Sealing member, joint structure, and method for attaching sealing member

The sealing member with an annular elastic portion and claw-like projections addresses the issues of high insertion force and misalignment by securing to the pipe joint, ensuring stable sealing and easy detachment, thus enhancing pipe joining efficiency and durability.

JP2026115161APending Publication Date: 2026-07-09KUBOTA CORP

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
KUBOTA CORP
Filing Date
2024-12-27
Publication Date
2026-07-09

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Abstract

The present invention provides a sealing member that prevents movement relative to the insertion opening when the insertion opening is inserted into the receiving opening. [Solution] The sealing member 4 has an annular sealing portion 41 made of an elastic material, and a claw portion 42 fixed to the inner circumferential surface of one end of the sealing portion 41 that is on the opposite side of the opening 2a of the receiving port 2, and positioned between the inner circumferential surface 21 of the receiving port 2 and the outer circumferential surface 31 of the insertion port 3, and configured to bite into the outer circumferential surface 31 of the insertion port 3.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sealing member that seals between the outer peripheral surface of an insertion port of a pipe and the inner peripheral surface of a receiving port of a joined pipe joined to the pipe.

Background Art

[0002] A sealing member is known that is positioned between the outer peripheral surface of an insertion port of a pipe and the inner peripheral surface of a receiving port of a joined pipe joined to the pipe, and seals between the outer peripheral surface of the insertion port and the inner peripheral surface of the receiving port. For example, in Patent Document 1, there is disclosed a sealing material with a pipe detachment prevention function for a pipe joint including one pipe having a receiving port and a lock groove formed in an inner surface of the receiving port and having a rectangular cross section, and another pipe having an insertion port inserted into the receiving port of the one pipe.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the sealing member of Patent Document 1, a part of the sealing member is fixed in a groove provided in the inner peripheral surface of the receiving port of the joined pipe, and while inserting the insertion port of the pipe joined to the joined pipe into the receiving port, the remaining part is pushed inward, so that it is disposed between the inner peripheral surface of the receiving port and the outer peripheral surface of the insertion port. Therefore, when inserting the insertion port into the receiving port, a high insertion force is required. In order to reduce the insertion force, for example, an operation of applying a lubricant to the sealing member fixed in the receiving port is performed.

[0005] When a lubricant is applied to a sealing member that is fixed inside the socket, there is a possibility that sand and dust may enter the socket or adhere to the socket. On the other hand, if a lubricant is not applied, a high insertion force is required when inserting the socket into the socket, and this force may cause the sealing member to shift position.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a sealing member configuration that can suppress misalignment of the sealing member when inserting the insertion port into the receiving port.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a sealing member that can prevent the sealing member from moving relative to the pipe to which it is attached when inserting the insertion end into the receiving end. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A sealing member according to one embodiment of the present invention is used in a joint structure having a spigot of a pipe and a socket of a pipe to be joined to the pipe, and is a sealing member that seals the space between the outer circumferential surface of the spigot of the pipe and the inner circumferential surface of the socket of the pipe to be joined. This sealing member has an annular sealing portion made of an elastic material and a claw portion fixed on the inner circumferential surface of one end of the sealing portion located on the opposite side of the opening of the socket, and positioned between the inner circumferential surface of the socket and the outer circumferential surface of the spigot, and configured to bite into the outer circumferential surface of the spigot (first configuration).

[0009] The sealing member is attached to the inner circumferential surface of the socket or the outer circumferential surface of the insertion opening, and when the insertion opening is inserted into the socket, the sealing member is positioned between the inner circumferential surface of the socket and the outer circumferential surface of the insertion opening. Therefore, during insertion, the sealing member may move axially relative to the socket or insertion opening to which it is attached.

[0010] In contrast, the aforementioned sealing member has a claw portion that is positioned between the inner circumferential surface of the receiving port and the outer circumferential surface of the insertion port, and is configured to bite into the outer circumferential surface of the insertion port. The claw portion is fixed to the portion of the sealing member, which is made of an elastic member, that is located on the opposite side of the opening of the receiving port. Therefore, by attaching the sealing member to the outer circumferential surface of the insertion port and inserting the insertion port into the receiving port, the claw portion can be bitten into the outer circumferential surface of the insertion port at the start of insertion. This prevents the sealing member from moving axially relative to the insertion port. Thus, it is possible to provide a sealing member that can prevent the sealing member from moving relative to the insertion port to which it is attached when inserting the insertion port into the receiving port.

[0011] In the first configuration described above, the seal portion has a seal body portion located on the opening side of the receiving port, and a projection portion located on the one end side, having a radial thickness greater than the radial thickness of the seal body portion, and on which the claw portion is fixed to the inner circumferential surface (second configuration).

[0012] When the insertion port is inserted into the receiving port, the protruding portion of the sealing member, which has a large radial thickness, is compressed radially by the inner circumferential surface of the receiving port. This allows the claw portion fixed to the protruding portion to bite more deeply into the outer circumferential surface of the insertion port. As a result, it becomes easier to suppress the axial movement of the sealing member relative to the insertion port.

[0013] In the second configuration described above, the protruding portion is configured to be insertable into a groove provided on the inner circumferential surface of the receiving opening so as to extend in the circumferential direction (third configuration).

[0014] This allows the sealing member to be positioned so that it does not move axially relative to the socket. Therefore, axial movement of the sealing member relative to the socket can be suppressed.

