Sealing material for flexible pipe and joint for flexible pipe

Abstract

To enable reduction of effort required to confirm whether or not a flexible pipe has been properly connected.SOLUTION: Sealing material 22 for flexible pipe comprises a seal acting part 160, a cylindrical body part 162, and a penetration preventing part 164. The seal acting part 160 engages with a valley part 312 of a flexible pipe 300 as the seal acting part is stored together with the flexible pipe 300. As a result, the seal acting part 160 seals a gap between outer peripheral surfaces 310 and 312 of the flexible pipe 300 and a portion in which the flexible pipe 300 is stored. The cylindrical body part 162 is directly or indirectly connected to the seal acting part 160. The body part 162 has an inner diameter that allows insertion of the flexible pipe 300. The penetration preventing part 164 is directly or indirectly connected to the body portion 162. The penetration preventing part 164 prevents the flexible pipe 300 from passing through the body part 162. A groove 180 is provided in an outer perimeter of the body part 162.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a flexible pipe seal and a flexible pipe joint. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a flexible pipe joint. This flexible pipe joint includes a joint body having an insertion port, a seal, and a press ring. The seal is elastically deformable. The seal is housed within the joint body. The press ring is inserted into the joint body through the insertion port. A flexible pipe is inserted into the joint body from the insertion port. The flexible pipe passes through the press ring. The outer periphery of the flexible pipe has circumferentially extending peaks and valleys arranged alternately in the axial direction. A coating layer is provided on the outer periphery of the flexible pipe. The tip of the flexible pipe is exposed. A pipe insertion hole is formed in the center of the seal. The flexible pipe is inserted into the pipe insertion hole. The seal seals between the outer periphery of the flexible pipe and the inner periphery of the joint body within the joint body. The flexible pipe joint disclosed in Patent Document 1 can, to some extent, prevent flexible pipes with deformed cross-sectional shapes at the tip from being connected. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-175071 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The flexible pipe joint disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that it requires considerable effort to check whether the flexible pipe is properly connected.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve this problem, and its object is to provide a flexible pipe sealant and a flexible pipe joint that can reduce the effort required to check whether a flexible pipe is properly connected. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The flexible pipe sealing material and flexible pipe joint of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The use of the reference numerals in the drawings in this section is for the purpose of aiding understanding of the invention. The use of the reference numerals in the drawings in this section is not intended to limit the invention to the scope shown in the drawings.

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned object, according to one aspect of the present invention, a flexible pipe sealant (22) includes a sealing portion (160), a cylindrical body portion (162), and a penetration prevention portion (164). The sealing portion (160) engages with a valley portion (312) of the flexible pipe (300) when the flexible pipe (300) is housed therein. The flexible pipe (300) has peaks (310) and valleys (312) extending circumferentially all around the circumference, alternately arranged in the direction of the pipe axis (320). When the sealing portion (160) engages with the valley portion (312) of the flexible pipe (300), the sealing portion (160) seals between the outer circumferential surfaces (310, 312) of the flexible pipe (300) and the location where the flexible pipe (300) is housed. The cylindrical body portion (162) is directly or indirectly connected to the sealing portion (160). The body portion (162) has an inner diameter that allows the flexible pipe (300) to enter. The penetration prevention portion 164 is connected directly or indirectly to the body portion 162. The penetration prevention portion 164 prevents the flexible pipe 300 from penetrating through the body portion 162. The body portion 162 has steps 180, 184 on the outer periphery thereof in the circumferential direction.

[0008] The sealing portion 160 engages with the valley portion 312 of the flexible pipe 300, thereby creating a seal between the location where the flexible pipe 300 is accommodated and the outer circumferential surfaces 310, 312 of the flexible pipe 300. However, suppose that a problem occurs and the sealing portion 160 is not fully accommodated in the location where the flexible pipe 300 is accommodated. In this case, the sealing portion 160 provides an insufficient seal at the location where the flexible pipe 300 is accommodated. The circumferential steps 180, 184 provided on the outer periphery of the body portion 162 further weaken the seal. Because the seal is further weakened, if a fluid is passed between the location where the flexible pipe 300 is accommodated and the flexible pipe 300, the fluid will leak from the gap between the location where the flexible pipe 300 is accommodated and the flexible pipe 300. This fluid leakage makes it easy to determine whether the flexible pipe 300 is properly connected. As a result, a flexible pipe sealant 22 is provided that reduces the effort required to check whether the flexible pipe 300 is properly connected.

[0009] It is also preferable that the above-mentioned step be provided by a groove 180 extending in a direction along the central axis 252 of the body portion 162 on the outer periphery of the body portion 162 .

