Pipe fittings, pipe fittings, and nuts

Abstract

The torque required for rotation is reduced. [Solution] The nut 44 comprises a nut body 100. The nut body 100 has a female thread 120 and a retainer housing portion 122. The retainer housing portion 122 forms a space. This space communicates with the outside of the nut body 100 at one end and the other end. The retainer housing portion 122 is connected to the female thread 120. One end of the space formed by the retainer housing portion 122 communicates with the outside via the female thread 120. The nut 44 further comprises an annular retainer 102. The retainer 102 is housed in the space such that its central axis 222 is aligned with the spatial axis direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pipe with a joint, a pipe joint, and a nut.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a connection mechanism between a thin-walled stainless steel pipe and a joint. This connection mechanism is composed of a thin-walled stainless steel pipe, a joint, a nut, and a packing. A convex portion is formed on the outer periphery of the end of the thin-walled stainless steel pipe. The joint has an inner diameter for inserting the thin-walled stainless steel pipe. A male thread is formed at the end of the joint. The nut has a fitting portion. The fitting portion fits on the outer periphery of the thin-walled stainless steel pipe. The fitting portion faces the joint with the above-mentioned convex portion as a boundary. The nut has a female thread portion. The female thread portion engages with the male thread of the joint. The packing is provided between the above-mentioned joint and the above-mentioned thin-walled stainless steel pipe.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a connection mechanism between a steel pipe and a joint. This connection mechanism includes a joint and a nut. The joint has a connecting cylinder portion. The connecting cylinder portion has a fluid passage inside. A male thread is formed on the outer periphery of the end of the connecting cylinder portion. The nut has an annular outer cylinder portion and a steel pipe support portion. A female thread that engages with the male thread of the joint is formed on the inner periphery of the annular outer cylinder portion. The steel pipe support portion supports the steel pipe. The steel pipe communicates with the fluid passage. In this connection mechanism, the steel pipe is hermetically connected to the joint by engaging the above-mentioned male thread and the above-mentioned female thread.

[0004] Patent Document 3 discloses a molding die. This molding die includes a mounting die and a nut. The nut engages with the mounting die. A molding portion for forming a bulging portion on a metal pipe is formed by the mounting die and the nut. The mounting die has a holding portion and a contact portion. The holding portion is held by the device body of a bulging processing device. The contact portion contacts the device body on the opposing surface facing the device body. The contact portion is provided with play in the axial direction.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Microfilm of Utility Model Application No. 62-37601 (Utility Model Publication No. 63-145089) [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-005043 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-171779 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The inventions disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3 have a problem in that the torque required to rotate the nut during installation and removal tends to be excessive.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a pipe with a fitting, a pipe fitting, and a nut that reduce the torque required for rotation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The pipe with fittings, pipe fittings, and nuts of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. The reference numerals used in the drawings in this section are for the purpose of aiding understanding of the invention and are not intended to limit the content to what is shown in the illustrations.

[0009] To achieve the above-mentioned objective, according to one aspect of the present invention, the pipe with fittings 10 comprises a pipe 24 and a pair of pipe fittings 20, 22 connected to both ends of the pipe 24. The pipe 24 has a pipe flow path forming portion 420 and a pair of bulging portions 422, 422. The pipe flow path forming portion 420 forms a flow path. The pair of bulging portions 422, 422 are arranged so as to sandwich the pipe flow path forming portion 420. The pair of bulging portions 422, 422 each form a space that communicates with the flow path formed by the pipe flow path forming portion 420. Both pairs of bulging portions 422, 422 have a larger outer diameter than the pipe flow path forming portion 420. The pipe fittings 20, 22 comprise a cylindrical fitting body 40, an annular sealing material 42, and a nut 44. The pipe 24 enters the fitting body 40. The sealing material 42 is placed inside the fitting body 40. The sealant 42 seals the space between the outer surface of the pipe 24 that has entered the joint body 40 and the inner surface of the joint body 40. The nut 44 is connected to the joint body 40. The pipe 24 passes through the nut 44. The joint body 40 has a nut-connecting male thread 64 to which the nut 44 is connected, a pipe end housing portion 82, a sealant housing portion 84, and a pipe inlet forming portion 86. The pipe end housing portion 82 forms a part of the section into which the pipe 24 enters. The end of the pipe 24 is housed in the pipe end housing portion 82. The sealant housing portion 84 is positioned adjacent to the pipe end housing portion 82. The sealant housing portion 84 forms a separate part of the section into which the pipe 24 enters from the part formed by the pipe end housing portion 82. The sealant 42 is housed in the sealant housing portion 84. The pipe 24 passes through the sealant housing portion 84 together with the sealant 42. The pipe inlet forming section 86 is positioned adjacent to the seal material housing section 84. The pipe inlet forming section 86 forms a portion of the section into which the pipe 24 enters that is separate from the section formed by the pipe end housing section 82 and the seal material housing section 84. The pipe inlet forming section 86 forms an opening for the pipe 24 to enter the interior of the joint body 40. The nut 44 comprises a nut body 100. The nut body 100 has a female thread 120 and a retainer housing section 122. The female thread 120 engages with the nut connecting male thread 64. The retainer housing section 122 forms a space. This space communicates with the outside of the nut body 100 at one end and the other end. The retainer housing section 122 is connected to the female thread 120. One end of the space formed by the retainer housing section 122 communicates with the outside via the female thread 120.The nut 44 further comprises an annular retainer 102. The retainer 102 is housed in space such that its central axis 222 is aligned with the spatial axis direction. The spatial axis direction is the direction from one end of space to the other. The retainer 102 is housed in space such that it can rotate freely about its central axis 222.

[0010] The retainer 102 is housed within the space formed by the retainer housing 122. The retainer 102 is housed within this space so as to be able to rotate freely around its central axis 222. Because the retainer 102 is housed within this space so as to be able to rotate the nut body 100, the transmission of rotational torque from the nut body 100 to the retainer 102 is reduced. As a result of this reduction in the transmission of rotational torque, the rotational torque transmitted to the pipe 24 passing through the retainer 102 is also reduced. This makes it easier to rotate the nut body 100. Consequently, a pipe with fittings 10 is provided in which the torque required to rotate the nut 44 in the pipe fittings 20, 22 is reduced.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, the pipe fittings 20, 22 comprise a cylindrical fitting body 40, an annular sealant 42, and a nut 44. The sealant 42 is positioned inside the fitting body 40. The nut 44 is connected to the fitting body 40. The nut 44 surrounds a space communicating with the inside of the fitting body 40. The fitting body 40 has a nut-connecting male thread 64 to which the nut 44 is connected, a pipe end housing portion 82, a sealant housing portion 84, and a pipe inlet forming portion 86. The pipe end housing portion 82 is positioned inside the fitting body 40. The sealant housing portion 84 is positioned inside the fitting body 40 adjacent to the pipe end housing portion 82. The sealant 42 is housed in the sealant housing portion 84. The pipe inlet forming portion 86 is positioned inside the fitting body 40 adjacent to the sealant housing portion 84. The pipe inlet forming portion 86 forms an opening. The nut 44 comprises a nut body 100. The nut body 100 has a female thread 120 and a retainer housing portion 122. The female thread 120 engages with a nut connecting male thread 64. The retainer housing portion 122 forms a space. This space communicates with the outside of the nut body 100 at one end and the other end. The retainer housing portion 122 is connected to the female thread 120. One end of the space formed by the retainer housing portion 122 communicates with the outside of the nut body 100 via the female thread 120. The nut 44 further comprises an annular retainer 102. The retainer 102 is housed in the space formed by the retainer housing portion 122 such that its central axis 222 is aligned with the spatial axis direction. The spatial axis direction is the direction from one end to the other of the space formed by the retainer housing portion 122. The retainer 102 is housed within a space formed by the retainer housing 122 so that it can rotate freely around its central axis 222. The retainer 102 surrounds a space that communicates with the inside of the joint body 40.