[0015] In the third configuration described above, the radial thickness of the protrusion is equal to or less than the radial length between the bottom surface of the groove of the receiving opening and the outer circumferential surface of the insertion opening (fourth configuration).

[0016] This configuration allows for a setup in which the protruding portion is compressed when the insertion port is inserted into the receiving port, and the compression of the protruding portion is released when the receiving port and the insertion port are joined together. Therefore, a setup can be obtained in which the claw portion does not bite strongly into the outer surface of the insertion port when the receiving port and the insertion port are joined together.

[0017] This makes it easier for the claw portion to detach from the outer surface of the insertion opening when an external force, such as an earthquake, is applied. Therefore, the insertion opening and the receiving opening can move relative to each other during an earthquake or the like. Furthermore, the sealing member moves with the insertion opening relative to the receiving opening, preventing the sealing member from coming out of the groove.

[0018] In the first configuration described above, a plurality of claws are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the sealing portion (fifth configuration).

[0019] In order to engage the claw portion with the outer circumferential surface of the insertion opening, it is necessary to move the claw portion radially inward. Therefore, if the claw portion is annular, it is necessary to deform the claw portion radially inward.

[0020] In contrast, by arranging multiple claw portions at intervals in the circumferential direction, the claw portions can be easily moved radially inward. Therefore, when inserting the insertion port into the receiving port, the claw portions can be easily engaged with the outer circumferential surface of the insertion port.

[0021] The joint structure according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an insertion port of a pipe, a receiving port of a joined pipe joined to the pipe, and a sealing member that seals between an outer peripheral surface of the insertion port of the pipe and an inner peripheral surface of the receiving port of the joined pipe. The sealing member includes an annular sealing portion formed of an elastic member, and a claw portion fixed to an inner peripheral surface of one end portion located on a side opposite to an opening side of the receiving port in the sealing portion. When the insertion port is inserted into the receiving port, the claw portion bites into the outer peripheral surface of the insertion port, so that the sealing member is fixed to the insertion port (the sixth configuration).

[0022] In the above joint structure, the claw portion is fixed to a portion located on a side opposite to the opening side of the receiving port in the sealing portion formed of an elastic member. Therefore, with the sealing member attached to the outer peripheral surface of the insertion port, when the insertion port is inserted into the receiving port, at the start of insertion, the claw portion bites into the outer peripheral surface of the insertion port. Thereby, when the insertion port is inserted into the receiving port, movement of the sealing member with respect to the insertion port can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to provide a joint structure in which displacement of the sealing member with respect to the receiving port is suppressed.

[0023] In the sixth configuration, the receiving port has a groove portion on its inner peripheral surface. The sealing portion includes a sealing main body portion located on the opening side of the receiving port, and a protruding portion located on the one end portion side and having a radial thickness larger than the radial thickness of the sealing main body portion, and the claw portion is fixed to the inner peripheral surface. By inserting the protruding portion into the groove portion, the sealing member is fixed to the receiving port (the seventh configuration).

[0024] The protruding portion of the sealing member having a large radial thickness is compressed in the radial direction by the inner peripheral surface of the receiving port when the insertion port is inserted into the receiving port. Thereby, the claw portion fixed to the protruding portion can be made to bite deeper into the outer peripheral surface of the insertion port. Thereby, movement of the sealing member in the axial direction with respect to the insertion port can be more easily suppressed.

[0025] Further, the protruding portion can position the seal member so as not to move axially with respect to the receiving port. Therefore, a joint structure can be provided in which displacement of the seal member with respect to the receiving port is suppressed.

[0026] A method for attaching a seal member according to an embodiment of the present invention is an attachment method for attaching the seal member having any one of the first to fifth configurations between the inner peripheral surface of the receiving port and the outer peripheral surface of the insertion port. This method for attaching the seal member includes a seal member arranging step of arranging the seal member on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion port so that the claw portion of the seal member is located on the opening side of the insertion port, and inserting the insertion port on which the seal member is arranged into the receiving port, and radially inwardly pressing one side end portion of the seal portion by the inner peripheral surface of the receiving port to bite the claw portion into the outer peripheral surface of the insertion port (first method).

[0027] In the above method, with the seal member attached to the outer peripheral surface of the insertion port, the insertion port is inserted into the receiving port. Thereby, at the start of insertion, the claw portion can be bitten into the outer peripheral surface of the insertion port. Therefore, a method for attaching a seal member capable of suppressing movement of the seal member with respect to the insertion port when the insertion port is inserted into the receiving port can be provided.

Advantages of the Invention

[0028] A seal member according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an annular seal portion formed of an elastic member, and a claw portion fixed on the inner peripheral surface of one side end portion located on the side opposite to the opening side of the receiving port in the seal portion and configured to bite into the outer peripheral surface of the insertion port while being positioned between the inner peripheral surface of the receiving port and the outer peripheral surface of the insertion port.