[0010] The step is provided by a groove 180 extending in a direction along the central axis 252 of the barrel 162 on the outer periphery of the barrel 162. In this case, if any part of the groove 180 is not accommodated due to insufficient accommodation of the sealing portion 160 in the location where the flexible pipe 300 is accommodated, it becomes difficult to prevent the leakage of the above-mentioned fluid through the groove 180. As a result, a flexible pipe sealing material 22 is provided that can reduce the effort required to check whether the flexible pipe 300 is properly connected.

[0011] It is also desirable that the end 182 of the groove 180 be located at a location of the body 162 that contacts the sealing portion 160 .

[0012] When the end 182 of the groove 180 is positioned at a location of the body 162 that contacts the sealing portion 160, if the sealing portion 160 is not fully accommodated in the location where the flexible pipe 300 is accommodated, it becomes difficult to prevent the above-mentioned fluid from leaking through the groove 180. As a result, a flexible pipe sealing material 22 is provided that can reduce the effort required to check whether the flexible pipe 300 is properly connected.

[0013] It is also desirable that the above-mentioned step be provided by at least one protrusion 184 disposed at any point on the outer periphery of the body 162 from one end to the other.

[0014] If at least one protrusion 184 is disposed at any point from one end to the other end of the outer periphery of the barrel 162, creating a step in the circumferential direction of the barrel 162, each region of the outer periphery of the barrel 162 tends to move away from the location where the flexible pipe 300 is housed as it approaches the protrusion 184. This makes it difficult to prevent the above-mentioned fluid from leaking from the gap between the location where the flexible pipe 300 is housed and the flexible pipe 300. As a result, a flexible pipe sealant 22 is provided that can reduce the effort required to check whether the flexible pipe 300 is properly connected.

[0015] Alternatively, it is desirable that the above-described protrusion 184 be disposed at a location on the outer periphery of the body portion 162 that contacts the sealing portion 160 .

[0016] When the protrusion 184 is disposed at a location on the outer periphery of the body 162 that contacts the sealing portion 160, if the sealing portion 160 is not fully accommodated in the location where the flexible pipe 300 is accommodated, the gap that occurs around the protrusion 184 cannot be closed. If the gap that occurs around the protrusion 184 cannot be closed, it will be impossible to prevent the leakage of the above-mentioned fluid from the gap between the location where the flexible pipe 300 is accommodated and the flexible pipe 300. As a result, a flexible pipe sealing material 22 is provided that can reduce the effort required to check whether the flexible pipe 300 is sufficiently and properly connected.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present invention, a flexible pipe coupling 10 includes a coupling body 20 and a flexible pipe sealant 22. The flexible pipe sealant 22 seals between the coupling body 20 and the outer peripheral surfaces 310, 312 of the flexible pipe 300 when the flexible pipe 300 enters the coupling body 20. The coupling body 20 has an inlet 54 for the flexible pipe 300 and an inlet passage 56 for the flexible pipe 300. The inlet passage 56 communicates with the outside of the coupling body 20 via the inlet 54. The flexible pipe 300 has peaks 310 and valleys 312 extending circumferentially all around the circumference, alternately arranged in the direction of the pipe axis 320. The inlet passage 56 has a sealant standby section 74 and a sealant accommodating section 78. The sealant standby section 74 communicates with the inlet 54. At least a portion of the flexible pipe sealant 22 is pre-positioned in the sealant standby section 74. The sealant storage section 78 communicates with the sealant standby section 74. The sealant storage section 78 is positioned further back than the sealant standby section 74 when viewed from the inlet 54. The sealant storage section 78 has a smaller inner diameter than the sealant standby section 74. The flexible pipe sealant 22 includes a seal action section 160, a cylindrical body section 162, and a penetration prevention section 164. The seal action section 160 engages with a valley section 312 of the flexible pipe 300 as it is drawn from the sealant standby section 74 into the sealant storage section 78. This creates a seal between the outer peripheral surfaces 310, 312 of the flexible pipe 300 and the sealant storage section 78 via the seal action section 160. The cylindrical body section 162 is positioned further back within the fitting body 20 than the seal action section 160 when viewed from the inlet 54. The cylindrical body section 162 is connected directly or indirectly to the seal action section 160. The trunk portion 162 has an inner diameter large enough to allow the flexible pipe 300 to enter. The penetration prevention portion 164 is positioned deeper inside the joint body 20 than the trunk portion 162 when viewed from the entrance 54. The penetration prevention portion 164 is connected directly or indirectly to the trunk portion 162. The penetration prevention portion 164 prevents the flexible pipe 300 from penetrating through the trunk portion 162. Circumferential steps 180, 184 are provided on the outer periphery of the trunk portion 162.

