Joint-connected pipe and pipe joint

Abstract

To further reduce the possibility of leakage caused by at least one of tensile stress and bending stress applied to a pipe.SOLUTION: A joint-connected pipe 10 includes a pipe 200 and a pipe joint 20. The pipe joint 20 is connected to one end of the pipe 200. The pipe 200 includes a pipe flow passage forming portion, an engagement enlarged diameter portion, and a seal confronting portion. The engagement enlarged diameter portion has a maximum outside diameter larger than that of the pipe flow passage forming portion. The engagement enlarged diameter portion is engaged with the inside the pipe joint 20. The pipe joint 20 includes a cylindrical joint body 40 and a seal material 42. The seal material 42 is disposed inside the joint body 40. The seal confronting portion applies force in a radial direction of the joint body 40 to the seal material 42 as the seal confronting portion of the pipe 200 confronts an inner peripheral surface of the seal material 42 disposed inside the joint body 40. Accordingly, the seal confronting portion presses the seal material 42 against an inner peripheral surface of the joint body 40.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to pre-connected pipes and pipe fittings. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an insulating sleeve and a single nipple. The inner peripheral surface of the sleeve is provided with an annular groove. A packing is placed in the annular groove. The packing is pressed against the bulging portion of the steel pipe. The outer peripheral surface of the sleeve is provided with an annular groove for inserting an O-ring. The single nipple described above has a central flange. In the single nipple, a threaded portion is provided on the outer peripheral surface on one side of the central flange for threaded engagement with a mating part. The inner periphery of the other side of the central flange has a larger diameter than the inner periphery on the other side. The single nipple described above is rotatable relative to the sleeve inserted into the larger diameter portion. The single nipple described above is prevented from coming loose by a retaining wire. The sleeve and single nipple disclosed in Patent Document 1 do not use a cap nut on the end of the steel pipe, thereby reducing the number of parts. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-79446 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The sleeve and single nipple disclosed in Patent Document 1 have the problem that leakage of fluid flowing therethrough may occur depending on the direction of at least one of the tensile stress and bending stress applied to the steel pipe.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to further reduce the risk of leaks occurring due to tensile and / or bending stresses on the pipe. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The pre-connected pipe of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the reference numerals used in this section are intended to facilitate understanding of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the illustrated scope.

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned object, according to one aspect of the present invention, a pre-connected pipe 10, 410, 610 includes a pipe 200 and a pipe fitting 20, 420, 620. The pipe fitting 20, 420, 620 is connected to one end of the pipe 200. The pipe 200 has a pipe flow path forming portion 220 and a bulging portion 222. The pipe flow path forming portion 220 forms a flow path. The bulging portion 222 is formed closer to the one end of the pipe 200 than the pipe flow path forming portion 220. The bulging portion 222 has a larger maximum outer diameter than the pipe flow path forming portion 220. The bulging portion 222 forms a space communicating with the flow path formed by the pipe flow path forming portion 220. The bulging portion 222 engages with the interior of the pipe fitting 20, 420, 620. The bulging portion 222 has an engagement enlarged diameter portion 230 and a seal facing portion 232. The engaging enlarged diameter portion 230 is continuous with the pipe flow path forming portion 220. The engaging enlarged diameter portion 230 expands so that its outer diameter increases with increasing distance from the pipe flow path forming portion 220. The seal facing portion 232 is continuous with the engaging enlarged diameter portion 230. The seal facing portion 232 narrows so that its outer diameter decreases with increasing distance from the engaging enlarged diameter portion 230. The pipe fitting 20, 420, 620 has a tubular fitting body 40, 440, 640 and a sealing material 42, 641, 642. The sealing material 42, 641, 642 is disposed within the fitting body 40, 440, 640. The sealing material 42, 641, 642 seals between the outer peripheral surface of the pipe 200 and the inner peripheral surface of the fitting body 40, 440, 640. The seal facing portion 232 faces from the inner circumferential surface to the side surface of the sealing material 42, 641, 642 arranged in the joint body 40, 440, 640. As the seal facing portion 232 of the pipe 200 faces from the inner circumferential surface to the side surface of the sealing material 42, 641, 642 arranged in the joint body 40, 440, 640, the seal facing portion 232 presses the sealing material 42 against the inner circumferential surface of the joint body 40, 440, 640.

[0008] The seal facing portion 232 of the pipe 200 faces the inner circumferential surface and side surface of the seal material 42, 641, 642 disposed within the fitting body 40, 440, 640. As a result, the seal facing portion 232 presses the seal material 42, 641, 642 against the inner circumferential surface of the fitting body 40, 440, 640. This pressing creates a seal between the outer circumferential surface of the pipe 200 and the inner circumferential surface of the fitting body 40, 440, 640. This sealing reduces the difference in the force received from the seal facing portion 232 between the sealing material 42, 641, 642 compared to the following case. This case is when the portion of the bulge 222 with the maximum outer diameter applies force to the seal material 42, 641, 642 only in the radial direction. When a force is applied to the sealing material 42, 641, 642 only in the radial direction, the distance between the point of the bulge 222 with the largest outer diameter and the point of the sealing material 42, 641, 642 that contacts the point varies depending on whether the point is in contact with the point of the sealing material 42, 641, 642 with the smallest inner diameter. This makes it easier for the magnitude of the force applied from the point of the bulge 222 with the largest outer diameter to vary between each point of the sealing material 42, 641, 642. When the seal facing portion 232 faces the inner circumferential surface of the sealing material 42, 641, 642 from its side surface, variation in the degree of adhesion between the sealing material 42, 641, 642 and the seal facing portion 232 is reduced. This reduction in variation reduces the difference in the force applied by the seal facing portion 232 between the parts of the sealing material 42, 641, 642. Because the difference is reduced, the risk of leakage occurring due to tensile and / or bending stresses being applied to the tube 200 is further reduced.

[0009] Furthermore, it is desirable that the seal facing portion 232 described above has a base facing portion 240 and an end facing portion 242. The base facing portion 240 is continuous with the engagement enlarged diameter portion 230. The base facing portion 240 tapers so that its outer diameter decreases with increasing distance from the engagement enlarged diameter portion 230. The end facing portion 242 is continuous with the base facing portion 240 on one end side of the tube 200. The end facing portion 242 tapers so that its outer diameter decreases more gradually than the base facing portion 240 with increasing distance from the engagement enlarged diameter portion 230.

[0010] The end facing portion 242 is continuous with the base facing portion 240 at one end of the pipe 200. The end facing portion 242 tapers so that its outer diameter gradually decreases compared to the base facing portion 240 as it moves away from the engagement enlarged diameter portion 230. This makes it easier for the seal facing portion 232 to penetrate the seal material 42, 641, 642 when the pipe 200 enters the fitting body 40, 440, 640, compared to when the seal facing portion 232 does not have the end facing portion 242.

[0011] Alternatively, it is desirable that the portion of the end facing portion 242 that contacts the base facing portion 240 be disposed so as to face the portion of the inner circumferential surface of the sealing material 42, 641, 642 that has the smallest inner diameter.

[0012] Assume that the end facing portion 242 is positioned so that the portion of the sealant 42, 641, 642 that contacts the base facing portion 240 faces the smallest inner diameter portion of the inner circumferential surface of the sealant 42, 641, 642. In this case, when the pipe 200 enters the fitting body 40, 440, 640, the base facing portion 240 applies force to the portion of the sealant 42, 641, 642 that extends from the inner circumferential surface to the side surface. The end facing portion 242 narrows so that its outer diameter gradually decreases compared to the base facing portion 240 as it moves away from the engagement enlarged diameter portion 230. In other words, the base facing portion 240 expands so that its outer diameter suddenly increases compared to the end facing portion 242 as it approaches the engagement enlarged diameter portion 230. Because the base facing portion 240 applies force in this manner, the sealant 42, 641, 642 is firmly pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the fitting body 40, 440, 640. As a result, the possibility of an event occurring in which the seal opposing portion 232 is unable to apply a force in the radial direction of the joint body 40, 440, 640 to the seal material 42, 641, 642 can be reduced.

[0013] It is also preferable that the above-described pipe fitting 20 further includes an annular nut 44. The nut 44 is connected to one end of the fitting body 40. In this case, it is preferable that the fitting body 40 includes a fitting flow path forming portion 60 and a male thread 62. The fitting flow path forming portion 60 forms a flow path. The male thread 62 is disposed on the outer periphery of at least one end of the fitting flow path forming portion 60. In this case, it is preferable that the nut 44 includes a pipe communication holding portion 100 and a female thread 102. The pipe communication holding portion 100 accommodates an engaging enlarged diameter portion 230 of the pipe 200. The engaging enlarged diameter portion 230 is accommodated so that the flow path formed by the pipe flow path forming portion 220 can communicate with the flow path formed by the fitting flow path forming portion 60. The engaging enlarged diameter portion 230 is accommodated within the fitting body 40 so as to be movable in a direction along the central axis 180 of the fitting flow path forming portion 60. The female thread 102 engages with the male thread 62 of the joint body 40 to connect the pipe communication holding portion 100 to the joint body 40 .

