Pipe fittings

Abstract

To provide a pipe joint that shortens the time it takes for a water-sealing member with a water-absorbing and expanding function to exert its water-sealing effect. [Solution] The pipe joint 10 comprises a joint body in which a watertight surface is formed between it and the pipe body 20, an annular watertight member disposed in the watertight portion and having a water absorption and expansion function, and a water storage portion 38 provided in the watertight portion, communicating with a holding space that holds the watertight member, and storing water that has entered the watertight portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0005] ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a pipe joint for connecting pipe bodies.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a pipe joint is known in which a water stop member such as an O-ring is arranged on a water stop surface between a pipe body and a joint to stop water. Also, as a water stop member, a water absorption expansion seal material that expands by absorbing water and seals the water stop surface has been proposed for leak prevention measures (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, when a water absorption expansion seal material is used, the water stop function is not exhibited until the water absorption expansion seal material expands, so it is necessary to shorten the time until the expansion time.

[0005] In consideration of the above facts, an object of the present invention is to provide a pipe joint that shortens the time until the water stop function is exhibited by a water stop member having a water absorption expansion function.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, the present invention proposes the following means.

[0007] The pipe joint according to the first aspect is connected to a pipe body, and includes a tubular joint body in which a water stop portion is formed between the pipe body, and an annular water stop member that is disposed in the water stop portion and has a water absorption expansion function. [[ID=The water-stopping portion is provided with a water storage portion that communicates with a holding space for holding the water-stopping member and stores water that has entered the water-stopping portion.

[0009] The pipe joint of the first embodiment has a water storage section for storing water that has entered the water-sealing section. Since the water storage section is in communication with a holding space that holds the water-sealing member, the water accumulated in the water storage section promotes the expansion of the water-sealing member, thereby shortening the time until the water-sealing function is achieved.

[0010] In the pipe joint according to the second embodiment, the water storage portion is formed at the upstream end of the retaining space in the direction of water infiltration.

[0011] According to the pipe joint of the second embodiment, water is more likely to accumulate in the water storage section from the initial stages of leakage, and the expansion rate of the water-stopping member can be accelerated.

[0012] In the third embodiment of the pipe joint, the retaining space is composed of a recess formed on the outer circumferential surface of the joint body, and the water storage portion is formed of a tapered portion that extends inclined toward the outer circumferential surface from the upstream end in the water intrusion direction at the bottom of the recess.

[0013] According to the pipe joint of the third embodiment, a water storage section can be constructed with a simple structure.

[0014] In the fourth embodiment of the pipe joint, the retaining space is composed of a recess formed on the outer circumferential surface of the joint body, and the water storage portion is formed by a water reservoir member provided at the upstream end of the recess in the direction of water intrusion.

[0015] According to the pipe joint of the fourth embodiment, the expansion of the water-stopping member can be promoted by using water that has soaked into the water-retaining member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, the time required for a water-stopping member having a water-absorbing and expanding function to exhibit its water-stopping function can be shortened. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] For the pipe joint according to the first embodiment, (A) is a cross-sectional view showing the state before the pipe body is inserted, and (B) is a cross-sectional view showing the state after the pipe body is inserted. [Figure 2] It is a cross-sectional view of the joint main body part and the water stop ring of the pipe joint according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view of the water stop ring of the pipe joint according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] (A) and (B) are views of the water stop ring according to the modified example as seen from the axial direction. [Figure 5] It is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the water storage member according to the modified example is arranged. [Figure 6] For the pipe joint according to the second embodiment, (A) is a cross-sectional view showing the state before the pipe body is inserted, and (B) is a cross-sectional view showing the state after the pipe body is inserted.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, the pipe joint according to the embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] [First Embodiment] The pipe joint 10 of the first embodiment includes a joint main body part 30 and a joint peripheral part 40. The joint main body part 30 has an inner cylinder part 31 formed in a cylindrical shape and a connection part 32 formed continuously at one end of the inner cylinder part 31. A thread part is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the connection part 32 so that it can be screwed and connected to another pipe body. Between the inner cylinder part 31 and the connection part 32, a hexagonal part 32A having a larger outer diameter than the inner cylinder part 31 and the connection part 32 is formed. Also, a flow path R is formed on the inner peripheral side of the inner cylinder part 31 and the connection part 32.

