Pipe joint and manufacturing method of the same

Abstract

To provide a pipe joint which can restrict movement of a pipe inserted into the pipe joint with reliability, and to provide a manufacturing method of the pipe joint.SOLUTION: A pipe joint includes: a cylindrical joint body having an insertion part into which a pipe is inserted therein; a lock ring which is disposed at the insertion part and restricts displacement of the pipe to one end side; and a stopper member disposed in the insertion part. The insertion part includes: a lock ring housing part which houses the lock ring; and a fitting part which is located at one end side relative to the lock ring housing part and recessed to the radial outer side. The lock ring is housed in the lock ring housing part and configured so as to be engaged with an outer peripheral surface of the inserted pipe. The stopper member is configured so that its diameter may be reduced and restored by elasticity, may be inserted into the insertion part in a state that the diameter is reduced and fitted in the fitting part in a manner that the stopper member is restored in the fitting part to keep its position in an axial direction. The stopper member fitted in the fitting part restricts the lock ring housed in the lock ring housing part from moving to one end side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pipe joint used for connecting a pipe to another pipe or equipment, and a method for manufacturing the pipe joint. [Background technology]

[0002] A refrigerant piping joint described in Patent Document 1 is known as a pipe joint for connecting piping. The refrigerant piping joint includes a joint body into which the piping is inserted, a stopper disposed inside the joint body, and an engagement member disposed inside the joint body and engaging with the outer surface of the piping moving in the pull-out direction. The joint body has a female thread formed in front of the area in which the engagement member is disposed, and the stopper can be screwed into the female thread.

[0003] In the above-mentioned pipe fitting, when the piping inserted into the fitting body attempts to move in the direction to be pulled out, the engaging member engages with the piping and the movement of the engaging member in the pulling out direction is restricted by the stopper, thereby restricting the movement of the piping in the pulling out direction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-48913 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the pipe joint described in Patent Document 1, the stopper is fixed inside the joint body by screwing, so it was difficult to visually check whether the stopper, which is located in a recessed position in the pipe joint, was properly screwed in. If the stopper is not properly fixed, the engaging member can shift in the direction in which the pipe is pulled out, and the pipe can move in the direction in which it is pulled out, and for example, the engaging member can tilt inside the pipe joint, which may result in the pipe movement being insufficiently restricted.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a pipe joint that can reliably restrict the movement of a pipe inserted into the pipe joint, and a method for manufacturing the pipe joint. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] a lock ring accommodating portion for accommodating the lock ring, and a fitting portion located on the axial one end side of the lock ring accommodating portion and concave radially outward, the lock ring being accommodated in the lock ring accommodating portion and configured to be engageable with an outer circumferential surface of the piping inserted in the insertion portion; the stopper member being elastically contractible and restorable, the stopper member being insertable into the insertion portion in the contracted diameter state, and being capable of being fitted into the fitting portion such that its axial position is maintained by restoring its shape to the fitting portion; and the stopper member fitted into the fitting portion is configured to restrict movement of the lock ring accommodated in the lock ring accommodating portion towards the one end side in the axial direction.

[0008] According to this configuration, the stopper member is disposed in the insertion portion by fitting into the fitting portion, so that the stopper member can be reliably disposed at an appropriate position in the insertion portion, thereby suppressing movement of the pipe caused by the lock ring being shifted in the direction in which the pipe is pulled out.

[0009] The present invention can also be configured to include a sealing member that is disposed radially between the insertion portion and the piping to prevent leakage of fluid flowing through the piping, the insertion portion including a sealing member accommodating portion in which the sealing member is disposed, and the sealing member accommodating portion being disposed on one axial end side relative to the fitting portion.

[0010] With this configuration, the seal member is located closer to one end in the axial direction than the lock ring, and the stopper member is located between the lock ring and the seal member, so that it is possible to prevent the seal member from being damaged by scratches caused by the lock ring coming into contact with the inserted piping, or the seal member from being damaged by the lock ring coming into contact with the seal member, thereby preventing sealing failure caused by scratches on the seal member and suppressing leakage of fluid flowing through the piping. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a pipe joint that can reliably regulate the movement of a pipe inserted into the pipe joint, and a method for manufacturing the pipe joint. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a half cross-sectional view showing a pipe joint according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 4 is a view showing a stopper member of the pipe joint. FIG. [Diagram 3] 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating a manufacturing method of the pipe joint. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a view showing a state in which a pipe is inserted into the pipe joint. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a half cross-sectional view showing a pipe joint according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a view showing a state in which a pipe is inserted into the pipe joint. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a half cross-sectional view showing a pipe joint according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] A pipe joint 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs.