[0012] Since the retainer 102 is rotatably housed within the space formed by the retainer housing 122, the transmission of rotational torque from the nut body 100 to the retainer 102 when attempting to rotate the nut body 100 is reduced. Because the transmission of this rotational torque is reduced, even when the pipe 24 passes through the retainer 102, the rotational torque transmitted to the pipe 24 passing through the retainer 102 is similarly reduced. As a result, the rotation of the nut body 100 becomes easier. Consequently, pipe fittings 20 and 22 are provided in which the torque required to rotate the nut 44 is reduced.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, the nut 44 comprises a nut body 100. The nut body 100 has a female thread 120 and a retainer housing portion 122. The retainer housing portion 122 forms a space. This space communicates with the outside of the nut body 100 at one end and the other. The retainer housing portion 122 is connected to the female thread 120. One end of the space formed by the retainer housing portion 122 communicates with the outside via the female thread 120. The nut 44 further comprises an annular retainer 102. The retainer 102 is housed in the space such that its central axis 222 is aligned with the spatial axis direction. The spatial axis direction is the direction from one end of the space to the other. The retainer 102 is housed in the space such that it can rotate freely about its central axis 222.

[0014] The retainer 102 is housed within the space formed by the retainer housing 122. The retainer 102 is housed within this space so as to be able to rotate freely around its central axis 222. Because the retainer 102 is housed within this space so as to be able to rotate the nut body 100, the transmission of rotational torque from the nut body 100 to the retainer 102 is reduced. As a result of this reduction in rotational torque transmission, the rotational torque transmitted to the tube 24 passing through the retainer 102 is also reduced. This makes it easier to rotate the nut body 100. As a result, a nut 44 is provided that requires less torque to rotate.

[0015] Furthermore, it is desirable that the nut 44 described above further includes protruding portions 104 and 304. The protruding portions 104 and 304 are provided so as to protrude from the inner circumferential surface of the retainer housing portion 122. In this case, it is desirable that at least a portion of the retainers 102, 302, and 502 be positioned in the space on the other end side of the protruding portions 104 and 304.

[0016] Protruding parts 104 and 304 are provided so as to protrude from the inner circumferential surface of the retainer housing part 122. At least a portion of the retainers 102, 302, and 502 are positioned in the space on the other end side of the protruding parts 104 and 304. This increases the likelihood of obstruction by the protruding parts 104 and 304, making it less likely for the retainers 102, 302, and 502 to fall out of the space via the female thread 120.

[0017] Alternatively, it is desirable that the aforementioned protruding portion 104 has a cylindrical outer surface 230 and an annular, flat annular side surface 232. The annular side surface 232 is positioned to face the retainer 102.

[0018] When the protruding portion 104 has a cylindrical outer surface 230 and an annular, flat annular side surface 232, the protruding portion 104 becomes less prone to twisting compared to when the cross-sectional shape of the protruding portion 104 is circular and the outer diameter, inner diameter, and thickness are the same. This is because, in the former case, there are more points that resist deformation when torque is applied compared to the latter case. When the protruding portion 104 becomes less prone to twisting, the problem of the retainer 102 falling out of the space via the female thread 120 becomes less likely to occur.

[0019] Alternatively, it is desirable that the retainer housing portion 122 described above forms a recess in addition to the space described above. The recess has a rectangular cross-sectional shape in the direction along the spatial axis. In this case, it is desirable that at least the portion of the annular side surface 232 of the protruding arrangement portion 104 that is in contact with the outer peripheral surface 230, and the outer peripheral surface 230 itself, are fitted into the recess formed by the retainer housing portion 122.

[0020] When at least a portion of the annular side surface 232 of the protruding arrangement portion 104 that contacts the outer peripheral surface 230 and the outer peripheral surface 230 is fitted into a recess whose cross-sectional shape along the spatial axis direction is rectangular, the protruding arrangement portion 104, which is originally difficult to twist, becomes even more difficult to twist. As a result, the retainer 102 becomes even more difficult to fall out from the space.

[0021] Alternatively, it is desirable that any one of the above-described protruding arrangement portions 104 is separated. In this case, when the separated portion of the protruding arrangement portion 104 is brought closer, the outer diameter of the protruding arrangement portion 104 becomes smaller. When the outer diameter of the protruding arrangement portion 104 becomes smaller, it becomes easier to insert the protruding arrangement portion 104 into the space formed by the retainer housing portion 122 via the female thread 120 as compared to the case where the outer diameter does not become smaller. After preliminarily housing the retainer 102 in that space and then inserting the protruding arrangement portion 104 into that space, the assembly of the nut 44 becomes easier.

[0022] Alternatively, it is desirable that the above-described retainer 102 has a protruding arrangement opposing portion 208. The protruding arrangement opposing portion 208 is arranged to oppose the protruding arrangement portion 104 on the other end side of the protruding arrangement portion 104 in the space. As a result, the retainer 102 becomes more difficult to fall out from the space formed by the retainer housing portion 122 as compared to the case where any portion of the retainer 102 can merely engage with any portion of the protruding arrangement portion 104.

[0023] Alternatively, it is desirable that the above-described protruding arrangement opposing portion 208 has a side surface opposing portion 210 and a penetrating protruding portion 212. The side surface opposing portion 210 is arranged to oppose the annular side surface 232 on the other end side of the protruding arrangement portion 104 in the space. The penetrating protruding portion 212 protrudes from the side surface opposing portion 210. The penetrating protruding portion 212 penetrates the protruding arrangement portion 104 when the side surface opposing portion 210 is arranged to oppose the annular side surface 232.

[0024] The side facing portion 210 is arranged to face the annular side surface 232 on the other end side of the protruding portion 104 in the space. When the side facing portion 210 is arranged to face the annular side surface 232, the through protruding portion 212 penetrates the protruding portion 104. Thus, when the retainer 102 tends to fall out from the space formed by the retainer accommodating portion 122, the protruding arrangement facing portion 208 supports the side facing portion 210 on the annular side surface 232 in a state where the degree of freedom of its deformation is suppressed. Being supported in such a manner makes it difficult for the retainer 102 to fall out from the space formed by the retainer accommodating portion 122.

