Connecting structures

Abstract

To facilitate connection. [Solution] The connecting structure comprises a cylindrical body 20, a connecting body 26, and a retaining body 28. The retaining body 28 has a retaining body base 230, an overhanging portion 232, and a retaining body insertion portion 234. The retaining body base 230 is positioned to fit into a retaining body retaining groove. The retaining body retaining groove is a cylindrical body side retaining body insertion groove 90 formed on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 20, or a connecting body side retaining body insertion groove 190 formed on the outer circumferential surface of the connecting body 26. The overhanging portion 232 is connected to the retaining body base 230. The overhanging portion 232 protrudes from the retaining body retaining groove. The retaining body insertion portion 234 is connected to the overhanging portion 232. The retaining body insertion portion 234 is positioned to fit into the retaining body retaining groove.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection structure.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a connection structure in a joint for a flexible pipe. This connection structure includes a joint body, a pressing ring, and a retaining body. The pressing ring enters into a cylindrical body. The retaining body prevents the pressing ring from falling out of the cylindrical body when the pressing ring enters into the cylindrical body. The connection structure disclosed in Patent Document 1 can prevent the pressing ring from falling out of the cylindrical body.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The connection structure disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a problem that the connection between the joint body and the pressing ring may not be easy.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve this problem. Its object is to provide a connection structure that is easy to connect.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The connection structure of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. The use of reference numerals in the drawings in this column is for helping the understanding of the content of the invention. The use of reference numerals in the drawings in this column does not intend to limit the content of the invention to the illustrated scope.

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned objective, according to one aspect of the present invention, the connecting structure comprises a cylindrical body 20, a connecting body 26, and retaining bodies 28,428. At least one end of the connecting body 26 has a columnar shape that can enter the interior of the cylindrical body 20. A cylindrical body-side retaining body fitting groove 90 is formed on the inner surface of the cylindrical body 20. The cylindrical body-side retaining body fitting groove 90 extends in a direction intersecting the direction in which the internal space of the cylindrical body 20 extends. The cylindrical body-side retaining body fitting groove 90 extends so as to surround the internal space of the cylindrical body 20. A connecting body-side retaining body fitting groove 190 is formed on the outer surface of the connecting body 26. The connecting body-side retaining body fitting groove 190 extends so as to surround the outer surface of the connecting body 26. The retaining element fitting groove 190 on the connecting body side extends in the direction in which the cylindrical body side retaining element fitting groove 90 extends when the portion of the connecting body 26 in which the retaining element fitting groove 190 is formed enters the interior of the cylindrical body 20. The retaining elements 28,428 have retaining element bases 230,440, protruding portions 232,442, and retaining element insertion portions 234,444. The retaining element bases 230,440 are positioned to fit into the retaining element retaining grooves. The retaining element retaining groove is either the cylindrical body side retaining element fitting groove 90 or the connecting body side retaining element fitting groove 190. The protruding portions 232 and 442 protrude from the retaining groove so as to fit into the retaining groove 90 on the cylindrical body side and the retaining groove 190 on the connecting body side, whichever is different from the retaining groove. This occurs when the portion of the connecting body 26 in which the retaining groove 190 on the connecting body side is formed enters the interior of the cylindrical body 20. The protruding portions 232 and 442 are connected to the retaining base portions 230 and 440. The retaining insertion portions 234 and 444 are connected to the protruding portions 232 and 442. The retaining insertion portions 234 and 444 are positioned to fit into the retaining groove.

[0008] The retaining body bases 230, 440 and the retaining body insertion parts 234, 444 are positioned to fit into the retaining body retaining groove. The protruding parts 232, 442 connected to these protrude from the retaining body retaining groove so as to fit into the cylindrical body side retaining body insertion groove 90 and the connecting body side retaining body insertion groove 190, whichever is different from the retaining body retaining groove, when described below. This occurs when the portion of the connecting body 26 in which the connecting body side retaining body insertion groove 190 is formed enters the interior of the cylindrical body 20. At that time, both ends of the protruding parts 232, 442 are supported on the inner circumferential surface of the retaining body retaining groove via the retaining body bases 230, 440 and the retaining body insertion parts 234, 444. Retaining bodies 28, 428, which are supported at both ends, are less likely to come out of the retaining body retaining groove compared to when only one end is supported. This reduces the possibility that the connecting body 26 may be hindered from moving through the internal space of the cylindrical body 20 by the detached retaining members 28 and 428. As a result, the connection between the cylindrical body 20 and the connecting body 26, to which it is connected by the retaining members 28 and 428, becomes easier.

[0009] Furthermore, it is desirable that the aforementioned protruding portion 232 has pairs of opposing portions 250, 250, 450, 450 that face each other. In this case, it is desirable that the retaining body insertion portions 234, 444 have one end 252, 452 and the other end 254, 454. The one end 252, 452 is connected to one of the pairs of opposing portions 250, 250, 450, 450. The one end 252, 452 is positioned to fit into the retaining body retaining groove. The other end 254, 454 is connected to the other of the pairs of opposing portions 250, 250, 450, 450. The other end 254, 454 is positioned to fit into the retaining body retaining groove with a gap formed between it and the one end 252, 452.

[0010] The other ends 254, 454 are positioned to fit into the retaining grooves with a gap formed between them and the other ends 252, 452. This allows the distance between pairs of opposing parts 250, 250, 450, 450 to be easily varied. When this distance can be easily varied, the connecting body 26 can enter the interior of the cylindrical body 20 more smoothly than in the case where it cannot. As a result, the connection between the cylindrical body 20 and the connecting body 26, which is connected to it by retaining bodies 28, 428, becomes easier.

