Pipe fittings

Abstract

To provide a pipe joint that can prevent the pipe fastener from moving from its temporary tightening position during transportation. [Solution] The pipe joint according to this disclosure comprises a cylindrical body into which a pipe can be inserted, and a pipe fixing device attached to the body and movable in the axial direction between a fixed position and a temporary tightening position. The body is provided with a male threaded portion, and the pipe fixing device is provided with a female threaded portion that can be connected to the male threaded portion. One of the body and the pipe fixing device has a movement restricting portion that protrudes toward the other. The movement restricting portion contacts the other of the body and the pipe fixing device to restrict the movement of the pipe fixing device from the temporary tightening position.

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a pipe joint for connecting a pipe to another pipe, equipment or the like. [[Background Art]]

[0002] The pipe joint described in Patent Document 1 includes a cylindrical main body having a male threaded portion provided on an outer peripheral surface thereof, and a pipe fixture (nut) having a female threaded portion connectable to the male threaded portion. The main body has an insertion end into which a pipe can be inserted. A stopper (ferrule) is provided in the internal space of the pipe fixing portion, the stopper being positioned adjacent to the insertion end in the axial direction of the main body when the pipe fixture is attached to the main body. When the pipe fixture is tightened and moves in the axial direction of the main body, the stopper is sandwiched between the pipe fixture and the insertion end, deforms inward, and bites into the pipe. Thereby, the pipe is fixed to the pipe joint. [[Prior Art Literature]] [[Patent Literature]]

[0003] [[Patent Document 1]] Japanese Patent No. 6012823 [[Summary of the Invention]] [[Problem to be Solved by the Invention]]

[0004] The pipe joint described in Patent Document 1 is shipped, for example, with the pipe fixture temporarily tightened to the main body for the purpose of suppressing scratches on the contact surface of the main body with the pipe (for example, the inner peripheral surface of the main body) and the stopper. However, the pipe fixture may unintentionally loosen or tighten from the position at the time of temporary tightening due to micro-vibration during transportation of the pipe joint. That is, the pipe fixture may unintentionally move in the axial direction.

[0005] When a pipe fastener moves axially, friction occurs at the contact point between the main body and the pipe fastener, which may cause scratches or metal powder to be generated due to wear at the contact point. These scratches and metal powder may lead to poor fastening of the pipe fastener or leakage of fluid through the pipe.

[0006] Therefore, the present disclosure aims to provide a pipe fitting that can prevent the pipe fastener from moving from its temporary fastening position during transport. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A pipe fitting in one aspect of this disclosure is A cylindrical body having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, into which a pipe can be inserted via the first end, An annular pipe fixing device attached to the outer circumferential surface of the main body, which is movable in the axial direction of the main body between a fixing position for fixing the pipe to the main body and a temporary tightening position further from the second end than the fixing position, Equipped with, The outer surface of the main body is provided with a male threaded portion for attaching the pipe fixing device. The inner circumferential surface of the pipe fixing device is provided with a female thread that can be connected to the male thread, The main body and the pipe fixing device have a movement restricting portion that protrudes radially toward the other of the main body and the pipe fixing device. The top of the movement restricting portion is located inward in the radial direction from the top of the male thread portion or the female thread portion provided on either the main body or the pipe fixing device. The movement restricting portion contacts the main body and the other of the pipe fixing device to restrict the movement of the pipe fixing device from the temporary fastening position to other positions. It is structured in this way. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, it is possible to prevent the pipe fastener from moving from its temporary tightening position during the transportation of pipe fittings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a side view of the pipe joint related to this disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the pipe fitting along the XY plane. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a pipe fitting. [Figure 4] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of Figure 2, illustrating the state in which the pipe fastener is in a temporarily tightened position. [Figure 5] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of Figure 4. [Figure 6] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 5, showing the pipe fixing device in its fixed position. [Figure 7] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of Figure 5. [Figure 8] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of Figure 5. [Figure 9] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 5, showing the state when the pipe fastener is tightened to the temporary fastening position. [Figure 10] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 8, showing the state in which the pipe fastener is positioned between the temporary tightening position and the fixed position. [Figure 11] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 8, showing modified examples of the movement restricting section, the first wall section, and the second wall section. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] According to the first aspect of this disclosure, A cylindrical body extending axially, having a first end into which a pipe can be inserted, and a second end opposite to the first end, An annular pipe fixing device attached to the outer circumferential surface of the main body, which is movable in the axial direction between a fixing position for fixing the pipe to the main body and a temporary tightening position further from the second end than the fixing position, Equipped with, An external thread portion for attaching the pipe fixture to the main body is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the main body, An internal thread portion connectable to the external thread portion is provided on an inner peripheral surface of the pipe fixture, One of the main body and the pipe fixture includes a movement restricting portion protruding toward the other of the main body and the pipe fixture in a radial direction of the main body, the movement restricting portion contacts the other of the main body and the pipe fixture to restrict movement of the pipe fixture from the temporary tightening position to another position, there is provided a pipe joint.