[0020] The joint peripheral part 40 has a cylindrical holding member 41, a ring-shaped claw member 42, a release ring 43, and a cap 44. The holding member 41 is arranged on the outer peripheral side of the inner tube part 31, and the claw member 42 and the release ring 43 are arranged side by side at one end of the holding member 41. The cap 44 is installed so as to cover these holding member 41, claw member 42, and release ring 43 from the outer peripheral side, preventing the holding member 41, claw member 42, and release ring 43 from coming out of the joint main body part 30.

[0021] A tube insertion space 21 into which the tube body 20 is inserted is formed between the inner tube part 31 and the holding member 41. The tube body 20 inserted into the tube insertion space 21 is prevented from coming out by the claw member 42 connected to one end of the holding member 41 biting into the outer periphery. By pushing the release ring 43 provided together with the claw member 42 toward the claw member 42 side and expanding the diameter of the claw member 42 to release the biting, the tube body 20 can be pulled out from the tube insertion space 21. Also, the end part on the connection part 32 side of the inner tube part 31 has an enlarged flange part 33, and the tube body 20 can be inserted until it reaches this flange part 33.

[0022] Hereinafter, the direction along the axis L of the inner tube part 31 is referred to as the axial direction, and the direction orthogonal to the axis L is referred to as the radial direction. Also, regarding the axial direction of the pipe joint 10, the connection part 32 side is referred to as the back side, and the tube body 20 side is referred to as the front side.

[0023] Circumferential grooves 34, 35 which are recesses over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the inner tube part 31. The circumferential groove 34 is formed on the tip side of the inner tube part 31 rather than the circumferential groove 35. The circumferential groove 35 is longer in the direction of the axis L than the circumferential groove 34. An O-ring 36 is fitted in the circumferential groove 34, and a water stop ring 37 is fitted in the circumferential groove 35 as a holding space. The position including the circumferential grooves 34, 35 on the outer peripheral surface of the inner tube part 31 and the vicinity thereof becomes a water stop part.

[0024] A water reservoir 38 is formed on the circumferential groove 34 side of the circumferential groove 35. The water reservoir 38 is formed by a tapered portion 38A that extends inclined from the bottom of the recess constituting the circumferential groove 35 toward the outer circumferential surface on the circumferential groove 34 side, and is in communication with the circumferential groove 35. In other words, the space between the tapered portion 38A and the pipe body 20, which is continuous with the circumferential groove 35, becomes the water reservoir 38.

[0025] The O-ring 36 is primarily made from materials that do not absorb water and swell, or have low water absorption and swelling properties, such as SBR, EPDM, CR, butyl rubber, silicone, polysulfur rubber, and chlorosulfonated polyethylene rubber.

[0026] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the water-sealing ring 37 has a rectangular cross-section and is an annular shape. The water-sealing ring 37 has a water-absorbing and swelling function and is formed by including a water-absorbing and swelling material. Examples of water-absorbing and swelling materials include rubber that absorbs water and swells itself, such as urethane rubber, non-swelling rubbers such as NBR, SBR, and EPDM, and mixtures of polyacrylic acid-based, popal-based, polyoxyethylene-based, cellulose-based, and starch-based superabsorbent resins with EVA resin or polyvinyl chloride resin.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, before being fitted into the circumferential groove 35, the inner diameter R1 of the water-sealing ring 37 is smaller than the diameter R2 of the bottom of the circumferential groove 35. Therefore, when attaching the water-sealing ring 37 to the circumferential groove 35, the inner diameter of the water-sealing ring 37 is stretched by elastic deformation, and even after attachment, it is fitted in a slightly stretched state.

[0028] As shown in Figure 3, a slit 37A is formed in the water-sealing ring 37. The slit 37A is formed in a circular shape around the entire circumference in the radial middle portion, i.e., the central part of the thickness, when viewed from the axial direction. The slit 37A is formed from the upstream end of the water-sealing ring 37 in the direction of water intrusion when viewed from the side, and is formed to a length S that does not extend to the other end. Preferably, the axial length S of the slit 37A is 1 / 2 or more of the axial length of the water-sealing ring 37.

[0029] Next, the operation of the pipe joint 10 will be explained.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1(A), the pipe 20 is positioned facing the opening side of the pipe insertion space 21. Then, as shown in Figure 1(B), it is inserted until the tip abuts against the flange portion 33. In this inserted state, the O-ring 36 is compressed by the bottom of the circumferential groove 34 and the pipe 20, sealing the space between the outer surface of the inner cylinder portion 31 and the inner surface of the pipe 20. The claw member 42 bites into the outer surface of the pipe 20, preventing the pipe 20 from coming out.

