Pipe fitting connection structure

Abstract

This technology provides a method for reliably connecting a pipe fitting to an object while minimizing the protrusion height of the pipe fitting from the object it is connected to. [Solution] A connection structure for connecting a pipe fitting to an object to be connected which has an internal flow path, comprising: a connection port protruding from the surface of the object to be connected; an insertion portion provided on the pipe fitting which has a hook portion into which the connection port is inserted; a sealing member disposed inside the insertion portion which seals the space between the connection port and the insertion portion; a retaining portion provided on the object to be connected which is separated from the surface and has an opening into which the connection port is positioned on the inside; a retaining member which is movable between the retaining portion and the surface which is annular in shape with a part separated to form a tip portion which, when in an expanded state the insertion portion can pass through the inside and when restored in the state after the insertion portion has passed it catches on the hook portion which maintains the connection state between the insertion portion and the connection port; and a guide portion provided on the retaining portion which guides the retaining member from a first position which maintains the expanded state to a second position which maintains the connection state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology of the present disclosure relates to a connection structure of a pipe joint.

Background Art

[0002] As a structure for connecting a pipe joint to an object to be connected having an internal flow path, a structure is known in which a retaining portion is provided around a connection port of the object to be connected to which the cylindrical portion of the pipe joint is connected, and a claw portion provided on the pipe joint is hooked on this retaining portion (see Patent Documents 1 to 5). In these patent documents, the pipe joint includes a plurality of elastic arms extending along the axial direction of the cylindrical portion, and a claw portion provided on the outer periphery of the tip of the elastic arm is configured to be hooked on the retaining portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Patent Document 5

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in the above pipe joint, since a plurality of elastic arms extend along the axial direction of the cylindrical portion, each claw portion can be moved radially inward or outward of the cylindrical portion by bending each elastic arm. However, in order to bend the elastic arm, a predetermined length is required for the elastic arm. Therefore, when securing the length of the elastic arm, it is difficult to reduce the protruding height from the object to be connected of the pipe joint.

[0005] Furthermore, during the connection work between the pipe fitting and the object to be connected, the cylindrical portion of the pipe fitting may be inserted at an angle into the connection port, resulting in an incomplete connection. For this reason, workers visually check the connection between the pipe fitting and the object to be connected, and perform corrective work if the connection is incomplete.

[0006] The objective of this disclosure is to provide a technology that enables reliable connection between a pipe joint and an object to be connected, while reducing the protrusion height of the pipe joint from the object to be connected. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A connection structure for a pipe joint according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a connection structure for connecting a pipe joint to an object to be connected which has an internal flow path, comprising: a cylindrical connection port protruding from the surface of the object to be connected; a cylindrical insertion portion provided in the pipe joint and having a hook portion into which the connection port is inserted; a sealing member disposed within the insertion portion and sealing the space between the connection port and the insertion portion; a retaining portion provided in the object to be connected which is separated from the surface and has an opening into which the connection port is positioned on the inside; an annular retaining member provided between the retaining portion and the surface so as to be movable along the surface, with a portion separated to form a tip, which in an expanded state allows the insertion portion to pass through the inside, and which, when restored in the state after the insertion portion has passed, hooks onto the hook portion and maintains the connection state between the insertion portion and the connection port; and a guide portion provided in the retaining portion that guides the retaining member from a first position that maintains the expanded state to a second position that maintains the connection state.

[0008] In the pipe fitting connection structure of the first embodiment, the part of the pipe fitting to be inserted is passed through the opening of the retaining part and the inside of the retaining member, which is held in an expanded diameter state, and the connection port is inserted to a predetermined position in the part to be inserted. After insertion is complete, the retaining member is guided by the guide part and moved along the surface of the object to be connected from the first position to the second position. When the retaining member moves to the second position, the retaining member returns to its expanded diameter state and catches on the hook part. This maintains the connection state between the part to be inserted and the connection port. In this way, in the pipe fitting connection structure described above, the connection state between the part to be inserted and the connection port is maintained by completing the operation of moving the retaining member from the first position to the second position, making it possible to reliably connect the pipe fitting and the object to be connected.