[0011] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the other of the main body and the pipe fixture includes a first wall portion protruding toward one of the main body and the pipe fixture in the radial direction, when the pipe fixture is at the temporary tightening position, the first wall portion is provided at a position farther from the first end portion than the movement restricting portion, adjacent to the movement restricting portion in the axial direction, the movement restricting portion contacts the first wall portion to restrict movement of the pipe fixture from the temporary tightening position to another position, there is provided the pipe joint according to the first aspect.

[0012] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, the other of the main body and the pipe fixture includes a second wall portion protruding toward one of the main body and the pipe fixture in the radial direction, when the pipe fixture is at the temporary tightening position, the second wall portion is provided at a position closer to the first end portion than the movement restricting portion, adjacent to the movement restricting portion in the axial direction, the movement restricting portion contacts the second wall portion to restrict movement of the pipe fixture from the temporary tightening position to another position, there is provided the pipe joint according to the first or second aspect.

[0013] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, The movement restricting portion is provided on the main body and protrudes radially toward the pipe fixing device, The movement restricting portion is located between the male thread portion and the first end when the pipe fixing device is in the temporary tightening position. The top of the movement restricting portion is located inward in the radial direction from the top of the threads provided in the female thread portion when the pipe fixing device is attached to the main body. The present invention provides a pipe fitting described in any one of the first to third embodiments.

[0014] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the pipe joint according to any one of the first to fourth aspects is provided, wherein the movement restricting portion has an inclined surface that is inclined to move toward the other body and the pipe fixing device as it moves away from the first end in the axial direction.

[0015] According to the sixth aspect of this disclosure, The pipe fixing device further comprises an annular stopper provided in the internal space of the pipe fixing device and positioned adjacent to the first end in the axial direction, The aforementioned pipe fixing device is A stopper propulsion unit is provided so as to sandwich the stopper between itself and the first end in the axial direction, and is capable of contacting the stopper. A stopper restricting portion that protrudes from the inner circumferential surface, contacts the stopper, and restricts the movement of the stopper in the axial direction, It has, The stopper is configured to be sandwiched between the stopper thrust portion and the first end when the pipe fixing device moves to the fixing position, thereby deforming or displacing inward in the radial direction and fixing the pipe. The present invention provides a pipe fitting described in any one of the first to fifth embodiments.

[0016] According to a seventh aspect of this disclosure, the pipe joint according to the sixth aspect is provided, wherein the outer edge of the first end is located radially inward from the top of the stopper restricting portion.

[0017] According to the eighth aspect of this disclosure, The pipe fixing device is configured to tighten the pipe as it approaches the second end, The outer circumferential surface of the main body is provided with a position indicator that shows the position of the pipe fixing device in the axial direction. The pipe fixing device has an open end that can be positioned to overlap with the position indicator in the radial direction of the main body by moving the pipe fixing device, The outer circumferential surface of the pipe fixing device extends in the axial direction from the opening end and has an inclined surface that is inclined inward with respect to the axial direction as it approaches the second end in the axial direction. The present invention provides a pipe fitting described in any one of the first to seventh embodiments.

[0018] An example of this disclosure is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description is essentially illustrative and is not intended to limit this disclosure, its applications, or its uses. The accompanying drawings are schematic, and the proportions of the dimensions may not necessarily correspond to those of reality. Some of the accompanying drawings show mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z axes, but these axes are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit this disclosure.

[0019] <Embodiment> The pipe joint 1 according to this embodiment is a pipe joint for connecting two pipes in series. These pipes are, for example, copper pipes through which refrigerant supplied to an air conditioner flows.

[0020] Figure 1 is a side view of the pipe joint according to this disclosure. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the pipe joint in Figure 1 along the XY plane. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the pipe joint in Figure 1.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1, the pipe fitting 1 comprises a cylindrical body 2 extending along the X direction and two annular pipe fasteners 3 attached to the body 2 so as to be movable in the X direction. The X direction corresponds to the "axial direction of the body" in this disclosure. The body 2 and the pipe fasteners 3 are made of, for example, metal.

[0022] The main body 2 is into which the pipe connected to the pipe fitting 1 is inserted. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the main body 2 is substantially cylindrical with respect to a virtual central axis V1 and has an inner diameter into which the pipe can be inserted. In this embodiment, the main body 2 and the pipe fixing device 3 each have a shape that is rotationally symmetric with respect to the virtual central axis V1.

[0023] As shown in Figure 2, the main body 2 has a first end 21 which is the +X side (upper side in Figure 2) and a second end 22 which is opposite to the first end 21. The first end 21 and the second end 22 are both open, and two pipes can be inserted through the first end 21 and the second end 22.

[0024] The main body 2 has an inner circumferential surface 2a and an outer circumferential surface 2b. The inner circumferential surface 2a is provided with a contact portion 23 against which the pipe inserted into the main body 2 abuts. The contact portion 23 is located in the central part of the main body 2 in the X direction and protrudes annularly from the inner circumferential surface 2a. The outer circumferential surface 2b is provided with a nut portion 24 for attaching a tool such as a wrench when using the pipe fitting 1.