[0014] As shown in Fig. 1, the pipe fitting 1 includes a fitting body 2, an annular lock ring 4, a stopper member 5, an abutment ring 6, a seal member 7, and a retaining member 8, and the lock ring 4, the stopper member 5, the abutment ring 6, the seal member 7, and the retaining member 8 are assembled to the fitting body 2. Such a pipe fitting 1 is generally cylindrical, and is used to connect a pipe 9 inserted from one end in the axial direction to other pipes or equipment. The pipe fitting 1 of this embodiment is used to connect a pipe 9 (specifically, a metal pipe) through which a liquid (e.g., a fluid with a lower pressure than a refrigerant, such as tap water) flows, to other equipment or other pipes.

[0015] The joint body 2 is cylindrical and configured to allow fluid to flow inside. Specifically, the joint body 2 is provided with an insertion portion 3 that is provided inside the joint body 2 and that constitutes one axial end portion, and a connection portion 21 that constitutes the other axial end portion, and the other end portion of the insertion portion 3 and one end portion of the connection portion 21 are connected. The joint body 2 of this embodiment is substantially cylindrical with an axis that extends linearly.

[0016] The connection part 21 has a male thread formed on its outer circumferential surface, and is configured to be connectable to a device or joint having a female thread. In other words, the connection part 21 is a part that is connected to other pipes or equipment that is connected to the pipe 9. The connection part 21 is also configured to allow a fluid to flow inside. Note that the configuration of the connection part 21 is not limited to the above example, and it may be configured to have a female thread formed on its inner surface, or to allow other pipes to be inserted therein.

[0017] The insertion portion 3 is cylindrical, and allows a pipe end portion of the piping 9 to be inserted from one axial end side to the other axial end side. The insertion portion 3 includes a contact portion 31 arranged at the other axial end side of the insertion portion 3, a lock ring accommodating portion 32 arranged at one axial end side with respect to the contact portion 31, a straight portion 33 extending from the contact portion 31 to the lock ring accommodating portion 32, a fitting portion 34 arranged at one axial end side with respect to the lock ring accommodating portion 32, a seal member accommodating portion 35 arranged at one axial end side with respect to the fitting portion 34, and a locking portion 36 arranged at one axial end side of the insertion portion 3.

[0018] The abutment portion 31 is located at the other axial end of the insertion portion 3, and is a step that protrudes radially inward from the inner circumferential surface. The abutment portion 31 is configured so that the pipe end of the piping 9 inserted into the insertion portion 3 can abut against the surface of the step on one axial end side. In other words, the abutment portion 31 is configured so that the inner diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the piping 9. The abutment portion 31 in this embodiment is provided so as to extend around the inner circumferential surface of the insertion portion 3.

[0019] The straight portion 33 is a portion that extends from the contact portion 31 to the lock ring accommodating portion 32, has a predetermined length in the axial direction, and has a straight inner surface. Specifically, the straight portion 33 is configured to have a substantially constant inner diameter. The inner diameter of the straight portion 33 is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the pipe 9.

[0020] The lock ring accommodating portion 32 is a portion that accommodates the lock ring 4. The lock ring accommodating portion 32 includes a lock ring restricting surface 321 that extends radially outward from the inner surface of the straight portion 33, and a lock ring opposing surface 322 that extends from the lock ring restricting surface 321 toward one end side in the axial direction, and is configured to be able to accommodate the lock ring 4. The lock ring accommodating portion 32 of this embodiment is configured so that the other axial end of the lock ring 4 can abut against it. The lock ring accommodating portion 32 of this embodiment is provided so as to be adjacent to one axial end of the straight portion 33 in the axial direction and to extend around the inner circumferential surface of the insertion portion 3.

[0021] The lock ring restricting surface 321 is configured so that its inner diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the lock ring 4. The lock ring restricting surface 321 of the present embodiment includes an inner portion 321b extending radially outward and toward one end side in the axial direction (diagonally relative to the radial direction) from the straight portion 33, and an outer portion 321a extending radially outward along the radial direction from a radially inner end portion of the inner portion 321b, and is configured so that the base 41 of the lock ring 4 abuts against the outer portion 321a.