[0009] In the above pipe joint connection structure, the retaining member is partially separated to form an annular shape with a tip, making it possible to elastically deform the retaining member radially to expand or contract its diameter. That is, when using such a retaining member, the axial length of the part to be inserted can be set shorter compared to, for example, a configuration in which multiple elastic arms extending in the axial direction of the pipe joint are bent to change the distance between the tips of the multiple elastic arms. Therefore, the above pipe joint connection structure makes it possible to reduce the protrusion height of the pipe joint from the object to be connected.

[0010] Furthermore, in the above pipe fitting connection structure, instead of providing a spool at the connection port, a retaining portion is provided in the object to be connected, having an opening where the connection port is positioned on the inside. The above pipe fitting connection structure maintains the connection state between the inserted portion and the connection port by a retaining member provided between the retaining portion and the surface, which catches on a hook portion of the inserted portion. Therefore, in the above pipe fitting connection structure, the axial length of the connection port (in other words, the protruding height) can be shortened (lowered) by the amount of the spool, compared to, for example, a structure that provides a spool at the connection port. This makes it possible to set a shorter axial length for the inserted portion of the pipe fitting, and to lower the protruding height of the pipe fitting from the object to be connected.

[0011] A connection structure for a pipe joint according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is, in the connection structure for a pipe joint according to the first aspect, wherein the guide portion is a through hole formed in the retaining portion, the tip portion of the retaining member is provided with a projection that is inserted into the through hole, and the through hole guides the retaining member from the first position to the second position by guiding the inserted projection.

[0012] In the pipe joint connection structure of the second embodiment, the retaining member can be moved from a first position to a second position by inserting the projection provided at the tip of the retaining member into the through hole formed in the retaining portion, and then moving the projection while being guided by the through hole. Here, in the above pipe joint connection structure, since the projection provided at the tip of the retaining member is guided by the through hole which acts as a guide portion, the retaining member can be guided with a simpler configuration compared to, for example, a configuration in which a separate guiding mechanism is provided.

[0013] A third aspect of the pipe joint connection structure of the present disclosure is the pipe joint connection structure of the second aspect, wherein the tip of the retaining member has a notch formed therein that penetrates from the outer circumference to the inner circumference and extends along the circumferential direction.

[0014] In the pipe joint connection structure of the third embodiment, since a notch is provided at the tip of the retaining member, even when the retaining part is fixed to the surface of the object to be connected, the tip of the retaining member can be elastically deformed around the notch to narrow the width of the tip, allowing it to be inserted between the surface of the object to be connected and the retaining part. Then, by inserting the projection at the tip of the retaining member into the through hole of the retaining part, the retaining member can be positioned between the retaining part and the surface of the object to be connected.

[0015] The pipe joint connection structure of the fourth aspect of this disclosure is a pipe joint connection structure of any one aspect of the first to third aspects, wherein the distance between the tip of the connection port and the surface is less than or equal to the distance between the edge of the opening and the surface.

[0016] In the pipe joint connection structure of the fourth embodiment, the distance between the tip of the connection port and the surface of the pipe joint is set to be less than or equal to the distance between the opening edge of the retaining portion and the surface of the pipe joint. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which, for example, the tip of the connection port protrudes from the opening edge of the retaining portion, the portion of the connection port that contacts the sealing member can be protected. This makes it possible to suppress damage to the sealing member when the connection port is inserted into the inside of the sealing member.

[0017] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a pipe joint connection structure in any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the sealing member is positioned in the axial direction of the inserted portion, at least a portion of which is located between the edge of the opening and the tip of the inserted portion.

[0018] In the pipe joint connection structure of the fifth embodiment, since at least a portion of the sealing member is positioned between the opening edge and the tip of the inserted portion in the axial direction of the inserted portion, it becomes possible to set a shorter axial length of the inserted portion compared to, for example, a configuration in which the sealing member is positioned on the opposite side of the tip of the inserted portion from the opening edge.

[0019] The pipe joint connection structure of the sixth aspect of the present disclosure is a pipe joint connection structure of any one aspect of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the sealing member is arranged to overlap the retaining member in the axial direction on the radially inner side of the retaining member.