[0014] The engaging enlarged diameter portion 230 of the pipe 200 is accommodated in the pipe communication holding portion 100. The engaging enlarged diameter portion 230 is accommodated so that the flow path formed by the pipe flow path forming portion 220 can communicate with the flow path formed by the joint flow path forming portion 60. The engaging enlarged diameter portion 230 is accommodated so that it can move within the joint body 40 in a direction along the central axis 180 of the joint flow path forming portion 60. The female thread 102 connects the pipe communication holding portion 100 to the joint body 40. The seal material 42 is pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the joint body 40 by the seal opposing portion 232 itself. As a result, when the seal material 42 is pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the joint body 40, the force of the nut 44 pressing the pipe 200 in a direction along the central axis 180 of the joint flow path forming portion 60 is not required. Since this force is no longer necessary, it becomes easier to engage the enlarged diameter engaging portion 230 of the pipe 200 with the inside of the pipe joint 20 .

[0015] It is also desirable that the nut 44 described above further has a nut outer peripheral recess 106. The nut outer peripheral recess 106 is disposed on the outer periphery of the pipe communication holding portion 100. The nut outer peripheral recess 106 is recessed.

[0016] Because the nut outer periphery recess 106 arranged on the outer periphery of the pipe communication holding part 100 is recessed, it is easy to apply a large torque to the nut 44 by hooking a tool corresponding to the shape of the recess. In addition, in this case, the force pressing the sealing material 42 against the inner periphery of the fitting body 40 does not require the nut 44 to press the pipe 200 in a direction along the central axis of the fitting body 40. This reduces the reaction force that the nut 44 receives from the pipe 200. Because this reaction force is reduced, the torque required to intentionally loosen the nut 44 is also significantly reduced. As a result, when a fitting body 40 and a nut 44 connected thereto are provided, it is easy to intentionally loosen the nut 44.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present invention, a pipe fitting 420, 620 is connected to one end of a pipe 200. The pipe 200 has a pipe flow path forming portion 220 and a bulging portion 222. The pipe flow path forming portion 220 forms a flow path. The bulging portion 222 is formed closer to one end of the pipe 200 than the pipe flow path forming portion 220. The bulging portion 222 has a larger maximum outer diameter than the pipe flow path forming portion 220. The bulging portion 222 forms a space communicating with the flow path formed by the pipe flow path forming portion 220. The bulging portion 222 has an engaging expanded diameter portion 230 and a seal facing portion 232. The engaging expanded diameter portion 230 is continuous with the pipe flow path forming portion 220. The engaging expanded diameter portion 230 expands so that its outer diameter increases with increasing distance from the pipe flow path forming portion 220. The seal facing portion 232 is continuous with the engaging expanded diameter portion 230. The seal facing portion 232 tapers so that its outer diameter decreases as it moves away from the engagement enlarged diameter portion 230. The pipe fitting 420, 620 has a cylindrical fitting body 440, 640 and a sealing material 42, 641. The sealing material 42, 641 is disposed within the fitting body 440, 640. The sealing material 42, 641 seals between the outer peripheral surface of the pipe 200 and the inner peripheral surface of the fitting body 440, 640. The fitting body 440, 640 has a through hole forming portion 500, a pipe communication holding portion 502, and a fixed distance seal material accommodating portion 504. The through hole forming portion 500 forms a through hole through which the pipe 200 passes. The pipe communication holding portion 502 is continuous with the through hole forming portion 500. The pipe communication holding portion 502 is for accommodating the engagement enlarged diameter portion 230. The fixed distance sealant accommodating portion 504 is continuous with the pipe communication holding portion 502 so that the distance between the fixed distance sealant accommodating portion 504 and the pipe communication holding portion 502 is fixed. The fixed distance sealant accommodating portion 504 is intended to accommodate the sealant 42, 641 and the seal opposing portion 232.

[0018] Assume that the engaging expanded diameter portion 230 is accommodated in the pipe communication holding portion 502, and the seal material 42, 641 and the seal opposing portion 232 are accommodated in the fixed distance seal material accommodating portion 504. In this case, the engaging expanded diameter portion 230, which expands so that its outer diameter increases with increasing distance from the pipe flow path forming portion 220, is accommodated in the fixed distance seal material accommodating portion 504. The seal opposing portion 232, which narrows so that its outer diameter decreases with increasing distance from the engaging expanded diameter portion 230, is accommodated in the fixed distance seal material accommodating portion 504 together with the seal material 42, 641. As a result, the seal opposing portion 232 faces the seal material 42, 641 from its inner circumferential surface to its side surface. In this state, when the seal opposing portion 232 presses the seal material 42, 641 against the inner circumferential surface of the fixed distance seal material accommodating portion 504, a seal is formed between the seal opposing portion 232 and the fixed distance seal material accommodating portion 504. This sealing reduces the difference in the force received from the seal-facing portion 232 between portions of the sealing material 42,641 compared to the following case. This case is when the portion of the bulge 222 with the largest outer diameter applies force only radially to the sealing material 42,641. When this portion applies force only radially to the sealing material 42,641, the distance between the portion of the bulge 222 with the largest outer diameter and the portion of the sealing material 42,641 that contacts this portion varies depending on whether the portion is in contact with the portion of the sealing material 42,641 with the smallest inner diameter. This tends to result in unevenness in the magnitude of the force applied by the portion of the bulge 222 with the largest outer diameter between different portions of the sealing material 42,641. When the seal-facing portion 232 faces the sealing material 42,641 from its inner circumferential surface to its side surface, the degree of adhesion between the sealing material 42,641 and the seal-facing portion 232 is less likely to vary. Reducing this variation reduces the difference between the portions of the sealing material 42, 641 in the force received from the seal opposing portion 232. Because this difference is reduced, the risk of leakage caused by at least one of tensile stress and bending stress being applied to the pipe 200 is further reduced. Moreover, the fixed distance sealant accommodating portion 504 is continuous with the pipe communication holding portion 502 so that the distance from the pipe communication holding portion 502 is fixed.This reduces the risk that the portion of the bulging portion 222 with the maximum outer diameter will penetrate the sealing material 42, 641 due to the distance between the fixed distance sealant accommodating portion 504 and the pipe communication holding portion 502 becoming closer than necessary. Since this risk is reduced, it also reduces the risk that the sealing function of the sealing material 42, 641 will be impaired due to the portion of the bulging portion 222 with the maximum outer diameter penetrating the sealing material 42, 641.

[0019] Furthermore, it is desirable that the above-described pipe communication holding portion 502 has a truncated conical space forming portion 520 and a cylindrical space forming portion 522. The truncated conical space forming portion 520 forms a truncated conical space. The diameter of the truncated conical space increases with increasing distance from the through-hole forming portion 500. The cylindrical space forming portion 522 is disposed on the opposite side of the truncated conical space forming portion 520 from the through-hole forming portion 500. The cylindrical space forming portion 522 forms a cylindrical space with a constant diameter.

[0020] When the pipe communication holding portion 502 has the cylindrical space-forming portion 522, the portion of the engaging expanded diameter portion 230 where the outer diameter is largest is accommodated in either the space formed by the truncated conical space-forming portion 520 or the space formed by the cylindrical space-forming portion 522. This reduces the possibility that the portion of the engaging expanded diameter portion 230 where the outer diameter is largest will enter the space formed by the fixed distance sealant accommodating portion 504, compared to when the pipe communication holding portion 502 has only the truncated conical space-forming portion 520. Because this possibility is reduced, the possibility of the engaging expanded diameter portion 230 accidentally pressing the sealant 42, 641 against the inner circumferential surface of the fitting body 440 is also reduced. Because this possibility is reduced, the difference in force that the sealant 42, 641 receives is reduced between the different portions of the sealant 42, 641.

[0021] Furthermore, it is desirable that the inner diameter of the fixed distance sealant accommodating portion 504 described above be larger than the maximum inner diameter of the pipe communication holding portion 502. This means that if the engaging enlarged diameter portion 230 accidentally enters the space formed by the sealant accommodating portion 504, the sealant 42, 641 will be pressed more firmly against the inner circumferential surface of the fitting body 40. As a result, the risk of leakage caused by at least one of tensile stress and bending stress being applied to the pipe 200 is further reduced. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] The present invention further reduces the risk of leaks occurring due to tensile and / or bending stresses on the tube. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is an external view of a joint-connected pipe according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view of one end of a pipe according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a joint body according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a side view of a joint body according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is an external view of a nut according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a housing portion and an engaging protrusion according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is an external view of a spacer according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 is a view showing an attachment state of a spacer according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 3 is a view showing the inside of the joint body in a state where one end of the pipe abuts against the entry direction correction cylinder in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 10] 3 is a view showing the inside of the joint body in a state in which the sealing material is spread radially outward from the inner periphery thereof in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 11] 4 is a view showing a state in which an engaging protrusion and an engaging recess are gradually approaching each other in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an external view of a joint-connected pipe according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a side view of a joint body according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a view showing a state in which a pipe has entered a pipe joint in the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a view showing the pipe fitting after the pipe has been expanded in the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a joint-connected pipe according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a joint body according to a third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

[0025] First Embodiment [Configuration of pipes with fittings] Fig. 1 is an external view of a pre-connected pipe 10 according to this embodiment. In Fig. 1, the objects shown are shown with portions cut away. The configuration of the pre-connected pipe 10 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 1.