[0022] Lock ring opposing surface 322 is the inner circumferential surface of lock ring accommodating portion 32, and is configured to extend along the axial direction. Lock ring opposing surface 322 has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of lock ring 4, and faces the outer circumferential surface of lock ring 4 when inserted.

[0023] The fitting portion 34 is a portion for accommodating the stopper member 5, and is a recessed portion (groove) formed such that the inner peripheral surface is concave radially outward. Specifically, the fitting portion 34 includes a rear wall surface 341 extending radially outward from the lock ring accommodating portion 32 (lock ring facing surface 322), a stopper facing surface 342 extending from a radially outer end of the rear wall surface 341 toward one end side in the axial direction, and a front wall surface 343 extending radially inward from one end in the axial direction of the stopper facing surface 342, and is configured to be able to accommodate the stopper member 5 in the formed recessed portion. The fitting portion 34 of this embodiment extends around the inner peripheral surface of the insertion portion 3 and is provided so as to be adjacent to one end in the axial direction of the lock ring 4. The stopper member 5 is assembled to such a fitting portion 34.

[0024] The rear wall surface 341 is a flat surface extending radially outward from one axial end of the lock ring opposing surface 322. The inner diameter of the rear wall surface 341 is smaller than the outer diameter of the stopper member 5 in the natural state A, and the outer diameter of the rear wall surface 341 is larger than the outer diameter of the stopper member 5 in the natural state A.

[0025] The stopper opposing surface 342 is an inner circumferential surface of the fitting portion 34, and is configured to extend along the axial direction. The inner diameter of the stopper opposing surface 342 is larger than the outer diameter of the stopper member 5, and faces the outer circumferential surface of the stopper member 5 fitted into the fitting portion 34. The axial length of the stopper opposing surface 342 (the axial separation distance between the rear wall surface 341 and the front wall surface 343) is approximately the same as the axial length of the stopper member 5. In addition, the circumferential length of the stopper opposing surface 342 is approximately constant along the axial direction.

[0026] The front wall surface 343 is a flat surface extending radially inward from one axial end of the stopper opposing surface 342. The inner diameter of the front wall surface 343 is smaller than the outer diameter of the stopper member 5 in the natural state A, and the outer diameter of the front wall surface 343 is larger than the outer diameter of the stopper member 5 in the natural state A. The inner diameter of the front wall surface 343 is also larger than the outer diameter of the stopper member 5 in the diameter-reduced state B. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the front wall surface 343 is also larger than the outer diameter of the lock ring 4.

[0027] The seal member accommodating portion 35 is a portion that accommodates the seal member 7. The seal member accommodating portion 35 is located adjacent to one axial end side of the fitting portion 34. Specifically, the seal member accommodating portion 35 has an inner circumferential surface that extends along the axial direction from a radially inner end of the front wall surface 343 to one axial end side. In other words, the seal member accommodating portion 35 has an inner diameter that is approximately constant along the axial direction and is smaller than the outer diameter of the stopper member 5 in the reduced diameter state B.

[0028] The locking portion 36 is a portion where the retaining member 8 can be locked. The locking portion 36 is disposed at a position on one axial end side of the seal member accommodating portion 35. The locking portion 36 in this embodiment has a female thread formed on its inner circumferential surface, and is configured so that the retaining member 8 can be screwed into the female thread. The inner diameter of the locking portion 36 is larger than the outer diameter of the stopper member 5.

[0029] The lock ring 4 is annular and configured to allow the piping 9 to be inserted therein. Specifically, the lock ring 4 includes an annular base 41 and claw portions 42 extending radially inward from the base 41, and the claw portions 42 are configured to permit movement of the piping 9 from one end side to the other end side in the axial direction while restricting movement of the piping 9 from the other end side to the one end side in the axial direction.

[0030] The base 41 includes an annular frame portion 43 constituting the outer circumferential surface of the lock ring 4, and an annular raised portion 44 extending radially inward from the frame portion 43. The frame portion 43 is a closed annular body configured to extend along the axial direction, and the raised portion 44 is a closed annular body configured to extend along the radial direction. The outer diameter of the frame portion 43 is smaller than the outer diameter of the stopper member 5 in the natural state A and larger than the inner diameter of the stopper member 5 in the natural state A. The inner diameter of the raised portion 44 is larger than the outer diameter of the piping 9 and also larger than the inner diameter of the stopper member 5 in the natural state A.