[0020] In the pipe joint connection structure of the sixth embodiment, the sealing member is arranged so as to overlap the retaining member in the axial direction on the radially inner side of the retaining member. This makes it possible to set a shorter axial length for the portion to be inserted compared to, for example, a configuration in which the sealing member does not overlap the retaining member in the axial direction.

[0021] The pipe joint connection structure of the seventh aspect of this disclosure is the pipe joint connection structure of any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the retaining portion is made of metal.

[0022] In the connection structure of the pipe joint according to the seventh aspect, since the retaining portion is made of metal, for example, compared with a structure made of a material softer than metal, even if the thickness of the retaining portion is reduced, it is possible to maintain the rigidity. When the thickness of the retaining portion is thus reduced, it becomes possible to set the axial length of the inserted portion shorter.

[0023] The connection structure of the pipe joint according to the eighth aspect of the present disclosure is the connection structure of the pipe joint according to any one of the first aspect to the seventh aspect, wherein the pipe joint is an L-shaped pipe joint, one end side in the axial direction constitutes the inserted portion, and the other end side in the axial direction constitutes a pipe connection portion for pipe connection.

[0024] In the connection structure of the pipe joint according to the eighth aspect, since one end side in the axial direction of the L-shaped pipe joint constitutes the inserted portion and the other end side in the axial direction constitutes the pipe connection portion for pipe connection, by suppressing the protruding height of the pipe joint from the connection object, it is possible to suppress the height (distance) of the pipe connected to the pipe connection portion from the connection object.

Effect of the Invention

[0025] As described above, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to reliably connect the pipe joint and the connection object while reducing the protruding height of the pipe joint from the connection object.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view for explaining the connection structure of the pipe joint according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view of the connection object shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view of the pipe joint and the connection object showing the state immediately before connecting the pipe joint to the connection object shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view of the pipe joint and the connection object showing the state where the pipe joint is connected to the connection object shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] It is a plan view of the pipe joint and the connection object shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] It is a 6X-6X cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the retainer of the object to be connected. [Figure 8] Figure 7 is a plan view of the retainer. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view of a modified retainer. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view illustrating a pipe fitting connection structure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] Figure 10 is a plan view of the pipe fittings and the objects they connect to. [Figure 12] Figure 11 shows a 12X-12X cross-sectional view. [Figure 13] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the retainer of the object to be connected. [Figure 14] Figure 13 is a plan view of the retainer. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] The embodiments for implementing this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Components indicated by the same reference numerals in each drawing are considered to be the same or similar components. In the embodiments described below, descriptions and reference numerals that are repeated may be omitted. Furthermore, the drawings used in the following description are all schematic, and the dimensional relationships and ratios of each element shown in the drawings do not necessarily correspond to reality. Also, the dimensional relationships and ratios of each element do not necessarily correspond between multiple drawings.

[0028] Figures 1 to 8 show a connection structure S of a pipe joint according to one embodiment of the present disclosure (hereinafter referred to as "connection structure S" as appropriate).

[0029] The connection structure S in this embodiment is a structure for connecting the object to be connected 20 and the pipe fitting 40. The object to be connected 20 and the pipe fitting 40 will be described below.

[0030] <Object to connect to 20> As shown in Figures 1 and 6, the object to be connected 20 is the object to which the pipe fitting 40 is connected. The object to be connected 20 has a flow path 22 (see Figure 6) inside. An example of the object to be connected 20 is a heat exchanger. As an example, the object to be connected 20 in this embodiment is a heat exchanger (cooling device) through which a refrigerant is circulated. This object to be connected 20 is, for example, placed in an automobile and used to cool the equipment that makes up the automobile. Note that in Figures 1 to 6, only one of the plate materials that make up the surface 20A of the object to be connected 20 is shown. This one plate material that makes up the surface 20A of the object to be connected 20 and the other plate material that makes up the back surface are assembled to form the flow path 22 inside.

[0031] The object to be connected in this embodiment, 20, is made of a metal material with excellent thermal conductivity.

[0032] As shown in Figures 2 and 6, the object to be connected 20 includes the flow path 22, the connection port 24, the retaining portion 26, the retainer 60, and the guide portion 70.

