Retainer and pipe joint

Abstract

To increase the allowable movement of a pipe.SOLUTION: A retainer 24 surrounds a penetrating space 116. The retainer 24 includes one connection object hook part 94 and an other connection object hook part 96, and a fixing part 98. The one connection object hook part 94 and the other connection object hook part 96, when a flexible pipe passes through a penetration space 116, are respectively hooked on an outer peripheral surface of the flexible pipe. The one connection object hook part 94 and the other connection object hook part 96 are fixed to the fixing part 98. The fixing part 98 includes one adjacent connection part and the other adjacent connection part, and an easy twist coupling part. The easy twist coupling part makes a connection between the one adjacent connection part and the other adjacent connection part. The elastic deformation of the easy twist coupling part with respect to twisting that enables center axial movement of the fixing part 98 at a separation location is easier than the elastic deformation of the one and other adjacent connection parts with respect to the twisting.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a flexible pipe joint. This flexible pipe joint comprises a joint body, a retainer, and a press ring. The retainer is housed within the joint body. The press ring enters the joint body. The joint body has an inlet for the flexible pipe and an inlet passage for the flexible pipe. A retainer is disposed in the inlet passage. The inlet passage is connected to the outside of the joint body via the inlet. The retainer surrounds a through space through which the flexible pipe passes. When the flexible pipe passes through the through space, the retainer prevents the flexible pipe from retracting and falling out of the through space. The press ring prevents the retainer from falling out of the joint body together with the flexible pipe. The retainer has multiple hooking portions and a fixing portion. The hooking portions each hook onto the outer circumferential surface of the flexible pipe. The multiple hooking portions are fixed to the fixing portion.

[0003] The flexible pipe joint disclosed in Patent Document 1 can be easily connected to a flexible pipe installed in a narrow space. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2013 / 132585 Brochure Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The flexible pipe joint disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that the allowable movement of the pipe in the retainer is small.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve this problem, and its object is to provide a retainer and a pipe joint that allow greater pipe movement. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The retainer and 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 intended to facilitate 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.

[0008] To achieve the above-mentioned object, according to one aspect of the present invention, the retainer 24 surrounds the through-space 116 through which the tube 300 passes. The retainer 24 prevents the tube 300 from retracting and falling out of the through-space 116 when the tube 300 passes through the through-space 116. The retainer 24 has a plurality of hooking portions 94, 96 and a fixing portion 98. The plurality of hooking portions 94, 96 each hook onto the outer circumferential surface of the tube 300 when the tube 300 passes through the through-space 116. The plurality of hooking portions 94, 96 are fixed to the fixing portion 98. The fixing portion 98 has a plurality of connecting portions 120, 122 and an easy-twist coupling portion 124. The plurality of connecting portions 120, 122 are each connected to one of the plurality of hooking portions 94, 96. The twist coupling portion 124 couples the pair of adjacent connection portions 120, 122 between the pairs of adjacent connection portions 120, 122. The pair of adjacent connection portions 120, 122 is any of the adjacent connection portions 120, 122 among the multiple connection portions 120, 122. The fixed portion 98 is separated from one end to the other end in the direction of the central axis 256 at a separation point 126. The separation point 126 is a point between the pairs of adjacent connection portions 120, 122 that is different from the point between the adjacent connection portions 120, 122 that are coupled by the twist coupling portion 124. The elastic deformation of the twist coupling portion 124 in a torsion that allows movement of the fixed portion 98 at the separation point 126 in the direction of the central axis 256 is easier than the elastic deformation of the pair of adjacent connection portions 120, 122 in that torsion.

[0009] When the pipe 300 attempts to slip out of the through-space 116, the multiple hooks 94, 96 that are respectively hooked onto the outer circumferential surface of the pipe 300 are subjected to a force. Part of that force is transmitted to the twistable coupling portion 124 via the multiple hooks 94, 96 and the pair of adjacent connecting portions 120, 122. The twistable coupling portion 124 elastically deforms more easily in relation to torsion, as described below, than the pair of adjacent connecting portions 120, 122. This twisting allows movement of the fixed portion 98 at the separation point 126 in the direction of the central axis 256. As a result, the reaction force that the adjacent connecting portions 120, 122 experience as a result of the elastic deformation is smaller than if the twistable coupling portion 124 were not easily elastically deformable. When the reaction force experienced by the adjacent connecting portions 120, 122 becomes smaller, the reaction force that the multiple hooks 94, 96 experience through the adjacent connecting portions 120, 122 also becomes smaller. The smaller the reaction force, the greater the allowable movement of the tube 300. As a result, a retainer 24 is provided that allows greater allowable movement of the tube 300.