[0011] Alternatively, it is desirable that the retaining groove described above be the retaining groove 190 on the connecting body side. In this case, when the pair of opposing parts 250, 250 are fitted into the retaining groove 90 on the cylindrical body side, it is desirable that both of the pair of opposing parts 250, 250 contact the groove bottom 340 of the retaining groove 90 on the cylindrical body side.

[0012] When both pairs of opposing parts 250, 250 are in contact with the groove bottom 340 of the cylindrical body side retaining element fitting groove 90, the retaining element 28 becomes less likely to come out of the cylindrical body side retaining element fitting groove 90 compared to when neither pair of opposing parts 250, 250 is in contact with the groove bottom 340 of the cylindrical body side retaining element fitting groove 90.

[0013] Alternatively, when both of the aforementioned opposing portions 250, 250 are in contact with the groove bottom 340 of the cylindrical body side retaining body fitting groove 90, it is desirable that a gap remains formed between one end 252 and the other end 254.

[0014] When both opposing parts 250, 250 are in contact with the groove bottom 340 of the cylindrical body side retaining element fitting groove 90, a gap remains between one end 252 and the other end 254. In this case, when the opposing parts 250, 250 attempt to fit into the cylindrical body side retaining element fitting groove 90, the gap allows the opposing parts 250, 250 to move closer to each other more easily. If the opposing parts 250, 250 can move closer to each other more easily, it becomes easier for the retaining element 28 to enter the interior of the cylindrical body 20. If it is easier for the retaining element 28 to enter, it becomes easier to connect the cylindrical body 20 with the connecting body 26 to which the retaining element 28 is connected.

[0015] Furthermore, it is desirable that the aforementioned retaining body bases 230, 440 and retaining body insertion portions 234, 444 all contact the bottom of the retaining body holding groove.

[0016] The stopper body bases 230 and 440 and the stopper body insertion portions 234 and 444 all contact the groove bottom of the stopper body holding groove. Thereby, when any of the stopper body bases 230 and 440 and the stopper body insertion portions 234 and 444 drop within the stopper body holding groove, they will not be withdrawn from the stopper body holding groove because the one that is farther from the groove bottom of the stopper body holding groove will not be withdrawn. Since such withdrawal does not occur, the possibility that the connecting body 26 advances with difficulty within the internal space of the cylindrical body 20 along with such withdrawal is suppressed. As a result, the connection between the cylindrical body 20 and the connecting body 26 connected thereto by the stopper body 28 becomes easy.

Advantages of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, a connection structure with easy connection is provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1] It is a view of a pipe joint according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a side view of a cylindrical body according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a side view of a pipe sealing material according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a side view of a pipe engaging portion according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a side view of a connecting body according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a front view of a stopper body according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a view showing the positional relationship between the stopper body and the connecting body side stopper body fitting groove and the cylindrical body side stopper body fitting groove when the stopper body according to the first embodiment of the present invention is fitted in the connecting body side stopper body fitting groove of the connecting body. [Figure 8] It is a view showing a flexible pipe passing through a retainer and a pressing ring in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] It is a view of a pipe joint according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] It is a front view of a stopper body according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] The figure shows the positional relationship between the plugging body and the connecting body side plugging body fitting groove and the cylindrical body side plugging body fitting groove when the plugging body according to the second embodiment of the present invention is fitted into the cylindrical body side plugging body fitting groove of the cylindrical body.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, a pipe joint according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described based on 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 thereof will not be repeated.

[0020] 〈First Embodiment〉 [Description of Structure] The connection structure according to the present embodiment is realized as a part of the pipe joint 10. FIG. 1 is a view of the pipe joint 10 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, a part of the pipe joint 10 is cut away. Based on FIG. 1, the configuration of the pipe joint 10 of the present embodiment will be described.

[0021] The pipe joint 10 according to the present embodiment is connected to the flexible pipe 300. The flexible pipe 300 includes a peak portion 310 extending over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction and a valley portion 312 extending over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction. In the flexible pipe 300, the peak portion 310 and the valley portion 312 are arranged alternately in the direction of the pipe axis 324 shown in FIG. 8. The surface of the peak portion 310 and the surface of the valley portion 312 constitute the outer periphery of the flexible pipe 300. The outer periphery of the flexible pipe 300 is covered by a coating layer 314.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the pipe joint 10 includes a cylindrical body 20, a pipe sealing material 22, a pipe engaging portion 24, a cylindrical connecting body 26, a plugging body 28, an outer peripheral sealing material 30, and a waterproof packing 32.

[0023] A connected body is connected to one end of the cylindrical body 20. An example of the connected body is a socket. In the following description, the connected body is not shown. The tip portion of the flexible pipe 300 is inserted into the other end of the cylindrical body 20.

[0024] In this embodiment, the pipe sealing material 22 is pre-housed inside the cylindrical body 20. When the flexible pipe 300 enters the cylindrical body 20, the pipe sealing material 22 seals the space between the cylindrical body 20 and the outer circumference of the flexible pipe 300. The configuration of the pipe sealing material 22 in this embodiment will be described later.

[0025] The pipe engagement portion 24 is housed inside the cylindrical body 20 as the flexible pipe 300 enters the cylindrical body 20. The pipe engagement portion 24 prevents the flexible pipe 300 from coming out of the cylindrical body 20. The configuration of the pipe engagement portion 24 in this embodiment will be described later.