[0025] Also, it is desirable that the above-described retainer accommodating portion 122 has a one-end-side accommodating portion 180 and a the other-end-side accommodating portion 182. The cross-sectional shape of the one-end-side accommodating portion 180 in a direction orthogonal to the space axis direction is circular. The cross-sectional shape of the other-end-side accommodating portion 182 in a direction orthogonal to the space axis direction is circular. The other-end-side accommodating portion 182 has a smaller inner diameter than the one-end-side accommodating portion 180. The other-end-side accommodating portion 182 is arranged on the side opposite to the female screw 120 when viewed from the position of the one-end-side accommodating portion 180. In this case, it is desirable that the retainer 102 has a one-end-side facing portion 200 and a the other-end-side facing portion 202. The outer peripheral surface of the one-end-side facing portion 200 is cylindrical. The one-end-side facing portion 200 is arranged to face the one-end-side accommodating portion 180. The outer peripheral surface of the other-end-side facing portion 202 is cylindrical. The other-end-side facing portion 202 has a smaller outer diameter than the one-end-side facing portion 200. The other-end-side facing portion 202 is arranged to face the other-end-side accommodating portion 182.

[0026] The movement of the pipe 24 passing through the retainer 102 is restricted by the other end housing portion 182 and the other end opposing portion 202 positioned opposite it. The other end housing portion 182 has a smaller inner diameter than the one end housing portion 180. The other end opposing portion 202 has a smaller inner diameter than the one end opposing portion 200. Because the movement is restricted by the other end housing portion 182 and the other end opposing portion 202, which have smaller inner diameters, the possibility of a large misalignment between the center of the space formed by the retainer housing portion 122 and the center of the pipe 24 is reduced. When the possibility of a large misalignment between their centers is reduced, the large force applied to the retainer 102 in contact with the retainer housing portion 122 as the nut body 100 rotates while their centers are significantly misaligned is suppressed. When this force is suppressed, the possibility of torsional torque being applied to the pipe 24 passing through the retainer 102 is reduced. [Effects of the Invention]

[0027] According to the present invention, the torque required for rotation is reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0028] [Figure 1] This is an external view of a pipe with a fitting according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a side view of a joint body according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is an external view of a nut according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is an external view of a nut body according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is an external view of a retainer according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of a protruding portion according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is an external view of a nut according to a first modified example of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is an external view of a nut according to a second modified example of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are the same; therefore, detailed descriptions of them will not be repeated.

[0030] [Pipe fitting configuration] Figure 1 is an external view of the pipe with fittings 10 according to this embodiment. In Figure 1, the illustrated object is shown with a portion of it cut out. The configuration of the pipe with fittings 10 according to this embodiment will be described below based on Figure 1.

[0031] The pipe with fittings 10 according to this embodiment comprises a pair of pipe fittings 20 and 22 and a pipe 24. Of the pair of pipe fittings 20 and 22, the one-end pipe fitting 20 is connected to one end of the pipe 24. Of the pair of pipe fittings 20 and 22, the other-end pipe fitting 22 is connected to the other end of the pipe 24.

[0032] The one-end pipe fitting 20 is used to connect the pipe 24 with a piping member (not shown). The one-end pipe fitting 20 is connected to one end of the pipe 24 as well as the aforementioned piping member. The one-end pipe fitting 20 allows fluid flowing through one of the pipes, the pipe 24 or the piping member, to pass through to the other.

[0033] The other-end pipe fitting 22 is used to connect the pipe 24 to a piping member (not shown) that is different from the one-end pipe fitting 20 to which it is connected. The other-end pipe fitting 22 is connected to the other end of the pipe 24 as well as to its piping member. The other-end pipe fitting 22 allows fluid flowing through one of the pipes, the pipe 24 or its piping member, to pass through to the other.

[0034] The pipe 24 according to this embodiment has a pipe channel forming section 420, a pair of bulging sections 422, 422, and a pair of connecting sections 424, 424. The pipe channel forming section 420 forms a channel. One of the pair of bulging sections 422, 422 is positioned on one end side of the pipe 24 relative to the pipe channel forming section 420. The other of the pair of bulging sections 422, 422 is positioned on the other end side of the pipe 24 relative to the pipe channel forming section 420. In other words, the pair of bulging sections 422, 422 are positioned so as to sandwich the pipe channel forming section 420. The pair of bulging sections 422, 422 each form a space that communicates with the channel formed by the pipe channel forming section 420. The bulging section 422 has a larger outer diameter than the pipe channel forming section 420. One of the pair of connecting sections 424, 424 is positioned on one end side of the pipe 24 relative to the bulging section 422. The other end of the pair of connecting sections 424, 424 is positioned on the other end side of the pipe 24 relative to the bulging section 422. One end of the pair of connecting sections 424, 424 connects the flow path formed by the pipe flow path forming section 420 with the flow path formed by the joint flow path forming section 60 of the one-end pipe joint 20. The other end of the pair of connecting sections 424, 424 connects the flow path formed by the pipe flow path forming section 420 with the flow path formed by the joint flow path forming section 60 of the other-end pipe joint 22. The joint flow path forming section 60 will be described later.

[0035] As shown in Figure 1, the one-end pipe joint 20 according to this embodiment comprises a cylindrical joint body 40, an annular sealing material 42, and a nut 44.

[0036] The joint body 40 is the main component of the one-end pipe joint 20. The pipe 24 enters the joint body 40. The sealant 42 is placed inside the joint body 40. The sealant 42 seals the space between the outer surface of the pipe 24 and the inner surface of the joint body 40. The nut 44 is connected to the joint body 40. The pipe 24 passes through the nut 44.

[0037] [Composition of the fitting body] Figure 2 is a side view of the joint body 40 according to this embodiment. In Figure 2, the illustrated object is shown with a portion of it cut out. The configuration of the joint body 40 according to this embodiment will be described below based on Figure 2.

[0038] The joint body 40 according to this embodiment has a joint flow path forming portion 60, a male thread 62 for connecting pipe members, and a male thread 64 for connecting nuts.

[0039] The joint channel forming section 60 forms a channel. Water or other fluids pass through this channel. The fluid flowing through this channel is the same as the fluid flowing through the pipe 24.

[0040] The male thread 62 for connecting the pipe member is positioned on the outer circumference of one end of the joint channel forming section 60. The male thread 64 for connecting the nut is positioned on the outer circumference of the other end of the joint channel forming section 60. In this embodiment, the central axis of the male thread 62 for connecting the pipe member and the central axis of the male thread 64 for connecting the nut both coincide with the central axis 220 of the joint channel forming section 60.