[0026] The jointed pipe 10 according to this embodiment includes a pair of pipes 200, 200 and a pipe joint 20.

[0027] The pipe joint 20 is connected to one end of one of the pair of pipes 200, 200 and one end of the other of the pair of pipes 200, 200. The pipe joint 20 allows the fluid flowing through one of the pair of pipes 200, 200 to pass to the other of the pair of pipes 200, 200.

[0028] [Tube configuration] 2 is a cross-sectional view of one end of a pipe 200 according to this embodiment. The configuration of the pipe 200 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0029] In this embodiment, the pipe 200 has a pipe flow path forming portion 220 and a bulging portion 222 .

[0030] The pipe flow path forming portion 220 forms a flow path through which water or other fluids pass. The specific form of the pipe flow path forming portion 220 is similar to that of a well-known pipe. Therefore, a detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

[0031] The bulging portion 222 is formed closer to one end of the pipe 200 than the pipe flow path forming portion 220. The bulging portion 222 has a larger maximum outer diameter than the pipe flow path forming portion 220. The bulging portion 222 forms a space that communicates with the flow path formed by the pipe flow path forming portion 220. The bulging portion 222 engages with the inside of the pipe fitting 20. In this embodiment, the bulging portion 222 has an engaging enlarged diameter portion 230 and a seal facing portion 232.

[0032] The engaging enlarged diameter portion 230 is formed closer to one end of the pipe 200 than the pipe flow path forming portion 220. The engaging enlarged diameter portion 230 is continuous with the pipe flow path forming portion 220. The engaging enlarged diameter portion 230 forms a space that communicates with the flow path formed by the pipe flow path forming portion 220. The engaging enlarged diameter portion 230 expands so that its outer diameter increases with increasing distance from the pipe flow path forming portion 220. Therefore, the engaging enlarged diameter portion 230 has a larger outer diameter than the pipe flow path forming portion 220. The outer diameter of the engaging enlarged diameter portion 230 at the point where it contacts the seal facing portion 232 is the maximum outer diameter of the bulge portion 222.

[0033] The seal facing portion 232 is formed closer to one end of the pipe 200 than the enlarged diameter engaging portion 230. The seal facing portion 232 is continuous with the enlarged diameter engaging portion 230. The seal facing portion 232 tapers so that its outer diameter decreases as it moves away from the enlarged diameter engaging portion 230. The seal facing portion 232 forms a space, which will be described below. This space communicates with the flow path formed by the pipe flow path forming portion 220 and the space formed by the enlarged diameter engaging portion 230.

[0034] In this embodiment, the seal facing portion 232 has a base facing portion 240 and an end facing portion 242 .

[0035] The base facing portion 240 is continuous with the enlarged diameter engaging portion 230. The base facing portion 240 tapers so that the outer diameter thereof decreases as it moves away from the enlarged diameter engaging portion 230.

[0036] The end facing portion 242 is connected to the base facing portion 240 on one end side of the tube 200. In this embodiment, the end facing portion 242 tapers so that its outer diameter gradually decreases compared to the base facing portion 240 as it moves away from the engagement enlarged diameter portion 230.

[0037] [Pipe fitting configuration] As shown in FIG. 1, the pipe fitting 20 of this embodiment has a cylindrical fitting body 40, a pair of annular seal members 42, 42, a pair of nuts 44, 44, a pair of annular accommodating portions 46, 46, a plurality of engaging protrusions 48, 48, a pair of entry direction correction tubes 50, 50, and a pair of spacers 52, 52.

[0038] The joint body 40 is a member that forms the main body of the pipe joint 20. Both of the two pipes 200, 200 enter the joint body 40. One of the two pipes 200, 200 enters from one end of the joint body 40, and the other of the two pipes 200, 200 enters from the other end of the joint body 40.

[0039] The pair of seals 42, 42 are both disposed within the joint body 40. The pair of seals 42, 42 together seal between the outer peripheral surface of the pipe 200 and the inner peripheral surface of the joint body 40. One of the pair of seals 42, 42 seals between the inner peripheral surface of the joint body 40 and one of the two pipes 200, 200. The other of the pair of seals 42, 42 seals between the inner peripheral surface of the joint body 40 and the other of the two pipes 200, 200.

[0040] The pair of nuts 44, 44 are connected to one end and the other end of the joint body 40. One of the two tubes 200, 200 passes through one of the pair of nuts 44, 44, and the other of the two tubes 200, 200 passes through the other of the pair of nuts 44, 44.

[0041] One end of the joint body 40 passes through one of the pair of receiving portions 46, 46. The other end of the joint body 40 passes through the other of the pair of receiving portions 46, 46.

[0042] Some of the multiple engaging protrusions 48, 48 are intended to engage with one of the pair of nuts 44, 44. In the present embodiment, some of the multiple engaging protrusions 48, 48 protrude from one of the pair of accommodating portions 46, 46. Other several of the multiple engaging protrusions 48, 48 are intended to engage with the other of the pair of nuts 44, 44. In the present embodiment, some other several of the multiple engaging protrusions 48, 48 protrude from the other of the pair of accommodating portions 46, 46.

[0043] The pair of entry direction correction cylinders 50, 50 are both housed within the joint body 40. The entry direction correction cylinder 50 corrects the entry direction of the pipe 200 that is entering the joint body 40.

[0044] One end of the joint body 40 passes through one of the pair of spacers 52, 52. The other end of the joint body 40 passes through the other of the pair of spacers 52, 52.

[0045] [Fitting body configuration] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the joint body 40 according to this embodiment. Fig. 4 is a side view of the joint body 40 according to this embodiment. In Fig. 4, the illustrated objects are shown with portions thereof cut away. The configuration of the joint body 40 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figs. 3 and 4.

[0046] The joint body 40 according to this embodiment has a joint flow path forming portion 60, a pair of male threads 62, 62, and a pair of displacement prevention portions 64, 64.

[0047] The joint flow path forming portion 60 forms a flow path. Water or other fluid passes through this flow path. The fluid flowing through this flow path and the fluid flowing through the two pipes 200, 200 are the same.

[0048] One of the pair of male threads 62, 62 is disposed on the outer periphery of one end of the joint flow path forming portion 60. The other of the pair of male threads 62, 62 is disposed on the outer periphery of the other end of the joint flow path forming portion 60.

[0049] In the present embodiment, one of the pair of accommodating portions 46, 46 described above is disposed at a position adjacent to the root of one of the pair of male threads 62, 62 when viewed from the tip of that male thread 62. Some of the above-described multiple engaging protrusions 48, 48 protrude along the central axis 180 of the joint flow path forming portion 60. In the present embodiment, the central axes of the pair of male threads 62, 62 all coincide with the central axis 180 of the joint flow path forming portion 60. As a result, some of the above-described multiple engaging protrusions 48, 48 protrude from one of the pair of accommodating portions 46, 46 along the central axis of one of the pair of male threads 62, 62.

[0050] As described above, in this embodiment, the central axes of the pair of male threads 62, 62 both coincide with the central axis 180 of the joint flow path forming portion 60. In this embodiment, the pair of accommodating portions 46, 46 are both arranged in a state where rotation around the central axis 180 of the joint flow path forming portion 60 of the joint body 40 is restricted. As a result, one of the pair of accommodating portions 46, 46 is arranged in a state where rotation around the central axis of one of the pair of male threads 62, 62 is restricted. The other of the pair of accommodating portions 46, 46 is arranged in a state where rotation around the central axis of the other of the pair of male threads 62, 62 is restricted.

[0051] Similarly, in the present embodiment, the other of the pair of accommodating portions 46, 46 described above is disposed at a position adjacent to the root of the other of the pair of male threads 62, 62 when viewed from the tip of that male thread 62. Several other of the plurality of engaging protrusions 48, 48 described above protrude along the central axis 180 of the joint flow path forming portion 60. As a result, several other of the plurality of engaging protrusions 48, 48 described above protrude from the other of the pair of accommodating portions 46, 46 along the central axis of the other of the pair of male threads 62, 62.