[0029] Thereby, a seal member capable of suppressing movement of the seal member with respect to the insertion port to which the seal member is attached when the insertion port is inserted into the receiving port can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the schematic configuration of a joint structure according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a magnified view of a portion of Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of a schematic configuration of a sealing member as viewed in the axial direction. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the VV line in Figure 3. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the sealing member, the receiving end, and the insertion end. [Figure 7] Figure 7 illustrates how the sealing member is placed on the outer surface of the insertion opening. [Figure 8] Figure 8 illustrates how an insertion port, on which a sealing member is placed on the outer surface, is inserted into a receiving port. [Figure 9] Figure 9 illustrates how the inner circumferential surface of the socket pushes one end of the sealing portion radially inward, causing the claw portion to bite into the outer circumferential surface of the insertion opening. [Figure 10] Figure 10 illustrates how the claw portion is further embedded into the outer surface of the insertion opening. [Figure 11] Figure 11 illustrates how the claw portion releases its engagement with the outer surface of the insertion opening. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the schematic configuration of the joint structure according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating the method for attaching the sealing member in the joint structure according to Embodiment 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] The following describes each embodiment with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of those parts will not be repeated. Note that the dimensions of the components in each drawing do not faithfully represent the dimensions of the actual components or the dimensional ratios of each component.

[0032] Furthermore, in the following explanation, the expressions "fix," "connect," and "attach" (hereinafter referred to as "fixing, etc.") include not only cases where components are directly fixed to each other, but also cases where they are fixed to each other via other components. In other words, in the following explanation, the expressions "fixing, etc." include both direct and indirect fixing of components to each other.

[0033] (Embodiment 1) (Joint structure) Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the schematic configuration of a joint structure 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 2 is a partially enlarged view of Figure 1. As shown in Figure 1, the joint structure 1 has a socket 3 of pipe W1, a receiving socket 2 of pipe to be joined W2, and a sealing member 4. The sealing member 4 is located between the inner circumferential surface 21 of the receiving socket 2 and the outer circumferential surface 31 of the socket 3. The sealing member 4 seals the space between the inner circumferential surface 21 of the receiving socket 2 and the outer circumferential surface 31 of the socket 3. In the following description, the axial direction of pipe W1 and pipe to be joined W2 means the direction in which the central axis P of pipe W1 and pipe to be joined W2 extends.

[0034] Pipe W1 and pipe W2 are, for example, water pipes. Pipe W1 and pipe W2 may be other types of pipes, such as sewer pipes, agricultural water pipes, or gas pipes. Pipe W1 and pipe W2 may be ductile cast iron pipes, other metal pipes, or resin pipes.

[0035] The receiving opening 2 has a lock ring groove 22 and a sealing member groove 23 on its inner circumferential surface 21. The sealing member groove 23 is located on the opening 2a side of the receiving opening 2 than the lock ring groove 22. The sealing member groove 23 corresponds to the groove portion of the present invention.

[0036] The locking ring groove 22 is an annular groove provided on the inner circumferential surface 21 of the socket 2 so as to extend in the circumferential direction. The locking ring 5 is located within the locking ring groove 22. The locking ring 5 located within the locking ring groove 22 restricts the insertion end 3 of the pipe W1, which is inserted into the socket 2 of the pipe to be joined W2, from coming out of the socket 2. The configuration of the locking ring groove 22 and the locking ring 5 is the same as that of a typical locking ring groove and locking ring. Therefore, a description of the locking ring groove 22 and the locking ring 5 is omitted.

[0037] The sealing groove 23 is an annular groove provided on the inner circumferential surface 21 of the receiving opening 2 so as to extend in the circumferential direction. The end of the sealing member 4 opposite to the opening 2a side of the receiving opening 2 is inserted into the sealing groove 23.

[0038] The Socket 3 has a Socket projection 32 at its end on the side facing the opening 3a. The Socket projection 32 protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential surface 31 of the Socket 3. When the pipe W1 and the pipe to be joined W2 are joined, the Socket projection 32 of the pipe W1 is located on the opposite side of the opening 2a of the receiving end 2 from the lock ring 5 attached to the inner circumferential surface 21 of the receiving end 2 of the pipe to be joined W2. The Socket projection 32 comes into contact with the lock ring 5 when the pipe W1 moves toward the opening 2a side of the pipe to be joined W2. This prevents the Socket 3 from coming out of the receiving end 2.

[0039] The sealing member 4 is positioned between the inner circumferential surface 21 of the receiving opening 2 and the outer circumferential surface 31 of the insertion opening 3. The sealing member 4 seals the space between the inner circumferential surface 21 of the receiving opening 2 and the outer circumferential surface 31 of the insertion opening 3.

[0040] (Configuration of sealing member) The sealing member 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 6. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of the sealing member 4, viewed in the axial direction when the sealing member 4 is not positioned between the inner circumferential surface 21 of the receiving opening 2 and the outer circumferential surface 31 of the insertion opening 3. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of Figure 3. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV of Figure 3. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the sealing member 4 and the receiving opening 2 and the insertion opening 3. Note that the axial direction of the sealing member 4 refers to the direction in which the central axis Q of the annular sealing portion 41 extends.

[0041] As shown in Figure 3, the sealing member 4 has a sealing portion 41 and a claw portion 42. The sealing portion 41 is annular. The sealing portion 41 is made of an elastic member. The elastic member is, for example, rubber.

[0042] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the seal portion 41 has a seal body portion 411 located on the opening 2a side of the receiving port 2 and a protruding portion 412 located on the opposite side. In the following, in the seal member 4, the side on which the protruding portion 412 is located relative to the seal body portion 411 will be referred to as the axial side, and the opposite side will be referred to as the axial other side. In addition, in each component of the seal member 4, the end located on the axial side will be referred to as the one-side end, and the end located on the opposite side will be referred to as the other-side end.