[0010] It is also desirable that recesses 128, 128 be provided on at least one of both ends of the fixing portion 98 in the direction of the central axis 256 of the easy twist connection portion 124 described above.

[0011] When the above-described recesses 128, 128 are provided in the easy twist coupling portion 124, when there is movement of the fixing portion 98 in the direction of the central axis 256 at the separation point 126, the reaction force that the multiple hook portions 94, 96 receive as a result of that movement is smaller than when such recesses 128, 128 are not provided. As a result, a retainer 24 is provided that allows greater movement of the tube 300.

[0012] Alternatively, it is desirable that a fitting groove 110 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of each pair of connection target hook portions 94, 96. The pair of connection target hook portions 94, 96 is a pair of hook portions 94, 96 to which a pair of adjacent connection portions 120, 122 is respectively connected among the multiple hook portions 94, 96. In this case, it is desirable that one of the pair of adjacent connection portions 120, 122 is fitted into the fitting groove 110 of one of the pair of connection target hook portions 94, 96. In this case, it is desirable that the other of the pair of adjacent connection portions 120, 122 is fitted into the fitting groove 110 of the other of the pair of connection target hook portions 94, 96.

[0013] One of the pair of adjacent connecting portions 120, 122 is fitted into the fitting groove 110 of one of the pair of connection target hook portions 94, 96, and the other of the pair of adjacent connecting portions 120, 122 is fitted into the fitting groove 110 of the other of the pair of connection target hook portions 94, 96. Elastic deformation of the twistable coupling portion 124 with respect to twisting, which allows movement of the fixed portion 98 in the direction of the central axis 256 at the separation location 126, is easier than elastic deformation of the pair of adjacent connecting portions 120, 122 with respect to that twisting. As a result, the reaction force that the adjacent connecting portions 120, 122 receive with that elastic deformation is smaller than if the twistable coupling portion 124 were not easily elastically deformed. The smaller the reaction force, the less likely it is that the connection between one of the pair of connection target hook portions 94, 96 and one of the pair of adjacent connection portions 120, 122, and the connection between the other of the pair of connection target hook portions 94, 96 and the other of the pair of adjacent connection portions 120, 122, will be released. Because this possibility is lower, the retainer 24 is less likely to come apart as the fixing portion 98 moves in the direction of the central axis 256 at the separation point 126.

[0014] Alternatively, it is desirable that one of the pair of adjacent connecting portions 120, 122 described above has a one-side groove-disposed portion 200 and a one-side slip-out preventing portion 202. The one-side groove-disposed portion 200 is disposed in the fitting groove 110 of one of the pair of connection target hook portions 94, 96. One end of the one-side groove-disposed portion 200 is connected to the twist coupling portion 124. The one-side slip-out preventing portion 202 prevents the one-side groove-disposed portion 200 from slipping out of the fitting groove 110 of one of the pair of connection target hook portions 94, 96.

[0015] When the one-side retaining portion 202 prevents the one-side groove placement portion 200 from coming out of one of the fitting grooves 110 of the pair of connection target hook portions 94, 96, the possibility of the retainer 24 coming apart due to movement of the fixing portion 98 in the direction of the central axis 256 at the separation point 126 is reduced.

[0016] Alternatively, it is desirable that the fitting groove 110 of one of the pair of connection target hook portions 94, 96 described above forms the opening 136 at the end opposite to the side facing the twist coupling portion 124. In this case, it is desirable that the one retaining portion 202 is connected to the other end of the one groove-disposed portion 200. In this case, it is desirable that the one retaining portion 202 engages with one of the pair of connection target hook portions 94, 96.

[0017] When the one-side retaining portion 202 connected to the other end of the one-side groove-disposed portion 200 engages with one of the pair of connection target hook portions 94, 96, the one-side groove-disposed portion 200 is prevented from moving within the fitting groove 110 and coming out of the fitting groove 110. Since this is prevented, the fixing portion 98 is less likely to be broken as it moves in the direction of the central axis 256 of the fixing portion 98 at the separation point 126.