[0018] When the flexible pipe 300 enters the body portion 162 of the flexible pipe sealant 22 through the entry port 54 and the penetration prevention portion 164 prevents penetration of the body portion 162, the flexible pipe sealant 22 advances deeper into the entry path 56 as the flexible pipe 300 advances. As the flexible pipe sealant 22 advances deeper into the entry path 56, the sealing portion 160 is drawn from the sealant standby portion 74 into the sealant accommodating portion 78. As the sealing portion 160 is drawn into the sealant accommodating portion 78, it engages with the valley portion 312 of the flexible pipe 300. This allows the sealing portion 160 to seal between the outer circumferential surfaces 310, 312 of the flexible pipe 300 and the sealant accommodating portion 78. However, suppose that a problem occurs and the sealing portion 160 is not drawn sufficiently into the sealant accommodating portion 78. In this case, the sealing portion 160 will not adequately seal the inner circumferential surface of the fitting body 20. The provision of circumferential steps 180, 184 on the outer periphery of the body portion 162 makes the seal even more insufficient. Because the seal is even more insufficient, if any fluid is passed through the flexible pipe coupling 10 to which the flexible pipe 300 is connected, the fluid will leak from the gap between the flexible pipe 300 and the flexible pipe coupling 10. This fluid leakage makes it easy to check whether the flexible pipe 300 is properly connected. As a result, a flexible pipe coupling 10 is provided that reduces the effort required to check whether the flexible pipe 300 is properly connected. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, a flexible pipe joint is provided that can reduce the effort required to check whether a flexible pipe is properly connected. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram of a flexible pipe joint according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a joint body according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3]1 is a perspective view of a retainer according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view of a flexible pipe sealing material according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a side view of a flexible pipe sealing material according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a side view of a press ring according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 3 is a view showing a flexible tube passing through a retainer and a press ring in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 8] 1 is a view showing a state in which a flexible pipe that has entered a joint body advances to the back of the joint body in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 9] 4 is a view showing a state in which a sealing action portion is engaging with a valley portion of a flexible pipe in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 10] 4 is a view showing a state in which the sealing action portion cannot enter the sealing material accommodating portion in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a flexible pipe sealing material according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 10 is a view showing a state in which the sealing action portion cannot enter the sealing material accommodating portion in the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, a flexible pipe joint according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

[0022] First Embodiment [Structure description] Fig. 1 is a diagram of a flexible pipe joint 10 according to this embodiment. A portion of the flexible pipe joint 10 is cut away in Fig. 1. The configuration of the flexible pipe joint 10 of this embodiment will be described based on Fig. 1.

[0023] The flexible pipe coupling 10 according to this embodiment is connected to a flexible pipe 300. The flexible pipe 300 has peaks 310 extending over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction and valleys 312 extending over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction. The peaks 310 and valleys 312 are alternately arranged in the flexible pipe 300 in the direction of a pipe axis 320 shown in FIG. 7. The surfaces of the peaks 310 and the valleys 312 form the outer periphery of the flexible pipe 300. The outer periphery of the flexible pipe 300 is covered with a coating layer 314.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the flexible pipe joint 10 comprises a joint body 20, a flexible pipe sealant 22, a retainer 24, a pressure ring 26, a retaining body 28, a peripheral sealant 30, and a waterproof packing 32.

[0025] A connectable body is connected to one end of the joint body 20. An example of the connectable body is a socket. In the following description, the connectable body is not shown. The tip portion of the flexible pipe 300 is inserted into the other end of the joint body 20.

[0026] In this embodiment, the flexible pipe sealant 22 is housed in advance in the joint body 20. When the flexible pipe 300 enters the joint body 20, the flexible pipe sealant 22 seals between the joint body 20 and the outer periphery of the flexible pipe 300. The specific configuration of the flexible pipe sealant 22 according to this embodiment will be described later.

[0027] The retainer 24 is housed in the joint body 20 as the flexible pipe 300 enters the joint body 20. The retainer 24 prevents the flexible pipe 300 from coming off the joint body 20.

[0028] One end of the press ring 26 enters the joint body 20. The press ring 26 prevents the retainer 24 from coming off the joint body 20 together with the flexible pipe 300.

[0029] The retaining body 28 prevents the pressure ring 26 from falling out of the joint body 20 when the pressure ring 26 enters the joint body 20. The retaining body 28 in this embodiment is made of a metal ring with a circular cross section and a cutout.

[0030] In this embodiment, the peripheral sealant 30 has an annular shape. The cross section of the peripheral sealant 30 is elliptical. The peripheral sealant 30 is made of rubber. When a flexible pipe 300 is connected to the flexible pipe joint 10 of this embodiment, the peripheral sealant 30 is housed within the joint body 20. The peripheral sealant 30 provides a seal between the joint body 20 and the outer periphery of the press ring 26.

