner central plate portion extending in the vertical direction, an inner upper flange portion extending along the width direction from an upper portion of the inner central plate portion, and a lower portion of the inner central plate portion extending in the width direction. an inner lower flange portion extending along the
the hole is formed in the outer lower flange,
4. The universal joint for a long body cover according to claim 3, wherein the long hole is formed in the inner lower flange portion.

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