[0018] Alternatively, it is desirable that the fitting groove 110 described above is a dovetail groove. This makes it even more difficult for the one-groove placement portion 200 to come out of the fitting groove 110. As a result, the possibility of the retainer 24 coming apart due to movement of the fixing portion 98 at the separation point 126 in the direction of the central axis 256 is reduced.

[0019] Alternatively, it is desirable that the inner circumferential surface of the recess 128 described above forms a curved surface. If the inner circumferential surface of the recess 128 forms a curved surface, the possibility of large stress concentration occurring at any point on the recess 128 is reduced when there is movement in the direction of the central axis 256 of the fixing portion 98 at the separation point 126. Because this possibility is reduced, the possibility of the fixing portion 98 being broken due to that movement is also reduced.

[0020] Alternatively, it is desirable that the material of the fixing portion 98 described above is a synthetic resin containing expanded graphite. The retainer 24 surrounds the through space 116 through which the pipe 300 passes. The material of the fixing portion 98 of the retainer 24 is a synthetic resin containing expanded graphite. This allows the expanded graphite to expand when the retainer 24 is exposed to high temperatures, filling the area around the pipe 300. As a result, leakage of fluid passing around the pipe 300 is suppressed.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present invention, a pipe fitting 10 includes a fitting body 20, a retainer 24, and a press ring 26. The retainer 24 is housed within the fitting body 20 as the pipe 300 enters the fitting body 20. The retainer 24 surrounds a through space 116 through which the pipe 300 passes. When the pipe 300 passes through the through space 116, the retainer 24 prevents the pipe 300 from retracting and slipping out of the through space 116. When the retainer 24 is housed within the fitting body 20, the press ring 26 prevents the retainer 24 from retracting and slipping out of the fitting body 20. The fitting body 20 has an entrance 54 for the pipe 300 and the retainer 24, and an entrance passage 56 for the pipe 300 and the retainer 24. The entrance passage 56 communicates with the outside of the fitting body 20 via the entrance 54. The retainer 24 has a plurality of hooking portions 94, 96 and a fixing portion 98. The plurality of hooking portions 94, 96 each hook onto the outer circumferential surface of the pipe 300 when the pipe 300 passes through the through-space 116. The plurality of hooking portions 94, 96 are fixed to the fixing portion 98. The fixing portion 98 has a plurality of connecting portions 120, 122 and an easy-twist coupling portion 124. The plurality of connecting portions 120, 122 are each connected to one of the plurality of hooking portions 94, 96. The easy-twist coupling portion 124 connects pairs of adjacent connecting portions 120, 122 between pairs of adjacent connecting portions 120, 122. The pair of adjacent connecting portions 120, 122 is one of the plurality of connecting portions 120, 122 that are adjacent to each other. The fixing portion 98 is separated from one end to the other end in the direction of its central axis 256 at a separation point 126. The separation point 126 is a point between the pair of adjacent connection portions 120, 122 that is different from the point between the adjacent connection portions 120, 122 that are connected by the easy twist connection portion 124. The elastic deformation of the easy twist connection portion 124 in relation to torsion that allows movement of the fixed portion 98 in the direction of the central axis 256 at the separation point 126 is easier than the elastic deformation of the pair of adjacent connection portions 120, 122 in relation to that torsion.

[0022] When the pipe 300 attempts to slip out of the through-space 116, the multiple hooks 94, 96 that are respectively hooked onto the outer circumferential surface of the pipe 300 are subjected to a force. Part of that force is transmitted to the twistable coupling portion 124 via the multiple hooks 94, 96 and the pair of adjacent connecting portions 120, 122. The twistable coupling portion 124 elastically deforms more easily in relation to torsion, as described below, than the pair of adjacent connecting portions 120, 122. This twisting allows movement of the fixed portion 98 at the separation point 126 in the direction of the central axis 256. As a result, the reaction force that the adjacent connecting portions 120, 122 experience as a result of the elastic deformation is smaller than if the twistable coupling portion 124 were not easily elastically deformable. When the reaction force experienced by the adjacent connecting portions 120, 122 becomes smaller, the reaction force that the multiple hooks 94, 96 experience through the adjacent connecting portions 120, 122 also becomes smaller. The smaller the reaction force, the greater the allowable movement of the pipe 300. As a result, a pipe coupling 10 is provided that allows greater allowable movement of the pipe 300. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] The present invention allows for greater tube movement. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram of a flexible pipe coupling according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a fitting body according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a retainer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a one-side connection target hook portion according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a front view of a fixing part according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a side view of a fastener according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a perspective view of a flexible pipe seal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a side view of a press ring according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 10 is a view showing a flexible tube passing through a retainer and a press ring in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a state in which a sealing portion is engaging with a valley portion of a flexible pipe in an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] 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.