[0031] The claw portions 42 in this embodiment are configured to extend radially inward from a radially inner end of the rising portion 44 toward the other axial end, and are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction. When the piping 9 inserted through the lock ring 4 moves from the other axial end toward the one end, the claw portions 42 rise up and engage with the outer circumferential surface of the piping 9, thereby restricting the piping 9 from moving toward the one end in the axial direction relative to the lock ring 4. The radially outward movement of the claw portions 42 is restricted by the inner portions 321b of the lock ring restriction surface 321.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, the stopper member 5 is an annular body having a predetermined thickness (axial length) and capable of elastic deformation. Specifically, the stopper member 5 is a C-shaped annular body made of resin with a part cut out in the circumferential direction, and is configured such that when pressed radially inward from the natural state A shown in FIG. 2(a), the width of the cutout portion 5a becomes smaller, causing the entire diameter to be reduced, and the stopper member 5 is capable of elastically deforming to the reduced diameter state B shown in FIG. 2(b). In addition, the stopper member 5 is capable of elastically deforming from the reduced diameter state B to restore to the natural state A. Note that the stopper member 5 has been described as being made of resin, but is not limited thereto, and may be made of, for example, metal, etc.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, the end face of the stopper member 5 at one end in the axial direction and the end face at the other end are substantially flat, and the end face at the one end in the axial direction can abut against the front wall surface 343, and the end face at the other end in the axial direction can abut against the rear wall surface 341. The stopper member 5 is formed in a circular arc shape with a chamfered corner portion on the inner diameter of the one end in the axial direction, and the corner portion on the inner diameter of the other end in the axial direction is angular. That is, the stopper member 5 has an asymmetric shape at one end in the axial direction and the other end. In this embodiment, the one end in the axial direction is chamfered, so that it is possible to suppress an increase in resistance when the pipe 9 is inserted, and the other end in the axial direction is angular, so that it is likely to become a resistance when the pipe 9 is moved in the direction of being pulled out. In the stopper member 5 of this embodiment, a recess is formed as a mark 51 only on one end in the axial direction.

[0034] In the natural state A, the stopper member 5 has an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the front wall surface 343 and the inner diameter of the rear wall surface 341, and an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the lock ring 4 (outer diameter of the base 41). Therefore, when the stopper member 5 and the lock ring 4 are aligned in the axial direction, the lock ring 4 can abut against the stopper member 5. Note that the outer diameter of the stopper member 5 in this embodiment is smaller than the inner diameter of the stopper opposing surface 342. Also, the inner diameter of the stopper member 5 in the natural state A is larger than the outer diameter of the piping 9, and the piping 9 can be inserted therein.

[0035] The abutment ring 6 is a closed (no notch) annular ring, and in this embodiment, is a resin washer. The abutment ring 6 has flat surfaces extending radially at one end and the other end in the axial direction. The outer diameter of the abutment ring 6 is smaller than the inner diameter of the seal member accommodating portion 35, and the inner diameter is approximately equal to the inner diameter of the stopper member 5.

[0036] The seal member 7 is disposed between the pipe 9 and the inner peripheral surface of the insertion portion 3, and seals between the insertion portion 3 and the pipe 9. The seal member 7 in this embodiment is an O-ring made of resin (e.g., rubber). The seal member 7 has an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the pipe 9, and an outer diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the seal member accommodating portion 35. When the pipe 9 is inserted, the seal member 7 is compressed by being pressed from the radially inward to the radially outward, and is pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the pipe 9 and the inner peripheral surface of the insertion portion 3. In addition, due to deformation caused by the compression, the seal member 7 is deformed so as to extend in the axial direction, and abuts against members adjacent to the seal member 7 in the axial direction (the abutment ring 6 and the retaining member 8 in this embodiment).

[0037] The retaining member 8 can be locked to one axial end of the insertion portion 3, and when locked, prevents each component arranged inside the insertion portion 3 from falling out of the insertion portion 3. The retaining member 8 of this embodiment is a cylindrical body having a male thread formed on its outer circumferential surface that can be screwed into a female thread formed in the locking portion 36, and is configured to enter the insertion portion 3 by screwing the male thread and the female thread together. The inner diameter of the retaining member 8 is larger than the outer diameter of the piping 9, and is configured to allow the piping 9 to be inserted therein.