[0033] (Connection port 24) The connection port 24 is a cylindrical opening that protrudes from the surface 20A of the object to be connected 20. The inside of this connection port 24 is in communication with the flow path 22. Therefore, when the connection port 24 is inserted into the insertion portion 42 of the pipe fitting 40 (described later), the inside of the pipe fitting 40 and the flow path 22 are in communication via the connection port 24. When the connection port 24 is inserted into the insertion portion 42, refrigerant is sent from the pipe fitting 40 to the flow path 22 through the connection port 24. Alternatively, refrigerant is sent from the flow path 22 to the pipe fitting 40 through the connection port 24. In Figure 6, the direction in which the connection port 24 protrudes relative to the surface 20A is indicated by the symbol PD.

[0034] (Retaining part 26) As shown in Figures 2 and 6, the retaining portion 26 is provided on the surface 20A of the object to be connected 20. This retaining portion 26 is formed, for example, from a metal plate. In this embodiment, as an example, the retaining portion 26 is constructed by joining (for example, welding) both flange portions 30 of a processed member, which is a metal plate processed into a hat shape, to the surface 20A. This retaining portion 26 has an opening 28 on which the connection port 24 is positioned on the inside. Specifically, the opening 28 is formed in the top plate portion 34 that connects the two vertical wall portions 32 of the processed member. As shown in Figure 6, this top plate portion 34 is positioned away from the surface 20A in the protruding direction PD of the connection port 24. The insertion portion 42 of the pipe joint 40, which will be described later, passes through this opening 28.

[0035] As shown in Figure 6, the edge of the opening 28 of the retaining portion 26 that is opposite to the surface 20A is called the first edge 28A. The edge of the opening 28 that is opposite to the first edge 28A, i.e., the edge on the surface 20A side, is called the second edge 28B. The shape of the opening 28 will be described later.

[0036] As shown in Figure 6, the distance L1 between the tip 24A of the connection port 24 and the surface 20A is less than or equal to the distance between the first edge 28A of the opening 28 and the surface 20A. Specifically, the distance L1 along the protruding direction PD between the tip of the connection port 24 and the surface 20A is less than or equal to the distance L2 along the protruding direction PD between the first edge 28A of the opening 28 and the surface 20A.

[0037] (Retainer 60) As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the retainer 60 is formed in an annular shape with a portion separated to form a tip. As shown in Figure 2, the retainer 60 is provided so as to be movable along the surface 20A between the retaining portion 26 and the surface 20A. Specifically, the retainer 60 is positioned in the space enclosed by the top plate portion 34, both vertical wall portions 32 and the surface 20A. As shown in Figure 7, the retainer 60 has a longitudinal central portion 62 and holding portions 64 on both sides of the central portion 62. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the central portion 62 has a recess 63 in the radially inward portion. The protrusion 43B provided in the recess 43 of the insertion portion 42 fits into this recess 63, preventing the insertion portion 42 from rotating around the connection port 24. The pair of holding portions 64 are arm-like extensions from the central portion 62. Each retaining portion 64 has a curved portion that fits into the recess 43 to match the shape of the recess 43. Furthermore, the pair of retaining portions 64 are elastically deformable so that the diameter of the retainer 60 can be expanded and contracted. Figures 7 and 8 show the retainer 60 in an unloaded state. The retainer 60 may be made of metal or resin, but it is preferable to use resin for weight reduction. Each retaining portion 64A is provided with a projection 65 that protrudes from both sides of the retainer 60 in the thickness direction. Of these projections 65, the projection 65 that protrudes from one side of the retainer 60 in the thickness direction (the upper side in Figure 2, and the side of the top plate 34) is inserted into a through hole 72, which will be described later.