[0026] [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.

[0027] 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. 9. 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] In this embodiment, the flexible pipe sealant 22 is made of rubber and includes a metal ring 166 (see FIG. 10). 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.

[0031] 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. The specific configuration of the retainer 24 according to this embodiment will be described later.

[0032] One end of the press ring 26 enters the joint body 20. When the retainer 24 is housed in the joint body 20, the press ring 26 prevents the retainer 24 together with the flexible pipe 300 from retracting and coming out of the joint body 20.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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 threaded portion 52 is provided on one end of the joint body 20. The above-mentioned connected body is connected to the threaded portion 52. In this embodiment, a male thread is formed on the threaded portion 52.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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 .

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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 .

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the retainer 24 according to this embodiment. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the one connection object hook portion 94 according to this embodiment. Fig. 5 is a front view of the fixing portion 98 according to this embodiment. Fig. 6 is a side view of the fixing portion 98 according to this embodiment. The configuration of the retainer 24 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 3 to 6.

[0050] 3, the outer shape of the retainer 24 is substantially cylindrical. The retainer 24 is accommodated in the retainer accommodating portion 72 of the entrance passage 56 of the joint body 20. The retainer 24 forms a through space 116.

[0051] In this embodiment, the retainer 24 has one connection object hook portion 94 , another connection object hook portion 96 , and a fixing portion 98 .

[0052] In this embodiment, the first connection target hook portion 94 and the second connection target hook portion 96 are made of metal. As is clear from FIGS. 3 and 4, the first connection target hook portion 94 has a base portion 100 and three claw portions 102. The base portion 100 has a shape like a cylinder split in half. The claw portion 102 is provided so as to protrude from the concave surface of the base portion 100. The three claw portions 102 are arranged so as to be aligned along the central axis 250 of the retainer 24. In this embodiment, the base portion 100 and the three claw portions 102 are integral with each other.

[0053] In this embodiment, the base portion 100 has notches formed at both ends. In this embodiment, one of the notches is an opposing-side notch 112. The other of the openings is an opposite-side notch 114. Furthermore, as is clear from FIG. 4 , in this embodiment, a fitting groove 110 is provided on the convex surface of the base portion 100, and therefore on the outer peripheral surface of the one connection target hook portion 94. As is clear from FIG. 4 , in this embodiment, the fitting groove 110 is a dovetail groove. A "dovetail groove" refers to a groove in which the distance between the edges 132, 132 is narrower than the width of the bottom 130. In this embodiment, the fitting groove 110 has openings formed at both ends. In this embodiment, one of the openings is an opposing-side opening 134. The other of the openings is an opposite-side opening 136. The opposite-side opening 136 is formed at the end of the opening opposite to the side facing the twistable coupling portion 124.

[0054] In this embodiment, the specific form of the other connection object hook portion 96 is similar to that of the one connection object hook portion 94. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

[0055] In this embodiment, the material of the fixing portion 98 is polyethylene containing expanded graphite. The first connection target hook portion 94 and the second connection target hook portion 96 are fixed to the fixing portion 98. As is clear from Fig. 5, in this embodiment, the fixing portion 98 has a first adjacent connection portion 120, a second adjacent connection portion 122, and an easy-twist coupling portion 124.