[0038] The following describes a method for manufacturing the above-described pipe joint 1. The pipe joint 1 is manufactured in the following order: a step of arranging the lock ring 4, a step of attaching the stopper member 5, a step of arranging the abutment ring 6, a step of arranging the seal member 7, and a step of engaging the retaining member 8.

[0039] In the process of placing the lock ring 4, the lock ring 4 is inserted from one axial end to the other axial end of the insertion portion 3, and placed in the lock ring receiving portion 32. At this time, the lock ring 4 is inserted so that its axial direction coincides with the axial direction of the insertion portion 3. This process is completed when the lock ring 4 is inserted until it abuts against the lock ring restricting surface 321.

[0040] The mounting process of the stopper member 5 includes an insertion process of inserting the stopper member 5 in the diameter-reduced state B into the insertion portion 3, and a fitting process of fitting the stopper member 5 into the fitting portion 34. In the insertion process, the stopper member 5 is inserted from one axial end of the insertion portion 3 toward the other axial end. At this time, the stopper member 5 is inserted so that the axial direction of the stopper member 5 and the axial direction of the insertion portion 3 coincide with each other, referring to the mark 51. As shown in FIG. 3, in the mounting process of the stopper member 5, the stopper member 5 is first pressed radially inward to be in the diameter-reduced state B, and then inserted to the seal member accommodating portion 35. At this time, the stopper member 5 tries to restore its original state, but since the inner diameter of the seal member accommodating portion 35 is smaller than the outer diameter of the stopper member 5 in the natural state A, the outer peripheral surface of the stopper member 5 abuts against the inner surface of the seal member accommodating portion 35, and the diameter-reduced state B is maintained. Then, the stopper member 5 in the diameter-reduced state B is further moved toward the other axial end side until it reaches the fitting portion 34, and the insertion process is completed.

[0041] In the fitting process, the stopper member 5 in the reduced diameter state B is restored to its original state and fitted into the fitting portion 34. Specifically, the stopper member 5 that reaches the fitting portion 34 in the insertion process is restored to an increased outer diameter and fitted into the fitting portion 34. In this embodiment, the stopper member 5 is restored at the fitting portion 34 to change from the reduced diameter state B to the natural state A. By restoring the stopper member 5 at the fitting portion 34, the stopper member 5 is sandwiched between the rear wall surface 341 and the front wall surface 343 in the axial direction and its position in the axial direction is maintained. At this time, since the inner diameter of the stopper facing surface 342 is larger than the outer diameter of the stopper member 5 in the natural state A, the stopper member 5 can rotate around the axial direction in the fitting portion 34. When the stopper member 5 is fitted into the fitting portion 34, the fitting process (the mounting process of the stopper member 5) is completed.

[0042] In the process of arranging the abutment ring 6, the abutment ring 6 is inserted from one axial end of the insertion portion 3 to the other axial end, and arranged in the seal member accommodating portion 35. When the abutment ring 6 is inserted until it abuts against the stopper member 5 fitted in the fitting portion 34, this process is completed.

[0043] In the process of arranging the seal member 7, the seal member 7 is inserted from one axial end of the insertion portion 3 to the other axial end, and arranged in the seal member accommodating portion 35. This process is completed when the seal member 7 is inserted until it abuts against the abutment ring 6. When the process of arranging the seal member 7 is completed, the seal member accommodating portion 35 arranges the seal member 7 and the abutment ring 6 side by side in the axial direction. In other words, when the process of arranging the seal member 7 is completed, the abutment ring 6 is positioned between the seal member 7 and the stopper member 5.

[0044] In the process of locking the retaining member 8, the retaining member 8 is locked to the locking portion 36 and disposed at one axial end of the insertion portion 3. Specifically, the female thread of the locking portion 36 is screwed into the male thread of the retaining member 8. This process is completed when the female thread of the locking portion 36 is screwed into the male thread of the retaining member 8. With this process completed, the retaining member 8 is positioned at one axial end side with respect to the seal member 7, thereby preventing the seal member 7 and the abutment ring 6 from coming off the insertion portion 3.

[0045] Next, a method of using the pipe fitting 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. A pipe 9 is inserted from one axial end to the other axial end into the pipe fitting 1. The pipe 9 is inserted into the insertion portion 3 until the pipe end abuts against the abutment portion 31.