[0038] Furthermore, the retainer 60 is configured to move along the surface 20A from a first position (shown in Figure 2) to a second position (shown in Figure 1). In the first position, the retainer 60 is held in an expanded diameter state that allows the inserted portion 42 to pass through the inside. On the other hand, in the second position, the retainer 60 is held in a diameter that is larger than that of the first position, making it impossible for the inserted portion 42 to pass through the inside. Here, as shown in Figures 2 to 4, the retainer 60 is in an expanded diameter state in the first position, allowing the inserted portion 42 to pass through. When it moves to the second position with the inserted portion 42 having passed through, and returns from the expanded diameter state, it catches on the recessed wall 43A acting as a hook, maintaining the connection between the inserted portion 42 and the connection port 24. Specifically, the pair of holding parts 64 of the restored retainer 60 fit into the recesses 43 of the inserted portion 42, thereby maintaining the connection between the inserted portion 42 and the connection port 24. The expanded diameter state of the retainer 60 refers to a state in which the pair of retaining parts 64 are open around the central part 62, or in other words, a state in which the distance between the tips 64A of the pair of retaining parts 64 is increased around the central part 62. Furthermore, the restoration of the retainer 60 refers to the return of the retainer 60 from the expanded diameter state to its original state due to elastic deformation, and the diameter when restored is smaller than that of the expanded diameter state.

[0039] In this embodiment, the retainer 60 is positioned between the surface 20A of the object to be connected and the tip 24A of the connection port 24 when the pipe fitting 40 and the object to be connected 20 are connected.

[0040] (Guide section 70) The guide portion 70 is provided on the retaining portion 26, as shown in Figures 2 and 5. Specifically, the guide portion 70 is provided on the top plate portion 34. The guide portion 70 guides the retainer 60 from a first position that maintains the expanded diameter state of the retainer 60 to a second position that maintains the connection state between the pipe joint 40 and the object to be connected 20. Specifically, the guide portion 70 is a through hole 72 formed in the top plate portion 34. The through hole 72 is a hole that penetrates the top plate portion 34 in the thickness direction. The through hole 72 is also formed on both vertical wall portions 32 sides of the top plate portion 34. The projections 65 of each holding portion 64 of the retainer 60 are inserted into these through holes 72. Each through hole 72 guides the retainer 60 from the first position to the second position by guiding the projections 65 inserted into it.

[0041] Each through-hole 72 has a straight section 72A and a bent section 72B, as shown in Figures 2 and 5. Specifically, the straight section 72A is the portion of the through-hole 72 that extends along the direction of movement of the retainer 60. The bent section 72B is the portion of the through-hole 72 that bends at the end of the straight section 72A and extends in a direction perpendicular to it. More specifically, the bent sections 72B of each through-hole 72 extend in a direction toward each other. Here, when the projection 65 is in the straight section 72A of the through-hole 72, the expanded diameter state of the retainer 60 is maintained. That is, the position of the retainer 60 when the projection 65 is in the straight section 72A of the through-hole 72 is the first position. The position of the projection 65 relative to the through-hole 72 when the retainer 60 is in the first position is called the large diameter position. When the projection 65 is in the bent section 72B of the through-hole 72, the retainer 60 returns to its original state. In other words, when the projection 65 moves from the straight section 72A to the bent section 72B of the through hole 72, the retainer 60 returns to its expanded state, as shown in Figure 5. That is, the position of the retainer 60 when the projection 65 is located at the bent section 72B of the through hole 72 is the second position. The position of the projection 65 relative to the through hole 72 when the retainer 60 is in the second position is called the small diameter position. As described above, since the bent sections 72B of each through hole 72 extend in a direction toward each other, the retainer 60 can return to its expanded state when each projection 65 moves from the straight section 72A to the bent section 72B. For example, by using a special jig, the restored retainer 60 can be returned to its expanded state. In other words, the position of the projection 65 can be returned from the bent section 72B to the straight section 72A. By returning the retainer 60 to its expanded state in this way, the insertion portion 42 can be removed from the connection port 24.

[0042] <Pipe fitting 40> As shown in Figures 1 and 6, the pipe joint 40 is a pipe joint that connects the object to be connected 20 to a pipe (not shown). In this embodiment, the pipe joint 40 is, as an example, an L-shaped pipe joint.

[0043] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the pipe fitting 40 comprises an insertion portion 42, a pipe connection portion 44, an O-ring 50, and a top hat 52.

[0044] (Inserted portion 42) As shown in Figures 3 and 6, the insertion portion 42 is the part into which the connection port 24 is inserted, and constitutes one axial end of the L-shaped pipe fitting 40. A recess 43 extending in the circumferential direction is provided on the outer circumference of this insertion portion 42. The retainer 60 is fitted into this recess 43. The retainer 60 is held within the recess 43 by the recessed walls 43A on both sides of the recess 43.