[0025] The nut portion 24 is located in the central part of the main body 2 in the X direction and protrudes in an annular shape from the outer circumferential surface 2b. In this embodiment, the nut portion 24 is approximately hexagonal when viewed from the X direction, as shown in Figure 3. The use of the pipe fitting 1 refers, for example, to the time when piping is connected to the pipe fitting 1.

[0026] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the main body 2 is formed symmetrically with respect to a virtual plane of symmetry V2 that passes through the center in the X direction and is perpendicular to the virtual central axis V1.

[0027] For the sake of explanation, the portion of the main body 2 that is +X on the +X side of the virtual symmetry plane V2 (the upper portion in Figures 1 and 2) is referred to as the first portion 11, and the portion that is -X on the -X side of the virtual symmetry plane V2 (the lower portion in Figures 1 and 2) is referred to as the second portion 12.

[0028] The configuration of the first part 11 will be described below with reference to Figure 4. However, since the main body 2 is formed symmetrically with respect to the virtual symmetry plane V2, the second part 12 has the same configuration as the first part 11. That is, the first end 21 in the first part 11 corresponds to the second end 22 in the second part 12.

[0029] Figure 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of Figure 2, illustrating the state in which the pipe fastener is in a temporarily tightened position. As shown in Figure 4, the outer circumferential surface 2b is provided with a male threaded portion 25 between the first end portion 21 and the nut portion 24 for attaching the pipe fastener 3 to the main body 2. The male threaded portion 25 has threads that protrude from the outer circumferential surface 2b and extend in a spiral shape.

[0030] The pipe fixing device 3 has a peripheral wall portion 31 that surrounds the main body 2 in the radial direction (hereinafter simply referred to as "radial direction") with respect to the virtual central axis V1. The pipe fixing device 3 has an open end portion 32 that surrounds the main body 2 when attached to the main body 2, and an insertion end portion 33 that is located further from the nut portion 24 than the open end portion 32 in the X direction. The open end portion 32 can be positioned to overlap with the position indicator portion 26 described later in the radial direction as the pipe fixing device 3 moves. The insertion end portion 33 is open so that a pipe can be inserted through it.

[0031] The peripheral wall portion 31 has an inner peripheral surface 31a facing inward in the radial direction and an outer peripheral surface 31b facing outward in the radial direction. The inner peripheral surface 31a is provided with a female thread portion 34 that can be connected to the male thread portion 25 of the main body 2. The female thread portion 34 has threads that protrude from the inner peripheral surface 31a and extend spirally. In this embodiment, the female thread portion 34 is provided in the +X direction from the open end portion 32. Of the pipe fixing device 3, the portion provided with the female thread portion 34 in the X direction is the connecting portion 35 of the pipe fixing device 3. The outer peripheral surface 31b constitutes at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of the pipe fixing device 3.

[0032] The pipe fixing device 3 is attached to the outer surface 2b of the main body in a state where it can move in the X direction, by connecting the female thread portion 34 of the pipe fixing device 3 to the male thread portion 25 of the main body 2. Specifically, the pipe fixing device 3 is movable at least between a fixed position where the pipe P is fixed to the main body 2 (see Figure 6) and a temporary tightening position in the X direction that is further from the nut portion 24 than the fixed position (see Figures 5 and 4). Figure 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a part of Figure 4. Figure 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 5, showing the pipe fixing device in the fixed position.

[0033] For example, the temporary tightening position is the position of the pipe fitting 1 at the time of shipment. When the pipe fixing device 3 is in the temporary tightening position, the pipe can be inserted into the main body 2.

[0034] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the outer circumferential surface 2b of the main body is provided with a position indicator 26 that indicates the position of the pipe fixing device 3 in the X direction. The position indicator 26 indirectly indicates, for example, the magnitude of the pressure applied to the pipe from the pipe fixing device 3. In this embodiment, the position indicator 26 is located in the X direction between the pipe fixing device 3 in the temporarily tightened position and the nut portion 24.

[0035] When a pipe is fixed to a pipe fitting 1, the pipe needs to be subjected to an appropriate range of pressure from the pipe fixing device 3. In other words, the pipe fixing device 3 needs to be tightened with an appropriate range of torque. By applying an appropriate range of pressure to the pipe, it is possible to prevent improper fixing of the pipe due to insufficient pressure, and deformation of the pipe fitting 1 and the pipe due to excessive pressure.

[0036] In this embodiment, the position indicator section 26 has a minimum position indicator section 261 and a maximum position indicator section 262. The minimum position indicator section 261 indicates the position of the pipe fixing device 3 when the lower limit pressure in the appropriate range is applied to the pipe. The maximum position indicator section 262 indicates the position of the pipe fixing device 3 when the upper limit pressure in the appropriate range is applied to the pipe. The maximum position indicator section 262 is located between the minimum position indicator section 261 and the nut section 24 in the X direction.