[0046] When the pipe 9 is inserted, the seal member 7 is compressed in the radial direction, and the gap between the pipe 9 and the insertion portion 3 is sealed. Specifically, the seal member 7 is pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the pipe 9 and the inner peripheral surface of the insertion portion 3. The seal member 7 also extends in the axial direction as it is compressed, and comes into contact with the abutment ring 6 and the retaining member 8. In this way, the seal member 7 is pressed against the pipe 9 and the insertion portion 3 to seal, so that the gap between the pipe 9 and the insertion portion 3 can be reliably sealed, and leakage of fluid to the outside of the pipe joint 1 is prevented. In this embodiment, the closed annular abutment ring 6 is positioned between the stopper member 5, the part of which in the circumferential direction is cut out, and the seal member 7. Therefore, even if the stopper member 5 has a cutout portion 5a, the entire circumference of the other end of the seal member 7 in the axial direction can abut against the abutment ring 6, and the seal member 7 can be prevented from protruding into the cutout portion 5a. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of poor sealing between the pipe 9 and the insertion portion 3 due to the compression force in the radial direction being released, which is caused by the seal member 7 protruding out.

[0047] The inserted pipe 9 is restricted from moving toward the one end in the axial direction (the direction in which the pipe 9 is removed) by the lock ring 4 and the stopper member 5. Specifically, when the pipe 9 attempts to move toward the one end in the axial direction, the claws 42 bite into the outer circumferential surface of the pipe 9, so that the relative movement of the pipe 9 toward the one end in the axial direction with respect to the lock ring 4 is restricted. In addition, since the stopper member 5 is located on the one end side of the lock ring 4 in the axial direction, when the lock ring 4 and the pipe 9 attempt to move together toward the one end in the axial direction, the lock ring 4 comes into contact with the stopper member 5 and the movement is restricted. Note that the lock ring 4 is located away from the pipe end of the pipe 9 toward the one end in the axial direction by the straight length, so that even if the pipe 9 moves somewhat toward the one end in the axial direction relative to the lock ring 4, the pipe 9 can be prevented from falling off the lock ring 4.

[0048] As described above, simply by inserting the piping 9 into the pipe fitting 1 of this embodiment, a seal is formed between the pipe 9 and the pipe fitting 1 and the pipe 9 is prevented from coming loose from the pipe fitting 1, so that the pipe 9 can be connected to the pipe fitting 1 with a single touch.

[0049] According to the pipe fitting 1 as described above, the stopper member 5 is disposed in the insertion portion 3 by fitting into the fitting portion 34, so that the stopper member 5 can be reliably disposed at an appropriate position in the insertion portion 3. Therefore, movement of the pipe 9 caused by the lock ring 4 being shifted in the direction in which the pipe 9 is pulled out can be suppressed.

[0050] Also, the stopper member 5 may be configured to include a closed annular abutment ring 6 disposed in the insertion portion 3, the stopper member 5 being a substantially annular member with a portion of the circumference cut out, the abutment ring 6 being disposed between the fitting portion 34 and the seal member accommodating portion 35, with a surface on the other axial end side abutting against a surface on one axial end side of the stopper member 5 disposed in the fitting portion 34, and the seal member 7 being a closed annular member, being compressed in the radial direction by the piping 9 inserted into the insertion portion 3, and abutting against the surface on one axial end side of the abutment ring 6. According to this configuration, the closed annular abutment ring 6 is disposed between the seal member 7 and the stopper member 5, and the seal member 7 abuts against the stopper member 5, so that even if a portion of the circumference of the stopper member 5 is cut out, the seal member 7 can be prevented from protruding into the cutout portion 5a.

[0051] In addition, the insertion portion 3 has an engagement portion 36, a seal member accommodating portion 35, and a fitting portion 34 arranged side by side from one end side to the other end side in the axial direction, and the inner diameter of the engagement portion 36 is larger than the outer diameter of the stopper member 5, and the inner surface of the seal member accommodating portion 35 has a straight shape along the axial direction, and the inner diameter is smaller than the inner diameter of the stopper member 5. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the stopper member 5 from getting caught while moving the stopper member 5 to the fitting portion 34. Therefore, it is easy to move the stopper member 5 to the fitting portion 34.