[0041] In this embodiment, the joint flow path forming section 60 includes a communication section forming section 80, a pipe end housing section 82, a seal material housing section 84, a pipe inlet forming section 86, and a member connection path forming section 88.

[0042] The communication section forming section 80 forms the section described below. This section connects the section at one end of the joint flow path forming section 60 that is directly connected to the interior of the piping member with the section at the other end into which the pipe 24 enters. Here, "piping member" refers to the piping member to which the one-end pipe joint 20 is connected.

[0043] The pipe end housing section 82 forms part of the section on the other end side into which the pipe 24 enters. The pipe end housing section 82 is positioned adjacent to the communication section forming section 80. The end of the pipe 24 (in this case, the end on one end of the pipe 24; incidentally, in the case of a pipe end housing section 82 on the other end side pipe joint 22, the end on the other end of the pipe 24) is housed in the pipe end housing section 82.

[0044] The seal material housing section 84 forms part of the section on the other end side into which the pipe 24 enters. The seal material housing section 84 is positioned adjacent to the pipe end housing section 82. The seal material 42 is housed in the seal material housing section 84. The end of the pipe 24 passes through the seal material housing section 84 and the seal material 42.

[0045] The pipe inlet forming section 86 forms a part of the section on the other end side into which the pipe 24 enters. The pipe inlet forming section 86 is positioned adjacent to the seal material housing section 84. The pipe inlet forming section 86 forms an opening for one end of the pipe 24 to enter the interior of the joint flow path forming section 60.

[0046] The member connection path forming section 88 forms a section on one end side that is directly connected to the interior of the piping member. The member connection path forming section 88 is positioned adjacent to the communication section forming section 80. The member connection path forming section 88 forms an opening for communication between the flow path formed by the piping member and the communication section forming section 80. Here, "piping member" refers to the piping member to which the one-end pipe joint 20 is connected. Since the member connection path forming section 88 forms the opening, the outside of the joint body 40 and the section into which the pipe 24 enters are connected by the member connection path forming section 88.

[0047] In this embodiment, the central axis of the communication section forming section 80, the central axis of the pipe end housing section 82, the central axis of the seal material housing section 84, the central axis of the pipe inlet forming section 86, and the central axis of the member connection path forming section 88 all coincide with the central axis 220 of the joint flow path forming section 60. As described above, in this embodiment, the central axis of the pipe member connection male thread 62 and the central axis of the nut connection male thread 64 both coincide with the central axis 220 of the joint flow path forming section 60. Therefore, the central axis of the nut connection male thread 64, the central axis of the pipe end housing section 82, and the central axis of the seal material housing section 84 are the same.

[0048] [Nut composition] Figure 3 is an external view of the nut 44 according to this embodiment. In Figure 3, the illustrated object is shown with a portion of it cut out. The configuration of the nut 44 according to this embodiment will be described below based on Figure 3.

[0049] The nut 44 according to this embodiment comprises a nut body 100, an annular retainer 102, and a protruding portion 104.

[0050] The nut body 100 connects the pipe 24 to the joint body 40 and also holds the retainer 102.

[0051] The retainer 102 is housed in the space described below within the nut body 100. This space is formed by the retainer housing portion 122 of the nut body 100, which will be described later. The tube 24 can pass through the retainer 102. Upon passing through, the tube 24 is held in place by the nut 44.

[0052] The protruding portion 104 is provided so as to protrude from the inner circumferential surface of the retainer housing portion 122. The specific configuration for providing it in this way will be described later. In this embodiment, the protruding portion 104 prevents the retainer 102 from falling off the nut body 100 via the female thread 120.

[0053] Figure 4 is an external view of the nut body 100 according to this embodiment. In Figure 4, the illustrated object is shown with a portion of it cut out. The configuration of the nut body 100 according to this embodiment will be described below based on Figure 4.

[0054] The nut body 100 has a female thread 120, a retainer housing portion 122, and a covering portion 124.

[0055] In this embodiment, the female thread 120 engages with the male thread 64 of the joint body 40. As a result, the nut 44 in this embodiment is connected to the joint body 40.

[0056] The retainer housing portion 122 is connected to the female thread 120. The retainer housing portion 122 forms a space and a recess. This space communicates with the outside of the nut body 100 at one end and the other end. One end of the space formed by the retainer housing portion 122 communicates with the outside via the female thread 120. That is, in this embodiment, the end of the space formed by the retainer housing portion 122 on the side of the female thread 120 is one end of the space. The end of the space formed by the retainer housing portion 122 opposite to the female thread 120 is the other end of the space. In this embodiment, the direction from one end of the space to the other is referred to as the "space axis direction". The outer edge portion of the protruding arrangement portion 104 fits into the recess formed by the retainer housing portion 122. The recess will be described later.

[0057] The covering portion 124 is connected to the female thread 120 on the opposite side from the retainer housing portion 122. As a result, the female thread 120 is positioned between the retainer housing portion 122 and the covering portion 124. In this embodiment, the covering portion 124 is annular. This allows the space formed by the retainer housing portion 122 to communicate with the outside not only through the female thread 120 but also through the covering portion 124. The covering portion 124 covers the portion of the joint body 40 that is in contact with the nut-connecting male thread 64 as the female thread 120 engages deeply with the nut-connecting male thread 64 of the joint body 40.

[0058] In this embodiment, the retainer housing portion 122 has an inner circumferential surface forming portion 160 and an outer circumferential recess forming portion 162.

[0059] The inner circumferential surface forming portion 160 is the inner circumferential surface facing the space formed by the retainer housing portion 122. In this embodiment, the inner circumferential surface forming portion 160 has a housing portion 180 on one end and a housing portion 182 on the other end.

[0060] The one-end housing portion 180 is positioned adjacent to the outer peripheral recess forming portion 162 on one end of the space described above. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the one-end housing portion 180 in the direction perpendicular to the spatial axis is circular.

[0061] The other end housing portion 182 is positioned on the opposite side from the female thread 120 when viewed from the position of the one end housing portion 180. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the other end housing portion 182 in the direction perpendicular to the spatial axis is circular. In this embodiment, the other end housing portion 182 has a smaller inner diameter than the one end housing portion 180.

[0062] In this embodiment, the outer circumferential recess forming portion 162 is positioned on the female screw 120 side when viewed from the position of the inner circumferential surface forming portion 160. The outer circumferential recess forming portion 162 forms a recess into which the outer edge portion of the protruding arrangement portion 104 fits. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the recess in the direction along the spatial axis is rectangular. Therefore, the recess comprises a bottom surface extending in the direction along the spatial axis in its cross-sectional shape, and a pair of side surfaces extending in the direction perpendicular to the spatial axis in its cross-sectional shape. In this embodiment, even if the intersection of the bottom surface and either of the pair of side surfaces is connected by a small slope or curved surface that satisfies the following requirement, the cross-sectional shape of the recess is considered to be rectangular. The requirement is that it does not prevent the outer edge portion of the protruding arrangement portion 104 from fitting.