[0026] In this embodiment, the connecting member 26 is a member for holding one end of the flexible pipe 300. One end of the connecting member 26 enters the cylindrical body 20. In this embodiment, the connecting member 26 also serves as a retaining ring to prevent the pipe engagement portion 24 from coming out of the cylindrical body 20.

[0027] In this embodiment, the retaining member 28 enters the interior of the cylindrical body 20 while fitted onto the connecting member 26. The retaining member 28 prevents the connecting member 26 from falling out of the cylindrical body 20 once the connecting member 26 enters the cylindrical body 20. As a result, the connecting member 26 is connected to the cylindrical body 20. The specific configuration of the retaining member 28 in this embodiment will be described later.

[0028] In this embodiment, the outer sealing material 30 has an annular shape. The cross-section of the outer sealing material 30 is circular. The outer sealing material 30 is made of rubber. When the flexible pipe 300 is connected to the pipe joint 10 according to this embodiment, the outer sealing material 30 is housed inside the cylindrical body 20. The outer sealing material 30 seals the space between the cylindrical body 20 and the outer circumference of the connecting body 26.

[0029] In this embodiment, the waterproof packing 32 is made of EPDM or the like. The cross-section of the waterproof packing 32 is T-shaped. The waterproof packing 32 is pre-placed inside the connecting body 26. The waterproof packing 32 seals the space between the inner circumference of the connecting body 26 and the outer circumference of the coating layer 314. Selective permeable members are embedded in several locations in the circumferential direction of the waterproof packing 32. The shape of the selective permeable members is pin-shaped. The selective permeable members allow gases to pass through but not solids and liquids. This makes gas leak testing possible. The selective permeable members are, for example, members containing a continuous porous membrane or porous bodies having continuous pores. The former continuous porous membrane is obtained by molding tetrafluoroethylene resin powder. The latter porous bodies are obtained by molding from thermoplastic resin powders such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and polymethyl acrylate.

[0030] Figure 2 is a side view of the cylindrical body 20 according to this embodiment. In Figure 2, a part of the cylindrical body 20 is cut out. The configuration of the cylindrical body 20 of this embodiment will be described based on Figures 1 and 2.

[0031] In this embodiment, the cylindrical body 20 has a cylindrical portion and a cylindrical portion whose outer surface is frustoconical. The cylindrical portion has areas on its outer surface where a flat surface is formed and areas where it is not. Therefore, the shape of the cylindrical body 20 in this embodiment is cylindrical. A nut-shaped portion 50 is provided on the outer surface of the cylindrical body 20. The nut-shaped portion 50 is held by a tool such as a wrench. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a connecting portion 52 is provided at one end of the cylindrical body 20. The object to be connected described above is connected to the connecting portion 52. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 52 is a male screw.

[0032] As shown in Figure 2, an inlet 54 for the connecting body 26 is provided at the other end of the cylindrical body 20. The cylindrical body 20 has an inlet passage 56 and a fluid passage 58 on its inner circumferential surface. The inlet passage 56 communicates with the outside of the cylindrical body 20 via the inlet 54. The fluid passage 58 is located behind the inlet passage 56 when viewed from the inlet 54. The inner diameter of the fluid passage 58 is smaller than the outer diameter of the flexible pipe 300. The fluid passage 58 communicates with the outside of the cylindrical body 20 via one end of the cylindrical body 20.

[0033] The access passage 56 includes a connecting body end housing section 70, a seal material retraction section 72, a seal material housing section 74, and an access entrance facing section 76.

[0034] The end housing section 70 of the connecting body is located at the back of the entrance 54 when viewed from the outside of the cylindrical body 20. The end housing section 70 houses one end of the connecting body 26.

[0035] In this embodiment, the end housing portion 70 of the connecting body has a groove 90 for inserting a retaining body on the cylindrical body side. In addition, the end housing portion 70 of the connecting body has a base end housing portion 92 and an arrangement portion 94.

[0036] The cylindrical body side retaining element fitting groove 90 is formed in the connecting body end housing portion 70. In this embodiment, the cylindrical body side retaining element fitting groove 90 extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the internal space of the cylindrical body 20 extends. In this embodiment, the direction in which the tube axis 320 of the cylindrical body 20 extends coincides with the direction in which the internal space of the cylindrical body 20 extends. In addition, the cylindrical body side retaining element fitting groove 90 extends so as to surround the internal space of the cylindrical body 20. The retaining element 28 is fitted into the cylindrical body side retaining element fitting groove 90.

[0037] The base end housing portion 92 is directly connected to the inlet 54. Therefore, the base end housing portion 92 is positioned in front of the cylindrical body side retaining body fitting groove 90 when viewed from the inlet 54. The base end housing portion 92 houses a portion of the connecting body 26 on the base end side. Of the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 20, the part that is sealed between it and the outer circumference of the connecting body 26 by the outer circumferential sealing material 30 is the base end housing portion 92.

[0038] The placement section 94 is positioned at the back of the cylindrical body side retaining element fitting groove 90 when viewed from the entrance 54. The placement section 94 accommodates the pipe engaging section 24. In other words, the pipe engaging section 24 is positioned in the entrance passage 56. In this embodiment, a portion of the pipe sealing material 22 is also pre-positioned in the placement section 94.

[0039] The sealant retraction section 72 is located at the back of the arrangement section 94 when viewed from the entrance 54. The sealant retraction section 72 narrows as it moves away from the arrangement section 94.

