Seal material

Abstract

To facilitate insertion of a pipe end.SOLUTION: A seal material 20 includes a cylindrical portion 60, one side annular portion 62, and the other side annular portion 64. An opening is formed at both ends of the cylindrical portion 60. The one side annular portion 62 protrudes toward a center axis 200 of the cylindrical portion 60 from one side edge of the opening at both ends of the cylindrical portion 60. The other side annular portion 64 protrudes toward the center axis 200 of the cylindrical portion 60 from the other side edge of the opening at both ends of the cylindrical portion 60. The seal material 20 further includes an inner connection portion 66. The inner connection portion 66 is arranged in an inner side of the cylindrical portion 60. The inner connection portion 66 connects the one side annular portion 62 and the other side annular portion 64.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sealing material.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a pipe joint. This pipe joint includes a sealing material, a pair of half-divided housings, two retaining rings, and a clamp for the pair of housings. The sealing material is fitted onto the pipe. The housing covers the sealing material. The two retaining rings are pressed in the diameter-reducing direction by tapered surfaces provided on the respective inner surfaces of the left and right end portions of the housing, and are reduced in diameter. Thereby, the two retaining rings clamp the pipe.

[0003] According to the pipe joint disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is possible to easily fit a replacement pipe into the cut portion of the existing pipe without applying a large force to rotate the existing pipe.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The sealing material disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a problem that careful work is required for inserting the pipe end. Requiring careful work for inserting the pipe end means that it hinders further simplification of the insertion. An object of the present invention is to provide a sealing material in which the insertion of the pipe end can be simplified.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The sealing material of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the use of reference numerals in the drawings herein is for helping the understanding of the content of the invention, and is not intended to limit the content to the illustrated range.

[0007] To achieve the above-described object, according to an aspect of the present invention, the sealing member 20 includes a cylindrical portion 60, one annular portion 62, and the other annular portion 64. Openings are formed at both ends of the cylindrical portion 60. The one annular portion 62 is provided so as to protrude from one edge of the openings at both ends of the cylindrical portion 60 toward the central axis 200 of the cylindrical portion 60. The other annular portion 64 is provided so as to protrude from the other edge of the openings at both ends of the cylindrical portion 60 toward the central axis 200 of the cylindrical portion 60. The sealing member 20 further includes an inner connecting portion 66. The inner connecting portion 66 is disposed inside the cylindrical portion 60. The inner connecting portion 66 connects the one annular portion 62 and the other annular portion 64.

[0008] The reason why careful work is required for the insertion of the pipe ends of the one pipe 12 and the other pipe 14 is that there is a risk that the close contact may be hindered by entering a place where close contact should originally be made. When the one annular portion 62 and the other annular portion 64 are connected by the inner connecting portion 66, when the one annular portion 62 or the other annular portion 64 is likely to enter a place where such close contact should be made, such entry is hindered by the inner connecting portion 66. Along with such entry being hindered by the inner connecting portion 66, it becomes less necessary to pay attention to whether such entry has occurred. Since it becomes less necessary to pay such attention, the insertion of the pipe ends can be simplified.

[0009] Also, it is desirable that the above-described inner connecting portion 66 connects the protruding end 130 of the one annular portion 62 and the protruding end 132 of the other annular portion 64.

[0010] The protruding end 130 of one annular portion 62 and the protruding end 132 of the other annular portion 64 are connected by the inner connecting portion 66. As a result, when the protruding ends 130 and 132 are about to enter a location where they must be in close contact, the inner connecting portion 66 itself prevents such entry. When the inner connecting portion 66 itself prevents such entry, it becomes less necessary to pay attention to whether a part of the sealing material 20 has entered a location where close contact must be maintained. Since it becomes less necessary to pay such attention, the insertion of the pipe end can be simplified.

[0011] Alternatively, it is desirable that the inner connecting portion 66 described above be connected to the cylindrical portion 60 in addition to the one annular portion 62 and the other annular portion 64.