[0063] Figure 5 is an external view of the retainer 102 according to this embodiment. In Figure 5, the illustrated object is shown with a portion of it cut out. The configuration of the retainer 102 according to this embodiment will be described below based on Figure 5.

[0064] The retainer 102 is housed in the space formed by the inner circumferential surface forming portion 160 of the retainer housing portion 122. The retainer 102 is housed in the space such that its central axis 222 is aligned with the spatial axis direction. In this embodiment, the retainer 102 has a one-end opposing portion 200, a other-end opposing portion 202, a pipe engagement portion 204, a pipe penetration forming portion 206, and a protruding opposing portion 208.

[0065] The one-end opposing portion 200 is positioned so that its outer circumferential surface faces the one-end housing portion 180. In this embodiment, the outer circumferential surface of the one-end opposing portion 200 is cylindrical.

[0066] The other end facing portion 202 is positioned so that its outer circumferential surface faces the other end housing portion 182. In this embodiment, the outer circumferential surface of the other end facing portion 202 is cylindrical. In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the other end facing portion 202 is smaller than the outer diameter of the one end facing portion 200.

[0067] The pipe engagement portion 204 is positioned on the inside of the opposing portion 200 at one end. The pipe engagement portion 204 surrounds the central axis 222 of the retainer 102. A portion of the bulging portion 422 of the pipe 24 is accommodated in the pipe engagement portion 204. The pipe engagement portion 204 narrows as it approaches the pipe penetration forming portion 206. In this embodiment, at any position of the pipe engagement portion 204, the cross-section in the direction perpendicular to the central axis 222 of the retainer 102 is circular.

[0068] The pipe penetration forming section 206 is positioned on the inside of the other end opposing section 202. The pipe penetration forming section 206 surrounds the central axis 222 of the retainer 102. The pipe penetration forming section 206 accommodates the end of the pipe flow path forming section 420 of the pipe 24 (in this case, the end on one side of the pipe flow path forming section 420; incidentally, in the case of the pipe end receiving section 82 of the other end pipe joint 22, the end on the other side of the pipe flow path forming section 420). In this embodiment, the cross-section of the pipe penetration forming section 206 in the direction perpendicular to the central axis 222 of the retainer 102 is circular.

[0069] The protruding opposing portion 208 is positioned on the side of the retainer 102 opposite to the other end opposing portion 202 when viewed from the position of the one end opposing portion 200. As a result, the protruding opposing portion 208 is positioned within the space formed by the retainer housing portion 122, on the other end side of the protruding portion 104, and facing the protruding portion 104. In this embodiment, the protruding opposing portion 208 has a side opposing portion 210 and a through protrusion 212. The side opposing portion 210 is positioned within the space formed by the retainer housing portion 122, on the other end side of the protruding portion 104, and facing the protruding portion 104. The through protrusion 212 protrudes from the side opposing portion 210.

[0070] In this embodiment, when the retainer 102 is housed in the space formed by the retainer housing portion 122, the gap between the one-end housing portion 180 and the one-end opposing portion 200 is such that the retainer 102 can rotate freely within that space. Similarly, the gap between the other-end housing portion 182 and the other-end opposing portion 202 is also such that the retainer 102 can rotate freely within that space.

[0071] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the protruding portion 104 according to this embodiment. The configuration of the protruding portion 104 according to this embodiment will be described below based on Figure 6.

[0072] As is clear from Figure 6, in this embodiment, the protruding portion 104 consists of an annular, single member that is separated at one point. In this embodiment, the protruding portion 104 has an outer peripheral surface 230, an annular side surface 232, and a back surface surface 234. The outer peripheral surface 230 forms a cylindrical surface. The annular side surface 232 is annular and flat. The annular side surface 232 is positioned to face the retainer 102 (particularly the side-facing portion 210) within the nut body 100. Similar to the annular side surface 232, the back surface surface 234 is annular and flat. In this embodiment, when the side-facing portion 210 of the retainer 102 is positioned to face the annular side surface 232, the through-protruding portion 212 is positioned to penetrate the protruding portion 104. The back surface surface 234 is positioned on the back of the annular side surface 232. As a result, when the back surface surface 234 is positioned within the nut body 100, it faces the female thread 120.

[0073] The configuration of the other-end pipe joint 22 according to this embodiment is exactly the same as the configuration of the one-end pipe joint 20 described above. Therefore, a detailed explanation will not be repeated here.

[0074] [Method for connecting pipes to pipe fittings] The method for connecting the pipe 24 and the one-end pipe joint 20 according to this embodiment is as follows. First, the worker passes the nut 44 through the commercially available steel pipe. This causes the steel pipe to pass through the nut body 100 and the annular retainer 102.

[0075] When the steel pipe penetrates the nut 44, the worker expands the portion of the steel pipe that has actually penetrated the nut 44 using a well-known method. This forms one of the pair of bulging portions 422, 422 and one of the pair of connecting portions 424, 424 according to this embodiment. The portion that was not expanded becomes the pipe flow path forming portion 420.

[0076] Next, the worker inserts one end of the pipe 24, which has passed through the nut 44, into the joint channel forming section 60. One end of the pipe 24 enters the joint channel forming section 60 through the opening formed by the pipe inlet forming section 86. The one end of the pipe 24 that has entered the joint channel forming section 60 passes through the sealant 42. Then, the other end of the pipe 24 enters the pipe end housing section 82.

[0077] When one end of the pipe 24 has advanced sufficiently through the pipe end housing 82, the worker engages the female thread 120 of the nut 44 with the male thread 64 of the nut connection located at the end of the joint flow path forming section 60.

[0078] When the female thread 120 of the nut 44 is fully screwed into the male thread 64 of the fitting body 40, the pipe 24 is connected to the one-end pipe fitting 20 according to this embodiment. One of the pair of bulging portions 422, 422 is tightly pressed against the seal material 42 by the pipe engaging portion 204 of the nut 44. One of the pair of connecting portions 424, 424 is positioned inside the pipe end housing portion 82. As a result, the fitting body 40 and nut 44 (and by extension the nut body 100 and retainer 102) of the one-end pipe fitting 20 and the pipe 24 are firmly connected. In this firmly connected state, if torque is accidentally applied to the male thread 62 of the piping member connection of the one-end pipe fitting 20, the possibility of the nut 44 of the one-end pipe fitting 20 loosening due to that torque is low. One example of a case where such torque is applied is when a well-known gate valve with a horizontally positioned valve stem is connected, and its own weight applies torque to the male thread 62 connecting the piping member.

[0079] Next, the worker inserts the nut 44 of the other end pipe fitting 22 through the other end of the pipe 24. This causes the other end of the pipe 24 to pass through the nut body 100 and the annular retainer 102 of the other end pipe fitting 22.