[0031] In this embodiment, the waterproof gasket 32 ​​is made of EPDM or the like. The cross section of the waterproof gasket 32 ​​is T-shaped. The waterproof gasket 32 ​​is pre-placed inside the press ring 26. The waterproof gasket 32 ​​seals the gap between the inner periphery of the press ring 26 and the outer periphery of the coating layer 314. Selectively permeable members are embedded in several locations around the circumference of the waterproof gasket 32. The selectively permeable members are pin-shaped. The selectively permeable members are permeable to gas but not to solids or liquids. This enables gas leak testing. The selectively permeable member is, for example, a member including a continuous porous membrane or a porous body with continuous pores. The former continuous porous membrane can be obtained by molding tetrafluoroethylene resin powder. The latter porous body can be obtained by molding thermoplastic resin powder such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or polymethyl acrylate.

[0032] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the joint body 20 according to this embodiment. The configuration of the joint body 20 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0033] The joint body 20 has a cylindrical shape. As shown in FIG. 1, a nut-shaped portion 50 is provided on the outer surface of the joint body 20. The nut-shaped portion 50 is held by a tool such as a wrench. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a connecting portion 52 is provided at one end of the joint body 20. The above-mentioned connected body is connected to the connecting portion 52. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 52 is a male thread.

[0034] As shown in Figure 2, an inlet 54 for the flexible pipe 300 is provided at the other end of the fitting body 20. The fitting body 20 has an inlet passage 56 and a fluid passage 58 inside it. The inlet passage 56 communicates with the outside of the fitting body 20 via the inlet 54. The fluid passage 58 is provided at the back of the inlet passage 56 when viewed from the inlet 54. The inner diameter of the fluid passage 58 is smaller than the outer diameter of the flexible pipe 300. The fluid passage 58 communicates with the outside of the fitting body 20 via one end of the fitting body 20.

[0035] The entrance path 56 has a pressure ring accommodating portion 70 , a retainer accommodating portion 72 , a sealant standby portion 74 , a sealant retracting portion 76 , and a sealant accommodating portion 78 .

[0036] The press ring accommodating portion 70 is provided at the back of the entrance 54 when viewed from the outside of the joint body 20. The press ring accommodating portion 70 accommodates the press ring 26.

[0037] In this embodiment, the pressure ring accommodating portion 70 has a mouth side pressure ring accommodating portion 84 , a retaining body fitting groove forming portion 86 , and a back side pressure ring accommodating portion 88 .

[0038] The mouth-side press ring housing 84 is directly connected to the inlet 54. The mouth-side press ring housing 84 houses a portion of the base end side of the press ring 26. It is the mouth-side press ring housing 84 that is sealed from the outer periphery of the press ring 26 by the outer periphery seal material 30 of the joint body 20.

[0039] The retaining body fitting groove forming portion 86 is provided at the back of the mouth side press ring accommodating portion 84 when viewed from the outside of the joint body 20. The retaining body fitting groove forming portion 86 forms a groove into which the retaining body 28 fits.

[0040] The rear pressure ring accommodating portion 88 is provided at the rear of the retaining body fitting groove forming portion 86 when viewed from the outside of the joint body 20. The rear pressure ring accommodating portion 88 accommodates a part of the tip side of the pressure ring 26.

[0041] The retainer accommodating portion 72 is provided at the rear of the rear-side pressure ring accommodating portion 88 when viewed from the outside of the joint body 20. The retainer accommodating portion 72 accommodates the retainer 24. This results in the retainer 24 being disposed in the entrance passage 56.

[0042] The sealing material standby section 74 is provided at the back of the retainer accommodating section 72 when viewed from the outside of the joint body 20. The sealing material standby section 74 communicates with the inlet 54. In the present embodiment, a portion of the flexible pipe sealing material 22 is pre-positioned in the sealing material standby section 74. The portion of the flexible pipe sealing material 22 that is placed in the sealing material standby section 74 will be described later.

[0043] The sealing material retraction portion 76 is provided at the back of the sealing material standby portion 74 when viewed from the outside of the joint body 20. The sealing material retraction portion 76 narrows as it moves away from the sealing material standby portion 74.

[0044] The sealing material accommodating section 78 is disposed further back than the sealing material standby section 74 when viewed from the entrance 54. The sealing material accommodating section 78 communicates with the sealing material standby section 74. The sealing material accommodating section 78 has a smaller inner diameter than the sealing material standby section 74.