[0012] When the inner connecting portion 66 is fixed to the cylindrical portion 60, the one annular portion 62, and the other annular portion 64, the sealing material 20 is less likely to deform compared to the case where there is no such fixation. When the sealing material 20 is less likely to deform, even if a part of the sealing material 20 is about to enter a location where close contact must be maintained, the likelihood of such entry being avoided is increased. When the likelihood of such entry being avoided is increased, it becomes less necessary to pay attention to whether a part of the sealing material 20 has entered a location where close contact must be maintained. Since it becomes less necessary to pay such attention, the insertion of the pipe end can be simplified.

[0013] Alternatively, it is desirable that the inner connecting portion 66 described above be connected to the cylindrical portion 60 extending from the base 134 of the one annular portion 62 to the base 136 of the other annular portion 64. In this case, it is desirable that the portion of the inner connecting portion 66 in contact with the base 134 of the one annular portion 62 extends in the circumferential direction compared to the location 138 between the base 134 of the one annular portion 62 and the base 136 of the other annular portion 64.

[0014] Among the inner connecting parts 66, the part in contact with the base 134 of one annular part 62 extends in the circumferential direction compared to the part 138 between the base 134 of one annular part 62 and the base 136 of the other annular part 64. As a result, compared to the case where the former part extends only to the same extent as the latter part, the base 134 of one annular part 62 is reinforced by the inner connecting part 66. When the base 134 of one annular part 62 is reinforced, it becomes difficult for the sealing material 20 to deform in its circumferential direction. When it becomes difficult for the sealing material 20 to deform, even if a part of the sealing material 20 is likely to enter a place where it must be in close contact, the possibility of avoiding such entry is increased. When the possibility of avoiding such entry is increased, it becomes less necessary to pay attention to whether a part of the sealing material 20 has entered a place where it must be in close contact. Since it becomes less necessary to pay such attention, the insertion of the pipe end can be simplified.

[0015] Also, it is desirable that the above-mentioned one annular part 62 has a one connecting surface 80 and a one inclined surface 82. The one connecting surface 80 faces the inside of the cylindrical part 60. The one connecting surface 80 is connected to the inner connecting part 66. The one inclined surface 82 faces the outside of the cylindrical part 60. The one inclined surface 82 approaches the inside of the cylindrical part 60 as it goes toward the central axis 200 of the cylindrical part 60.

[0016] The one inclined surface 82 facing the outside of the cylindrical part 60 approaches the inside of the cylindrical part 60 as it goes toward the central axis 200 of the cylindrical part 60. As a result, compared to the case where the part of the one annular part 62 facing the outside of the cylindrical part 60 does not approach the inside of the cylindrical part 60 as it goes toward the central axis 200 of the cylindrical part 60, the possibility that that part accidentally engages with a place where it must be in close contact is reduced. Since that possibility is reduced, it becomes less necessary to pay attention to whether entry has occurred at a place where it must be in close contact. Since it becomes less necessary to pay such attention, the insertion of the pipe end can be simplified.

Advantages of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, the insertion of the pipe end is simplified.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to the same components. Their names and functions are the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

[0020] [Configuration of Pipe Joint] FIG. 1 is a front view of a pipe joint 10 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, cross-sections are shown for some of the objects illustrated. FIG. 2 is a side view of the pipe joint 10 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 2, cross-sections are shown on one side bounded by a dashed line. In FIGS. 1 and 2, one pipe 12 and the other pipe 14 are connected to the pipe joint 10 according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, based on FIGS. 1 and 2, the configuration of the pipe joint 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0021] The pipe joint 10 according to the present embodiment is used to connect one pipe 12 and the other pipe 14 to each other. The pipe joint 10 according to the present embodiment includes a sealing material 20, a plurality of housings 22, 22, a plurality of bolts 24, 24, and a plurality of nuts 26, 26.

[0022] The sealing material 20 is for preventing fluid from leaking between one end of one of the pipes 12 and 14 and one end of the other pipe 14. The fluid flows inside one of the pipes 12 and inside the other pipe 14. In the case of this embodiment, the fluid is water. The other pipe 14 is connected to one end of one of the pipes 12.