[0052] The slippage prevention portion 64 according to this embodiment is an annular portion that protrudes from the outer periphery of the joint flow-channel forming portion 60. One of the pair of slippage prevention portions 64, 64 prevents one of the pair of accommodating portions 46, 46 from slipping in the circumferential direction about the central axis 180 of the joint flow-channel forming portion 60, and therefore about the central axis of the male thread 62. In this regard, the one of the pair of slippage prevention portions 64, 64 allows movement of one of the pair of accommodating portions 46, 46 toward the back when viewed from the tip of one of the pair of male threads 62, 62.

[0053] The other of the pair of slippage prevention portions 64, 64 prevents the other of the pair of accommodating portions 46, 46 from slipping in the circumferential direction around the central axis 180 of the joint flow path forming portion 60, and therefore the central axis of the male thread 62. In this regard, the other of the pair of slippage prevention portions 64, 64 allows the other of the pair of accommodating portions 46, 46 to move inward when viewed from the tip of one of the pair of male threads 62, 62.

[0054] In this embodiment, each pair of slippage prevention portions 64, 64 has a plurality of exposed recesses 90, 90. The exposed recesses 90 are arranged on the outer periphery of the slippage prevention portion 64. The exposed recesses 90 are arranged so as to be exposed. The exposed recesses 90 are recessed. The exposed recesses 90 penetrate in a direction along the central axis 180 of the joint flow path forming portion 60. A rotation prevention protrusion 134 (described below) of the accommodating portion 46 fits into one of the exposed recesses 90. By fitting the rotation prevention protrusion 134 into the exposed recess 90 that penetrates in the direction of the central axis 180 of the joint flow path forming portion 60, slippage of the accommodating portion 46 in the circumferential direction around the central axis of the male thread 62 is prevented. Movement of the accommodating portion 46 toward the back when viewed from the tip of the male thread 62 is possible.

[0055] In this embodiment, the joint flow path forming portion 60 has a communication path forming portion 80, a pair of pipe end accommodating portions 82, 82, and a pair of sealing material accommodating portions 84, 84.

[0056] One of the pair of pipe end accommodating sections 82, 82 is arranged adjacent to one end of the communicating passage forming section 80. The other of the pair of pipe end accommodating sections 82, 82 is arranged adjacent to the other end of the communicating passage forming section 80. In other words, the pair of pipe end accommodating sections 82, 82 are arranged adjacent to each other with the communicating passage forming section 80 in between. One of the pair of pipe end accommodating sections 82, 82 accommodates one end of one of the pipes 200, 200. The other of the pair of pipe end accommodating sections 82, 82 accommodates the other end of the pipes 200, 200.

[0057] One of the sealing material accommodating portions 84, 84 is disposed adjacent to one of the pipe end accommodating portions 82, 82. One of the sealing material accommodating portions 84, 84 accommodates one of the pair of sealing materials 42, 42. One end of one of the pipes 200, 200 passes through one of the sealing material accommodating portions 84, 84.

[0058] The other of the sealing material accommodating portions 84, 84 is disposed adjacent to the other of the pipe end accommodating portions 82, 82. The other of the sealing material accommodating portions 84, 84 accommodates the other of the pair of sealing materials 42, 42. The other of the sealing material accommodating portions 84, 84 is penetrated by the other ends of the pipes 200, 200.

[0059] In this embodiment, the central axis of the communicating passage forming portion 80, the central axis of the pair of pipe end accommodating portions 82, 82, and the central axis of the pair of sealing material accommodating portions 84, 84 all coincide with the central axis 180 of the joint flow path forming portion 60. Therefore, the central axis of the male thread 62, the central axis of the sealing material accommodating portion 84, and the central axis of the pipe end accommodating portion 82 are common.

[0060] [Nut configuration] 5 is an external view of the nut 44 according to this embodiment. The configuration of the nut 44 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0061] The nut 44 according to this embodiment has a pipe communication holding portion 100, a female thread 102, a number of engagement recesses 104, eight nut outer peripheral recesses 106, and a covering portion .

[0062] The pipe communication holding portion 100 holds the pipe 200 so that the inside of the pipe 200 is in communication with the inside of the joint body 40. In this embodiment, the pipe communication holding portion 100 houses the engagement enlarged diameter portion 230 of the pipe 200.

[0063] The female thread 102 is connected to the pipe communication holding portion 100. The female thread 102 connects the pipe communication holding portion 100 to the joint body 40. In the present embodiment, the female thread 102 of one of the pair of nuts 44, 44 engages with one of the pair of male threads 62, 62 of the joint body 40. The female thread 102 of the other of the pair of nuts 44, 44 engages with the other of the pair of male threads 62, 62 of the joint body 40. As a result, the pipe communication holding portion 100 holds the pipe 200 so that the interior of the pipe 200 is in communication with the interior of the joint body 40.

[0064] The engagement recesses 104 are positioned to face the engagement protrusions 48 when the female threads 102 engage with the male threads 62 of the joint body 40. As a result, in the present embodiment, the engagement recesses 104 of one of the pair of nuts 44, 44 face some of the multiple engagement protrusions 48, 48 when the female threads 102 of one of the pair of nuts 44, 44 engage with one of the pair of male threads 62, 62 described above. The engagement recesses 104 of the other of the pair of nuts 44, 44 face some other of the multiple engagement protrusions 48, 48 when the female threads 102 of the other of the pair of nuts 44, 44 engage with the other of the pair of male threads 62, 62 described above.

[0065] In this embodiment, the nut outer periphery recess 106 is disposed on the outer periphery of the pipe communication holding part 100. The nut outer periphery recess 106 forms a groove. As a result, the nut outer periphery recess 106 according to this embodiment is recessed. As shown in FIG. 5 , in this embodiment, one end of the groove formed by the nut outer periphery recess 106 is closed by the covering part 108.

[0066] In the present embodiment, the covering portion 108 is disposed at a location that faces the root of the male thread 62 when the female thread 102 engages with the male thread 62 of the fitting body 40. The covering portion 108 is disposed so as to surround the central axis of the female thread 102 and, therefore, the central axis 182 of the pipe communication holding portion 100. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the covering portion 108 is disposed outside the engagement recess 104 when viewed from the position of the central axis of the female thread 102 and, therefore, the central axis 182 of the pipe communication holding portion 100.

[0067] [Configuration of the storage unit] 6 is a perspective view of the accommodating portion 46 and the engaging protrusion 48 according to this embodiment. The configuration of the accommodating portion 46 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0068] In this embodiment, the housing portion 46 has a housing main body portion 130, an indicator portion 132, and an anti-rotation protrusion 134.

[0069] The accommodating body portion 130 forms an accommodating space therein. This accommodating space extends in a direction along the central axis of the male thread 62 when the fitting body 40 passes through the accommodating portion 46. The accommodating space opens toward the tip of the male thread 62. A portion of the engaging protrusion 48 is accommodated within the accommodating space. Another portion of the engaging protrusion 48 protrudes outside the accommodating body portion 130.

[0070] The indicator portion 132 is connected to the housing main body portion 130. The indicator portion 132 is intended to be disposed closer to the male screw 62 than the housing main body portion 130.

[0071] The anti-rotation protrusion 134 is disposed on the reverse side of the surface of the housing body 130 on which the indicator portion 132 is disposed. The anti-rotation protrusion 134 engages with one of the exposure recesses 90.

[0072] [Spacer configuration] Fig. 7 is an external view of the spacer 52 according to this embodiment. Fig. 8 is a view showing an attachment state of the spacer 52 according to this embodiment. The configuration of the spacer 52 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 7 and 8.

[0073] The spacer 52 according to this embodiment has an occupying body 120 and a pair of body engaging portions 122, 122.

[0074] The occupying body 120 is disposed between the slippage prevention portion 64 and the accommodation portion 46 so as to be in close contact with the accommodation portion 46. The occupying body 120 has a ring-like shape with a portion separated so as to be openable and closable.

[0075] The main body engaging portion 122 protrudes from the occupying main body 120 in a direction along the central axis 184 of the occupying main body 120. One of the pair of main body engaging portions 122, 122 protrudes from one end of the occupying main body 120 at a portion that is separated so as to be able to be opened and closed. The other of the pair of main body engaging portions 122, 122 protrudes from the other end of the occupying main body 120 at a portion that is separated so as to be able to be opened and closed.

[0076] In this embodiment, the occupying body 120 of the spacer 52 is disposed between the slip prevention portion 64 and the accommodating portion 46. By disposing the occupying body 120 there, movement of the accommodating portion 46 in a direction toward the slip prevention portion 64 is prevented. As a result, once the engaging protrusion 48 engages with the engaging recess 104, the engagement is difficult to release. Because the engagement is difficult to release, the connection between the fitting body 40 and the nut 44 is also difficult to release. On the other hand, when the occupying body 120 is removed, the accommodating portion 46 can easily move in a direction toward the slip prevention portion 64. When the accommodating portion 46 can easily move, the engagement between the engaging protrusion 48 and the engaging recess 104 can easily be released. As a result, the connection between the fitting body 40 and the nut 44 can also be easily released.