[0056] The one-side adjacent connection portion 120 is connected to the one-side connection target hook portion 94. The other-side adjacent connection portion 122 is connected to the other-side connection target hook portion 96. As a result, the one-side adjacent connection portion 120 and the other-side adjacent connection portion 122 are connected one-to-one to the one-side connection target hook portion 94 and the other-side connection target hook portion 96, respectively. Because the one-side adjacent connection portion 120 and the other-side adjacent connection portion 122 are adjacent to each other, the easy twist coupling portion 124 is disposed at one of the two positions between the one-side adjacent connection portion 120 and the other-side adjacent connection portion 122 in this embodiment. The easy twist coupling portion 124 couples the adjacent one-side adjacent connection portion 120 and the other-side adjacent connection portion 122. The fixing portion 98 is separated from one end to the other end in the direction of its central axis 256 at the separation point 126. In this embodiment, the direction of the central axis 256 is along the direction in which the central axis 250 of the retainer 24 extends when the one connection target hook portion 94 and the other connection target hook portion 96 are fixed to the fixing portion 98 and the retainer 24 is completed. In this embodiment, the separation point 126 is a point between the one adjacent connection portion 120 and the other adjacent connection portion 122 that is different from the point connected by the easy-twist connecting portion 124.

[0057] In this embodiment, the one-side adjacent connection portion 120 has a one-side groove-disposed portion 200, a one-side slip-out prevention portion 202, and a one-side approach prevention portion 204. The one-side groove-disposed portion 200 is fitted into the fitting groove 110 of the one-side connection target hook portion 94. One end of the one-side groove-disposed portion 200 is connected to the twist coupling portion 124. In this embodiment, the one-side slip-out prevention portion 202 is connected to the other end of the one-side groove-disposed portion 200. The one-side slip-out prevention portion 202 engages with the opposite notch 114 of the one-side connection target hook portion 94. This causes the one-side slip-out prevention portion 202 to engage with the one-side connection target hook portion 94. As a result, the one-side slip-out prevention portion 202 prevents the one-side groove-disposed portion 200 from slipping out of the fitting groove 110 of the one-side connection target hook portion 94. The one-side approach prevention portion 204 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the one-side groove-disposed portion 200 near one end. The one-side approach prevention portion 204 engages with the opposing notch 112 of the one-side connection target hook portion 94. This causes the one-side approach prevention portion 204 to engage with the one-side connection target hook portion 94. As a result, the one-side approach prevention portion 204 prevents the one-side connection target hook portion 94 from coming excessively close to the other-side connection target hook portion 96.

[0058] In this embodiment, the other-side adjacent connection portion 122 has a other-side groove-disposed portion 220, a other-side slip-out prevention portion 222, and a other-side approach prevention portion 224. The other-side groove-disposed portion 220 is fitted into the fitting groove 110 of the other-side connection target hook portion 96. One end of the other-side groove-disposed portion 220 is connected to the easy-to-twist coupling portion 124. In this embodiment, the other-side slip-out prevention portion 222 is connected to the other end of the other-side groove-disposed portion 220. The other-side slip-out prevention portion 222 engages with the opposite notch 114 of the other-side connection target hook portion 96. This causes the other-side slip-out prevention portion 222 to engage with the other-side connection target hook portion 96. As a result, the other-side slip-out prevention portion 222 prevents the other-side groove-disposed portion 220 from slipping out of the fitting groove 110 of the other-side connection target hook portion 96. The other-side approach prevention portion 224 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the other-side groove-disposed portion 220 near one end. The other approach prevention portion 224 engages with the opposing notch 112 of the other connection target hook portion 96. This causes the other approach prevention portion 224 to engage with the other connection target hook portion 96. As a result, the other approach prevention portion 224 prevents the one connection target hook portion 94 from coming too close to the other connection target hook portion 96.

[0059] 6, in this embodiment, recesses 128, 128 are provided at both ends of the twist connection portion 124 in the direction of the central axis 256 of the fixed portion 98. In this embodiment, the inner circumferential surfaces of the recesses 128, 128 form curved surfaces.

[0060] As described above, in the case of this embodiment, the one-groove arrangement portion 200 of the one-adjacent connection portion 120 is fitted into the fitting groove 110 of the one-connection object hook portion 94, and the other-groove arrangement portion 220 of the other-adjacent connection portion 122 is fitted into the fitting groove 110 of the other-connection object hook portion 96. As a result, the one-connection object hook portion 94 and the other-connection object hook portion 96 are bundled together by the fixing portion 98.

[0061] 7 is a perspective view of the flexible pipe sealing material 22 according to this embodiment. The configuration of the flexible pipe sealing material 22 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0062] In this embodiment, the flexible pipe sealant 22 has an annular shape and includes a sealing portion 160, a cylindrical body portion 162, a penetration prevention portion 164, and a circular ring 166, which is not shown in FIG. 7 but is shown in FIG. 10.