[0040] The sealant housing section 74 is located further back than the sealant retraction section 72 when viewed from the entrance 54. The sealant housing section 74 communicates with the placement section 94 via the sealant retraction section 72. The inner diameter of the sealant housing section 74 is smaller than that of the placement section 94.

[0041] The inlet-facing portion 76 is positioned further back than the seal material housing portion 74 when viewed from the inlet 54. The inlet-facing portion 76 faces the inlet 54. The inlet-facing portion 76 prevents the pipe seal material 22 from penetrating the seal material housing portion 74. An opening is formed in the inlet-facing portion 76. The inlet passage 56 and the fluid passage 58 are in communication through this opening.

[0042] Figure 3 is a side view of the pipe sealing material 22 according to this embodiment. In Figure 3, a portion of the pipe sealing material 22 is cut out. The configuration of the pipe sealing material 22 according to this embodiment will be explained based on Figure 3.

[0043] In this embodiment, the pipe sealing material 22 comprises an annular sealing portion 110 made of rubber, a cylindrical body portion 112 made of rubber, an annular penetration prevention portion 114 made of rubber, a metal ring 116, and an annular expanded graphite-containing portion 118.

[0044] In this embodiment, the sealing portion 110 has an annular shape. The sealing portion 110 is connected to the body portion 112 at its inner circumference end. As a result, the sealing portion 110 has the following function: it engages with the valley portion 312 of the flexible pipe 300 as it is drawn into the seal material housing portion 74. When the sealing portion 110 engages with the valley portion 312 of the flexible pipe 300, the space between the peak portion 310 and the valley portion 312 of the flexible pipe 300 and the seal material housing portion 74 is sealed by the sealing portion 110.

[0045] In this embodiment, the shape of the body portion 112 is cylindrical. In this embodiment, the body portion 112 is directly connected to the inner circumference end of the sealing portion 110. The body portion 112 has a predetermined inner diameter into which the flexible pipe 300 can enter. In this embodiment, an outer circumference groove 130 is provided on the outer circumference of the body portion 112.

[0046] As shown in Figure 3, in this embodiment, the penetration prevention portion 114 is directly connected to the end of the body portion 112 opposite to the end connected to the sealing portion 110 on the inner circumference. As a result, the penetration prevention portion 114 in this embodiment protrudes from the inner circumference of the body portion 112 toward its center. At the same time, the penetration prevention portion 114 in this embodiment protrudes into the space surrounded by the body portion 112. The penetration prevention portion 114 prevents the flexible pipe 300 from penetrating the body portion 112. In this embodiment, the inner circumference of the penetration prevention portion 114 is provided with a plurality of radially arranged inner grooves 132.

[0047] In this embodiment, the ring 116 is positioned within the penetration prevention portion 114. In this embodiment, the ring 116 reinforces the penetration prevention portion 114. The ring 116 in this embodiment has a plurality of holes arranged radially.

[0048] In this embodiment, the expanded graphite-containing portion 118 is provided on the outer surface of the penetration-preventing portion 114. The expanded graphite-containing portion 118 contains expanded graphite.

[0049] Figure 4 is a side view of the pipe engagement portion 24 according to this embodiment. In Figure 4, a part of the pipe engagement portion 24 is cut out. Based on Figure 4, the configuration of the pipe engagement portion 24 of this embodiment will be explained.

[0050] The pipe engagement portion 24 according to this embodiment includes a retainer 150 and a sealing material opposing body 152.

[0051] The retainer 150 is engageable with the flexible pipe 300. In this embodiment, the outer shape of the retainer 150 is substantially cylindrical. In this embodiment, the retainer 150 has claw portions 170, 170, 170.

[0052] In this embodiment, the sealant opposing body 152 is pre-positioned in the placement section 94. The sealant opposing body 152 is positioned in the placement section 94 closer to the sealant housing section 74 than the retainer 150, and is positioned to face the pipe sealant 22. The flexible pipe 300, which has entered the cylindrical body 20, can pass through the sealant opposing body 152. As is clear from Figure 4, in this embodiment, the retainer 150 is a separate component from the sealant opposing body 152.

[0053] Figure 5 is a side view of the connecting body 26 according to this embodiment. In Figure 5, a part of the connecting body 26 is cut out. The configuration of the connecting body 26 of this embodiment will be explained based on Figure 5.

[0054] In this embodiment, the connecting body 26 has a cylindrical portion and a tubular portion whose outer surface is frustoconical. Therefore, the shape of the connecting body 26 in this embodiment is tubular. In addition, the shape of the outer surface of the portion of the connecting body 26 that enters the tubular body 20 is columnar. The flexible pipe 300 can pass through the connecting body 26. The connecting body 26 has a connecting body side retaining member fitting groove 190, a connecting body side sealing material housing groove 192, and a base end sealing material housing groove 194.

[0055] The retaining element fitting groove 190 on the connecting body side is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the connecting body 26. The retaining element fitting groove 190 extends so as to surround the outer circumferential surface of the connecting body 26. The retaining element fitting groove 190 also extends in a direction perpendicular to the pipe axis 322 of the connecting body 26. Therefore, the retaining element fitting groove 190 also follows the direction described below. This direction is the direction in which the retaining element fitting groove 90 on the cylindrical body side extends when the portion of the connecting body 26 in which the retaining element fitting groove 190 is formed enters the interior of the cylindrical body 20. The retaining element 28 is fitted into the retaining element fitting groove 190 on the connecting body side.