[0045] (Pipe connection part 44) As shown in Figures 1 and 6, the pipe connection section 44 is the part to which a pipe (not shown) is connected, and constitutes the other axial end of the L-shaped pipe fitting 40. An example of the pipe connected to the pipe connection section 44 is a resin tube (resin pipe).

[0046] (O-ring 50) As shown in Figure 6, the O-ring 50 is positioned inside the insertion portion 42. When the connection port 24 is inserted into the insertion portion 42, the inner circumference of the O-ring 50 contacts the outer circumference of the connection port 24, and the outer circumference of the O-ring 50 contacts the inner circumference of the insertion portion 42, thereby sealing the space between the connection port 24 and the insertion portion 42.

[0047] As shown in Figure 6, with the pipe fitting 40 connected to the object to be connected 20, the O-ring 50 is positioned in the axial direction XD of the inserted portion 42, at least a portion of which is located between the first edge 28A and the tip of the inserted portion 42. Specifically, the O-ring 50 is positioned radially inside the retainer 60 so as to overlap the retainer 60 in the axial direction XD. The O-ring 50 is positioned so that part or all of it overlaps the retainer 60 in the axial direction XD. Furthermore, when the O-ring 50 overlaps the retainer 60 in the axial direction XD, the O-ring 50 and the retainer 60 overlap when viewed from the radial direction of the retainer 60.

[0048] (Top Hat 52) As shown in Figure 6, the top hat 52 is an annular member that is inserted into the tip side of the insertion portion 42 and fitted inside the insertion portion 42. When fitted inside the insertion portion 42, the top hat 52 functions as a retainer for the O-ring 50.

[0049] As shown in Figures 1 and 5, the shape of the opening 28 of the retaining portion 26 and the outer circumference shape (bottom surface shape) of the insertion portion 42 are different from each other. Specifically, when the pipe joint 40 is connected to the object to be connected 20, the shape of the portion of the insertion portion 42 corresponding to the opening 28 is different from the shape of the opening 28. Therefore, when the insertion portion 42 rotates around its axis, the outer circumference surface 42A of the insertion portion 42 comes into contact with the wall surface of the opening 28, preventing the insertion portion 42 from rotating.

[0050] The connection structure S of this disclosure comprises the above-described connection port 24, the insertion portion 42, the O-ring 50, the retaining portion 26, the retainer 60, and the guide portion 70.

[0051] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. In the connection structure S of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the insertion portion 42 of the pipe fitting 40 is passed through the opening 28 of the retaining portion 26 and the inside of the retainer 60 which is held in an expanded diameter state, and the connection port 24 is inserted to a predetermined position in the insertion portion 42 (see Figure 6). After the insertion of the connection port 24 into the insertion portion 42 is complete, the retainer 60 is guided by the guide portion 70 and moved along the surface 20A of the object to be connected from the first position (see Figure 4) to the second position (see Figure 1). When the retainer 60 moves to the second position, the retainer 60 returns to its expanded diameter state and the pair of holding portions 64 fit into the recess 43, and the pair of holding portions 64 each hook onto the recessed wall 43A which is the hook portion. As a result, the connection state between the insertion portion 42 and the connection port 24 is maintained as shown in Figure 6. In this connection structure S, by completing the operation of moving the retainer 60 from the first position to the second position, the connection state between the insertion portion 42 and the connection port 24 is maintained, thereby ensuring a secure connection between the pipe fitting 40 and the object to be connected 20.

[0052] In the connection structure S, the retainer 60 is formed into an annular shape with a portion separated and a tip formed thereon, making it possible to elastically deform the retainer 60 radially to expand or contract its diameter. That is, when using such a retainer 60, the length of the axial XD of the inserted portion 42 can be set shorter compared to, for example, a configuration in which multiple elastic arms extending in the axial direction XD of the pipe fitting 40 are bent to change the distance between the tips of the multiple elastic arms. Specifically, when setting the length of the axial XD of the inserted portion 42, it is only necessary to consider the thickness of the retainer 60, so the length of the axial XD of the inserted portion 42 can be set shorter. Therefore, according to the above connection structure S, it is possible to reduce the protrusion height of the pipe fitting 40 from the object 20 to be connected.