[0037] As shown in Figure 1, the minimum position indicator portion 261 and the maximum position indicator portion 262 are each strip-shaped, with a width of approximately 1 mm, and are provided around the entire circumference of the main body 2. The minimum position indicator portion 261 is blue, and the maximum position indicator portion 262 is red. The minimum position indicator portion 261 and the maximum position indicator portion 262 may be separated or adjacent in the X direction.

[0038] In this embodiment, the two position indicator portions 261 and 262 are provided in recesses that are recessed inward from the outer circumferential surface 2b of the main body 2. However, at least one of the two position indicator portions 261 and 262 may be provided on the outer circumferential surface 2b instead of in the recess. For example, the maximum position indicator portion 262 may be provided on the outer circumferential surface 2b, so that it is located outward from the minimum position indicator portion 261 provided in the recess. In this case, the maximum position indicator portion 262 can be made more visible even when the position indicator portion 26 is viewed from a shallower angle with respect to the virtual central axis V1.

[0039] As shown in Figure 4, the outer peripheral surface 31b of the peripheral wall portion includes a fixing inclined surface 31c that slopes radially inward as it approaches the nut portion 24 in the X direction. In this embodiment, the fixing inclined surface 31c is a tapered surface provided around the entire circumference of the pipe fixing device 3 and extends in the X direction from the open end portion 32.

[0040] Figure 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of Figure 5. As shown in Figure 7, the inclined surface 31c of the fastener has two ends in the X direction in the cross-section through which the virtual central axis V1 passes. In this embodiment, one end is the radial outer edge 321 of the open end 32. The other end 322 is the boundary between the inclined surface 31c of the fastener and the area of ​​the outer circumferential surface 31b other than the inclined surface 31c.

[0041] For example, the inclined surface 31c of the fixing device is located on a virtual straight line V31 connecting the two ends 321 and 322, or radially inward from the virtual straight line V31, in a cross-section through which the virtual central axis V1 passes. In this embodiment, the inclined surface 31c of the fixing device is located on the virtual straight line V31, but for example, it may be recessed inward from the virtual straight line V31 between the two ends 321 and 322. For example, the inclined surface 31c of the fixing device may be a curve in the cross-section, or it may include a plurality of straight lines with different angles to the virtual central axis V1. Also, for example, the inclined surface 31c of the fixing device may be formed in a stepped shape in the cross-section, and the whole may constitute an inclined surface.

[0042] The length L31 of the fixing device inclined surface 31c in the X direction is equal to or greater than the height H31 of the fixing device inclined surface 31c in the radial direction. The length L31 of the fixing device inclined surface 31c in the X direction is equal to or greater than the width W26 of the position indicator section 26 in the X direction. In this embodiment, if the position indicator section 26 is composed of multiple marks (for example, lines or strips), the width W26 of the position indicator section 26 in the X direction is the dimension in the X direction from the mark furthest from the nut section 24 to the mark closest to the nut section 24.

[0043] In this embodiment, the radial thickness of the joint portion 35 is minimized at the open end portion 32. The radial thickness T32 of the open end portion 32 is less than or equal to the height H31 of the inclined surface 31c of the fastener. For example, the thickness T32 is the radial length between the outer edge portion 241 and the inner circumferential surface 31a of the peripheral wall portion 31, and does not include the height of the threads of the female thread portion 34.

[0044] The nut portion 24 has a wall surface 24a that faces the open end 32 in the X direction, sandwiching the position indicator portion 26. The wall surface 24a is located near the position indicator portion 26 in the X direction and extends outward from the outer peripheral surface 2b of the main body 2. The wall surface 24a extends inward from the outer edge portion 241 of the wall surface and includes a sloped region 24b that slopes inward as it approaches the open end 32 in the X direction. The sloped region 24b is formed, for example, by chamfering the corners of the nut portion 24.

[0045] In this embodiment, the outer edge 321 of the open end 32 is located radially inward from the outer edge 241 of the wall surface 24a and the inclined region 24b.

[0046] As shown in Figure 5, one of the main body 2 and the pipe fixing device 3 has a first wall portion 311 and a second wall portion 312 that project radially toward the other of the main body 2 and the pipe fixing device 3. In this embodiment, the pipe fixing device 3 has a first wall portion 311 and a second wall portion 312 that project radially inward from the inner circumferential surface 31a. In the X direction, the second wall portion 312 is located further away from the opening end 32 than the first wall portion 311.

[0047] The first wall portion 311 and the second wall portion 312 are positioned radially opposite to the outer circumferential surface 2b of the main body when the pipe fixing device 3 is in the temporary tightening position. In this embodiment, the first wall portion 311 and the second wall portion 312 are positioned further from the open end portion 32 than the female thread portion 34 in the X direction. As shown in Figure 4, the first wall portion 311 and the second wall portion 312 are provided around the entire circumference of the pipe fixing device 3.

[0048] As shown in Figure 5, the first wall portion 311 and the second wall portion 312 are arranged side by side in the X direction. Therefore, a recessed groove is formed between the first wall portion 311 and the second wall portion 312, which is recessed radially outward.