[0056] The outer seal material 30 fits into the seal material housing groove 192 on the connecting body side. The base end seal material housing groove 194 is formed to surround the flexible pipe 300 when the tip portion of the flexible pipe 300 penetrates the connecting body 26. The waterproof packing 32 fits into the base end seal material housing groove 194.

[0057] In this embodiment, the connecting body 26 has a tapered portion 210. The tapered portion 210 is located at the end that enters the interior of the cylindrical body 20. The outer diameter of the tapered portion 210 increases as it moves away from the end that enters the interior of the cylindrical body 20.

[0058] Figure 6 is a front view of the retaining element 28 according to this embodiment. The configuration of the retaining element 28 according to this embodiment will be explained based on Figure 6.

[0059] The retaining body 28 according to this embodiment is made by bending a well-known wire material with a circular cross-section into an elliptical shape. The retaining body 28 according to this embodiment has a retaining body base portion 230, a protruding portion 232, and a retaining body insertion portion 234. In this embodiment, the retaining body base portion 230 serves as a base for holding the protruding portion 232. The protruding portion 232 is connected to the retaining body base portion 230. The protruding portion 232 extends from the retaining body insertion groove 190 on the connecting body side. The retaining body insertion portion 234 is connected to the protruding portion 232. The retaining body insertion portion 234 is positioned to fit into the retaining body insertion groove 190 on the connecting body side.

[0060] In this embodiment, the protruding portion 232 has a pair of opposing portions 250, 250 that face each other. In this embodiment, one of the pairs of opposing portions 250, 250 is curved so as to be convex in a direction away from the other of the pairs of opposing portions 250, 250. Similarly, the other of the pairs of opposing portions 250, 250 is curved so as to be convex in a direction away from the one of the pairs of opposing portions 250, 250.

[0061] In this embodiment, the retaining body insertion portion 234 has one end 252 and the other end 254. The one end 252 is connected to one of the pair of opposing portions 250, 250. The other end 254 is connected to the other of the pair of opposing portions 250, 250. The other end 254 forms a gap between itself and the one end 252.

[0062] Figure 7 shows the positional relationship between the retaining body 28, the connecting body-side retaining body fitting groove 190, and the cylindrical body-side retaining body fitting groove 90 when the retaining body 28 according to this embodiment is fitted into the connecting body-side retaining body fitting groove 190 of the connecting body 26. In Figure 7, the cross-section of the connecting body-side retaining body fitting groove 190 and the cross-section of the cylindrical body-side retaining body fitting groove 90 are shown by dashed lines. Based on Figure 7, the requirements for the shape of the retaining body 28 in this embodiment will be explained.

[0063] In this embodiment, the retaining groove is the retaining groove 190 on the connecting body side. Therefore, in this embodiment, the retaining base 230 is positioned to fit into the retaining groove 190 on the connecting body side. Moreover, in this embodiment, the retaining base 230 contacts the groove bottom 342 of the retaining groove 190 on the connecting body side. In addition, in this embodiment, the outer circumferential surface of the retaining base 230 does not protrude from the groove edge 362 of the retaining groove 190 on the connecting body side.

[0064] In this embodiment, both the one end 252 and the other end 254 are positioned to fit into the retaining element fitting groove 190 on the connecting body side. That is, in this embodiment, the retaining element fitting portion 234 is positioned to fit into the retaining element fitting groove 190 on the connecting body side. At that time, the other end 254 is positioned to fit into the retaining element fitting groove 190 on the connecting body side with a gap formed between it and the one end 252. Similar to the retaining element base portion 230, both the one end 252 and the other end 254 also contact the groove bottom 342 of the retaining element fitting groove 190 on the connecting body side. In addition, in this embodiment, the outer edges of the one end 252 and the other end 254 do not protrude from the groove edge 362 of the retaining element fitting groove 190 on the connecting body side.

[0065] As described above, due to the arrangement, when no force is applied to the retaining body 28 in this embodiment, the minor axis of the ellipse that the inner circumferential surface of the retaining body 28 contacts is less than or equal to the diameter of the groove bottom 342 of the retaining body fitting groove 190 on the connecting body side. When no force is applied to the retaining body 28 in this embodiment, the minor axis of the ellipse that the outer circumferential surface of the retaining body 28 contacts is less than or equal to the diameter of the groove edge 362 of the retaining body fitting groove 190 on the connecting body side.

[0066] In this embodiment, the retaining body base 230 and the retaining body insertion portion 234 are arranged to fit into the retaining body insertion groove 190 on the connecting body side, while both opposing portions 250, 250 protrude from the retaining body insertion groove 190 on the connecting body side. That is, in this embodiment, the protruding portion 232 protrudes from the retaining body insertion groove 190 on the connecting body side.

[0067] In this embodiment, when the portion of the connecting body 26 in which the connecting body side retaining element fitting groove 190 is formed enters the interior of the cylindrical body 20, the opposing portion 250, 250 protrudes sufficiently so that it can fit into the cylindrical body side retaining element fitting groove 90. To achieve this, when no force is applied to the retaining element 28 in this embodiment, the major axis of the ellipse in which the outer surface of the retaining element 28 makes contact exceeds the diameter of the groove edge 360 ​​of the cylindrical body side retaining element fitting groove 90. In this embodiment, the major axis exceeds the diameter of the groove bottom 340 of the cylindrical body side retaining element fitting groove 90. As a result, when the opposing portion 250, 250 is fitted into the cylindrical body side retaining element fitting groove 90, the most convex portion of each of the opposing portion 250, 250 contacts the groove bottom 340 of the cylindrical body side retaining element fitting groove 90. In this embodiment, when no force is applied to the retaining body 28, the difference between the major axis of the ellipse in contact with the outer surface of the retaining body 28 and the diameter of the groove bottom 340 of the retaining body fitting groove 90 on the cylindrical body side is smaller than the distance between one end 252 and the other end 254 when no force is applied to the retaining body 28. Therefore, even when the retaining body 28 is compressed into the base end housing portion 92 of the cylindrical body 20 when the connecting body 26 enters the cylindrical body 20, the risk of one end 252 and the other end 254 coming into contact with each other is reduced. Because this risk is reduced, the retaining body 28 is compressed smoothly.