[0045] 3 is a perspective view of the retainer 24 according to this embodiment. The configuration of the retainer 24 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0046] 3, the outer shape of the retainer 24 is substantially cylindrical. The retainer 24 is accommodated in the retainer accommodating portion 72 of the access passage 56 of the joint body 20. The retainer 24 has two hook portions 94, 94 and a fixing portion 98.

[0047] In this embodiment, the hook portion 94 is made of metal. The hook portion 94 has a base portion 100 and three claw portions 102, 102, 102. The base portion 100 has a shape like a cylinder split in half. The claw portions 102, 102, 102 are provided so as to protrude from the concave surface of the base portion 100. The three claw portions 102, 102, 102 are arranged so as to be aligned along the central axis 250 of the retainer 24. An engagement groove 110 is formed in the convex surface of the base portion 100. The fixing portion 98 fits into the engagement groove 110. In this embodiment, the base portion 100 and the three claw portions 102, 102, 102 are integral with each other.

[0048] In this embodiment, the fixing portion 98 is a tubular member having a first separated end 114 and a second separated end 116. The two hook portions 94 are bundled together by fitting the fixing portion 98 into the fitting grooves 110 of the two hook portions 94. In this embodiment, the fixing portion 98 is made of polyethylene containing expanded graphite.

[0049] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the flexible pipe sealing material 22 according to this embodiment. Fig. 5 is a side view of the flexible pipe sealing material 22 according to this embodiment. In Fig. 5, a part of the flexible pipe sealing material 22 is cut away. The configuration of the flexible pipe sealing material 22 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 4 and 5.

[0050] In this embodiment, the flexible pipe sealing material 22 has an annular shape and includes a rubber sealing portion 160, a rubber cylindrical body portion 162, a rubber penetration prevention portion 164, and a metal ring 166.

[0051] The sealing portion 160 has an annular shape. As shown in FIG. 5 , the cross section of the sealing portion 160 in the direction along the central axis 252 of the body portion 162 is circular except for the connection portion with the body portion 162. The sealing portion 160 is connected to the body portion 162 at its inner peripheral end. This allows the sealing portion 160 to engage with the valley portions 312 of the flexible pipe 300 as it is drawn into the seal material accommodating portion 78. When the sealing portion 160 engages with the valley portions 312 of the flexible pipe 300, the sealing portion 160 seals between the peak portions 310 and valley portions 312 of the flexible pipe 300 and the seal material accommodating portion 78.

[0052] In this embodiment, the body portion 162 is directly connected to the inner peripheral end of the sealing portion 160. The body portion 162 has an inner diameter that allows the flexible pipe 300 to enter. In this embodiment, grooves 180, 180, 180, 180 are provided at four locations on the outer periphery of the body portion 162. In this embodiment, these grooves 180, 180, 180, 180 extend in a direction along the central axis 252 of the body portion 162. Ends 182 of these grooves 180, 180, 180, 180 are located at locations on the body portion 162 that contact the sealing portion 160. Furthermore, these grooves 180, 180, 180, 180 extend from one end to the other end of the outer periphery of the body portion 162 in a direction along the central axis 252 of the body portion 162. These grooves 180, 180, 180, 180 are provided on the outer periphery of the body portion 162, and thus steps are formed between the edges and bottoms of these grooves 180, 180, 180, 180. As a result, steps are formed on the outer periphery of the body portion 162 in the circumferential direction.

[0053] In this embodiment, the penetration prevention portion 164 is directly connected to the inner periphery of the end of the body portion 162. The penetration prevention portion 164 prevents the flexible tube 300 from penetrating the body portion 162.

[0054] In this embodiment, the circular ring 166 is disposed within the penetration prevention portion 164. In this embodiment, the circular ring 166 reinforces the penetration prevention portion 164. The circular ring 166 according to this embodiment has a plurality of holes formed therein that are arranged radially.

[0055] FIG. 6 is a side view of the press ring 26 according to this embodiment. A portion of the press ring 26 is cut away in FIG. 6 . The configuration of the press ring 26 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6 . A flexible pipe 300 can pass through the press ring 26. The press ring 26 has a retainer-facing portion 140, a retainer-retaining groove-forming portion 142, a press ring-side seal material-retaining groove-forming portion 144, and a base-end seal material-retaining groove-forming portion 146. The retainer-facing portion 140 faces the retainer 24 within the fitting body 20. The retainer-retaining groove-forming portion 142 forms a groove into which the retainer 28 fits. The press ring-side seal material-retaining groove-forming portion 144 also forms a groove into which the peripheral seal material 30 fits. The base-end seal material-retaining groove-forming portion 146 also forms a groove. The groove is formed to surround the flexible pipe 300 when the tip of the flexible pipe 300 passes through the press ring 26. A waterproof packing 32 is fitted into the groove.