[0049] Figure 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of Figure 5. As shown in Figure 8, the tops of the first wall portion 311 and the second wall portion 312 are separated from the outer circumferential surface 2b of the main body. In this embodiment, the tops of the first wall portion 311 and the second wall portion 312 are formed in an arc shape in a cross-section passing through the virtual central axis V1. In this embodiment, the tops of the first wall portion 311 and the second wall portion 312 are at the same position in the radial direction.

[0050] As shown in Figures 5 and 8, the main body 2 has a movement restricting portion 27 that protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential surface 2b. The movement restricting portion 27 contacts the pipe fixing device 3 and restricts the movement of the pipe fixing device 3 from the temporary tightening position to other positions. As shown in Figure 4, the movement restricting portion 27 is provided around the entire circumference of the main body 2.

[0051] In this embodiment shown in Figure 8, the movement restricting portion 27 is formed in a trapezoidal shape protruding from the outer peripheral surface 2b in a cross-section passing through the virtual central axis V1. Therefore, the movement restricting portion 27 has a first inclined surface 27a and a second inclined surface 27b that are inclined radially outward as they approach the top 271 of the movement restricting portion 27 in the X direction. The first inclined surface 27a is inclined outward as it moves away from the first end 21 in the X direction. The second inclined surface 27b is positioned between the first inclined surface 27a and the top 271 in the X direction, and is inclined outward as it approaches the first end 21 in the X direction.

[0052] In this embodiment, the length of the first inclined surface 27a in the X direction is shorter than the length of the second inclined surface 27b in the X direction. The length of the first inclined surface 27a in the X direction is, for example, the length from the boundary between the top portion 271 and the first inclined surface 27a to the intersection point of the virtual extension line of the outer peripheral surface 2b (shown as a dashed line in Figure 8) and the first inclined surface 27a.

[0053] As shown in Figure 5, at least a portion of the movement restricting portion 27 is located between the male thread portion 25 and the first end portion 21 when the pipe fixing device 3 is in the temporary tightening position. In this embodiment shown in Figure 8, the movement restricting portion 27 is positioned between the first wall portion 311 and the second wall portion 312 in the X direction when the pipe fixing device 3 is in the temporary tightening position. In other words, the first wall portion 311 and the second wall portion 312 are positioned adjacent to the movement restricting portion 27 in the X direction when the pipe fixing device 3 is in the temporary tightening position. More specifically, the top portion 271 of the movement restricting portion 27 is located between the first wall portion 311 and the second wall portion 312 when the pipe fixing device 3 is in the temporary tightening position.

[0054] The top 271 of the movement restricting portion 27 is located radially further outward than both the top of the first wall portion 311 and the top of the second wall portion 312. Therefore, when the pipe fixing device 3 is about to move unintentionally in the X direction, the movement restricting portion 27 comes into contact with either the first wall portion 311 or the second wall portion 312 of the pipe fixing device 3 along the X direction. This contact restricts the movement of the pipe fixing device 3 from its temporary tightening position.

[0055] As shown in Figure 5, the top 271 of the movement restricting portion 27 is located radially inward from the top 251 of the male thread portion 25. For example, the top 251 of the male thread portion 25 is the top of the threads provided on the male thread portion. In this embodiment, the radial height H27 of the movement restricting portion 27 (see Figure 8) is smaller than the radial height H25 of the male thread portion 25 (see Figure 7). The height H27 of the movement restricting portion is, for example, the radial dimension from the position of the outer peripheral surface 2b shown by the dashed line in Figure 8 to the top 271. The height H25 of the male thread portion is, for example, the maximum radial dimension from the outer peripheral surface 2b to the top 251.

[0056] As shown in Figure 8, the first end portion 21 is provided with a notch 28 that is recessed radially inward from the outer peripheral surface 2b. In this embodiment, the notch 28 is provided around the entire circumference of the main body 2. One of the two circumferentially extending edges of the notch 28 constitutes the edge of the main body 2 at the first end portion 21. Therefore, the outer edge 211 of the first end portion 21 is located further inward compared to a configuration without the notch 28. The notch 28 is provided in continuity with the first inclined surface 27a.

[0057] As shown in Figures 4, 5, and 8, the inner circumferential surface 2a of the main body has a main body contact region 2c at the first end 21 that is inclined radially inward as it approaches the nut portion 24 in the X direction.

[0058] With the pipe fixing device 3 attached to the main body 2, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the internal space SP3 of the pipe fixing device 3 is provided with a stopper 4 for fixing the pipe, a lock ring 5 for temporarily fixing the pipe when using the pipe fitting 1, and an O-ring 6. In Figure 3, only the stopper 4, lock ring 5, and O-ring 6 provided on the first part 11 of the pipe fitting 1 are shown disassembled. The stopper 4, lock ring 5, and O-ring 6 all have an annular shape as shown in Figure 3 and are located around the virtual central axis V1 as shown in Figure 4.

[0059] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the stopper 4 is annular when viewed from the X direction and has a through hole for passing the piping through. As shown in Figure 5, when the pipe fixing device 3 is in the temporary tightening position, the stopper 4 is positioned adjacent to the first end 21 in the X direction.