[0023] In the case of this embodiment, the pipe joint 10 includes two housings 22, 22, two bolts 24, 24, and two nuts 26, 26. The two housings 22, 22 accommodate the sealing material 20. The two housings 22, 22 can be connected to each other so that the sealing material 20 is accommodated. In the case of this embodiment, the connection is realized by one end of the two housings 22, 22 being coupled by one bolt 24 and one nut 26 and the other end of the two housings 22, 22 being coupled by the remaining one bolt 24 and the remaining one nut 26. As a result, the bolts 24, 24 and the nuts 26, 26 according to this embodiment operate as a connecting portion for connecting the housings 22, 22 to each other.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the sealing material 20 according to this embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the sealing material 20 according to this embodiment. What is shown in FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view in the case where the center of the cylindrical portion 60 is cut so as to be orthogonal to the central axis 200 of the cylindrical portion 60. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a view taken in the direction of arrow B of FIG. 4. Hereinafter, the configuration of the sealing material 20 according to this embodiment will be described based on FIGS. 3 to 6.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 3, the sealing material 20 according to this embodiment has a cylindrical portion 60, one annular portion 62, the other annular portion 64, and a plurality of inner connecting portions 66.

[0026] Openings are formed at both ends of the cylindrical portion 60. One annular portion 62 is provided so as to protrude from one edge of the openings at both ends of the cylindrical portion 60. The other annular portion 64 is provided so as to protrude from the other edge of the openings at both ends of the cylindrical portion 60. The inner connecting portion 66 is disposed inside the cylindrical portion 60.

[0027] As is particularly apparent in FIG. 3, one annular portion 62 is provided so as to protrude toward the central axis 200 of the cylindrical portion 60. As is particularly apparent in FIG. 5, in the case of the present embodiment, one annular portion 62 has one connecting surface 80 and one inclined surface 82. One connecting surface 80 faces the inside of the cylindrical portion 60. One connecting surface 80 is connected to the inner connecting portion 66. One inclined surface 82 faces the outside of the cylindrical portion 60. One inclined surface 82 approaches the inside of the cylindrical portion 60 as it goes toward the central axis 200 of the cylindrical portion 60.

[0028] As is particularly apparent in FIG. 3, the other annular portion 64 is provided so as to protrude toward the central axis 200 of the cylindrical portion 60. As is particularly apparent in FIG. 5, in the case of the present embodiment, the other annular portion 64 has the other connecting surface 84 and the other inclined surface 86. The other connecting surface 84 faces the inside of the cylindrical portion 60. The other connecting surface 84 is connected to the inner connecting portion 66. The other inclined surface 86 faces the outside of the cylindrical portion 60. The other inclined surface 86 approaches the inside of the cylindrical portion 60 as it goes toward the central axis 200 of the cylindrical portion 60.

[0029] As is apparent from FIG. 4, in the case of the present embodiment, the sealing material 20 has eight inner connecting portions 66. These inner connecting portions 66 are arranged at equal intervals in the space sandwiched between the one annular portion 62 and the other annular portion 64 inside the cylindrical portion 60. As a result, these inner connecting portions 66 surround the internal space of the cylindrical portion 60. As is apparent from FIGS. 3 to 6, in the case of the present embodiment, the inner connecting portion 66 is connected to the cylindrical portion 60 from the base 134 of the one annular portion 62 to the base 136 of the other annular portion 64.

[0030] As is apparent from FIGS. 3 to 6, the inner connecting portion 66 according to the present embodiment connects the protruding end 130 of one annular portion 62, the base 134 of one annular portion 62, the protruding end 132 of the other annular portion 64, the base 136 of the other annular portion 64, and the cylindrical portion 60. In the case of the present embodiment, the portion of the inner connecting portion 66 that contacts the base 134 of one annular portion 62 extends in the circumferential direction as compared with the portion 138 between the base 134 of one annular portion 62 and the base 136 of the other annular portion 64 in the cylindrical portion 60. The portion of the inner connecting portion 66 that contacts the base 136 of the other annular portion 64 also extends in the circumferential direction as compared with the portion 138 between the base 134 of one annular portion 62 and the base 136 of the other annular portion 64 in the cylindrical portion 60.