[0080] When the other end of the pipe 24 passes through the nut 44, the worker expands the portion of the other end of the pipe 24 that has actually passed through the nut 44 using a well-known method. This forms the other half of the pair of bulging portions 422, 422 and the other half of the pair of connecting portions 424, 424 according to this embodiment. As a result, the pipe 24 according to this embodiment is completed.

[0081] Next, the worker inserts the other end of the pipe 24, which has passed through the nut 44, into the joint channel forming section 60 of the other end pipe joint 22. The other end of the pipe 24 enters the joint channel forming section 60 through the opening formed by the pipe inlet forming section 86 of the other end pipe joint 22. The other end of the pipe 24 that has entered the joint channel forming section 60 passes through the seal material 42 of the other end pipe joint 22. Next, the other end of the pipe 24 enters the pipe end housing section 82 of the other end pipe joint 22.

[0082] Once the other end of the pipe 24 has advanced sufficiently through the pipe end housing 82, the worker engages the female thread 120 of the nut 44 with the male thread 64 of the nut connection located at the end of the joint flow path forming section 60.

[0083] When the female thread 120 of the nut 44 is fully screwed into the male thread 64 of the fitting body 40, the pipe 24 is connected to the other end pipe fitting 22 according to this embodiment. The other end of the pair of bulging portions 422, 422 is tightly pressed against the seal material 42 by the pipe engaging portion 204 of the nut 44. The other end of the pair of connecting portions 424, 424 is positioned inside the pipe end housing portion 82. This completes the pipe with fitting 10 according to this embodiment.

[0084] When removing the nut 44 according to this embodiment, torque is applied to the nut 44 in a well-known manner so that the female thread 120 of the nut body 100 loosens. In this embodiment, as torque is applied to the nut 44 in this way, the female thread 120 of the nut body 100 becomes able to loosen. As a result of the torque applied to the nut 44, when the female thread 120 of the nut body 100 comes off the male thread 64 of the nut connection, the pipe 24 according to this embodiment can be pulled out from the joint body 40.

[0085] [Description of the effects of this embodiment] As described above, in the nut 44 according to this embodiment, the retainer 102 is housed in the space formed by the retainer housing 122. The retainer 102 is housed in the space formed by the retainer housing 122 so that it can rotate freely about its central axis 222. Since the retainer 102 is housed rotatably in that space, the transmission of rotational torque from the nut body 100 to the retainer 102 when attempting to rotate the nut body 100 is reduced. As the transmission of rotational torque is reduced, the transmission of rotational torque from the retainer 102 to the pipe 24 passing through it is also reduced. When the pipe 24 passing through the retainer 102 receives rotational torque, it applies a reaction force to the retainer 102. Incidentally, such a reaction force can be applied because friction exists between the pipe 24 and the retainer 102. Friction exists between them because the pipe 24 is pressed against the retainer 102. The reason the pipe 24 is pressed against the retainer 102 is that the sealing material 42, compressed by the bulge 422 of the pipe 24, applies a reaction force to the bulge 422 and, consequently, to the pipe 24 in a direction along the central axis 220. Due to the friction described above, when the retainer 102 attempts to rotate in response to rotational torque, the pipe 24 also receives rotational torque. At that time, due to the friction, the pipe 24 applies a reaction force to the retainer 102. Similarly, the retainer 102, having received the reaction force, applies a reaction force to the nut body 100. This reaction force is the reaction force that the retainer 102 applies to the nut body 100 when rotational torque is transmitted from the nut body 100 to the retainer 102. When attempting to rotate the nut body 100, if the transmission of rotational torque from the nut body 100 to the retainer 102, and the transmission of rotational torque from the retainer 102 to the pipe 24 passing through it is reduced, the reaction force described above is also reduced. This makes it easier to rotate the nut body 100. As a result, the torque required to rotate the nut 44 in this embodiment is reduced. In addition, the torque required to rotate the nuts 44 on the pipe fittings 20 and 22 in this embodiment is reduced.

[0086] As described above, when attempting to rotate the nut body 100, the transmission of rotational torque from the nut body 100 to the retainer 102 is reduced. As the transmission of this rotational torque is reduced, the rotational torque transmitted to the pipe 24 passing through the retainer 102 is also reduced. Consequently, in the pipe with fittings 10 according to this embodiment, the co-rotation of the pipe 24 caused by the rotation of the nut 44 is suppressed. When the co-rotation of the pipe 24 is suppressed, loosening of the nut 44 due to the co-rotation of the pipe 24 is suppressed in the pipe fitting 20 at one end and the pipe fitting 22 at the other end, where the nut 44 is not being rotated. On the other hand, in the pipe fitting 20 at one end and the pipe fitting 22 at the other end according to this embodiment, a part of the bulging portion 422 of the pipe 24 engaged with the nut 44 compresses the seal material 42, causing the seal material 42 to exert a sealing effect. As a result, if the nut 44 loosens, the sealing effect of the seal material 42 will also decrease. As a result, when the loosening of the nut 44 is suppressed, the decrease in the sealing effect of the seal material 42 is also suppressed. When the decrease in the sealing effect of the seal material 42 is suppressed, the leakage of fluid flowing inside the pipe 24 that occurs as a result of that decrease is also suppressed.

[0087] In addition, in the pipe with fittings 10 according to this embodiment, the torque required to rotate the nut 44 on the side where the nut 44 is being rotated between the pipe fitting 20 at one end and the pipe fitting 22 at the other end is reduced. On the other hand, in situations where the co-rotation of the pipe 24 accompanying the rotation of the nut 44 is not suppressed, in order to rotate the nut 44, torque is required not only to rotate the nut 44 but also to rotate the pipe 24. On the other hand, in the pipe with fittings 10 according to this embodiment, the co-rotation of the pipe 24 accompanying the rotation of the nut 44 is suppressed. Since this co-rotation is suppressed, the torque required to rotate the pipe 24 when rotating the nut 44 is reduced. As a result, the torque required to rotate the nut 44 is reduced.

[0088] In addition, in this embodiment, a protruding part 104 is provided so as to protrude from the inner circumferential surface of the retainer housing part 122. The retainer 102 is positioned in the space on the other end side of the protruding part 104. As a result, the retainer 102 is less likely to fall out of the space because it is obstructed by the protruding part 104.

[0089] In addition, in this embodiment, the protruding portion 104 has an outer peripheral surface 230 and an annular side surface 232. This makes the protruding portion 104 less prone to twisting compared to the case described below. This case is when the protruding portion has a circular cross-sectional shape and its outer diameter, inner diameter, and thickness are the same as those of the protruding portion 104 shown in Figure 6. When the protruding portion 104 is less prone to twisting, the retainer 102 that is obstructed by it is less likely to fall out of the space.

[0090] In addition, in this embodiment, the retainer housing portion 122 has an outer peripheral recess forming portion 162. At least the portion of the annular side surface 232 of the protruding arrangement portion 104 that is in contact with the outer peripheral surface 230, and the outer peripheral surface 230 itself, are fitted into the recess formed by the outer peripheral recess forming portion 162. As a result, the protruding arrangement portion 104, which is already resistant to twisting, becomes even more resistant to twisting. This makes the retainer 102 even less likely to fall out of the space.