[0060] The stopper 4 has a substantially cylindrical base 41 and a tapered portion 42 that extends from the base 41 toward the nut portion 24 in the X direction, with the diameter decreasing as it approaches the nut portion 24 in the X direction.

[0061] The base portion 41 has a stopper projection 411 that protrudes away from the nut portion 24 in the X direction. For example, the top of the stopper projection 411 has an arc shape in a cross-section passing through the virtual central axis V1. In this embodiment, the top of the stopper projection 411 has a substantially semicircular shape in that cross-section.

[0062] The tapered portion 42 has a stopper contact surface 42a that is inclined radially inward as it approaches the nut portion 24 in the X direction. The stopper contact surface 42a contacts the main body contact area 2c when the pipe fixing device 3 is in the fixed position (see Figure 6).

[0063] As shown in Figure 5, the tip of the tapered portion 42 has a claw portion 421 that protrudes radially inward. As shown in Figure 6, the claw portion 421 bites into the pipe P when the pipe fixing device 3 moves to the fixed position. This fixes the pipe to the pipe fitting 1.

[0064] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the lock ring 5 is positioned adjacent to the base 41 of the stopper in the X direction. In this embodiment, the lock ring 5 is in contact with the base 41. The stopper 4 and the lock ring 5 are made of, for example, metal.

[0065] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the lock ring 5 has a plurality of teeth 51 that protrude toward the nut portion 24 in the X direction and protrude inward in the radial direction. The plurality of teeth 51 contact the piping inserted into the main body 2 and prevent the piping from moving away from the contact portion 23.

[0066] The internal structure of the pipe fixing device 3 related to the stopper 4 and O-ring 6 will be described with reference to Figures 4, 5, and 8. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the pipe fixing device 3 is provided so as to sandwich the stopper 4 between itself and the first end 21 of the main body in the X direction, and has a stopper thrusting portion 313 that can contact the stopper 4. When the pipe fixing device 3 moves from the temporary tightening position to the fixed position, the stopper thrusting portion 313 contacts the stopper 4 and pushes the stopper 4 toward the nut portion 24 in the X direction. In this embodiment, the stopper thrusting portion 313 contacts the stopper projection 411.

[0067] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the pipe fixing device 3 has a stopper restricting portion 314 that protrudes radially inward from the inner circumferential surface 31a. The stopper restricting portion 314 is positioned in the X direction to sandwich at least a portion of the stopper 4 between itself and the stopper pushing portion 313. In this embodiment, the stopper restricting portion 314 is positioned in the X direction to sandwich the base portion 41 of the stopper between itself and the stopper pushing portion 313. As shown in Figure 4, the stopper restricting portion 314 is provided around the entire circumference of the pipe fixing device 3.

[0068] As shown in Figure 8, the top portion 314a of the stopper restricting portion 314 is located radially inward from the outer edge of the base portion 41. Therefore, the stopper restricting portion 314 contacts the base portion 41 in the X direction, restricting the relative movement of the stopper 4 in the X direction with respect to the pipe fixing device 3. In this embodiment, the top portion 314a is formed in an arc shape in a cross-section passing through the virtual central axis V1.

[0069] The top portion 314a is located radially outward from the outer edge 211 of the first end portion 21 of the main body.

[0070] In this embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5, a radially outwardly recessed groove 315 is formed between the stopper thrust portion 313 and the stopper restricting portion 314. The base portion 41 of the stopper is press-fitted into the groove 315 during the manufacturing of the pipe joint 1.

[0071] The pipe fixing device 3 is provided with an O-ring accommodating groove 316 located between the insertion end 33 and the stopper thrust portion 313, which accommodates at least a portion of the O-ring 6. The O-ring accommodating groove 316 is recessed radially outward and extends around the entire circumference of the pipe fixing device 3.

[0072] The O-ring 6, fitted into the O-ring housing groove 316, comes into contact with the piping inserted into the main body 2, sealing the gap between the piping and the pipe fixing device 3. This prevents fluid from leaking out of the gap between the piping and the pipe fixing device 3.

[0073] Referring to Figures 5 to 10, the movement of each component when the pipe fixing device 3 is attached to and tightened on the main body 2 will be explained. Figure 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 5, showing the state when the pipe fixing device is tightened to the temporary tightening position. Figure 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 8, showing the state when the pipe fixing device is positioned between the temporary tightening position and the fixed position.

[0074] In the manufacturing process of the pipe fitting 1, the stopper 4, lock ring 5, and O-ring 6 are placed in the internal space SP3 of the pipe fixing device 3, and the pipe fixing device 3 is tightened to the main body 2 to a temporary tightening position. In this embodiment, the lock ring 5 is placed in the internal space SP3 via the open end 32. The O-ring 6 is fitted into the O-ring housing groove 316 via the insertion end 33.