[0043] The protruding portion 412 is configured to be insertable into a sealing member groove 23 provided on the inner circumferential surface 21 of the receiving opening 2 so as to extend in the circumferential direction. As shown in Figure 2, when the protruding portion 412 is inserted into the sealing member groove 23, the sealing member 4 is positioned at a predetermined axial position relative to the receiving opening 2.

[0044] Specifically, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the radial thickness of the protrusion 412 is greater than the radial thickness of the seal body 411. As shown in Figure 6, the radial thickness H1 of the protrusion 412 is equal to or less than the radial length H2 between the bottom surface 23a of the sealing member groove 23 of the receiving opening 2 and the outer peripheral surface 31 of the insertion opening 3 when the pipe W1 and the pipe to be joined W2 are joined.

[0045] Furthermore, the radial thickness H1 of the protrusion 412 is greater than the radial length H3 between the portion 21a of the inner circumferential surface 21 of the receiving end 2 adjacent to the opening 2a side with respect to the sealing member groove 23 and the outer circumferential surface 31 of the insertion end 3, when the pipe W1 and the pipe to be joined W2 are joined. With this configuration, when the protrusion 412 is inserted into the sealing member groove 23, the sealing member 4 can be positioned so as not to move axially relative to the receiving end 2, and axial movement of the sealing member 4 relative to the receiving end 2 can be suppressed.

[0046] As shown in Figure 5, the seal portion 41 has a notch 41a on the inner circumferential surface of the tip on one axial side where the protrusion 412 is located. The claw portion 42 is located within the notch 41a.

[0047] The claw portion 42 is fixed within the notch 41a of the seal portion 41. That is, the claw portion 42 is fixed in a position that radially overlaps with the protruding portion 412 of the seal portion 41. The method of fixing the claw portion 42 to the seal portion 41 is not particularly limited. For example, the claw portion 42 may be fixed to the seal portion 41 by adhesive bonding, or by vulcanization bonding.

[0048] As shown in Figure 3, the claw portion 42 extends circumferentially along the inner circumferential surface of the seal portion 41 when viewed axially. Therefore, when the seal member 4 is positioned between the inner circumferential surface 21 of the receiving opening 2 and the outer circumferential surface 31 of the insertion opening 3, the claw portion 42 contacts the outer circumferential surface 31 of the insertion opening 3.

[0049] As shown in Figure 5, the claw portion 42 has a plurality of protrusions on its inner circumferential surface. These plurality of protrusions are aligned in the axial direction and each extends in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the protrusions located on one side in the axial direction have a greater length in the protruding direction. That is, the protruding tips of the plurality of protrusions are located radially inward for the protrusions located on one side in the axial direction.

[0050] Furthermore, the lengths of the multiple protrusions in the protruding direction may be the same, provided that the protrusions located on one axial side are positioned radially inward. For example, the claw portion may be configured such that the length in the protruding direction is greater on one axial side. The claw portion may be fixed to the seal portion in an inclined position with respect to the axis of the seal portion, such that the protruding tips of the multiple protrusions are positioned radially inward on one axial side.

[0051] The claw portion 42 is made of a hard material such as metal. As shown in Figure 2, the claw portion 42 is configured such that the projection bites into the outer surface 31 of the insertion opening 3 when the sealing member 4 is positioned between the inner surface 21 of the receiving opening 2 and the outer surface 31 of the insertion opening 3. As will be described in detail later, when the insertion opening 3 is inserted into the receiving opening 2, the claw portion 42 is pushed radially inward by the projection 412 and bites into the outer surface 31 of the insertion opening 3.

[0052] In this embodiment, multiple claw portions 42 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the sealing portion 41. When the claw portions 42 bite into the outer circumferential surface 31 of the insertion opening 3, the claw portions 42 move radially inward. Therefore, if the claw portion is annular, it is necessary to deform the claw portion radially inward. In contrast, as in this embodiment, multiple claw portions 42 arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction can easily move radially inward without deformation. Therefore, the claw portions 42 can be easily bitten into the outer circumferential surface 31 of the insertion opening 3.

[0053] As shown in Figure 2, the seal member 4 configured as described above is positioned so that the protruding portion 412 overlaps radially with the seal member groove 23 between the inner circumferential surface 21 of the receiving opening 2 and the outer circumferential surface 31 of the insertion opening 3. As described above, the protruding portion 412 is configured to be insertable into the seal member groove 23, which is provided on the inner circumferential surface 21 of the receiving opening 2 so as to extend in the circumferential direction. This allows the seal member 4 to be positioned so as not to move axially relative to the receiving opening 2. Therefore, axial movement of the seal member 4 relative to the receiving opening 2 can be suppressed.

[0054] When the sealing member 4 is positioned as described above, the sealing body portion 411 of the sealing portion 41 is sandwiched between the inner circumferential surface 21 of the receiving opening 2 and the outer circumferential surface 31 of the insertion opening 3. The sealing portion 41, which is made of an elastic material, is elastically deformable. Therefore, as shown in Figure 2, the sealing body portion 411 is compressed radially by the inner circumferential surface 21 of the receiving opening 2 and the outer circumferential surface 31 of the insertion opening 3. The compressed sealing body portion 411 generates surface pressure against the inner circumferential surface 21 of the receiving opening 2 and the outer circumferential surface 31 of the insertion opening 3. As a result, the space between the inner circumferential surface 21 of the receiving opening 2 and the outer circumferential surface 31 of the insertion opening 3 is sealed.