[0052] The fitting further comprises a cylindrical fitting body 2 having an insertion portion 3 therein into which a pipe 9 through which a fluid flows is inserted from one axial end side to the other end side, a lock ring 4 arranged in the insertion portion 3, and a stopper member 5 arranged in the insertion portion, the insertion portion 3 comprising a lock ring accommodating portion 32 that accommodates the lock ring 4, and a fitting portion 34 that is concave radially outward and is located on one axial end side relative to the lock ring accommodating portion 32, the lock ring 4 is accommodated in the lock ring accommodating portion 32, A method for manufacturing a pipe fitting 1, the stopper member 5 being configured to be engageable with an outer circumferential surface of a pipe 9 inserted into the insertion portion 3, the stopper member 5 being configured to be engageable with a fitting portion 34, the stopper member 5 engaged with the fitting portion 34 being configured to restrict movement of a lock ring 4 accommodated in a lock ring accommodating portion 32 toward one end in the axial direction, the method comprising an insertion step of inserting the stopper member 5 into the insertion portion 3, and a fitting step of fitting the stopper member 5 that has reached the fitting portion 34 into the fitting portion 34. According to the above-described method for manufacturing the pipe fitting 1, the stopper member 5 is disposed in the insertion portion 3 by fitting with the fitting portion 34, so that the stopper member 5 can be reliably disposed at an appropriate position in the insertion portion 3.

[0053] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described above by way of example, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0054] For example, although a case has been described in which the axis of the fitting body 2 extends in a straight line, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the axis may be curved (configured as a so-called elbow) or the flow path may be configured to branch off midway (configured as a so-called tee).

[0055] In addition, the stopper member 5 has been described as being C-shaped with a portion of the circumference notched out, but is not limited to this configuration. For example, it may be configured as a closed annular elastic body that is capable of shrinking in the radial direction.

[0056] Furthermore, the stopper member 5 has been described as having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the fitting portion 34 in the natural state A, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and the stopper member 5 may also have an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the fitting portion 34 in the natural state A. In this case, the stopper member 5 fitted into the fitting portion 34 is immobilized in the circumferential direction. Even with such a configuration, the stopper member 5 can be fitted into the fitting portion 34 by restoring from the reduced diameter state B until it abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the fitting portion 34.

[0057] In addition, although the configuration including the abutment ring 6 has been described as an example, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and the abutment ring 6 may not be included. When the abutment ring 6 is not included, the seal member 7 may abut against the stopper member 5.

[0058] Furthermore, although the seal member 7 abuts against four points, i.e., the pipe 9, the insertion portion 3, the abutment ring 6, and the retaining member 8, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and it may be configured to abut only against the pipe 9 and the insertion portion 3. Even with this configuration, leakage of fluid can be prevented as long as the seal member 7 is appropriately compressed in the radial direction.

[0059] In addition, although the case has been described in which the sealing member accommodating portion 35 is positioned at one axial end side relative to the lock ring accommodating portion 32, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the sealing member accommodating portion 35 can also be configured to be positioned at the other axial end side relative to the lock ring accommodating portion 32.

[0060] Furthermore, the retaining member 8 has been described as being a cylindrical body having a male thread formed on its outer circumferential surface, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and various configurations can be adopted that prevent each member disposed inside the insertion portion 3 from coming off. In addition, the configuration of the locking portion 36 can be changed in accordance with the configuration of the retaining member 8.

[0061] Furthermore, various configurations capable of restricting relative movement toward one end of the axial direction of the pipe 9 can be employed for the lock ring 4. For example, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, it is possible to employ a lock ring 4 that includes a rising portion 44 and claw portions 42 as a base portion 41, but does not include a frame portion 43. With such a configuration, the axial length of the lock ring 4 can be made shorter than with a configuration that includes a frame portion 43.

[0062] 5 and 6, a configuration in which multiple lock rings 4 are accommodated in the lock ring accommodating portion 32 can also be used. In such a configuration, a spacer 45 can also be arranged between the lock rings 4 arranged side by side in the axial direction. When the spacer 45 is arranged, it is possible to prevent the claw portion 42 from being unable to properly engage with the outer circumferential surface of the pipe 9 due to the multiple lock rings 4 overlapping and interfering with each other.