[0075] The stopper 4 is inserted into the pipe fixing device 3 via the open end 32. At this time, as shown in Figure 8, the outer edge of the base 41 of the stopper 4 is located inward from the top 314a of the stopper restricting portion 314, so the base 41 comes into contact with the stopper restricting portion 314 by abutting against it.

[0076] If the stopper 4 is pushed further in the +X direction from this state, the base 41 will pass over the stopper restricting portion 314 and be accommodated in the groove 315. This will fix the stopper 4 to the pipe fixing device 3. In this embodiment, since the top portion 314a is arc-shaped, the base 41 is more likely to enter the inside of the stopper restricting portion 314 compared to configurations where the top portion 314a has other shapes. Therefore, the pressing force required to accommodate the base 41 in the groove 315 is reduced.

[0077] Next, the pipe fixing device 3 is tightened to the main body 2. During this tightening, the first wall portion 311 comes into contact with the movement restricting portion 27, as shown in Figure 9. This is because, as shown in Figure 8, the top of the first wall portion 311 is located inward from the top 271 of the movement restricting portion 27. If the pipe fixing device 3 is further tightened intentionally from this state, the first wall portion 311 moves to go over the movement restricting portion 27. In this embodiment, since the top of the first wall portion 311 is arc-shaped, the first wall portion 311 is more likely to go over the movement restricting portion 27 compared to a configuration in which the top has a different shape. Also, since the movement restricting portion 27 is provided with a first inclined surface 27a, the first wall portion 311 is even more likely to go over the movement restricting portion 27 compared to a configuration in which the first inclined surface 27a is not provided.

[0078] When the first wall section 311 overcomes the movement restriction section 27, the pipe fixing device 3 is positioned in the temporary tightening position, as shown in Figure 5. For example, the pipe fitting 1 is shipped from the manufacturing site with the pipe fixing device 3 in the temporary tightening position and transported to the place of use.

[0079] As shown in Figures 5 and 8, when the pipe fixing device 3 is in the temporary tightening position, the main body contact area 2c and the stopper contact surface 42a are separated. Furthermore, since the movement restricting portion 27 is positioned between the first wall portion 311 and the second wall portion 312, the relative movement of the pipe fixing device 3 with respect to the main body 2 is restricted. This prevents the pipe fixing device 3 from unintentionally moving from the temporary tightening position when slight vibrations are applied during the transport of the pipe joint 1. In addition, the possibility of unintentional contact between the main body contact area 2c and the stopper contact surface 42a can be reduced.

[0080] As shown in Figure 5, when the pipe fixing device 3 is in the temporary tightening position, the minimum position indicator portion 261 and the maximum position indicator portion 262 are not covered by the pipe fixing device 3 and are exposed.

[0081] When the pipe fitting 1 is used, the pipe is first inserted into the main body 2 via the first end portion 21. In this embodiment, since a contact portion 23 is provided, the pipe is inserted until it abuts against the contact portion 23. Because the teeth 51 of the lock ring 5 protrude toward the nut portion 24 in the X direction, the pipe, once inserted into the main body 2, is prevented from coming out.

[0082] Next, the pipe fixing device 3 is intentionally tightened from the temporary tightening position to the fixed position. As a result, the pipe fixing device 3 moves closer to the nut portion 24 in the X direction. As the pipe fixing device 3 approaches the second end portion 22 of the main body 2 (i.e., as it moves in the -X direction), it tightens the pipe P. During the movement of the pipe fixing device 3, the second wall portion 312 comes into contact with the first inclined surface 27a of the movement restricting portion 27, as shown in Figure 10. Furthermore, as the pipe fixing device 3 is intentionally tightened, the movement restricting portion 27 moves inward into the second wall portion 312. At this time, since the top of the second wall portion 312 is arc-shaped, the movement restricting portion 27 is more likely to move inward into the second wall portion 312 compared to configurations where the top portion has a different shape. Furthermore, since the movement restricting section 27 is provided with a first inclined surface 27a, the force in the X direction acting on the movement restricting section 27 from the second wall section 312 is reduced compared to a configuration in which the first inclined surface 27a is not provided.

[0083] As the pipe fixing device 3 moves further, the stopper contact surface 42a comes into contact with the main body contact area 2c. This contact forms a seal between the main body 2 and the stopper 4. Subsequently, as the pipe fixing device 3 approaches the fixing position, the stopper 4 is sandwiched between the stopper thrust portion 313 and the first end portion 21 of the main body 2, as shown in Figure 6, and deforms or displaces radially inward. In this embodiment, the claw portion 421 of the stopper is guided radially inward by the inclination of the stopper contact surface 42a and the main body contact area 2c, and moves inward as the pipe fixing device 3 is tightened.

[0084] When the pipe fixing device 3 reaches the fixing position, the claw portion 421 bites firmly into the pipe P, fixing the pipe P to the pipe fitting 1. The fixing position is the position of the pipe fixing device 3 when sufficient pressure is applied to the pipe P from the pipe fitting 1 via the stopper 4. In this embodiment, the pipe fixing device 3 is in the fixing position when the minimum position indicator portion 261 is completely covered by the pipe fixing device 3 and at least a part of the maximum position indicator portion 262 is exposed.