[0063] The sealing portion 160 has an annular shape. The cross section of the sealing portion 160 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.

[0064] 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 are provided at four locations on the outer periphery of the body portion 162. In this embodiment, the grooves 180 extend in a direction along the central axis 252 of the body portion 162. Ends 182 of the grooves 180 are located at locations on the body portion 162 that contact the sealing portion 160. Furthermore, the grooves 180 extend from one end to the other end of the outer periphery of the body portion 162 with respect to the central axis 252 of the body portion 162. Because the grooves 180 are provided on the outer periphery of the body portion 162, steps are formed between the edges and bottoms of the grooves 180. This results in steps being formed on the outer periphery of the body portion 162 in the circumferential direction.

[0065] In this embodiment, the penetration prevention portion 164 is directly connected to the body portion 162. The penetration prevention portion 164 prevents the flexible tube 300 from penetrating the body portion 162.

[0066] In this embodiment, the above-mentioned circular ring 166 is disposed within the penetration prevention portion 164. In this embodiment, the circular ring 166 reinforces the penetration prevention portion 164.

[0067] FIG. 8 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. 8 . The configuration of the press ring 26 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 8 . 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.

[0068] [Connection instructions] Next, a method for connecting a flexible pipe 300 to the flexible pipe joint 10 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] Next, the worker elastically deforms the fixing portion 98 of the retainer 24 so that the separation points 126 are spaced apart. Once the separation points 126 are spaced apart, the worker fits the claw portions 102, 102, 102 of the retainer 24 into the valley portions 312 of the flexible pipe 300. In this manner, the retainer 24 is fitted to the flexible pipe 300. In the case of this embodiment, the claw portions 102, 102, 102 of the retainer 24 are fitted to the flexible pipe 300 at this point so that the three peak portions 310 are exposed from the end of the retainer 24. Once the claw portions 102, 102, 102 of the retainer 24 are fitted to the flexible pipe 300, the first connection target hook portion 94 and the second connection target hook portion 96 of the retainer 24 are each hooked onto the outer peripheral surface of the flexible pipe 300 that has passed through the through-space 116. Once the claws 102, 102, 102 of the retainer 24 are fitted onto the flexible tube 300, the worker brings the press ring 26 into contact with the retainer 24. Figure 9 shows the flexible tube 300 passing through the through space 116 of the retainer 24 and the press ring 26. In Figure 9, parts of these parts are cut away.

[0072] 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.

[0073] In this embodiment, 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 storage portion 78. The flexible pipe 300 that has advanced deep into 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.

[0074] 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 into 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 10 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] [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 attempts to retreat and come out of the through-space 116 shown in FIG. 3 , the first connection target hook portion 94 and the second connection target hook portion 96, which are respectively hooked on the outer circumferential surface of the flexible pipe 300, are subjected to a force. This force causes one of the position and orientation of the first connection target hook portion 94 and the second connection target hook portion 96 to change. When this force is received, a portion of the force is transmitted to the easy twist coupling portion 124 via the first connection target hook portion 94 and the second connection target hook portion 96 and the first adjacent connection portion 120 and the second adjacent connection portion 122. The elastic deformation of the easy twist coupling portion 124 in relation to a twist that allows movement in the direction of the central axis 250 of the retainer 24 at the separation point 126 (and thus in the direction of the central axis 256 of the fixed portion 98) is easier than the elastic deformation of the first adjacent connection portion 120 and the second adjacent connection portion 122 in relation to that twist. As a result, the reaction force that the one adjacent connection portion 120 and the other adjacent connection portion 122 receive as they twist is smaller than if they were not easily elastically deformed. When the reaction force that the one adjacent connection portion 120 and the other adjacent connection portion 122 receive is smaller, the reaction force that the one connection target hook portion 94 and the other connection target hook portion 96 receive via the one adjacent connection portion 120 and the other adjacent connection portion 122 is also smaller. The smaller the reaction force, the greater the allowable movement of the flexible pipe 300. As a result, a retainer 24 is provided that allows greater allowable movement of the flexible pipe 300.