[0077] As described above, in this embodiment, the anti-rotation protrusion 134 of the accommodating portion 46 fits into the exposed recess 90 of the slippage prevention portion 64, thereby positioning the accommodating portion 46 in a state where rotation about the central axis 180 of the joint flow-path forming portion 60 is restricted. As shown in Figure 8, in this embodiment, the pair of main body engaging portions 122, 122 of the spacer 52 fit into the gap formed between the exposed recess 90 and the anti-rotation protrusion 134. This prevents the spacer 52 from falling off due to vibration or other accidental factors.

[0078] [Manufacturing method of pre-connected pipes] The jointed pipe 10 according to this embodiment is manufactured by connecting a pair of pipes 200, 200 to a pipe joint 20. The method for connecting the pair of pipes 200, 200 to the pipe joint 20 according to this embodiment is as follows.

[0079] First, a worker passes the nut 44 through a commercially available steel pipe. Once the steel pipe has passed through the nut 44, the worker expands the portion of the steel pipe that has already passed through the nut 44 using a well-known method. At this time, the position of the expanded steel pipe is adjusted based on the dimensions of each part of the pipe fitting 20 so that the portion of the end opposing portion 242 that contacts the base opposing portion 240 is positioned at the portion of the inner circumferential surface of the sealing material 42 that has the smallest inner diameter. This forms the engaging expanded diameter portion 230 and the seal opposing portion 232 according to this embodiment. As a result, one of the pair of pipes 200, 200 according to this embodiment is completed.

[0080] Next, the worker inserts the tip portion of the pipe 200 that has passed through the nut 44 into one end of the joint flow path forming portion 60. The end of the pipe 200 that has entered the joint flow path forming portion 60 passes through one of the pair of sealing material accommodating portions 84, 84 and enters one of the pair of pipe end accommodating portions 82, 82.

[0081] The end of the pipe 200 that has entered one of the pair of pipe end accommodating sections 82, 82 hits one of the pair of entry direction correction tubes 50, 50. Figure 9 is a diagram showing the interior of the fitting body 40 in this state. As the end of the pipe 200 continues to advance, the entry direction correction tube 50 is pushed into the pipe end accommodating section 82.

[0082] As the entry direction correction tube 50 is pushed into the pipe end accommodating portion 82, one end of the pipe 200 penetrates the sealing material 42. As a result, the seal facing portion 232 faces the inner circumferential surface and side surface of the sealing material 42 disposed within the joint body 40. Additionally, in this embodiment, the portion of the end facing portion 242 that contacts the base facing portion 240 faces the portion of the inner circumferential surface of the sealing material 42 with the smallest inner diameter. As the one end of the pipe 200 advances through the joint body 40, the one end of the pipe 200 expands the sealing material 42 from its inner periphery outward in the radial direction. Figure 10 is a diagram showing the interior of the joint body 40 after the sealing material 42 has been expanded from its inner periphery outward in the radial direction. As is clear from FIG. 10, as one end of the pipe 200 penetrates the sealing material 42 and expands it radially outward from its inner periphery, the sealing material 42 is pressed against the inner periphery of the sealing material accommodating portion 84 .

[0083] Once one end of the pipe 200 has advanced sufficiently through the joint flow passage forming portion 60 , the operator engages the internal threads 102 of the nut 44 with the external threads 62 disposed on one end of the joint flow passage forming portion 60 .

[0084] As the worker continues to screw the female thread 102 of the nut 44 into the male thread 62 located at one end of the joint flow-path forming portion 60, the engaging recess 104 facing each engaging protrusion 48 changes sequentially. Accordingly, the distance between the engaging protrusion 48 and the engaging recess 104 facing it gradually decreases. Figure 11 is a diagram showing the state in which the engaging protrusion 48 and the engaging recess 104 are gradually decreasing in size.

[0085] Thereafter, the engaging protrusion 48 engages with a certain engaging recess 104. As a result, one of the pair of pipes 200, 200 is connected to the pipe fitting 20 according to this embodiment. This also results in the engaging enlarged diameter portion 230 being engaged with the interior of the pipe fitting 20. The seal opposing portion 232 is disposed within the fitting body 40.

[0086] Next, the worker similarly connects the other of the pair of pipes 200, 200 to the pipe fitting 20. When this connection is complete, the fitting-connected pipe 10 according to this embodiment is completed.

[0087] When the pair of body engaging portions 122, 122 of the spacer 52 is pulled up radially outward to remove the spacer 52 from the exposing recess 90 of the slip prevention portion 64, the engagement between the engaging protrusion 48 and the engaging recess 104 is released. With this release, the nut 44 can be removed from the joint body 40.

[0088] [Explanation of Effects According to This Embodiment] In the jointed pipe 10 according to this embodiment, the risk of leakage occurring due to the application of tensile stress and / or bending stress to the pipe 200 is further reduced.

[0089] Furthermore, in the joint-connected pipe 10 according to this embodiment, when the pipe 200 enters the joint body 40, the seal opposing portion 232 easily penetrates the seal material 42.

[0090] Furthermore, in the joint-connected pipe 10 of this embodiment, the seal opposing portion 232 can easily penetrate the sealing material 42, which reduces the possibility of the seal opposing portion 232 being unable to apply radial force from the joint body 40 to the sealing material 42.

[0091] Furthermore, in the joint-connected pipe 10 according to this embodiment, the engaging enlarged diameter portion 230 of the pipe 200 can be easily engaged with the inside of the pipe joint 20.

[0092] Moreover, it becomes easy to intentionally loosen the nut 44 of the jointed pipe 10 according to this embodiment.

[0093] Second Embodiment [Configuration of pipes with fittings] Fig. 12 is an external view of a joint-connected pipe 410 according to this embodiment, with a portion cut away in Fig. 12. The configuration of the joint-connected pipe 410 will be described below with reference to Fig. 12.

[0094] The jointed pipe 410 according to this embodiment includes the pipe 200 and a pipe joint 420. The pipe joint 420 is connected to one end of the pipe 200. A pipe (not shown) different from the pipe 200 can be connected to the pipe joint 420. The pipe joint 420 allows the fluid flowing through the pipe 200 to pass through.

[0095] [Pipe fitting configuration] As shown in FIG. 12, a pipe fitting 420 according to this embodiment has a cylindrical fitting body 440, a pair of annular seal members 42, 42, a nut 44, an annular accommodating portion 46, a plurality of engaging protrusions 48, 48, an entry direction correcting cylinder 50, and a spacer 52.

[0096] The fitting body 440 is a member that forms the main body of the pipe fitting 420. The above-mentioned pipe (not shown) can enter the interior of the fitting body 440 from one end. The pipe 200 enters the interior of the fitting body 440 from the other end.

[0097] The pair of seals 42, 42 are both disposed within the joint body 440. One of the pair of seals 42, 42 seals between the inner peripheral surface of the joint body 440 and the outer peripheral surface of the pipe (not shown) described above. The other of the pair of seals 42, 42 seals between the inner peripheral surface of the joint body 440 and the outer peripheral surface of the pipe 200.

[0098] The nut 44 is connected to one end of the fitting body 440. The above-mentioned tube (not shown) passes through the nut 44.

[0099] One end of the joint body 440 passes through the accommodation portion 46. The engaging protrusion 48 protrudes from the accommodation portion 46. The engaging protrusion 48 is for engaging with the nut 44.

[0100] The entry direction correcting cylinder 50 is housed within the joint body 440. The entry direction correcting cylinder 50 corrects the entry direction of the above-mentioned pipe (not shown) that attempts to enter the joint body 440 from one end thereof.

[0101] One end of the joint body 440 passes through the spacer 52. The spacer 52 is disposed so as to contact the receiving portion 46.

[0102] [Fitting body configuration] Fig. 13 is a side view of a joint body 440 according to this embodiment. In Fig. 13, the illustrated objects are shown with portions cut away. The configuration of the joint body 440 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 13.

[0103] The joint body 440 according to this embodiment has a joint flow path forming portion 460 , a male thread 62 , and a displacement prevention portion 464 .

[0104] The joint flow path forming portion 460 forms a flow path through which water or other fluids pass.

[0105] The male thread 62 is disposed on the outer periphery of one end of the joint flow path forming portion 460. The male thread 62 becomes the threaded portion of the joint main body 440 according to this embodiment.

[0106] In the present embodiment, the accommodating portion 46 described above is disposed at a position adjacent to the root of the male thread 62 when viewed from the tip of the male thread 62. The plurality of engaging protrusions 48, 48 described above protrude along the central axis 580 of the joint flow path forming portion 460 so as to surround the joint flow path forming portion 460. In the present embodiment, the central axis of the male thread 62 coincides with the central axis 580 of the joint flow path forming portion 460. As a result, the plurality of engaging protrusions 48, 48 described above protrude from the accommodating portion 46 along the central axis of the male thread 62.