[0031] In this state, for example, if foreign matter (such as hair) is caught in the O-ring 36, water leakage will occur. The water leakage occurs as water gradually seeps in from the front to the back of the inner cylinder 31, reaching the water reservoir 38 and the circumferential groove 35. The water-sealing ring 37 has a water-absorbing and expanding function, so it expands and seals the space between the outer surface of the inner cylinder 31 and the inner surface of the pipe 20.

[0032] In this embodiment, the pipe joint 10 has a water storage section 38 that stores water that has entered the circumferential groove 35. The water accumulated in the water storage section 38 promotes the expansion of the water-stopping ring 37, thereby shortening the time until the water-stopping function is activated.

[0033] Furthermore, since the water storage section 38 is formed at the upstream end of the circumferential groove 35 in the direction of water infiltration, water tends to accumulate in the water storage section 38 from the initial stages of leakage, which can accelerate the expansion speed of the water-stopping ring 37.

[0034] Furthermore, since the water-sealing ring 37 of this embodiment has a slit 37A formed therein, water that enters the circumferential groove 35 enters the slit 37A, increasing the area in direct contact with water (water-contacting area) of the water-sealing ring 37. As a result, the expansion of the water-sealing ring 37 is accelerated compared to the case where the slit 37A is not formed, and the time until the water-sealing function is achieved can be shortened.

[0035] Furthermore, since the slit 37A in this embodiment is formed from the upstream end in the water ingress direction, water can easily enter the slit 37A, shortening the time until the water-stopping function is activated.

[0036] Furthermore, since the slit 37A in this embodiment is formed over the entire circumference in the middle of the radial direction when viewed from the axial direction, it can effectively promote the expansion of the water-sealing ring 37 radially outward across the slit 37A.

[0037] Furthermore, since the water-stopping ring 37 of this embodiment is fitted into the circumferential groove 35 with its inner diameter stretched by elastic deformation, even if the inner diameter increases due to radial outward expansion, a gap is less likely to form between the ring and the bottom of the circumferential groove 35.

[0038] In this embodiment, the water storage portion 38 is formed by a tapered portion 38A that extends inclined from the circumferential groove 35 toward the outer circumferential surface on the circumferential groove 34 side. However, as shown in Figure 4(A), a recess 39 may be formed in place of the slit 37A of the water-stopping ring 37, and the recess 39 may be used as the water storage portion.

[0039] As shown in Figure 4(B), a slit 39A may be formed so as to be continuous with the inner side of the recess 39.

[0040] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the axial length of the circumferential groove 35 may be made longer than the water-stopping ring 37, and a water-retaining member 38B may be placed on the upstream side of the circumferential groove 35 in the direction of water intrusion. As the water-retaining member 38B, a material capable of containing water inside, such as an open-cell foam such as urethane foam, felt, or nonwoven fabric, can be used.

[0041] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the same parts as in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions will be omitted. The pipe joint 50 in this embodiment seals the outer surface of the pipe body 20.

[0042] As shown in Figures 6(A) and 6(B), the pipe fitting 50 comprises a fitting body 52, an inner circumferential support member 53, a cap 54, a collet 56, an O-ring 36, and a water-stopping ring 37.

[0043] The joint body 52 is cylindrical and consists of a first inner wall portion 52A, a second inner wall portion 52B, and a third inner wall portion 52C, in order from the insertion side of the pipe body 20. The inner diameter of the first inner wall portion 52A is larger than the inner diameter of the second inner wall portion 52B, and the inner diameter of the second inner wall portion 52B is larger than the inner diameter of the third inner wall portion 52C. The third inner wall portion 52C forms part of the flow path. A stepped portion 52D1 is formed between the first inner wall portion 52A and the second inner wall portion 52B, and a stepped portion 52D2 is formed between the second inner wall portion 52B and the third inner wall portion 52C. A male thread 52N is formed on the outer circumference of the joint body 52 corresponding to the first inner wall portion 52A.

[0044] The cap portion 54 is annular in shape, and a female thread 54N is formed on its inner wall that screws onto the male thread 52N. The cap portion 54 is connected to the joint body 52 by the female thread 54N screwing onto the male thread 52N. On the side of the cap portion 54 that is inserted into the pipe body 20, an insertion opening portion 54A is formed, which has a smaller inner diameter than the first inner wall portion 52A of the joint body 52.