[0053] Furthermore, in connection structure S, instead of providing a spool in the connection port 24, the object to be connected 20 is provided with a retaining portion 26 having an opening 28 in which the connection port 24 is positioned on the inside. In connection structure S, a retainer 60 provided between the retaining portion 26 and the surface 20A catches on the recessed wall 43A of the insertion portion 42, thereby maintaining the connection state between the insertion portion 42 and the connection port 24. Therefore, in connection structure S, the axial length of the connection port 24 (in other words, the protruding height) can be shortened (lowered) by the amount of the spool, compared to, for example, a structure in which the connection port 24 is provided with a spool. This makes it possible to set a shorter axial length of the insertion portion 42 of the pipe fitting 40, and to lower the protruding height of the pipe fitting 40 from the object to be connected 20.

[0054] Furthermore, in the connection structure S, the retainer 60 can be moved from the first position to the second position by inserting the projection 65 provided on the tip portion 64A of the retainer 60 into the through hole 72 formed in the retaining portion 26, and then moving the projection 65 while being guided by the through hole 72. Here, in the connection structure S, since the projection 65 provided on the tip portion 64A of the retainer 60 is guided by the through hole 72, the retainer 60 can be guided with a simpler configuration compared to a configuration in which a separate guiding mechanism is provided, for example.

[0055] In the connection structure S, as shown in Figure 6, the distance L1 between the tip 24A of the connection port 24 and the surface 20A is set to be less than or equal to the distance L2 between the first edge 28A of the opening 28 and the surface 20A. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which, for example, the tip 24A of the connection port 24 protrudes from the first edge 28A of the opening 28, the portion of the connection port 24 that contacts the O-ring 50 can be protected. This protection can suppress the generation of burrs and other defects due to damage to the outer circumference of the connection port 24. As a result, damage to the O-ring 50 when the connection port 24 is inserted into the O-ring 50 can be suppressed.

[0056] In the connection structure S, at least a portion of the O-ring 50 is positioned between the first edge 28A of the opening 28 and the tip 42B of the insertion portion 42 in the axial direction XD of the insertion portion 42. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the O-ring is positioned on the opposite side of the tip 42B of the insertion portion 42 from the first edge 28A of the opening 28, for example, it becomes possible to set the length of the axial direction XD of the insertion portion 42 to be shorter.

[0057] Furthermore, in the connection structure S, the O-ring 50 is positioned radially inside the retainer 60 and overlaps with the retainer 60 in the axial direction XD. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the O-ring 50 does not overlap with the retainer 60 in the axial direction XD, for example, it becomes possible to set the length of the inserted portion 42 in the axial direction XD to be shorter.

[0058] In the connection structure S, since the retaining portion 26 is made of metal, it is possible to maintain rigidity even if the thickness of the retaining portion 26 is reduced, compared to a configuration in which a softer material than metal is used. When the thickness of the retaining portion 26 is reduced in this way, it becomes possible to set the axial length XD of the insertion portion 42 to a shorter length.

[0059] In the connection structure S, one axial end of the L-shaped pipe fitting 40 constitutes the insertion portion 42, and the other axial end constitutes the pipe connection portion 44 for pipe connection. Therefore, by suppressing the protrusion height of the pipe fitting 40 from the object to be connected 20, the height (distance) of the pipe connected to the pipe connection portion 44 from the object to be connected 20 can be suppressed.

[0060] In the above-described embodiment, for example, the retainer 60 is placed on the surface 20A of the object to be connected 20, the projection 65 is inserted into the through hole 72 formed in the retaining portion 26, and then the retaining portion 26 is fixed to the surface 20A, thereby positioning the retainer 60 between the surface 20A and the retaining portion 26. However, this disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, a notch 68 may be formed in the tip portion 64A of the retainer 60, penetrating from the outer circumference to the inner circumference and extending along the circumferential direction. Specifically, the notch 68 may be formed in the portion between the pair of projections 65 at the tip portion 64A of the holding portion 64, as shown in Figure 9. By providing such a notch 68, it becomes possible to elastically deform the tip portion 64A of the holding portion 64 so that its width is narrowed. In other words, in the configuration shown in Figure 9, since the tip portion 64A of the retainer 60 is provided with a notch 68, even when the retaining portion 26 is fixed to the surface 20A of the object to be connected 20, the tip portion 64A of the retainer 60 can be elastically deformed around the notch 68 to narrow the width of the tip portion 64A, allowing it to be inserted between the surface 20A of the object to be connected 20 and the retaining portion 26. Then, by inserting the projection 65 of the tip portion 64A of the retainer 60 into the through hole 72 of the retaining portion 26, the retainer 60 can be positioned (set) between the retaining portion 26 and the surface 20A of the object to be connected 20.