[0107] As described above, in this embodiment, the central axis of the male thread 62 coincides with the central axis 580 of the joint flow path forming portion 460. In this embodiment, the accommodating portion 46 is arranged in a state where rotation around the central axis 580 of the joint flow path forming portion 460 in the joint body 440 is restricted. As a result, the accommodating portion 46 is arranged in a state where rotation around the central axis of the male thread 62 is restricted.

[0108] The slippage prevention portion 464 according to this embodiment is an annular portion that protrudes from the outer periphery of the joint flow-channel forming portion 460. The slippage prevention portion 464 prevents the accommodating portion 46 from slipping in the circumferential direction around the central axis 580 of the joint flow-channel forming portion 460, and therefore the central axis of the male thread 62. In doing so, the slippage prevention portion 464 allows the accommodating portion 46 to move inward when viewed from the tip of the male thread 62.

[0109] In this embodiment, the slippage prevention portion 464 has a fitting recess (not shown). The fitting recess is disposed on the outer periphery of the slippage prevention portion 464. The fitting recess is recessed. The fitting recess penetrates the joint flow path forming portion 460 in the direction of the central axis 580. The anti-rotation protrusion 134 of the accommodating portion 46 and the pair of main body engaging portions 122, 122 of the spacer 52 fit into the fitting recess. The specific manner in which they fit together is the same as in the first embodiment. The anti-rotation protrusion 134 fits into the fitting recess that penetrates the joint flow path forming portion 460 in the direction of the central axis 580, thereby preventing the accommodating portion 46 from slipping in the circumferential direction around the central axis of the male thread 62. The accommodating portion 46 can move in the depth direction when viewed from the tip of the male thread 62. The pair of main body engaging portions 122, 122 fit into the fitting recesses that penetrate the joint flow path forming portion 460 in the direction of the central axis 580, thereby preventing the spacer 52 from falling off due to vibration or other accidental factors.

[0110] In this embodiment, the joint flow path forming portion 460 has a communication passage forming portion 80, a communication hole forming portion 480, a communication space forming portion 482, a variable distance sealing material accommodating portion 484, a one-end side pipe end accommodating portion 486, a through hole forming portion 500, a pipe communication holding portion 502, a fixed distance sealing material accommodating portion 504, and a other-end side pipe end accommodating portion 506.

[0111] The communication hole forming portion 480 forms a hole, which will be described next, that communicates with the interior of the nut 44.

[0112] The communication space forming portion 482 is continuous with the communication hole forming portion 480. The communication space forming portion 482 forms a space that is continuous with the hole formed by the communication hole forming portion 480.

[0113] The variable distance sealant accommodating portion 484 is continuous with the communication space forming portion 482. The variable distance sealant accommodating portion 484 is intended to accommodate one of the pair of sealants 42, 42. As will be described later, the female thread 102 of the nut 44 engages with the male thread 62 of the fitting body 440, so the variable distance sealant accommodating portion 484 is continuous with the pipe communication holding portion 100 of the nut 44. In addition, the distance between the pipe communication holding portion 100 of the nut 44 and the variable distance sealant accommodating portion 484 is variable. One end of the above-mentioned pipe (not shown) passes through the variable distance sealant accommodating portion 484.

[0114] The one-end pipe end accommodating portion 486 is disposed so as to be continuous with the variable-distance sealant accommodating portion 484 and adjacent to one end of the communicating passage forming portion 80. The one-end pipe end accommodating portion 486 accommodates one end of the above-mentioned pipe (not shown).

[0115] The through-hole forming portion 500 forms a hole, which will be described next. The hole is a through-hole through which the pipe 200 passes.

[0116] The pipe communication holding portion 502 is continuous with the through-hole forming portion 500. The pipe communication holding portion 502 is for accommodating the engagement enlarged diameter portion 230 of the pipe 200. In this embodiment, the pipe communication holding portion 502 has a truncated conical space forming portion 520 and a cylindrical space forming portion 522. The truncated conical space forming portion 520 forms a truncated conical space. The diameter of the truncated conical space increases with increasing distance from the through-hole forming portion 500. In this embodiment, the truncated conical space accommodates most of the engagement enlarged diameter portion 230 of the pipe 200. The cylindrical space forming portion 522 is located on the opposite side of the truncated conical space forming portion 520 from the through-hole forming portion 500. The cylindrical space forming portion 522 forms a cylindrical space with a constant diameter. In this embodiment, the cylindrical space accommodates a portion of the engagement enlarged diameter portion 230 and a portion of the seal facing portion 232 of the pipe 200. As a result, in this embodiment, the pipe communication holding portion 502 accommodates the engagement enlarged diameter portion 230 and the seal facing portion 232 of the pipe 200.

[0117] The fixed distance sealant accommodating portion 504 is continuous with the pipe communication holding portion 502. One end of the pipe 200 is accommodated in the fixed distance sealant accommodating portion 504. The fixed distance sealant accommodating portion 504 accommodates the other of the pair of sealants 42, 42 and the seal facing portion 232 of the pipe 200. In this embodiment, the communication passage forming portion 80, the communication hole forming portion 480, the communication space forming portion 482, the variable distance sealant accommodating portion 484, the one-end pipe end accommodating portion 486, the through-hole forming portion 500, the pipe communication holding portion 502, the fixed distance sealant accommodating portion 504, and the other-end pipe end accommodating portion 506 are integrated. This fixes the distance between the fixed distance sealant accommodating portion 504 and the pipe communication holding portion 502. One end of the pipe 200 passes through the fixed distance sealant accommodating portion 504.

[0118] The other-end pipe end accommodating portion 506 is arranged so as to be continuous with the distance-fixing sealant accommodating portion 504 and adjacent to the other end of the communicating passage forming portion 80. In other words, the one-end pipe end accommodating portion 486 and the other-end pipe end accommodating portion 506 are arranged so as to be adjacent to each other with the communicating passage forming portion 80 in between. One end of the pipe 200 is accommodated in the other-end pipe end accommodating portion 506.

[0119] In this embodiment, the one-end pipe end accommodating portion 486 and the other-end pipe end accommodating portion 506 are collectively referred to as "pipe end accommodating portion."

[0120] In this embodiment, the central axis of the communication passage forming portion 80, the central axis of the one-end pipe end accommodating portion 486, the central axis of the other-end pipe end accommodating portion 506, the central axis of the variable-distance sealant accommodating portion 484, the central axis of the fixed-distance sealant accommodating portion 504, and the central axis of the pipe communication holding portion 502 all coincide with the central axis 580 of the joint flow passage forming portion 460. Therefore, the central axis of the male thread 62, the central axis of the one-end pipe end accommodating portion 486, the central axis of the variable-distance sealant accommodating portion 484, the central axis of the other-end pipe end accommodating portion 506, and the central axis of the fixed-distance sealant accommodating portion 504 are all common.

[0121] [Instructions for use] The pipe fitting 420 according to this embodiment is used as follows. First, the operator inserts the pipe 200 into the pipe fitting 420 from the other end side. Figure 14 is a diagram showing the state in which the pipe 200 has inserted into the pipe fitting 420. However, at this point, the outer diameter of the tip portion of the pipe 200 has not been expanded. Next, the operator removes the nut 44 and the insertion direction correction tube 50 from the pipe fitting 420.

[0122] Next, the worker inserts a tube expansion device (not shown) from one end side of the pipe fitting 420. This tube expansion device is not particularly limited as long as it can penetrate the pipe fitting 420, enter the inside of the pipe 200, and expand the outer diameter of the pipe 200 from the inside.

[0123] Next, the worker drives the tube expansion device to expand the tube 200 from the inside. This forms the engagement expansion portion 230 and the seal facing portion 232 according to this embodiment. As the tube 200 is expanded, the seal material 42 that it passes through is pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the fixed distance seal material accommodating portion 504. Once the tube 200 has been sufficiently expanded, the worker temporarily removes the tube expansion device. This connects the tube 200 to the pipe fitting 420 according to this embodiment. Figure 15 is a diagram showing the pipe fitting 420 according to this embodiment after the tube 200 has been expanded.

[0124] The worker then places the entry direction corrector 50 back into the pipe joint 420. Once the entry direction corrector 50 is in place, the nut 44 is passed through the pipe (not shown) described above.

[0125] Once the tube has passed through the nut 44, the operator will expand the portion of the tube that currently passes through the nut 44 in a known manner.

[0126] Next, the worker inserts the tip portion of the pipe that has passed through nut 44 into joint flow path forming portion 460 through the hole formed by communicating hole forming portion 480. One end of the pipe that has entered joint flow path forming portion 460 passes through variable distance sealant accommodating portion 484 and enters one end side pipe end accommodating portion 486.

[0127] The end of the pipe that has entered the one-end pipe end accommodating portion 486 hits the entry direction correcting cylinder 50. As the end of the pipe continues to move forward, the entry direction correcting cylinder 50 is pushed into the one-end pipe end accommodating portion 486.