[0055] The sealing member 4 having the above configuration is attached to the outer circumferential surface of the insertion opening 3 of the pipe W1, and when the insertion opening 3 of the pipe W1 is inserted into the receiving opening 2 of the pipe to be joined, the sealing member 4 is positioned between the inner circumferential surface 21 of the receiving opening 2 and the outer circumferential surface 31 of the insertion opening 3. Details of the method for attaching the sealing member 4 will be described later.

[0056] As described above, the radial thickness H1 of the protrusion 412 is greater than the radial length H3 between the portion 21a of the inner circumferential surface 21 of the socket 2 adjacent to the opening 2a side with respect to the groove for the sealing member 23, and the outer circumferential surface 31 of the insertion port 3, when the pipe W1 and the pipe to be joined W2 are joined. Therefore, when the insertion port 3 is inserted into the socket 2 with the sealing member 4 attached to the outer circumferential surface 31 of the insertion port 3, the protrusion 412 is compressed in the thickness direction at the start of insertion. As a result, the claw portion 42 bites into the outer circumferential surface 31 of the insertion port 3. This prevents the sealing member 4 from moving axially relative to the insertion port 3. Therefore, when inserting the insertion port 3 into the socket 2, it is possible to prevent the sealing member 4 from moving relative to the insertion port 3 to which the sealing member 4 is attached.

[0057] Therefore, when inserting the insertion opening 3 into the receiving opening 2, it is possible to provide a sealing member 4 that can prevent the sealing member 4 from moving relative to the insertion opening 3 to which it is attached.

[0058] Furthermore, as described above, the radial thickness H1 of the protrusion 412 is equal to or smaller than the radial length H2 between the bottom surface 23a of the sealing member groove 23 of the receiving opening 2 and the outer peripheral surface 31 of the insertion opening 3.

[0059] This allows for a configuration in which, when the insertion port 3 is inserted into the receiving port 2, the protruding portion 412 is compressed, and the compression of the protruding portion 412 is released when the receiving port 2 and the insertion port 3 are joined together. Therefore, a configuration can be obtained in which, when the receiving port 2 and the insertion port 3 are joined together, the claw portion 42 does not bite strongly into the outer circumferential surface 31 of the insertion port 3.

[0060] This makes it easier for the claw portion 42 to detach from the outer surface of the insertion opening 3 when an external force, such as an earthquake, is applied. Therefore, the insertion opening 3 and the receiving opening 2 can move relative to each other during an earthquake or the like. Furthermore, the sealing member 4 moves together with the insertion opening 3 relative to the receiving opening 2, preventing the sealing member 4 from coming out of the sealing member groove 23.

[0061] The sealing member 4 according to the embodiment of the present invention having the above configuration is used in a joint structure 1 having an insertion port 3 of a pipe W1 and a receiving port 2 of a pipe to be joined to the pipe W1, and is a sealing member 4 that seals the space between the outer circumferential surface 31 of the insertion port 3 of the pipe W1 and the inner circumferential surface 21 of the receiving port 2 of the pipe to be joined W2. The sealing member 4 has an annular sealing portion 41 made of an elastic material, and a claw portion 42 fixed on the inner circumferential surface of one end of the sealing portion 41 located on the side opposite to the opening 2a of the receiving port 2, and positioned between the inner circumferential surface 21 of the receiving port 2 and the outer circumferential surface 31 of the insertion port 3, and configured to bite into the outer circumferential surface 31 of the insertion port 3.

[0062] The sealing member 4 described above has a claw portion 42 that is positioned between the inner circumferential surface 21 of the receiving opening 2 and the outer circumferential surface 31 of the insertion opening 3, and is configured to bite into the outer circumferential surface 31 of the insertion opening 3. The claw portion 42 is fixed to the portion of the sealing member 41, which is made of an elastic member, that is located on the side opposite to the opening 2a of the receiving opening 2. Therefore, by inserting the insertion opening 3 into the receiving opening 2 with the sealing member 4 attached to the outer circumferential surface 31 of the insertion opening 3, the claw portion 42 can be bitten into the outer circumferential surface 31 of the insertion opening 3 at the start of insertion. This suppresses the axial movement of the sealing member 4 relative to the insertion opening 3. Thus, it is possible to provide a sealing member 4 that can suppress the movement of the sealing member 4 relative to the insertion opening 3 to which the sealing member 4 is attached when inserting the insertion opening 3 into the receiving opening 2.

[0063] In this embodiment, multiple claw portions 42 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the sealing portion 41. This allows the claw portions 42 to be easily moved radially inward. Therefore, when inserting the insertion port 3 into the receiving port 2, the claw portions 42 can be easily engaged with the outer circumferential surface of the insertion port 3.

[0064] Furthermore, the seal portion 41 includes a seal body portion 411 located on the opening 2a side of the receiving port 2, and a protruding portion 412 located on the one end side, with a radial thickness H1 greater than the radial thickness of the seal body portion 411, and a claw portion 42 fixed on its inner circumferential surface.