[0045] Inside the first inner wall portion 52A, between the insertion opening portion 54A and the stepped portion 52D, a collet 56, a water-sealing ring 37, a water reservoir member 38B, and an O-ring 36 are arranged in order from the insertion opening portion 54A. The slit 37A of the water-sealing ring 37 is positioned on the side of the O-ring 36. The collet 56 is annular in shape and prevents the water-sealing ring 37, the water reservoir member 38B, and the O-ring 34 from coming loose and positions them.

[0046] The inner circumferential support member 53 is cylindrical in shape with a flange 53A formed at its tip. The flange 53A abuts against the stepped portion 52D, and an insertion space 51 is formed between the inner circumferential support member 53 and the collet 56.

[0047] Next, the function of the pipe joint 50 will be explained.

[0048] As shown in Figure 6(A), the pipe body 20 is positioned opposite the insertion opening 54A. Then, as shown in Figure 6(B), the pipe body 20 is inserted into the insertion space 51, and its tip is brought into contact with the stepped portion 52D2. In this inserted state, the O-ring 36 is compressed by the first inner wall portion 52A and the pipe body 20, sealing the space between the first inner wall portion 52A and the outer surface of the pipe body 20.

[0049] In this state, for example, if foreign matter (such as hair) is caught in the O-ring 36, water leakage will occur. Due to the water leakage, water gradually seeps in from the third inner wall portion 52C side of the O-ring 36 to the water reservoir member 38B side. The water reservoir member 38B is made of a material that can contain water, and the water-sealing ring 37 has a water-absorbing and expanding function. Therefore, the water that seeps in through the water reservoir member 38B causes the water-sealing ring 37 to expand and seal the space between the outer surface of the first inner wall portion 52A and portion 31 and the inner surface of the pipe body 20.

[0050] In this embodiment as well, since the water reservoir member 38B is provided, the water accumulated in the water reservoir member 38B promotes the expansion of the water-stopping ring 37, thereby shortening the time until the water-stopping function is activated.

[0051] Furthermore, since the water reservoir member 38B is formed at the upstream end of the water-stopping ring 37 in the direction of water intrusion, water tends to accumulate in the water reservoir member 38B from the initial stages of leakage, which can accelerate the expansion rate of the water-stopping ring 37.

[0052] Furthermore, since the water-sealing ring 37 of this embodiment also has a slit 37A formed therein, the water that enters enters the slit 37A, increasing the area in direct contact between the water-sealing ring 37 and the water (water-contacting area). As a result, the expansion of the water-sealing ring 37 is accelerated compared to when the slit 37A is not formed, and the time until the water-sealing function is activated can be shortened.

[0053] Furthermore, since the slit 37A in this embodiment is formed at the upstream end in the water ingress direction, water can easily enter the slit 37A, thereby shortening the time required for the water-stopping function to be activated.

[0054] Although the first and second embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the components in the above embodiments can be replaced with other components as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the above embodiments can also be combined as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0055] 10 Pipe fittings 20 tubular body 30. Joint body (joint body) 35 Circumferential groove (holding space) 37. Water-stopping ring (water-stopping component) 38 Water storage section 38A Tapered section 38B Water reservoir component 50 Pipe Fittings 52 Fitting body

Claims

1. A tubular joint body connected to a pipe, with a watertight seal formed between it and the pipe, An annular water-stopping member having a water-absorbing and expanding function is placed in the water-stopping section, A water storage section is provided in the water-stopping section, communicates with a holding space for holding the water-stopping member, and stores water that has entered the water-stopping section, A pipe fitting equipped with [a specific feature].

2. The water storage section is formed at the upstream end of the retaining space in the direction of water intrusion. The pipe fitting according to claim 1.

3. The retaining space is composed of a recess formed on the outer circumferential surface of the joint body, and the water storage portion is formed by a tapered portion that extends inclined toward the outer circumferential surface from the upstream end in the water intrusion direction at the bottom of the recess. The pipe fitting according to claim 1.

4. The retaining space is composed of a recess formed on the outer circumferential surface of the joint body, and the water storage portion is formed by a water reservoir member provided at the upstream end of the recess in the direction of water intrusion. The pipe fitting according to claim 1.

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