[0128] As the entry direction correcting tube 50 is pushed into the one-end-side tube end accommodating portion 486, one end of the tube penetrates the sealing material 42. As the one end of the tube advances through the fitting body 440, the one end of the tube expands the sealing material 42 from its inner periphery outward in the radial direction. Accordingly, the sealing material 42 is pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the variable-distance sealing material accommodating portion 484.

[0129] Once one end of the pipe has advanced sufficiently through the fitting flow path forming portion 460, the operator engages the female threads 102 of the nut 44 with the male threads 62 disposed on one end of the fitting flow path forming portion 460. Once this engagement is complete, the pipe is connected to the pipe fitting 420 of this embodiment.

[0130] [Explanation of Effects According to This Embodiment] As described above, the joint-connected pipe 410 according to this embodiment further reduces the risk of leakage occurring when at least one of tensile stress and bending stress is applied to the pipe 200. Furthermore, the risk of the sealing function of the sealing material 42 being impaired when the portion of the bulge 222 with the maximum outer diameter penetrates the sealing material 42 is reduced.

[0131] Third Embodiment [Configuration of pipes with fittings] Fig. 16 is an external view of a joint-connected pipe 610 according to this embodiment, with a portion cut away in Fig. 16. The configuration of the joint-connected pipe 610 will be described below with reference to Fig. 16.

[0132] The joint-connected pipe 610 according to this embodiment includes a pair of pipes 200 and a pipe joint 620 .

[0133] The pipe fitting 620 is connected to one end of the pair of pipes 200, 200 and the other end of the pair of pipes 200, 200. A pipe (not shown) different from the pair of pipes 200, 200 can be connected to the pipe fitting 620. The pipe (not shown) has a pipe flow path forming portion and a bulged portion, and the bulged portion has an enlarged diameter portion for engagement and a seal facing portion, which is similar to the pipe 200. The pipe fitting 620 allows fluid to pass between the pair of pipes 200, 200 and the pipe (not shown).

[0134] [Pipe fitting configuration] As shown in FIG. 16, the pipe fitting 620 of this embodiment has a cylindrical fitting body 640, a pair of annular axial seals 641, 641, an annular lateral seal 642, an axial nut 644, a lateral nut 645, an entry direction correction tube 50, and a lateral entry direction correction tube 650.

[0135] The joint body 640 is a member that forms the main body of the pipe joint 620. Both of the two pipes 200, 200 enter the joint body 640. One of the two pipes 200, 200 enters from one end of the joint body 640, and the other of the two pipes 200, 200 enters from the other end of the joint body 640. The above-mentioned pipe (not shown) enters the joint body 640 from a point where the flow path branches.

[0136] The pair of axial seals 641, 641 and the lateral seal 642 are both disposed within the joint body 640. The pair of axial seals 641, 641 together seal between the outer circumferential surface of the pipe 200 and the inner circumferential surface of the joint body 640. One of the pair of axial seals 641, 641 seals between the inner circumferential surface of the joint body 640 and one of the two pipes 200, 200. The other of the pair of axial seals 641, 641 seals between the inner circumferential surface of the joint body 640 and the other of the two pipes 200, 200. The lateral seal 642 seals between the inner circumferential surface of the joint body 640 and the aforementioned pipe (not shown). In this embodiment, the pair of axial seals 641, 641 and the lateral seal 642 are collectively referred to as "seals."

[0137] The axial direction nut 644 is connected to one end of the fitting body 640. One of the two pipes 200, 200 described above passes through the axial direction nut 644. The axial direction nut 644 according to this embodiment has a female thread (not shown) similar to the nut 44 according to the first embodiment and a pipe communication holding portion (not shown). The female thread engages with a one-end male thread 662 (described later) of the fitting body 640. The pipe communication holding portion holds the pipe 200 so that the interior of the pipe 200 is in communication with the interior of the fitting body 640. In this embodiment, the pipe communication holding portion accommodates the engagement enlarged diameter portion 230 of the pipe 200. The side nut 645 is connected to a portion of the fitting body 640 where the flow path branches. The above-mentioned pipe (not shown) passes through the side nut 645. The side nut 645 according to this embodiment has a female thread (not shown) similar to the nut 44 according to the first embodiment and a pipe communication holding portion (not shown). The female thread engages with a side male thread 663, which will be described later, of the joint body 640. The pipe communication holding portion holds the pipe 200 so that the interior of the pipe 200 is in communication with the interior of the joint body 640. In the present embodiment, the pipe communication holding portion accommodates the above-mentioned pipe engagement enlarged diameter portion (not shown). In the present embodiment, the axial direction nut 644 and the side nut 645 are collectively referred to as "nuts."

[0138] The entry direction correcting tube 50 is housed within the joint body 640. The entry direction correcting tube 50 corrects the entry direction of one of the two pipes 200, 200 described above that is entering the joint body 640 from one end thereof. The side entry direction correcting tube 650 is housed within the joint body 640. The side entry direction correcting tube 650 corrects the entry direction of the pipe (not shown) described above that is entering the joint body 640 from a point where the flow paths branch.

[0139] [Fitting body configuration] 17 is a cross-sectional view of a joint body 640 according to this embodiment. The configuration of the joint body 640 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0140] The joint body 640 according to this embodiment has a joint flow path forming portion 660 , a one-end male thread 662 , and a side male thread 663 .

[0141] The joint flow path forming portion 660 forms a flow path through which water or other fluids pass.

[0142] The one-end male thread 662 is arranged on the outer periphery of one end of the joint flow path forming portion 660. The side male thread 663 is arranged on the outer periphery of the joint flow path forming portion 660 at a location where the flow paths branch off. In this embodiment, the one-end male thread 662 and the side male thread 663 are collectively referred to as the "thread portion."

[0143] In this embodiment, the joint flow path forming portion 660 has a communication passage forming portion 680, a one-end side communication hole forming portion 690, a one-end side communication space forming portion 692, a one-end side variable distance sealant accommodating portion 694, a one-end side pipe end accommodating portion 696, a side side communication hole forming portion 710, a side side communication space forming portion 712, a side side variable distance sealant accommodating portion 714, a side side pipe end accommodating portion 716, a through hole forming portion 500, a pipe communication holding portion 502, a fixed distance sealant accommodating portion 504, and an other-end side pipe end accommodating portion 506.

[0144] The one-end communication hole forming portion 690 forms a hole, which will be described next, that communicates with the inside of the axial direction nut 644.

[0145] The one-end communication space forming portion 692 is continuous with the one-end communication hole forming portion 690. The one-end communication space forming portion 692 forms a space that is continuous with the hole formed by the one-end communication hole forming portion 690.

[0146] The one-end variable-distance sealant accommodating portion 694 is continuous with the one-end communication space forming portion 692. The one-end variable-distance sealant accommodating portion 694 is intended to accommodate one of the pair of axial sealants 641, 641. As in the first and second embodiments, the female thread of the axial nut 644 engages with the one-end male thread 662 of the joint body 640. This allows the one-end variable-distance sealant accommodating portion 694 to be continuous with the pipe communication retaining portion of the axial nut 644. In addition, the distance between the pipe communication retaining portion of the axial nut 644 and the one-end variable-distance sealant accommodating portion 694 is variable. One end of one of the two pipes 200, 200 passes through the one-end variable-distance sealant accommodating portion 694.

[0147] The one-end pipe end accommodating portion 696 is arranged so as to be continuous with the one-end variable distance sealant accommodating portion 694 and adjacent to one end of the communicating passage forming portion 680. The one-end pipe end accommodating portion 696 accommodates one end of one of the two pipes 200, 200.

[0148] The side communication hole forming portion 710 forms a hole, which will be described next, that communicates with the inside of the side nut 645.

[0149] The side-side communication space forming portion 712 is continuous with the side-side communication hole forming portion 710. The side-side communication space forming portion 712 forms a space continuous with the hole formed by the side-side communication hole forming portion 710.

[0150] The side-side variable-distance sealant accommodating portion 714 is continuous with the side-side communication space forming portion 712. The side-side variable-distance sealant accommodating portion 714 is intended to accommodate the side-direction sealant 642. As in the first and second embodiments, the female thread of the side nut 645 engages with the side male thread 663 of the fitting body 640. This allows the side-side variable-distance sealant accommodating portion 714 to be continuous with the inner periphery of the side nut 645. In addition, the distance between the inner periphery of the side nut 645 and the side-side variable-distance sealant accommodating portion 714 is variable. One end of the above-mentioned pipe (not shown) passes through the side-side variable-distance sealant accommodating portion 714.

[0151] The side pipe end accommodating portion 716 is arranged so as to be continuous with the side variable distance sealant accommodating portion 714 and to be in communication with the communication passage forming portion 680. The side pipe end accommodating portion 716 accommodates one end of the above-mentioned pipe (not shown).