[0091] Furthermore, in this embodiment, one of the protruding parts 104 is separated. In this case, when the separated part of the protruding part 104 is brought closer together, the outer diameter of the protruding part 104 decreases. When the outer diameter of the protruding part 104 decreases, it becomes easier to insert the protruding part 104 into the space formed by the retainer housing part 122 via the female thread 120, compared to when the outer diameter does not decrease. If the retainer 102 is housed in that space beforehand and then the protruding part 104 is inserted into that space, the assembly of the nut 44 becomes easier.

[0092] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the retainer 102 has an annular protruding opposing portion 208 that is positioned to face the annular side surface 232. This makes it difficult for the retainer 102 to fall out of the space formed by the retainer housing portion 122. As the retainer 102 is less likely to fall out in this way, it is not necessary to form grooves or the like in the retainer 102 itself for the protruding portion 104 to fit into. The strength of the retainer 102 itself is improved as grooves and the like are not required.

[0093] [Differentiation] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects. The scope of the present invention is not limited based on the embodiments described above. Of course, various design modifications can be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0094] For example, the nut 44 according to the present invention may be used as part of a well-known apparatus for processing a commercially available steel pipe into the pipe 24 described above. When a commercially available steel pipe is processed into the pipe 24 described above using such an apparatus, the pipe 24 may become jammed in the nut of such an apparatus. If the nut is a well-known nut, such jamming will make it difficult to loosen the nut. If it becomes difficult to loosen the nut, it will become difficult to remove the pipe 24 from such an apparatus. If such an apparatus is equipped with the nut 44 according to the present invention instead of a well-known nut, it becomes easy to loosen the nut 44 and remove the pipe 24.

[0095] Furthermore, the nut 44 described above does not necessarily have to have a protruding portion 104. In this case, the retainer 102 can be easily removed from the nut body 100. Also, in the retainer 102 described above, the shape of the protruding portion is not particularly limited, as long as it is positioned in the space on the other end side of the protruding portion 104 and facing the protruding portion 104. For example, the shape of the protruding portion may be frustoconical. In fact, the retainer 102 does not even need to have a protruding portion.

[0096] Furthermore, the specific configuration of the protruding portion 104 is not particularly limited, as long as it protrudes from the inner circumferential surface of the retainer housing portion 122. Therefore, the protruding portion 104 is not limited to being an annular and single-member structure. In addition, the specific configuration for causing the protruding portion 104 to protrude from the inner circumferential surface of the retainer housing portion 122 is not particularly limited. Figure 7 is an external view of a nut 144 according to the first modified example of the above-described embodiment. Figure 8 is an external view of a nut 444 according to the second modified example of the above-described embodiment.

[0097] The nut 144 in the first modified example has a protruding portion 304 formed by bending a metal wire into an annular shape, instead of the protruding portion 104 in the embodiment described above. As shown in Figure 7, the outer peripheral recess forming portion 362 of the nut body 300 in this modified example is positioned in the middle of the other end receiving portion 182. The outer peripheral portion of the protruding portion 304 fits into the recess formed by the outer peripheral recess forming portion 362. The retainer 302 in this modified example has a one-end opposing portion 200, a other-end opposing portion 202, a pipe engagement portion 204, and a pipe penetration forming portion 206, similar to the retainer 102 shown in Figure 5. The retainer 302 in this modified example does not have a protruding portion 208. The retainer 302 in this modified example further has an inner peripheral recess forming portion 308. The inner peripheral recess forming portion 308 is positioned on the outer circumference of the other-end opposing portion 202. The inner circumference portion of the protruding part 304 fits into the recess formed by the inner circumference recess forming part 308. Because it fits in this way, the protruding part 304 is positioned in the gap between the nut body 300 and the retainer 302. In this modified example, the maximum gap between the one-end housing part 180 and the one-end opposing part 200 when the retainer 302 is housed in space is smaller than the maximum gap between the other-end housing part 182 and the other-end opposing part 202 when the retainer 102 is housed in space. As a result, the movement of the pipe 24 passing through the retainer 302 is restricted by the other-end housing part 182 and the other-end opposing part 202, which reduces the possibility of the pipe 24 facing in a direction different from the spatial axis direction. Because this possibility is reduced, it becomes less likely that any part of the retainer 302 will be strongly pressed against any part of the nut body 300. When this situation becomes less likely to occur, the torque required to rotate the nut body 300 is further reduced.

[0098] In the second modified example, the outer circumferential recess-forming portion 562 of the nut body 500 is positioned in the middle of the one-end receiving portion 180. Similar to the first modified example, the outer circumferential portion of the protruding arrangement portion 304 fits into the recess formed by the outer circumferential recess-forming portion 562. In this modified example, the retainer 502 has an inner circumferential recess-forming portion 508 instead of the inner circumferential recess-forming portion 308. The inner circumferential recess-forming portion 508 is positioned on the outer circumference of the one-end opposing portion 200. The inner circumferential portion of the protruding arrangement portion 304 fits into the recess formed by the inner circumferential recess-forming portion 508. Because it fits in this way, the protruding arrangement portion 304 is positioned in the gap between the nut body 500 and the retainer 502.

[0099] As in the first and second modifications, when the protruding portion 304 is positioned in the gap between the nut body 300, 500 and the retainer 302, 502, when the nut body 300, 500 is rotated, relative movement of the nut body 300, 500 with respect to the protruding portion 304 and relative movement of the protruding portion 304 with respect to the retainer 302, 502 may occur. When these movements occur, the rotation of the nut body 300, 500 becomes easier. As a result, a nut 144 is provided in which the torque required for rotation is reduced.