[0065] The protruding portion 412 of the sealing member, which has a large radial thickness, is compressed radially by the inner circumferential surface 21 of the receiving port 2 when the insertion port 3 is inserted into the receiving port 2. This allows the claw portion 42 fixed to the protruding portion 412 to bite more deeply into the outer circumferential surface 31 of the insertion port 3. As a result, it is easier to suppress the axial movement of the sealing member 4 relative to the insertion port 3.

[0066] Furthermore, the joint structure 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an insertion port 3 of a pipe W1, a receiving port 2 of a pipe to be joined to the pipe W1, and a sealing member 4 that seals the space between the outer circumferential surface 31 of the insertion port 3 of the pipe W1 and the inner circumferential surface 21 of the receiving port 2 of the pipe to be joined. The sealing member 4 has an annular sealing portion 41 made of an elastic material and a claw portion 42 fixed to the inner circumferential surface of one end of the sealing portion 41 that is located on the opposite side of the opening 2a of the receiving port 2. In the joint structure 1, when the insertion port 3 is inserted into the receiving port 2, the claw portion 42 bites into the outer circumferential surface 31 of the insertion port 3, thereby fixing the sealing member 4 to the insertion port 3.

[0067] In the joint structure 1 described above, the claw portion 42 of the sealing member 4 is fixed to the portion of the sealing part 41, which is made of an elastic member, that is located on the opposite side from the opening 2a of the receiving port 2. Therefore, when the insertion port 3 is inserted into the receiving port 2 with the sealing member 4 attached to the outer circumferential surface 31 of the insertion port 3, the claw portion 42 bites into the outer circumferential surface 31 of the insertion port 3 at the start of insertion. This prevents the sealing member 4 from moving relative to the insertion port 3 when the insertion port 3 is inserted into the receiving port 2. Thus, a joint structure 1 is provided in which displacement of the sealing member 4 relative to the receiving port 2 is suppressed.

[0068] In this embodiment, the receiving port 2 has a groove 23 for a sealing member on its inner circumferential surface 21. The sealing portion 41 has a sealing body portion 411 located on the opening 2a side of the receiving port 2, and a protruding portion 412 located on the one end side, with a radial thickness greater than the radial thickness of the sealing body portion 411, and a claw portion 42 fixed to its inner circumferential surface. In the joint structure 1, the sealing member 4 is fixed to the receiving port 2 by inserting the protruding portion 412 into the groove 23 for the sealing member.

[0069] The protruding portion 412 of the sealing member 4, which has a large radial thickness, is compressed radially by the inner circumferential surface 21 of the receiving opening 2 when the insertion opening 3 is inserted into the receiving opening 2. This allows the claw portion 42 fixed to the protruding portion 412 to bite more deeply into the outer circumferential surface 31 of the insertion opening 3. As a result, it is easier to suppress the axial movement of the sealing member 4 relative to the insertion opening 3.

[0070] Furthermore, the protrusion 412 allows the sealing member 4 to be positioned so that it does not move axially relative to the receiving opening 2. Therefore, a joint structure 1 can be provided in which misalignment of the sealing member 4 relative to the receiving opening 2 is suppressed.

[0071] (Method of attaching sealing material) Next, with reference to Figures 7 to 11, a method for attaching the sealing member 4 having the above-described configuration between the inner circumferential surface 21 of the receiving opening 2 and the outer circumferential surface 31 of the insertion opening 3 will be explained. The method for attaching the sealing member 4 includes a sealing member placement step and an insertion opening insertion step. In the following, the direction in which the insertion opening 3 moves relative to the receiving opening 2 will be referred to as the insertion direction and will be indicated by a white arrow in each figure.

[0072] The sealing member placement step is the step of placing the sealing member 4 on the outer circumferential surface 31 of the pipe W1. Specifically, in the sealing member placement step, as shown in Figure 7, the sealing member 4 is placed on the outer circumferential surface 31 of the insertion port 3 such that one axial side of the sealing member 4 is located on the side of the opening 3a of the insertion port 3.

[0073] The insertion process involves inserting the insertion port 3 into the receiving port 2. In the insertion process, the insertion port 3, on which the sealing member 4 is positioned, is inserted into the receiving port 2, and the inner circumferential surface 21 of the receiving port 2 pushes one end of the sealing portion 41 radially inward, causing the claw portion 42 to bite into the outer circumferential surface 31 of the insertion port 3.

[0074] Specifically, in the insertion process, as shown in Figure 8, the insertion port 3, on which the sealing member 4 is placed on the outer peripheral surface 31, is moved toward the receiving port 2 in the insertion direction.

[0075] As the insertion opening 3 is moved further in the insertion direction, as shown in Figure 9, one end of the protruding portion 412 of the sealing member 4 is pushed radially inward by the inner circumferential surface 21 of the receiving opening 2. As a result, the elastically deformable sealing member 4 is compressed radially. Therefore, a high insertion force is required, and this force may cause the sealing member to move axially relative to the insertion opening.

[0076] In contrast, with the sealing member 4, when one end of the protruding portion 412 is compressed radially by the inner circumferential surface 21 of the receiving opening 2, one end of the claw portion 42 is pushed radially inward, causing one end of the claw portion 42 to bite into the outer circumferential surface 31 of the insertion opening 3. Therefore, axial movement of the sealing member 4 relative to the insertion opening 3 is suppressed.

[0077] Furthermore, one end of the claw portion 42 of the sealing member 4 is located radially inward compared to the other end. Therefore, when one end of the protruding portion 412 is compressed radially, the one end of the claw portion 42 can easily bite into the outer circumferential surface 31 of the insertion opening 3.