[0068] [Instructions on how to connect] Next, a method for connecting a predetermined flexible pipe 300 to the pipe joint 10 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0069] A pipe seal material 22 is pre-placed in the cylindrical body 20 from the seal material housing section 74 to the placement section 94. Of the pipe seal material 22, the expanded graphite-containing section 118, the penetration prevention section 114, and the body section 112 are placed in the seal material housing section 74. Of the pipe seal material 22, the sealing action section 110 is placed in the placement section 94. The seal material opposing body 152 of the pipe engagement section 24 is also pre-placed in the placement section 94. A waterproof packing 32 is fitted into the base end seal material housing groove 194 of the connecting body 26. An outer peripheral seal material 30 is fitted into the connecting body side seal material housing groove 192 of the connecting body 26. A retaining body 28 is fitted into the connecting body side retaining body fitting groove 190 of the connecting body 26.

[0070] The worker removes a predetermined portion of the coating layer 314 of the flexible pipe 300 at its end using a well-known method. In this embodiment, six peaks 310 of the coating layer 314 are removed and exposed. Next, the worker passes the connecting body 26 through the flexible pipe 300. As a result, the tip of the flexible pipe 300 protrudes from the tapered portion 210 of the connecting body 26.

[0071] Next, the worker fits the claws 170, 170, 170 of the retainer 150 into the valleys 312 of the flexible pipe 300. In this way, the retainer 150 is fitted onto the flexible pipe 300. In this embodiment, at this point, the three peaks 310 are exposed from the end of the retainer 150. As the claws 170, 170, 170 of the retainer 150 are fitted onto the flexible pipe 300, the retainer 150 catches on the outer surface of the flexible pipe 300. Once the claws 170, 170, 170 of the retainer 150 are fitted onto the flexible pipe 300, the worker brings the connecting body 26 into contact with the retainer 150. Figure 8 shows the flexible pipe 300 passing through the retainer 150 and the connecting body 26. In Figure 8, parts of them are cut out.

[0072] Next, the worker inserts the flexible pipe 300, along with the retainer 150 and connector 26, into the entry passage 56 of the cylindrical body 20. The flexible pipe 300 then moves further into the cylindrical body 20.

[0073] The flexible pipe 300, having advanced to the back of the cylindrical body 20, passes through the sealing portion 110 of the pipe sealing material 22, enters the body portion 112, and then abuts against the penetration prevention portion 114.

[0074] As the flexible pipe 300, which has abutted against the penetration prevention portion 114, continues to advance, the body portion 112 of the pipe sealing material 22 and the penetration prevention portion 114 move together with the flexible pipe 300 to the back of the cylindrical body 20. As they move further into the back of the cylindrical body 20, the sealing portion 110 moves from within the placement portion 94 to the sealing material housing portion 74 and is housed there. As the sealing portion 110 is housed in the sealing material housing portion 74 together with the flexible pipe 300, it engages with the valley portion 312 of the flexible pipe 300.

[0075] As the flexible pipe 300 continues to advance, with the sealing portion 110 engaging with the valley portion 312, the entire pipe sealing material 22 is housed within the sealing material housing portion 74. Consequently, the engagement of the sealing portion 110 with the valley portion 312 of the flexible pipe 300 is completed.

[0076] As the pipe sealing material 22 is accommodated, the retaining body 28 is fitted into the retaining body fitting groove 90 on the cylindrical body side of the cylindrical body 20. The outer sealing material 30 seals the space between the inner surface of the cylindrical body 20 and the outer surface of the connecting body 26. This completes the connection of the flexible pipe 300 to the pipe joint 10 according to this embodiment.

[0077] [Effects of the flexible pipe joint according to this embodiment] In the pipe joint 10 according to this embodiment, the pair of opposing portions 250, 250 protrude from the retaining body fitting groove 190 on the connecting body side. As a result, both ends of the opposing portion 250 are supported on the inner circumferential surface of the retaining body fitting groove 190 on the connecting body side via the retaining body base portion 230 and the retaining body insertion portion 234. The opposing portion 250, supported at both ends, is less likely to come out of the retaining body fitting groove 190 on the connecting body side compared to the case where only one end is supported. As a result, the possibility that the connecting body 26 will be hindered by the detached retaining body 28 and have difficulty moving through the internal space of the cylindrical body 20 is reduced. Consequently, the connection between the cylindrical body 20 and the connecting body 26 connected to it by the retaining body 28 becomes easier.

[0078] <Second Embodiment> [Explanation of structure] Figure 9 is a diagram of the pipe joint 410 according to this embodiment. In Figure 9, a part of the pipe joint 410 is cut out. Based on Figure 9, the configuration of the pipe joint 10 of this embodiment will be explained.