[0100] Furthermore, the specific form of the joint channel forming section according to the present invention is not particularly limited. For example, instead of the member connection channel forming section 88, the joint channel forming section according to the present invention may further have a pipe end housing section 82, a seal material housing section 84, and a pipe inlet forming section 86. In that case, these may be arranged on one end side of the joint channel forming section 60. In that case, the nut connection male thread 64 may be arranged on the outer circumference of one end of the joint channel forming section 60 instead of the pipe member connection male thread 62. This allows the nut connection male thread 64 to be connected to the outer circumference of one end of the joint body and the outer circumference of the other end. In that case, the direction in which one of the combinations of the pipe end housing section 82, seal material housing section 84, and pipe inlet forming section 86 is connected does not need to be the same as the direction in which the other combination of the pipe end housing section 82, seal material housing section 84, and pipe inlet forming section 86 is connected. For example, the former direction and the latter direction may be orthogonal. In that case, the pipe joint according to the present invention can be used in the same way as a well-known elbow. Furthermore, the joint channel forming section according to the present invention may have three or more combinations of the pipe end housing section 82, the seal material housing section 84, and the pipe inlet forming section 86. For example, the joint channel forming section according to the present invention may have three combinations of the pipe end housing section 82, the seal material housing section 84, and the direction in which any of these combinations are connected may be perpendicular to the direction in which the other two combinations are connected. As a result, the pipe joint according to the present invention can be used in the same way as a well-known tee. Of course, in that case, the number of nuts provided in the pipe joint according to the present invention will be proportional to the number of such combinations. Note that in the joint channel forming section according to the present invention, the direction in which the combinations of the pipe end housing section 82, the seal material housing section 84, and the pipe inlet forming section 86 are connected does not need to be the same as the direction in which the member connection path forming section 88 extends. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 20... One-end side pipe joint 22... Other end pipe joint 24…tube 40... Fitting body 42...Sealant 44,144,444...nuts 60... Joint flow path forming section 62...Male thread for connecting pipe components 64... Nut connection male thread 80...Communication section forming section 82... Pipe end housing 84... Sealing material storage section 86…Pipe entrance forming part 88...Member connection path forming section 100, 300, 500... Nut body 102,302,502…retainers 104,304...Protrusion arrangement part 122...Retainer housing 124... Covering part 160…Inner peripheral surface forming part 162,362,562…Outer periphery concave forming part 180... One end housing section 182... Other end storage section 200... Opposing part on one end 202... Opposite end section 204... Pipe engagement section 206...Pipe passage forming part 208...Protruding arrangement opposing part 210... Side facing section 212...Penetrating protrusion 220,222…Central axis 230...Outer surface 232... Circular side view 234... Reverse side 308,508…Inner periphery concave forming part 420...Pipe flow path forming part 422...bulge 424…Communication part

Claims

1. A pipe and The pipe comprises a pair of pipe fittings connected to both ends of the pipe, The aforementioned pipe, A pipe channel forming section that forms a channel, The pipe channel forming portion is sandwiched between the pipe channel forming portion, each forming a space that communicates with the channel formed by the pipe channel forming portion, and each having a pair of bulging portions with an outer diameter larger than that of the pipe channel forming portion, The aforementioned pipe joint, The aforementioned pipe enters into a cylindrical joint body, An annular sealing material is disposed within the joint body and seals the space between the outer surface of the pipe that has entered the joint body and the inner surface of the joint body. The fitting body is connected to a nut through which the pipe passes, The aforementioned joint body, The nut connector male screw to which the nut is connected, A pipe end housing portion forms part of the section into which the pipe enters, and the end of the pipe is housed there, A seal material housing is provided, which is arranged adjacent to the pipe end housing and forms a separate portion of the section into which the pipe enters, distinct from the portion formed by the pipe end housing, and which houses the seal material and through which the pipe passes, together with the seal material. It has a pipe entry opening forming section, which is arranged adjacent to the seal material housing section and forms a part of the section into which the pipe enters that is separate from the section formed by the pipe end housing section and the seal material housing section, and which forms an opening for the pipe to enter the interior of the joint body. The nut is a pipe with a fitting that includes a nut body, The nut body is The female thread that engages with the male thread of the nut connection, It has a space at one end and the other end that communicates with the outside of the nut body, and a retainer housing portion that is connected to the female thread, One end of the space formed by the retainer housing is in communication with the outside via the female thread, A pipe with a fitting, characterized in that the nut is housed in the space such that its central axis is aligned with the spatial axis direction, which is the direction from one end of the space toward the other, and is housed in the space such that it can rotate freely about the central axis.

2. A cylindrical joint body, An annular sealing material disposed within the joint body, It comprises an annular nut connected to the joint body and surrounding a space communicating with the inside of the joint body, The aforementioned joint body, The nut connector male screw to which the nut is connected, The pipe end housing portion is located within the joint body, A seal material housing portion is provided within the joint body, adjacent to the pipe end housing portion, and which houses the seal material. The joint body has a pipe inlet forming portion which is arranged adjacent to the seal material housing portion and forms an opening, The nut is a pipe fitting comprising a nut body, The nut body is The female thread that engages with the male thread of the nut connection, It has a space at one end and the other end that communicates with the outside of the nut body, and a retainer housing portion that is connected to the female thread, One end of the space formed by the retainer housing is in communication with the outside of the nut body via the female thread. The nut further comprises an annular retainer, which is housed in the space formed by the retainer housing such that its central axis is aligned with the spatial axis direction, which is the direction from one end to the other of the space formed by the retainer housing, A pipe joint characterized in that the retainer is housed in the space formed by the retainer housing so as to be able to rotate freely about the central axis, and the space surrounds the joint body which communicates with the joint body.

3. A nut having a nut body, The nut body is Female thread and It has a space at one end and the other end that communicates with the outside of the nut body, and a retainer housing portion that is connected to the female thread, One end of the space formed by the retainer housing is in communication with the outside via the female thread, The nut is further characterized by comprising an annular retainer, which is housed in the space such that its central axis is aligned with the spatial axis direction, which is the direction from one end of the space toward the other, and which is housed in the space such that it can rotate freely about the central axis.

4. The retainer housing portion further comprises a protruding portion that protrudes from the inner circumferential surface, The nut according to claim 3, characterized in that at least a portion of the retainer is positioned within the space on the other end side from the protruding portion.

5. The aforementioned protruding portion is A cylindrical outer surface, The nut according to claim 4, characterized in that it has an annular and flat annular side surface that is positioned opposite the retainer.

6. The retainer housing portion is formed by adding a recess to the space in which the cross-sectional shape in the direction along the spatial axis is rectangular. The nut according to claim 5, characterized in that at least a portion of the annular side surface of the protruding arrangement portion that is in contact with the outer circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface are fitted into a recess formed by the retainer housing portion.

7. The nut according to claim 4, characterized in that one of the protruding portions is detached.

8. The nut according to claim 5, characterized in that the retainer has a protruding facing portion that is positioned in the space on the other end side of the protruding portion and faces the protruding portion.

9. The aforementioned protruding opposing portions are Within the aforementioned space, a side facing portion is arranged so as to face the annular side surface on the other end side from the protruding portion, The nut according to claim 8, characterized in that it has a through projection that protrudes from the side facing portion and penetrates the protruding portion when the side facing portion is arranged to face the annular side surface.

10. The retainer housing portion is One end housing portion having a circular cross-sectional shape in a direction perpendicular to the spatial axis, The cross-sectional shape in the direction perpendicular to the spatial axis is circular, and the other end housing portion has a smaller inner diameter than the one end housing portion and is located on the opposite side of the female thread when viewed from the position of the one end housing portion. The retainer, The outer surface is cylindrical, and the one-end opposing portion is arranged to face the one-end housing portion, The nut according to claim 3, characterized in that its outer circumferential surface is cylindrical, has a smaller outer diameter than the one-end opposing portion, and has an other-end opposing portion that is positioned opposite the other-end housing portion.

Images