[0056] [Connection instructions] Next, a method for connecting a flexible pipe 300 to the flexible pipe joint 10 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0057] First, the worker fits the waterproof packing 32 into the groove formed by the base end seal material accommodating groove forming portion 146 of the pressure ring 26. Next, the worker fits the outer periphery seal material 30 into the groove formed by the press ring side seal material accommodating groove forming portion 144 of the pressure ring 26. Next, the worker fits the retaining body 28 into the groove formed by the retaining body accommodating groove forming portion 142 of the pressure ring 26.

[0058] Once the retaining member 28 and waterproof packing 32 are fitted, the worker removes a predetermined portion of the end of the coating layer 314 of the flexible pipe 300 using a well-known method. In this embodiment, six ridges 310 of the coating layer 314 are removed and exposed. Next, the worker passes the press ring 26 through the flexible pipe 300. As a result, the tip of the flexible pipe 300 protrudes from the retainer-facing portion 140 of the press ring 26.

[0059] Next, the worker elastically deforms the retainer 24 so that the space between the first separated end 114 and the second separated end 116 of the retainer 24 widens. Once this space has widened, the worker fits the claws 102 of the retainer 24 into the valleys 312 at the tip of the flexible pipe 300. In this manner, the retainer 24 is fitted to the flexible pipe 300. In this embodiment, the claws 102 of the retainer 24 are fitted to the flexible pipe 300 so that the three peaks 310 are exposed from the end of the retainer 24. Once the claws 102 of the retainer 24 are fitted to the flexible pipe 300, the worker brings the press ring 26 into contact with the retainer 24. Figure 7 shows the flexible pipe 300 passing through the retainer 24 and the press ring 26. In FIG. 7, some of them are cut away.

[0060] Next, the worker inserts the flexible pipe 300 together with the retainer 24 and the press ring 26 into the entry path 56 of the joint body 20. The inserted flexible pipe 300 advances to the interior of the joint body 20. Figure 8 is a diagram showing the flexible pipe 300 that has advanced into the joint body 20 and is now advancing to the interior of the joint body 20.

[0061] 8, the flexible pipe sealing material 22 is pre-stored inside the joint body 20. The sealing action portion 160 of the flexible pipe sealing material 22 is disposed in the sealing material standby portion 74. The body portion 162, the penetration prevention portion 164, and the ring 166 are disposed in the sealing material accommodating portion 78. The flexible pipe 300 that has advanced deep inside the joint body 20 passes through the sealing action portion 160 and enters the body portion 162, and then abuts against the penetration prevention portion 164.

[0062] As the flexible pipe 300 abutting against the penetration prevention portion 164 continues to move forward, the body portion 162, penetration prevention portion 164, and ring 166 of the flexible pipe sealing material 22 move deeper into the coupling body 20 together with the flexible pipe 300. As they move deeper into the coupling body 20, the sealing action portion 160 moves from the seal material standby portion 74 to the seal material accommodating portion 78 and is accommodated therein. As the sealing action portion 160 is accommodated in the seal material accommodating portion 78 together with the flexible pipe 300, it engages with the valley portion 312 of the flexible pipe 300. Figure 9 is a diagram showing the state in which the sealing action portion 160 is engaging with the valley portion 312 of the flexible pipe 300.

[0063] As the flexible pipe 300, with the sealing action portion 160 engaging with the valley portion 312, continues to move forward, the entire flexible pipe sealing material 22 is accommodated within the sealing material accommodating portion 78. This completes the engagement of the sealing action portion 160 with the valley portion 312 of the flexible pipe 300. At the same time, the prevention body 28 fits into the groove formed by the prevention body fitting groove forming portion 86 of the fitting body 20. The outer peripheral seal material 30 seals between the inner peripheral surface of the fitting body 20 and the outer peripheral surface of the press ring 26. This completes the connection of the flexible pipe 300 to the flexible pipe fitting 10 according to this embodiment.

[0064] [Effects of the flexible pipe joint according to this embodiment] As is clear from the above description, when the flexible pipe 300 according to this embodiment enters the barrel portion 162 of the flexible pipe sealing material 22 through the entry port 54 and the penetration of the barrel portion 162 is prevented by the penetration prevention portion 164, the flexible pipe sealing material 22 advances deeper into the entry path 56 as the flexible pipe 300 enters. As the flexible pipe sealing material 22 advances deeper into the entry path 56, the sealing action portion 160 is drawn from the sealant standby portion 74 into the sealant accommodating portion 78. As the sealing action portion 160 is drawn into the sealant accommodating portion 78, it engages with the valley portion 312 of the flexible pipe 300. As a result, the seal action portion 160 seals between the outer circumferential surface of the flexible pipe 300 and the sealant accommodating portion 78.