[0152] The through-hole forming portion 500, the pipe communication holding portion 502, the distance fixing seal material accommodating portion 504, and the other end pipe end accommodating portion 506 are the same as those in the second embodiment, and therefore detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

[0153] In this embodiment, the one-end pipe end accommodating portion 696, the other-end pipe end accommodating portion 506, and the side pipe end accommodating portion 716 are collectively referred to as "pipe end accommodating portions."

[0154] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the central axis of the communicating passage forming portion 680, the central axis of the one-end pipe end accommodating portion 696, the central axis of the other-end pipe end accommodating portion 506, the central axis of the one-end variable-distance sealant accommodating portion 694, the central axis of the fixed-distance sealant accommodating portion 504, and the central axis of the other-end pipe end accommodating portion 506 all coincide with the central axis 780 of the joint flow path forming portion 660. Therefore, the central axis of the one-end male thread 662, the central axis of the one-end pipe end accommodating portion 696, the central axis of the one-end variable-distance sealant accommodating portion 694, the central axis of the other-end pipe end accommodating portion 506, and the central axis of the fixed-distance sealant accommodating portion 504 are all common.

[0155] [Instructions for use] The pipe fitting 620 according to this embodiment is used as follows. First, the worker inserts the other of the two pipes 200, 200 into the pipe fitting 620 from the other end side. Next, the worker connects the other of the two pipes 200, 200 to the pipe fitting 620. The specific procedure is the same as in the second embodiment, and therefore, a detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

[0156] Next, the worker inserts one of the two pipes 200, 200 into the pipe joint 620 from one end thereof. After the insertion, the worker connects one of the two pipes 200, 200 to the pipe joint 620. The specific procedure is the same as in the second embodiment, and therefore, the detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

[0157] Next, the worker connects the pipe (not shown) to the pipe joint 620 so that the portion of the joint flow path forming portion 660 where the flow paths are branched communicates with the interior of the pipe (not shown). The specific procedure for this connection is the same as that for connecting one of the two pipes 200, 200 to the pipe joint 620. Therefore, the detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

[0158] [Explanation of Effects According to This Embodiment] As described above, in the joint-connected pipe 610 according to this embodiment, the risk of leakage occurring due to at least one of tensile stress and bending stress being applied to the pipe 200 is further reduced. Moreover, the risk of the sealing function of the axial seal 641 being impaired due to the maximum outer diameter of the bulging portion 222 penetrating the axial seal 641 is reduced.

[0159] [Variations] The embodiments disclosed herein are examples in all respects. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Of course, various design modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0160] For example, the specific shape of the nut 44 is not particularly limited. The nut 44 does not have to have the nut outer peripheral recess 106. The pipe fitting 20, 420, 620 does not have to have the nut 44. In addition, the specific shape of the seal opposing portion 232 is not limited to that described above.

[0161] Furthermore, the specific form of the joint connection pipe according to the present invention is not limited to the one described above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0162] 10,410,610...Pipes with fittings already connected 20, 420, 620...Pipe fittings 40, 440, 640... Joint body 42...Sealing material 44...Nut 46...Storage section 48…Engagement convex portion 50…Entry direction correction tube 52...Spacer 60, 460, 660...Joint flow path forming section 62...Male thread 64,464...Slip prevention part 80,680…Communication path forming part 82...Pipe end housing 84...Sealing material storage section 90...Exposed recess 100...Pipe communication holding part 102...Female thread 104...engagement recess 106...Nut outer periphery recess 108...Covering part 120...Occupied body 122...Main body engagement portion 130...Main body 132...Indicator section 134...Rotation prevention protrusion 180,182,184,580,780…Central axis 200…tube 220...Pipe flow path forming part 222...bulge 230…Enlarged diameter part for engagement 232... Seal facing part 240...base facing part 242...End facing part 480…Communication hole forming part 482...Communication space forming part 484...Distance-indefinite seal material storage section 486,696...One end pipe end housing 500...Through hole forming part 502…Pipe communication holding part 504...Distance fixing seal material storage section 506... Other end pipe end housing section 520...Truncated cone-shaped space forming portion 522... Cylindrical space forming portion 641...Axial seal material 642...Side sealing material 644...Axial nut 645...Side nut 650... Side entry direction correction tube 662...One end male thread 663...Side male thread 690...One end side communication hole forming part 692...One end side communication space forming part 694...One end side variable distance seal material accommodation section 710...Side communication hole forming portion 712...side communication space forming portion 714...Side variable distance seal material storage section 716... Side tube end housing

Claims

1. Tube and a pipe fitting connected to one end of the pipe, The tube a pipe flow path forming portion that forms a flow path; a bulge portion formed closer to the one end of the pipe than the pipe flow path forming portion, having a larger maximum outer diameter than the pipe flow path forming portion, forming a space communicating with the flow path formed by the pipe flow path forming portion, and engaging with the inside of the pipe joint, The bulge is an engagement enlarged diameter portion that is continuous with the pipe flow path forming portion and expands so that the outer diameter increases as the engagement portion moves away from the pipe flow path forming portion; a seal facing portion that is continuous with the enlarged diameter engagement portion and that narrows so that its outer diameter decreases as it moves away from the enlarged diameter engagement portion; The pipe joint is a cylindrical joint body; A joint-connected pipe having a sealing material disposed in the joint body and sealing between an outer peripheral surface of the pipe and an inner peripheral surface of the joint body, The seal facing portion faces the seal material disposed in the joint body from an inner peripheral surface to a side surface thereof, A fitting-connected pipe, characterized in that the seal opposing portion of the pipe faces the inner surface of the sealing material arranged within the fitting body from the inner surface to the side surface, and the seal opposing portion presses the sealing material against the inner surface of the fitting body.

2. The seal facing portion is a base facing portion that is continuous with the enlarged diameter portion for engagement and that narrows so that its outer diameter decreases as it moves away from the enlarged diameter portion for engagement; 2. A fitting-connected pipe as described in claim 1, characterized in that it has an end opposing portion that is connected to the base opposing portion at the one end side of the pipe and that narrows so that its outer diameter gradually becomes smaller than that of the base opposing portion as it moves away from the engagement expansion portion.

3. A fitting-connected pipe as described in claim 2, characterized in that the portion of the end opposing portion that contacts the base opposing portion is positioned so as to face the portion of the inner surface of the sealing material that has the smallest inner diameter.

4. the pipe joint further includes an annular nut connected to one end of the joint body, The joint body is a joint flow path forming portion that forms a flow path; a male thread disposed on an outer periphery of at least one end of the joint flow path forming portion, The nut is a pipe communication holding portion in which the engaging enlarged diameter portion of the pipe is housed so that the flow path formed by the pipe flow path forming portion can be communicated with the flow path formed by the joint flow path forming portion and the engaging enlarged diameter portion of the pipe can move in a direction along the central axis of the joint flow path forming portion within the joint main body; 2. The joint-connected pipe according to claim 1, further comprising a female thread that engages with the male thread of the joint body to connect the pipe communication holding portion to the joint body.

5. 5. The joint-connected pipe according to claim 4, wherein the nut further has a nut outer peripheral recess that is recessed and disposed on the outer periphery of the pipe communication holding portion.

6. connected to one end of the tube, The tube a pipe flow path forming portion that forms a flow path; a bulging portion formed on the one end side of the pipe relative to the pipe flow path forming portion, the bulging portion having a larger maximum outer diameter than the pipe flow path forming portion, and forming a space communicating with the flow path formed by the pipe flow path forming portion, The bulge is an engagement enlarged diameter portion that is continuous with the pipe flow path forming portion and expands so that the outer diameter increases as the engagement portion moves away from the pipe flow path forming portion; a seal facing portion that is continuous with the enlarged diameter engagement portion and that narrows so that its outer diameter decreases as it moves away from the enlarged diameter engagement portion; a cylindrical joint body; A pipe joint including a sealing material disposed in the joint body and sealing between an outer peripheral surface of the pipe and an inner peripheral surface of the joint body, The joint body is a through-hole forming portion that forms a through-hole through which the pipe passes; a pipe communication holding portion that is continuous with the through-hole forming portion and that receives the engagement enlarged diameter portion; a distance-fixed seal material accommodating portion that is continuous with the pipe communication holding portion so that the distance from the pipe communication holding portion is fixed, and that accommodates the seal material and the seal opposing portion.

7. The pipe communication holding portion is a truncated cone-shaped space forming portion that forms a truncated cone-shaped space whose diameter increases with increasing distance from the through-hole forming portion; 7. The pipe fitting according to claim 6, further comprising a cylindrical space forming portion that is disposed on the opposite side of the through hole forming portion as viewed from the position of the truncated cone-shaped space forming portion and that forms a cylindrical space with a constant diameter.

8. 7. The pipe joint according to claim 6, wherein the inner diameter of the distance-fixing seal-accommodating portion is larger than the maximum inner diameter of the pipe communication holding portion.

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