[0079] As shown in Figure 9, the pipe joint 410 comprises a cylindrical body 20, a pipe sealing material 22, a pipe engaging portion 24, a connecting body 26, a retaining body 428, an outer peripheral sealing material 30, and a waterproof packing 32.

[0080] In this embodiment, the retaining member 428 is pre-fitted into the retaining member fitting groove 90 on the cylindrical body side of the cylindrical body 20. The retaining member 428 prevents the connecting member 26 from falling out of the cylindrical body 20 when the connecting member 26 enters the cylindrical body 20. As a result, the connecting member 26 is connected to the cylindrical body 20.

[0081] Figure 10 is a front view of the retaining element 428 according to this embodiment. The configuration of the retaining element 428 according to this embodiment will be described based on Figure 10.

[0082] The retaining body 428 according to this embodiment is made by bending a well-known wire material with a circular cross-section into an elliptical shape. The retaining body 428 according to this embodiment has a retaining body base 440, a protruding portion 442, and a retaining body insertion portion 444. In this embodiment, the retaining body base 440 serves as a base for holding the protruding portion 442. The protruding portion 442 is connected to the retaining body base 440. The protruding portion 442 extends from the cylindrical body side retaining body insertion groove 90. The retaining body insertion portion 444 is connected to the protruding portion 442. The retaining body insertion portion 444 is positioned to fit into the cylindrical body side retaining body insertion groove 90.

[0083] In this embodiment, the protruding portion 442 has a pair of opposing portions 450, 450 that face each other. In this embodiment, one of the pairs of opposing portions 450, 450 is curved so as to be convex in a direction away from the other of the pairs of opposing portions 450, 450. Similarly, the other of the pairs of opposing portions 450, 450 is curved so as to be convex in a direction away from one of the pairs of opposing portions 450, 450.

[0084] In this embodiment, the retaining body insertion portion 444 has one end 452 and the other end 454. The one end 452 is connected to one of the pair of opposing portions 450, 450. The other end 454 is connected to the other of the pair of opposing portions 450, 450. The other end 454 forms a gap between itself and the one end 452.

[0085] Figure 11 shows the positional relationship between the retaining body 428, the connecting body side retaining body fitting groove 190, and the cylindrical body side retaining body fitting groove 90 when the retaining body 428 according to this embodiment is fitted into the cylindrical body side retaining body fitting groove 90 of the cylindrical body 20. In Figure 11, the cross-sections of the connecting body side retaining body fitting groove 190 and the cylindrical body side retaining body fitting groove 90 are shown by dashed lines. Based on Figure 11, the requirements for the shape of the retaining body 428 in this embodiment will be explained.

[0086] In this embodiment, the retaining groove is the cylindrical body side retaining groove 90. Therefore, in this embodiment, the retaining base 440 is positioned to fit into the cylindrical body side retaining groove 90. Moreover, in this embodiment, the retaining base 440 contacts the groove bottom 340 of the cylindrical body side retaining groove 90. In addition, in this embodiment, the inner circumferential surface of the retaining base 440 does not protrude from the groove edge 360 ​​of the cylindrical body side retaining groove 90.

[0087] In this embodiment, both the one end 452 and the other end 454 are positioned to fit into the cylindrical body side retaining element fitting groove 90. That is, in this embodiment, the retaining element fitting portion 444 is positioned to fit into the cylindrical body side retaining element fitting groove 90. At that time, the other end 454 is positioned to fit into the cylindrical body side retaining element fitting groove 90 with a gap formed between it and the one end 452. Similar to the retaining element base portion 440, both the one end 452 and the other end 454 also contact the groove bottom 340 of the cylindrical body side retaining element fitting groove 90. In addition, in this embodiment, the outer edges of the one end 452 and the other end 454 do not protrude from the groove edge 360 ​​of the cylindrical body side retaining element fitting groove 90.

[0088] In this embodiment, the retaining body base 440 and the retaining body insertion portion 444 are arranged to fit into the retaining body insertion groove 90 on the cylindrical body side, while the opposing portions 450, 450 both protrude from the retaining body insertion groove 90 on the cylindrical body side. That is, in this embodiment, the protruding portion 442 protrudes from the retaining body insertion groove 90 on the cylindrical body side into the internal space of the cylindrical body 20.

[0089] In this embodiment, when the portion of the connecting body 26 in which the connecting body side retaining element fitting groove 190 is formed enters the interior of the cylindrical body 20, the pair of opposing portions 450, 450 protrude sufficiently so that they can fit into the connecting body side retaining element fitting groove 190. To achieve this, when the retaining element base portion 440 and the retaining element insertion portion 444 are fitted into the cylindrical body side retaining element fitting groove 90, the maximum distance between the opposing surfaces of the pair of opposing portions 450, 450 is greater than the diameter of the tip of the tapered portion 210 of the connecting body 26 and less than or equal to the diameter of the groove edge 362 of the connecting body side retaining element fitting groove 190. As a result, when the pair of opposing portions 450, 450 are fitted into the cylindrical body side retaining element fitting groove 90, the most convex portions of each of the pair of opposing portions 450, 450 contact the groove bottom 342 of the connecting body side retaining element fitting groove 190.

[0090] The configuration of the pipe joint 410, other than the retaining element 428, is the same as that of the pipe joint 10 in the first embodiment. Therefore, a detailed description of them will not be repeated here.