[0063] 5 and 6, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of protrusions are formed on the other axial end side of the stopper member 5. Specifically, the stopper member 5 is formed with a first protrusion 52 and a second protrusion 53 that protrude toward the other axial end side and are spaced apart in the radial direction. The first protrusion 52 is configured to be able to abut against the base 41 of the lock ring 4, and the second protrusion 53 is configured to be able to abut against the claw portion 42 of the lock ring 4. The first protrusion 52 is formed in a radially intermediate portion of the stopper member 5, and is a protrusion having a flat shape at the other axial end. The second protrusion 53 is formed at a radially inner end of the stopper member 5, and is a protrusion having a pointed shape at the other axial end. In addition, the second protrusion 53 is configured to protrude further toward the other end in the axial direction than the first protrusion 52, and when the stopper member 5 is fitted into the fitting portion 34, the tip of the second protrusion 53 is located further toward the other end in the axial direction than the rear wall surface 341. With this configuration, when the stopper member 5 is fitted into the fitting portion 34, the lock ring 4 can be reliably abutted against the stopper member 5, so that the movement of the lock ring 4 in the axial direction can be suppressed. In addition, since the second protrusion 53 protrudes further toward the other end in the axial direction than the first protrusion 52, when the claw portion 42 engaged with the outer peripheral surface of the pipe 9 attempts to move toward the one end in the axial direction relative to the base portion 41, the second protrusion 53 can abut against the claw portion 42 to restrict further movement. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the claw portion 42 from deforming so as to face in the opposite direction in the axial direction. Therefore, the movement of the pipe 9 in the axial direction can be reliably restricted.

[0064] In addition, the stopper member 5 has been described as fitting into the fitting portion 34 by restoring itself elastically, but the configuration is not limited to this. The stopper member 5 can also be configured to maintain the fitted state into the fitting portion 34 by being pushed up by the fitting portion 34, or can be configured to be forcefully fitted into the fitting portion 34.

[0065] Also, although the fitting portion 34 is described as being a recessed portion (groove), the fitting portion 34 is not limited to this configuration, and may be configured to include a protrusion 341 protruding radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of the insertion portion 3 as shown in Fig. 7. When such a configuration is adopted, a groove portion 52 recessed radially inward may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the stopper member 5, and the groove portion 52 and the protrusion 341 may be fitted together. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 1...pipe joint, 2...joint body, 21...connection portion, 3...insertion portion, 31...contact portion, 32...lock ring accommodating portion, 321...lock ring restricting surface, 321a...outer portion, 321b...inner portion, 322...lock ring opposing surface, 33...straight portion, 34...fitting portion, 341...rear wall surface, 342...stopper opposing surface, 343...front wall surface, 35...seal member accommodating portion, 36...engagement portion, 4...lock ring, 41...base portion, 42...claw portion, 43...frame portion, 44...rising portion, 45...spacer, 5...stopper member, 5a...notch portion, 51...mark, 52...first protrusion portion, 53...second protrusion portion, 6...contact ring, 7...seal member, 8...preventive member, 9...piping, A...natural state, B...reduced diameter state

Claims

1. the coupling body is provided with a cylindrical shape having an insertion portion therein into which a pipe through which a fluid flows is inserted from one end side to the other end side in the axial direction; a lock ring is disposed in the insertion portion and restricts the pipe from shifting toward the one end side in the axial direction; and a stopper member is disposed in the insertion portion, The insertion portion is a lock ring receiving portion that receives the lock ring; a fitting portion located on one axial end side of the lock ring accommodating portion, The lock ring is accommodated in the lock ring accommodating portion and configured to be capable of being engaged with an outer circumferential surface of the pipe inserted into the insertion portion, The stopper member is The elastically contractible and reversible type is configured to be elastically contractible and reversible. In the reduced diameter state, the insertion portion can be inserted into the insertion portion, and the insertion portion can be restored to its original shape by being fitted to the fitting portion so that the position of the insertion portion in the axial direction is maintained, The stopper member fitted in the fitting portion is configured to restrict the lock ring accommodated in the lock ring accommodating portion from moving toward one end in the axial direction.

2. a seal member disposed between the insertion portion and the pipe in a radial direction to prevent leakage of a fluid flowing through the pipe; the insertion portion includes a seal member accommodating portion in which the seal member is disposed, The pipe joint according to claim 1 , wherein the seal member accommodating portion is disposed on one axial end side with respect to the fitting portion.

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