[0077] When the above-described recesses 128, 128 are provided in the twist coupling portion 124, when there is movement in the direction of the central axis 250 of the retainer 24 at the separation point 126 (and consequently in the direction of the central axis 256 of the fixed portion 98), the reaction force that accompanies this movement is smaller than when such recesses 128, 128 are not provided. As a result, a retainer 24 is provided that allows greater movement of the flexible tube 300.

[0078] The first adjacent connection portion 120 is fitted into the fitting groove 110 of the first connection target hook portion 94, and the second adjacent connection portion 122 is fitted into the fitting groove 110 of the second connection target hook portion 96. In this case, the elastic deformation of the twistable coupling portion 124 with respect to torsion, which allows movement in the direction of the central axis 250 of the retainer 24 (and therefore in the direction of the central axis 256 of the fixed portion 98) at the separation point 126, is easier than the elastic deformation of the first adjacent connection portion 120 and the second adjacent connection portion 122 with respect to that torsion. As a result, the reaction force that the first adjacent connection portion 120 and the second adjacent connection portion 122 receive due to that elastic deformation is smaller than in a case where the twistable coupling portion 124 is not easily elastically deformed. The smaller reaction force reduces the likelihood of the connection between the first connection target hook portion 94 and the first adjacent connection portion 120, and the connection between the second connection target hook portion 96 and the second adjacent connection portion 122 being released. Since this possibility is reduced, the possibility of the retainer 24 being disassembled due to movement of the fixing portion 98 in the direction of the central axis 256 at the separation point 126 is reduced.

[0079] In the present embodiment, the one-side retaining portion 202 prevents the one-side groove-disposed portion 200 from coming out of the fitting groove 110 of the one-side connection target hook portion 94. The other-side retaining portion 222 prevents the other-side groove-disposed portion 220 from coming out of the fitting groove 110 of the other-side connection target hook portion 96. This reduces the possibility that the retainer 24 will come apart due to movement of the fixing portion 98 at the separation point 126 in the direction of the central axis 256.

[0080] In this embodiment, all of the fitting grooves 110 are dovetail grooves. This makes it even more difficult for the one-groove arrangement portion 200 to come out of the fitting groove 110. As a result, the possibility of the retainer 24 coming apart due to movement of the fixing portion 98 in the direction of the central axis 256 at the separation point 126 is reduced.

[0081] In this embodiment, the inner circumferential surface of recess 128 forms a curved surface. When the inner circumferential surface of recess 128 forms a curved surface, there is a reduced possibility that a large concentration of stress will occur at any point on recess 128 when there is movement in the direction of central axis 256 of fixing portion 98 at separation location 126. Because this possibility is reduced, there is a reduced possibility that fixing portion 98 will be destroyed as a result of this movement.

[0082] In this embodiment, the material of the fixing portion 98 is a synthetic resin containing expanded graphite. The retainer 24 surrounds the through space 116 through which the flexible pipe 300 passes. The material of the fixing portion 98 of the retainer 24 is a synthetic resin containing expanded graphite. As a result, when the retainer 24 is exposed to high temperatures, the expanded graphite expands and fills the area around the flexible pipe 300. As a result, leakage of fluid passing around the flexible pipe 300 is suppressed.

[0083] <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.

[0084] For example, the material of the fixing portion 98 is not particularly limited. The specific shapes of the one-side adjacent connecting portion 120 and the other-side adjacent connecting portion 122, the specific shape of the fitting groove 110, and the specific shape of the twistable coupling portion 124 are also not particularly limited. The pipe that passes through the retainer of the present invention is not limited to the flexible pipe 300. Therefore, the hook portion of the retainer of the present invention may be any that can hook onto the outer peripheral surface of the pipe. The specific means for doing so is not particularly limited. For example, the hook portion of the retainer of the present invention may be any that can hook onto the outer peripheral surface of the pipe by frictional force. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 10...Flexible pipe fittings 20...Joint body 22...Flexible pipe sealant 24...Retainer 26...Push ring 28...Removal stopper 30...Periphery seal material 32...Waterproof packing 50...Nut type part 52...Threaded section 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...One-side connection target hook part 96...Other connection target hook part 98…Fixed part 100...Base 102...Claw part 110...Fitting groove 116...Through space 120...One adjacent connection 122...Other adjacent connection part 124...Easy twist connection part 126…Separation point 128...recess 130...bottom 132...Connection 134...Opposite side opening 136...opposite side opening 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 180...Groove 182...end 200...One-way groove arrangement portion 202...One-side retaining part 204...One-way approach prevention part 220...Other groove placement part 222...Other retaining portion 224...Other approach prevention part 250,252,256…center axis 300...Flexible pipe 310…Yamabe 312... Valley 314…Covering layer 320…tube shaft