[0091] [Instructions on how to connect] The method for connecting a predetermined flexible pipe 300 to the pipe joint 410 according to this embodiment is the same as the pipe joint 10 according to the first embodiment, except for the following point: the retaining body 428 is pre-fitted into the retaining body fitting groove 90 on the cylindrical body side of the cylindrical body 20, and the sealing material opposing body 152 is pre-advanced beyond the cylindrical body side retaining body fitting groove 90 when viewed from the position of the inlet 54.

[0092] The connecting body 26 enters the interior of the cylindrical body 20 without the retaining body 428 being fitted into place. As the connecting body 26 advances inside the cylindrical body 20, the retainer 150 pushes aside the retaining body 428. Subsequently, the tapered portion 210 of the connecting body 26 pushes aside the opposing portions 450, 450 of the retaining body 428. The pushed-aside pair of opposing portions 450, 450 then fit into the retaining body fitting groove 90 on the cylindrical body side.

[0093] [Effects of the flexible pipe joint according to this embodiment] In the pipe joint 410 according to this embodiment, as with the pipe joint 10 according to the first embodiment, the connection between the cylindrical body 20 and the connecting body 26 that enters its interior is made easier.

[0094] <Explanation of variations> The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects. The scope of the present invention is not limited based on the embodiments described above, and various design modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0095] For example, the shape of the retaining element according to the present invention is not limited to those described above. More specifically, the shape of the retaining element according to the present invention may be an elliptical ring without any breaks. The shape of the opposing part may be linear. In that case, it is desirable that the pair of opposing parts be spaced apart from each other so that the tip portion of the connecting body 26 can separate and penetrate them. The connecting structure according to the present invention can be realized as various objects comprising a cylindrical body and a connecting body whose at least one end enters the interior of the cylindrical body and is connected by a retaining element. Naturally, the connecting structure according to the present invention can be realized as various types of joints comprising a cylindrical body and a connecting body whose at least one end enters the interior of the cylindrical body and is connected by a retaining element. In addition, the connecting structure according to the present invention may, for example, comprise a cylindrical body that is rectangular in shape and a connecting body whose outer surface is rectangular in shape. In that case, the shape of the retaining element may be polygonal. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0096] 10,410... Pipe fittings 20...Cylindrical body 22... Pipe sealing material 24... Pipe engagement part 26…Connection body 28,428… Removal body 30…Peripheral sealing material 32... Waterproof gasket 50... Nut-shaped part 52...Connection part 54...Entrance 56... Approach road 58...Fluid path 70...Connecting body end housing 72...Sealant insertion section 74... Sealing material storage section 76…Entrance Opposite Part 90... Retaining groove on the side of the cylindrical body 92... Base end housing 94…Arrangement section 110...Sealing part 112... Torso 114...Penetration prevention part 116... Circular 118...Expanded graphite-containing portion 130... Outer perimeter groove 132... Inner circumferential groove 150... Retainer 152...Sealant opposing body 170... Nail area 190... Removal groove on the connecting body side 192...Connecting body side seal material housing groove 194…Base end seal material receiving groove 210...Tapered section 230,440... Base of the retaining body 232,442…Protrusion 234,444…Removal prevention body insertion part 250,450… Opposite section 252,452… one end 254,454...Other end 300... Flexible pipe 310... Yamabe 312... Tanibe 314…Covering layer 320,322,324…tube shaft 340,342…groove bottom 360,362… groove edge

Claims

1. A cylindrical body, A connecting body having a columnar shape at least one end of which is capable of entering the interior of the cylindrical body, A connecting structure comprising a retaining element, A retaining element fitting groove is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body, extending in a direction intersecting the direction in which the internal space of the cylindrical body extends and extending so as to surround the internal space of the cylindrical body. A connecting member side retaining member fitting groove is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the connecting member, extending so as to surround the outer circumferential surface of the connecting member. The retaining element fitting groove on the connecting body side extends along the direction in which the retaining element fitting groove on the cylindrical body side extends when the portion of the connecting body in which the retaining element fitting groove on the connecting body side is formed enters the interior of the cylindrical body. The retaining body, A retaining body base is positioned to fit into the retaining body holding groove, which is the retaining body fitting groove on the cylindrical body side or the retaining body fitting groove on the connecting body side, When the portion of the connecting body in which the connecting body side retaining body fitting groove is formed enters the interior of the cylindrical body, the connecting body side retaining body fitting groove and the connecting body side retaining body fitting groove are fitted into the opposite side of the retaining body retaining groove, and the protruding portion is connected to the base of the retaining body, A connecting structure characterized by having a retaining body fitting portion that is connected to the protruding portion and is arranged to fit into the retaining body retaining groove.

2. The aforementioned protruding portion has a pair of opposing portions that face each other, The retaining body insertion portion is, One end portion is connected to one of the pair of opposing portions and is positioned to fit into the retaining groove of the retaining body, The connecting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that it has the other end connected to the other of the pair of opposing parts, and the other end being arranged to fit into the retaining groove with a gap formed between it and the one end.

3. The retaining groove is the retaining groove on the connecting body side, The connecting structure according to claim 2, characterized in that when the pair of opposing parts are fitted into the retaining element fitting groove on the cylindrical body side, both of the pair of opposing parts contact the bottom of the groove of the retaining element fitting groove on the cylindrical body side.

4. The connecting structure according to claim 3, characterized in that when both of the opposing portions are in contact with the bottom of the groove of the retaining body fitting groove on the cylindrical body side, the gap remains formed between the one end and the other end.

5. The connecting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that both the retaining body base and the retaining body insertion portion are in contact with the bottom of the retaining body holding groove.

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