[0061] In the embodiments described above, a resin retainer 60 is used, but this disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, a retainer 90 may be used, as in other embodiments shown in Figures 10 to 14. This retainer 90 is formed by bending a metal rod, as shown in Figures 13 and 14. This retainer 90 is annular in shape with a portion cut off to form a tip, and has a longitudinal central portion 92, holding portions 94 on both sides of the central portion 92, and projections 95 provided at the tip of each holding portion 94. These projections 95 are formed by bending the tip side of the holding portion 95. The central portion 92, holding portions 94, and projections 95 correspond to the central portion 62, holding portions 64, and projections 65, respectively. Each projection 95 of the retainer 90 is inserted into a through hole 72 of the retaining portion 26. Even when this retainer 90 is used, the same effects and advantages as in the embodiments described above can be achieved.

[0062] Although embodiments of this disclosure have been described above with reference to examples, these embodiments are merely examples and can be modified in various ways without departing from the gist of the disclosure. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the scope of rights of this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0063] 20 Connection Targets 20A surface 22 Flow channels 24 connection ports 24A tip 26 Retaining part 28 Aperture 28A First edge 28B Second edge 28C Wall 40 Pipe fittings 42 Inserted part 44 Pipe connection section 50 O-rings (an example of sealing material) 60 Retainer (an example of a retaining member) 62 Central part 64 Holding part 64A Tip 65 Protrusion 70 Information Department 72 Through hole 90 Retainer (an example of a retaining member) 92 Central part 94 Holding part 94A Tip 95 Protrusion L1 distance L2 distance Direction of protrusion of the PD connection port XD Axial direction of the part to be inserted S connection structure

Claims

1. A connection structure for connecting a pipe fitting to an object having an internal flow path, A cylindrical connection port protruding from the surface of the object to be connected, The pipe joint is provided with a cylindrical insertion portion having a hooking portion into which the connection port is inserted, A sealing member is disposed within the insertion portion and seals the space between the connection port and the insertion portion. A retaining portion provided on the object to be connected, having an opening that is separated from the surface and has the connection port positioned on the inside, A retaining member is provided between the retaining portion and the surface so as to be movable along the surface, having a portion separated to form a tip, and in an expanded state the inserted portion can pass inside, and when restored to its original state after the inserted portion has passed, it catches on the hook portion and maintains the connection state between the inserted portion and the connection port, A guide portion is provided in the retaining portion and guides the retaining member from the first position that maintains the expanded diameter state to the second position that maintains the connected state, A pipe fitting connection structure comprising the following features.

2. The guide portion is a through hole formed in the retaining portion, The tip of the retaining member is provided with a projection that is inserted into the through hole. The pipe joint connection structure according to claim 1, wherein the through hole guides the inserted projection, thereby guiding the retaining member from the first position to the second position.

3. The pipe joint connection structure according to claim 2, wherein the tip of the retaining member has a notch formed therein that penetrates from the outer circumference to the inner circumference and extends along the circumferential direction.

4. The pipe joint connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the distance between the tip of the connection port and the surface is less than or equal to the distance between the edge of the opening and the surface.

5. The pipe joint connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least a portion of the sealing member is positioned between the edge of the opening and the tip of the portion to be inserted in the axial direction of the portion to be inserted.

6. The pipe joint connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sealing member is arranged radially inside the retaining member and overlaps with the retaining member in the axial direction.

7. The pipe joint connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the retaining portion is made of metal.

8. The pipe joint connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pipe joint is an L-shaped pipe joint, with one axial end forming the insertion portion and the other axial end forming a pipe connection portion for pipe connection.

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