[0031] [Method of manufacturing a pipe joint] The pipe joint 10 according to the present embodiment is manufactured by manufacturing each component constituting the pipe joint by known means and then assembling them as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Since the means for manufacturing each component constituting the pipe joint 10 according to the present embodiment are well-known, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

[0032] [Method of connecting a pipe joint] The method of connecting the pipe joint 10 according to the present embodiment is as follows. First, an operator forms one groove portion 112 at one end of one pipe 12 by a known method. Similarly, the operator forms the other groove portion 114 in the other pipe 14. Two housings 22, 22 are fitted into the one groove portion 112 and the other groove portion 114. Therefore, the positions where the one groove portion 112 and the other groove portion 114 are formed are determined based on the shapes of the two housings 22, 22.

[0033] Next, the operator loosens the bolts 24, 24 and nuts 26, 26 connecting the two housings 22, 22. When the bolts 24, 24 and nuts 26, 26 are loosened, the operator disassembles the two housings 22, 22. The operator takes out the sealing material 20 from the two disassembled housings 22, 22.

[0034] When the sealing material 20 is taken out, the operator inserts one end of one pipe 12 into one end of the sealing material 20. Next, the operator inserts one end of the other pipe 14 into the other end of the sealing material 20.

[0035] When one end of one pipe 12 and one end of the other pipe 14 are inserted into the sealing material 20, the operator covers the sealing material 20 with two housings 22, 22. When the two housings 22, 22 are covered on the sealing material 20, the operator connects the two housings 22, 22 with bolts 24, 24 and nuts 26, 26.

[0036] After that, the operator checks that the two housings 22, 22 are in close contact with each other. When that is confirmed, the operator makes a mating mark (a mark indicating the completion of work) across the two housings 22, 22. Thereby, the connection of the pipe joint 10 according to the present embodiment with one pipe 12 and the other pipe 14 is completed.

[0037] [Explanation of the effects according to the present embodiment] In the pipe joint 10 according to the present embodiment, one annular portion 62 and the other annular portion 64 of the sealing material 20 are connected by the inner connecting portion 66. When the one annular portion 62 and the other annular portion 64 are connected, when at least one of the one annular portion 62 and the other annular portion 64 is likely to enter a location where they must be in close contact, such entry is prevented by the inner connecting portion 66. Examples of such locations where they must be in close contact include the location where one pipe 12 and the other pipe 14 abut each other, the gap between one groove portion 112 of one pipe 12 and the two housings 22, 22, the gap between the other groove portion 114 of the other pipe 14 and the two housings 22, 22, and the gap between the two housings 22, 22. Along with the entry of at least one of the one annular portion 62 and the other annular portion 64 into the location where they must be in close contact being prevented by the inner connecting portion 66, it becomes less necessary to pay attention to whether such entry has occurred. Since it becomes less necessary to pay such attention, the insertion of the pipe ends can be simplified.

[0038] Also, in the case of the sealing material 20 according to the present embodiment, the protruding end 130 of one annular portion 62 and the protruding end 132 of the other annular portion 64 are connected by the inner connecting portion 66. Thereby, when they are about to enter a location where the protruding ends 130 and 132 must be in close contact, the inner connecting portion 66 itself obstructs the entry. When the inner connecting portion 66 itself obstructs the entry, it becomes less necessary to pay attention to whether a part of the sealing material 20 has entered a location where close contact must be achieved. Since it becomes less necessary to pay such attention, the fitting to one pipe 12 and the other pipe 14 can be simplified.

[0039] Moreover, in the sealing material 20 according to the present embodiment, when the inner connecting portion 66 is fixed to the cylindrical portion 60, one annular portion 62, and the other annular portion 64, the sealing material 20 becomes less likely to deform compared to the case where there is no such fixation. When the sealing material 20 becomes less likely to deform, even if a part of the sealing material 20 is about to enter a location where close contact must be achieved, the possibility of avoiding the entry is increased. When the possibility of avoiding the entry is increased, it becomes less necessary to pay attention to whether a part of the sealing material 20 has entered a location where close contact must be achieved. Since it becomes less necessary to pay such attention, the fitting to one pipe 12 and the other pipe 14 can be simplified.