Claims

1. A retainer that surrounds a through space through which a pipe passes and prevents the pipe from retracting and slipping out of the through space when the pipe passes through the through space, a plurality of hook portions that are respectively hooked onto an outer peripheral surface of the pipe when the pipe passes through the through space; a fixing portion to which the plurality of hook portions are fixed, The fixing portion is a plurality of connection portions each connected to one of the plurality of hook portions; and an easy-twist connection portion that connects the pair of adjacent connection portions, which are any of the pairs of adjacent connection portions among the plurality of connection portions, between the pair of adjacent connection portions, the fixing portion is separated from one end to the other end in the central axis direction of the fixing portion at a separation location that is a location different from between the pairs of adjacent connection portions connected by the easy-twist connection portion among the pairs of adjacent connection portions, A retainer characterized in that the elastic deformation of the easy-to-twist connection portion with respect to a twist that allows movement of the fixed portion in the central axial direction at the separation point is easier than the elastic deformation of the pair of adjacent connection portions with respect to the twist.

2. The retainer according to claim 1, wherein a recess is provided on at least one of both ends of the easy twisting connection portion in the direction of the central axis of the fixed portion.

3. a fitting groove is provided on an outer peripheral surface of each of the pairs of connection target hook portions, which are pairs of the hook portions to which the pairs of adjacent connection portions are respectively connected, among the plurality of hook portions; one of the pair of adjacent connection portions is fitted into the fitting groove of one of the pair of connection target hook portions, 3. The retainer according to claim 2, wherein the other of the pair of adjacent connection portions is fitted into the fitting groove of the other of the pair of connection target hook portions.

4. One of the pair of adjacent connection portions is a one-groove arrangement portion that is arranged in one of the fitting grooves of the pair of connection target hook portions and has one end connected to the easy twist coupling portion; 4. The retainer according to claim 3, further comprising a one-side retaining portion that prevents the one-side groove-disposed portion from coming out of the fitting groove of one of the pair of connection object hook portions.

5. One of the fitting grooves of the pair of connection object hook portions forms an opening at an end opposite to the side facing the easy twisting coupling portion, 5. The retainer according to claim 4, wherein the one retaining portion is connected to the other end of the one groove-disposed portion and engages with one of the pair of connection target hook portions.

6. 4. The retainer according to claim 3, wherein the fitting groove is a dovetail groove.

7. 3. The retainer according to claim 2, wherein the inner peripheral surface of the recess forms a curved surface.

8. 2. The retainer according to claim 1, wherein the material of the fixing portion is a synthetic resin containing expanded graphite.

9. A joint body; a retainer that is accommodated in the joint body as the pipe enters the joint body, surrounds a through space through which the pipe passes, and prevents the pipe from retracting and slipping out of the through space when the pipe passes through the through space; a press ring that prevents the retainer from retracting and slipping out of the joint body when the retainer is housed in the joint body, The joint body is an entrance for the tube and the retainer; a pipe fitting having an inlet path for the pipe and the retainer communicating with the outside of the fitting body through the inlet, The retainer is a plurality of hook portions that are respectively hooked onto an outer peripheral surface of the pipe when the pipe passes through the through space; a fixing portion to which the plurality of hook portions are fixed, The fixing portion is a plurality of connection portions each connected to one of the plurality of hook portions; and an easy-twist connection portion that connects the pair of adjacent connection portions, which are any of the pairs of adjacent connection portions among the plurality of connection portions, between the pair of adjacent connection portions, the fixing portion is separated from one end to the other end in the central axis direction of the fixing portion at a separation location that is a location different from between the pairs of adjacent connection portions connected by the easy-twist connection portion among the pairs of adjacent connection portions, a pipe joint characterized in that the elastic deformation of the easy-to-twist connection portion with respect to a twist that allows movement of the fixed portion at the separation point in the direction of the central axis is easier than the elastic deformation of the pair of adjacent connection portions with respect to the twist.

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