[0065] On the other hand, suppose that some problem occurs and the seal action portion 160 is not sufficiently drawn into the seal material accommodating portion 78. In this case, the seal action portion 160 will not adequately seal the inner peripheral surface of the joint body 20. Figure 10 is a diagram showing a situation in this embodiment in which the seal action portion 160 is unable to enter the seal material accommodating portion 78. Note that Figure 10 shows a cross section of the flexible pipe joint 10 so that the groove 180 is visible.

[0066] In the situation shown in FIG. 10 , the seal acting portion 160 is not fully drawn into the seal material receiving portion 78, so it does not engage with the valley portion 312 of the flexible pipe 300. Meanwhile, the end 182 of the groove 180 formed on the outer periphery of the barrel portion 162 is positioned in contact with the seal acting portion 160. This allows easy communication between the groove 180 and the seal material standby portion 74 of the fitting body 20. As a result, the seal provided by the flexible pipe sealant 22 is insufficient. Because of this insufficient seal, if a fluid is passed through the flexible pipe coupling 10 to which the flexible pipe 300 is connected, the fluid will leak from the gap between the flexible pipe 300 and the flexible pipe coupling 10. This fluid leakage makes it easy to confirm whether the flexible pipe 300 is properly connected. As a result, a flexible pipe coupling 10 is provided that reduces the effort required to confirm whether the flexible pipe 300 is properly connected.

[0067] In this embodiment, the groove 180 is provided from one end to the other end of the outer periphery of the body 162, so if the sealing action portion 160 is not fully accommodated in the sealant accommodation portion 78, it becomes difficult to prevent fluid leakage through the groove 180. As a result, a flexible pipe sealant 22 is provided that can reduce the effort required to check whether the flexible pipe 300 is sufficiently and appropriately connected.

[0068] Second Embodiment A flexible pipe joint 120 (not shown) according to this embodiment includes a flexible pipe sealant 122 (described below) instead of the flexible pipe sealant 22 according to the first embodiment.

[0069] 11 is a perspective view of a flexible pipe sealing material 122 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the flexible pipe sealing material 122 has an annular shape. In this embodiment, the flexible pipe sealing material 22 includes a sealing portion 160, a cylindrical body portion 262, a penetration prevention portion 164, and a circular ring 166.

[0070] In this embodiment, the body portion 262 is directly connected to the inner peripheral end of the sealing portion 160. The body portion 262 has an inner diameter that allows the flexible pipe 300 to enter. In this embodiment, protrusions 184 are provided at four locations on the outer periphery of the body portion 262. Three of the four protrusions 184 are visible in FIG. 11. In this embodiment, the protrusions 184 are disposed at locations on the body portion 162 that contact the sealing portion 160. Because the protrusions 184 are provided on the outer periphery of the body portion 162, steps are formed between the tips and bases of the protrusions 184. This results in a step in the circumferential direction on the outer periphery of the body portion 162. In this embodiment, the protrusions 184 result in a step in the direction along the central axis 252 of the body portion 162 in addition to the step in the circumferential direction.

[0071] The flexible pipe sealant 122 according to this embodiment is similar to the flexible pipe sealant 22 according to the first embodiment, except that it has protrusions 184 instead of grooves 180. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

[0072] The method of using the flexible pipe joint 120 according to this embodiment is the same as that of the flexible pipe joint 10 according to the first embodiment, and therefore detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0073] [Effects of the flexible pipe joint according to this embodiment] Suppose that some problem occurs and the seal action portion 160 is not sufficiently drawn into the seal material accommodating portion 78. In this case, as with the flexible pipe joint 10 according to the first embodiment, the seal action portion 160 will not adequately seal the inner circumferential surface of the joint body 20. Figure 12 is a diagram showing a situation in this embodiment in which the seal action portion 160 is unable to enter the seal material accommodating portion 78.

[0074] In this case, the seal acting portion 160 is not fully drawn into the seal material accommodating portion 78, and therefore does not engage with the valley portion 312 of the flexible pipe 300. Meanwhile, the protrusion 184 on the outer periphery of the body portion 262 is positioned in contact with the seal acting portion 160. This creates a gap between the periphery of the protrusion 184 and the seal material accommodating portion 78 of the fitting body 20. The gap allows easy communication between the section of the fitting body 20 extending from the seal material accommodating portion 78 to the seal material standby portion 74 and the outer periphery of the flexible pipe sealant 122. As a result, the seal provided by the flexible pipe sealant 122 is insufficient. Because of this insufficient seal, if any fluid is passed through the flexible pipe coupling 120 to which the flexible pipe 300 is connected, the fluid will leak from the gap between the flexible pipe 300 and the flexible pipe coupling 120. This fluid leakage makes it easy to determine whether the flexible pipe 300 is properly connected. As a result, a flexible pipe coupling 120 is provided that can reduce the effort required to check whether the flexible pipe 300 is properly connected.