[0078] As the insertion opening 3 is moved further in the insertion direction, the entire protruding portion 412 is compressed radially by the inner circumferential surface 21 of the receiving opening 2, as shown in Figure 10. This allows the entire claw portion 42 to bite firmly into the outer circumferential surface 31 of the insertion opening 3. Therefore, movement of the sealing member 4 relative to the insertion opening 3 is further suppressed.

[0079] Furthermore, as the insertion opening 3 is moved in the insertion direction, the insertion force of the insertion opening 3 increases, and this force also increases the force that causes the sealing member 4 to move relative to the insertion opening 3. However, the sealing member 4 is configured such that as the insertion force increases, the claw portion 42 bites firmly into the outer surface 31. Therefore, the movement of the sealing member 4 relative to the insertion opening 3 can be suppressed.

[0080] When the insertion opening 3 is moved further in the insertion direction, the protruding portion 412 is inserted into the sealing member groove 23, as shown in Figure 11. This releases the compression of the protruding portion 412. Therefore, the state in which the claw portion 42 is pushed radially inward is released. Thus, the state in which the claw portion 42 is strongly bitten into the outer circumferential surface 31 of the insertion opening 3 is released. Note that the state in which the claw portion 42 is strongly bitten into the outer circumferential surface 31 of the insertion opening 3 is released includes a state in which the claw portion 42 is not bitten into the outer circumferential surface 31 of the insertion opening 3 at all, and a state in which a part of the claw portion 42 is bitten into the outer circumferential surface 31 of the insertion opening 3.

[0081] Through the above steps, the sealing member 4 is attached between the inner circumferential surface 21 of the receiving opening 2 and the outer circumferential surface 31 of the insertion opening 3.

[0082] With the sealing member 4 attached between the inner circumferential surface 21 of the receiving opening 2 and the outer circumferential surface 31 of the insertion opening 3, the claw portion 42 is released from being tightly bitten into the outer circumferential surface 31 of the insertion opening 3. Therefore, when an external force such as an earthquake is applied, the claw portion 42 can easily detach from the outer circumferential surface of the insertion opening 3. Thus, in the event of an earthquake or the like, the insertion opening 3 and the receiving opening 2 can move relative to each other. Furthermore, when the insertion opening 3 moves relative to the receiving opening 2, the sealing member 4 can move relative to the insertion opening 3, thus preventing it from coming out of the sealing member groove 23.

[0083] As described above, the method for attaching the seal member 4 according to the embodiment of the present invention is an attachment method for attaching the seal member 4 having the above-described configuration between the inner circumferential surface 21 of the receiving port 2 and the outer circumferential surface 31 of the insertion port 3. The method for attaching the seal member 4 includes a seal member placement step of arranging the seal member 4 on the outer circumferential surface 31 of the insertion port 3 such that the claw portion 42 of the seal member 4 is located on the opening 3a side of the insertion port 3, and an insertion port insertion step of inserting the insertion port 3 on which the seal member 4 is placed into the receiving port 2 and pushing one end of the seal portion 41 radially inward with the inner circumferential surface 21 of the receiving port 2 so that the claw portion 42 bites into the outer circumferential surface 31 of the insertion port 3.

[0084] In the method described above, the insertion opening 3 is inserted into the receiving opening 2 with the sealing member 4 attached to the outer circumferential surface 31 of the insertion opening 3. This allows the claw portion 42 to bite into the outer circumferential surface 31 of the insertion opening 3 at the start of insertion. Therefore, a method for attaching the sealing member 4 that can suppress movement of the sealing member 4 relative to the insertion opening 3 when inserting the insertion opening 3 into the receiving opening 2 is provided.

[0085] (Embodiment 2) Next, the joint structure 101 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 12 and 13. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the schematic configuration of the joint structure 101 according to Embodiment 2. Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating the method of attaching the sealing member 4 in the joint structure 101. In this embodiment, the configuration of the socket 102 is different from the configuration of the socket 2 in Embodiment 1. Hereafter, the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as in Embodiment 1, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0086] As shown in Figure 12, the joint structure 101 includes a socket 102, a spigot 3, a sealing member 4, and a pin 106. The socket 102 has a through hole 102b that penetrates the socket 102 radially on the side of the opening 102a side of the groove 123 for the sealing member. The through hole 102b is located on the opening 102a side with respect to the sealing member 4 which is positioned between the inner circumferential surface 121 of the socket 102 and the outer circumferential surface 31 of the spigot 3. A pin 106 is positioned within the through hole 102b so as to be movable in the radial direction. This pin 106 can more reliably prevent the sealing member 4 from coming out from between the inner circumferential surface 121 of the socket 102 and the outer circumferential surface 31 of the spigot 3.

[0087] In this joint structure 101, the method for attaching the sealing member 4 is as shown in Figure 13: first, the pin 106 is positioned radially outward, and then the insertion process is performed. After the insertion process is performed, the pin 106 is moved radially inward.

[0088] This makes it possible to suppress the movement of the sealing member 4 relative to the insertion opening 3 when the insertion opening 3 is inserted into the receiving opening 102, and provides a joint structure 101 and a method for attaching the sealing member 4 in which axial movement of the sealing member 4 relative to the receiving opening 102 is suppressed when the receiving opening 102 and the insertion opening 3 are joined together.