[0040] Moreover, in the sealing material 20 according to the present embodiment, the portion of the inner connecting portion 66 that contacts the base 134 of one annular portion 62 extends in the circumferential direction as compared with the portion 138 between the base 134 of the one annular portion 62 and the base 136 of the other annular portion 64. As a result, compared with the case where the former portion extends only to the same extent as the latter portion, the base 134 of the one annular portion 62 is reinforced by the inner connecting portion 66. When the base 134 of the one annular portion 62 is reinforced, it becomes difficult for the sealing material 20 to deform in its circumferential direction. When it becomes difficult for the sealing material 20 to deform, even if a part of the sealing material 20 is likely to enter a portion where it must be in close contact, the possibility of avoiding such entry is increased. When the possibility of avoiding such entry is increased, it becomes less necessary to pay attention to whether a part of the sealing material 20 has entered a portion where it must be in close contact. Since it becomes less necessary to pay such attention, the insertion of the pipe end can be simplified.

[0041] Also, in the case of the sealing material 20 according to the present embodiment, one inclined surface 82 facing the outside of the cylindrical portion 60 approaches the inside of the cylindrical portion 60 as it approaches the central axis 200 of the cylindrical portion 60. As a result, compared with the case where the portion of the one annular portion 62 facing the outside of the cylindrical portion 60 does not approach the inside of the cylindrical portion 60 as it approaches the central axis 200 of the cylindrical portion 60, the possibility that that portion accidentally engages with a portion where it must be in close contact is reduced. Since that possibility is reduced, it becomes less necessary to pay attention to whether entry has occurred into a portion where it must be in close contact. Since it becomes less necessary to pay such attention, the insertion of the pipe end can be simplified.

[0042] [Modification Example] The embodiments disclosed this time are illustrative in all respects. The scope of the present invention is not limited based on the above-described embodiments. Of course, various design changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention with respect to the above-described embodiments.

[0043] For example, the forms of the one annular portion 62 and the other annular portion 64 are not limited to those described above.

[0044] Also, except for the point of being connected to one annular part 62 and the other annular part 64, the point of where and how the inner connecting part 66 is connected is not particularly limited. For example, the inner connecting part 66 may be connected to a location different from the protruding end 130 of the one annular part 62 and the protruding end 132 of the other annular part 64.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0045] 10…Pipe joint 12…One pipe 14…The other pipe 20…Sealing material 22…Housing 24…Bolt 26…Nut 60…Cylindrical part 62…One annular part 64…The other annular part 66…Inner connecting part 80…One connecting surface 82…One inclined surface 84…The other connecting surface 86…The other inclined surface 112…One groove part 114…The other groove part 130, 132…Protruding end 134, 136…Root 200…Central axis

Claims

1. a cylindrical portion having openings formed at both ends, one annular portion provided so as to project from one edge of the openings at both ends of the cylindrical portion toward the central axis of the cylindrical portion, a sealing material comprising the other annular portion provided so as to project from the other edge of the openings at both ends of the cylindrical portion toward the central axis of the cylindrical portion, the sealing material further comprising an inner connecting portion disposed inside the cylindrical portion and connecting the one annular portion and the other annular portion.

2. The sealing material according to claim 1, wherein the inner connecting portion connects the projecting end of the one annular portion and the projecting end of the other annular portion.

3. The sealing material according to claim 2, wherein the inner connecting portion is connected to the cylindrical portion in addition to the one annular portion and the other annular portion.

4. the inner connecting portion is connected to the cylindrical portion extending from the base of the one annular portion to the base of the other annular portion, The sealing material according to claim 3, wherein a portion of the inner connecting portion in contact with the base of the one annular portion extends in the circumferential direction compared to a portion between the base of the one annular portion and the base of the other annular portion.

5. the one annular portion, opposes the inside of the cylindrical portion and has one connecting surface connected to the inner connecting portion, opposes the outside of the cylindrical portion and has one inclined surface that approaches the inside of the cylindrical portion as it goes toward the central axis of the cylindrical portion. The sealing material according to claim 1.

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