[0075] <Description of Modifications> The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various design changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0076] For example, the position of the end 182 of the groove 180 is not limited to that described above. There is also no particular limitation on the position of the groove 180 in the body portion 162.

[0077] Furthermore, the flexible pipe sealing material 22, 122 is not limited to a structure in which the sealing action portion 160, the body portion 162, 262, and the penetration prevention portion 164 are directly connected to each other. These may be connected via some kind of member.

[0078] Furthermore, the shape of the step provided in the body portion 162, 262 is not limited to the above, as long as it forms a step in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the specific position where the step is provided in the body portion 162, 262 is naturally not limited. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 10...Flexible pipe fittings 20...Joint body 22,122...Flexible pipe sealant 24...Retainer 26...Push ring 28...Removal stopper 30...Periphery seal material 32...Waterproof packing 50...Nut type part 52...Connection 54...Entrance 56…Approach road 58...Fluid path 70...Press ring housing 72...Retainer housing 74...Sealing material standby section 76...Sealing material inlet 78...Sealing material storage section 84... Mouth side pressure ring housing 86...Prevention body fitting groove forming portion 88...Rear pressure wheel housing 94...Hook part 98…Fixed part 100...Base 102...Claw part 110...Fitting groove 140...Retainer opposing portion 142...Prevention body receiving groove forming portion 144... Press ring side seal material receiving groove forming portion 146... Base end seal material receiving groove forming portion 160...Sealing portion 162...Torso 164...Penetration prevention part 166...Circle 180...Groove 180...edge 250,252…Central axis 300...Flexible pipe 310…Yamabe 312... Valley 314...Covering layer 320…Tube shaft

Claims

1. a sealing portion that, when accommodated together with a flexible pipe having peaks and valleys extending over the entire circumference and arranged alternately in the axial direction, engages with the valleys of the flexible pipe to form a seal between the outer circumferential surface of the flexible pipe and the location where the flexible pipe is accommodated; a cylindrical body portion connected directly or indirectly to the sealing portion and having an inner diameter large enough for the flexible pipe to enter; a penetration prevention portion that is directly or indirectly connected to the body portion and prevents the flexible pipe from penetrating the body portion, A flexible pipe sealing material characterized in that a step is provided in the circumferential direction on the outer periphery of the body portion.

2. 2. The flexible pipe sealing material according to claim 1, wherein the step is provided by a groove extending in a direction along the central axis of the body on the outer periphery of the body.

3. 3. The flexible pipe sealing material according to claim 2, wherein an end of the groove is disposed at a location of the body portion that contacts the sealing portion.

4. 2. The flexible pipe sealing material according to claim 1, wherein the step is provided by at least one protrusion arranged at any point on the outer periphery of the body portion from one end to the other end.

5. 5. The flexible pipe sealing material according to claim 4, wherein the protrusion is disposed at a location on the outer periphery of the body portion that contacts the sealing action portion.

6. A joint body; a flexible pipe sealant that seals between the joint body and an outer peripheral surface of the flexible pipe when the flexible pipe enters the joint body, The joint body is an entry port of the flexible pipe; an inlet for the flexible pipe that communicates with the outside of the joint body through the inlet, The flexible pipe has peaks and valleys extending around the entire circumference and arranged alternately in the pipe axis direction, The approach road is a sealant standby section communicating with the inlet and in which at least a portion of the flexible pipe sealant is pre-positioned; a sealing material storage section that is in communication with the sealing material standby section, is positioned further back than the sealing material standby section as viewed from the entrance, and has an inner diameter smaller than that of the sealing material standby section; The flexible pipe sealant is a sealing action portion that engages with the valley portion of the flexible pipe as the flexible pipe is drawn into the sealing material storage portion from within the sealing material standby portion, thereby sealing between the outer peripheral surface of the flexible pipe and the sealing material storage portion; a cylindrical body portion that is disposed deeper within the joint body than the seal action portion as seen from the inlet, is directly or indirectly connected to the seal action portion, and has an inner diameter that allows the flexible pipe to enter; a penetration prevention portion that is located deeper within the coupling body than the trunk portion as viewed from the inlet, is directly or indirectly connected to the trunk portion, and prevents the flexible pipe from penetrating through the trunk portion, A flexible pipe joint characterized in that a step is provided in the circumferential direction on the outer periphery of the body portion.

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