[0089] (Other embodiments) Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the embodiments described above are merely examples for carrying out the present invention. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and it is possible to carry out the invention by appropriately modifying the embodiments described above without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0090] In each of the above embodiments, the seal portion 41 has a seal body portion 411 located on the side of the openings 2a and 102a of the receiving port 2 and 102, and a protruding portion 412 located on the opposite side. However, if the portion of the seal portion that overlaps radially with respect to the claw portion is configured to be compressed radially when the insertion port is inserted into the receiving port, the seal portion does not need to have a protruding portion.

[0091] In each of the above embodiments, a projection 412 located at one end of the sealing portion 41 is inserted into the sealing member groove 23 of the receiving opening 2. However, the sealing portion may have a projection at the other end, for example, and the projection at the other end may be inserted into the sealing member groove.

[0092] In the above embodiment 1, the sealing member 4 has a plurality of claw portions 42. However, the sealing member may have only one claw portion. The single claw portion may be annular or arc-shaped. In Figure 3, the spacing between the plurality of claw portions is uniform. However, the spacing between the plurality of claw portions does not have to be uniform.

[0093] In the above embodiment, the protruding tips of the multiple projections of the claw portion 42 are located radially inward for projections located on one side in the axial direction. However, the protruding tips of the multiple projections of the claw portion may be located at the same position in the radial direction. [Industrial applicability]

[0094] The present invention can be used as a sealing member for sealing the space between the outer circumferential surface of the insertion end of a pipe and the inner circumferential surface of the receiving end of the pipe to be joined to the pipe. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0095] 1.101 Joint Structure 2, 102 socket 2a, 102a opening 3. Insertion port 3a aperture 4. Sealing member 5 lock rings 21, 121 Inner surface 21a The portion of the inner circumferential surface of the receiving opening adjacent to the opening side with respect to the groove for the sealing member. 22 grooves for lock rings 23, 123 Groove for sealing member (groove portion) 23a Bottom 31 Outer surface 32. Insertion port projection 41 Seal part 42 Nail part 102b Through hole 106 pins 411 Seal body 412 Protrusion H1 Radial thickness of the protruding portion H2 Radial length between the bottom surface of the groove for the sealing member of the receiving opening and the outer circumferential surface of the insertion opening H3 The radial length between the portion of the inner circumferential surface of the socket adjacent to the opening side of the groove for the sealing member and the outer circumferential surface of the insertion opening. W1 tube W2 Joined pipe

Claims

1. A sealing member used in a joint structure having a pipe insertion port and a receiving port of a pipe to be joined to the pipe, which seals the space between the outer circumferential surface of the pipe insertion port and the inner circumferential surface of the receiving port of the pipe to be joined, An annular sealing portion made of an elastic material, A claw portion is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of one end of the sealing portion located on the opposite side of the opening of the receiving port, and is positioned between the inner circumferential surface of the receiving port and the outer circumferential surface of the insertion port, and is configured to bite into the outer circumferential surface of the insertion port. Having, Sealing component.

2. In the sealing member according to claim 1, The aforementioned sealing portion is The seal body portion located on the opening side of the receiving port, A protruding portion located on one end side, having a radial thickness greater than the radial thickness of the seal body, and on which the claw portion is fixed to the inner circumferential surface, Having, Sealing component.

3. In the sealing member according to claim 2, The protruding portion is configured to be insertable into a groove provided on the inner circumferential surface of the receiving opening so as to extend in the circumferential direction. Sealing component.

4. In the sealing member according to claim 3, The radial thickness of the protrusion is equal to or less than the radial length between the bottom surface of the groove of the receiving opening and the outer circumferential surface of the insertion opening. Sealing component.

5. In the sealing member according to claim 1, Multiple claw portions are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the sealing portion. Sealing component.

6. The opening of the tube, The receiving end of the pipe to be joined to the aforementioned pipe, A sealing member that seals the space between the outer circumferential surface of the insertion port of the pipe and the inner circumferential surface of the receiving port of the pipe to be joined, It has, The sealing member is An annular sealing portion made of an elastic material, A claw portion fixed on the inner circumferential surface of one end of the sealing portion located on the side opposite to the opening side of the receiving port, It has, When the insertion opening is inserted into the receiving opening, the claw portion bites into the outer surface of the insertion opening, thereby fixing the sealing member to the insertion opening. Joint structure.

7. In the joint structure described in claim 6, The aforementioned socket has a groove on its inner circumferential surface, The aforementioned sealing portion is The seal body portion located on the opening side of the receiving port, A protruding portion located on one end side, having a radial thickness greater than the radial thickness of the seal body, and on its inner circumferential surface the claw portion is fixed; It has, The sealing member is fixed to the receiving opening by inserting the protruding portion into the groove. Joint structure.

8. A mounting method for attaching a sealing member according to any one of claims 1 to 5 between the inner circumferential surface of the receiving opening and the outer circumferential surface of the insertion opening, A sealing member placement step involves arranging the sealing member on the outer circumferential surface of the insertion opening such that the claw portion of the sealing member is located on the opening side of the insertion opening, Insertion step: Insert the insertion opening on which the sealing member is placed into the receiving opening, push one end of the sealing portion radially inward with the inner circumferential surface of the receiving opening, and cause the claw portion to bite into the outer circumferential surface of the insertion opening. Having, Method for installing sealing components.