[0085] The notch 28 is provided in the first end portion 21, which prevents contact between the stopper restricting portion 314 and the first end portion 21 when the pipe fixing device 3 moves to the fixed position.

[0086] According to the above embodiment, when the pipe fixing device 3 is about to move in the X direction from the temporary fastening position, the movement restricting portion 27 of the main body 2 comes into contact with the first wall portion 311 or the second wall portion 312 of the pipe fixing device 3. This contact prevents the pipe fixing device 3 from moving relative to the main body 2 in the X direction. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the pipe fixing device from moving from the temporary fastening position during transport.

[0087] When the movement of the pipe fixing device 3 is suppressed, friction between the main body 2 and the pipe fixing device 3 is also suppressed. This makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of scratches at the contact points between the main body 2 and the pipe fixing device 3 (for example, the male threaded portion 25 and the female threaded portion 34) and the generation of metal powder due to wear. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility of poor fastening of the pipe fixing device 3 and leakage of fluid through the pipe caused by these scratches and metal powder.

[0088] If the pipe fixing device 3 detaches from the main body 2 during transport of the pipe fitting 1, the individual components of the pipe fitting 1 may collide with other objects due to slight vibrations during transport, potentially causing scratches on the surfaces of the components. These scratches may lead to poor fastening of the pipe fixing device 3 or leakage of fluid through the pipe. Furthermore, when using the pipe fitting 1, it may be necessary to rearrange components placed inside the pipe fixing device 3 (e.g., stopper 4) or to reattach the pipe fixing device 3 to the main body 2, reducing the convenience of the pipe fitting 1.

[0089] However, according to the above embodiment, since the movement of the pipe fixing device 3 is suppressed, the possibility of the pipe fixing device 3 detaching is also reduced. This makes it possible to prevent damage to each component of the pipe joint 1. In addition, since it is not necessary to rearrange the components placed inside the pipe fixing device 3 or to reattach the pipe fixing device 3 to the main body, the convenience of the pipe joint 1 is improved.

[0090] If the pipe fastener 3 tightens from its temporary position during transport of the pipe fitting 1, it becomes necessary to loosen the pipe fastener 3 immediately before using the pipe fitting 1, reducing its usability. Furthermore, if the pipe is forcibly inserted into the main body 2 while the pipe fastener 3 is tightened beyond its temporary position, deformation or damage may occur to the various components of the pipe fitting 1 or to the pipe itself, potentially causing fluid leakage through the pipe.

[0091] On the other hand, according to the above embodiment, the possibility of the pipe fixing device 3 tightening unintentionally is reduced. As a result, it is unnecessary to loosen the pipe fixing device 3 immediately before using the pipe joint 1, thus improving the convenience of the pipe joint 1. In addition, deformation or damage to each component of the pipe joint 1 and the piping is suppressed, so the possibility of fluid leakage can be reduced.

[0092] According to the above embodiment, the pipe fixing device 3 is provided with a first wall portion 311 adjacent to the movement restricting portion 27 when the pipe fixing device 3 is in the temporary tightening position. In this configuration, the movement restricting portion 27 contacts the first wall portion 311 in the X direction when the pipe fixing device 3 is about to loosen from the temporary tightening position. This prevents the pipe fixing device 3 from unintentionally loosening from the temporary tightening position.

[0093] According to the above embodiment, the pipe fixing device 3 is provided with a second wall portion 312 adjacent to the movement restricting portion 27 when the pipe fixing device 3 is in the temporary tightening position. In this configuration, the movement restricting portion 27 contacts the second wall portion 312 in the X direction when the pipe fixing device 3 is about to tighten from the temporary tightening position. This prevents the pipe fixing device 3 from tightening unintentionally from the temporary tightening position.

[0094] In the above embodiment, the movement restricting portion 27 is located between the first end portion 21 of the main body and the male thread portion 25. If the top portion 271 of the movement restricting portion 27 is located outward from the top portion 341 of the threads of the female thread portion 34, the female thread portion 34 will move in the X direction while in contact with the movement restricting portion 27 when the pipe fixing device 3 is temporarily fastened to the main body 2. This contact may damage the female thread portion 34 and cause a poor connection between the female thread portion 34 and the male thread portion 25 (i.e., a poor connection between the pipe fixing device 3 and the main body 2).

[0095] On the other hand, according to the above embodiment, the female thread portion 34 is located radially inward from the top of the thread 341 provided on the female thread portion 34. As a result, when the pipe fixing device 3 is temporarily tightened, contact between the female thread portion 34 and the movement restricting portion 27 is suppressed, thereby reducing the possibility of damage to the female thread portion 34. Therefore, poor connection between the female thread portion 34 and the male thread portion 25 can be suppressed.

[0096] According to the above embodiment, the movement restricting portion 27 has a first inclined surface 27a that is inclined to approach the pipe fixing device 3 as it moves away from the first end 21 of the main body in the X direction. With this configuration, when the pipe fixing device 3 moves from the temporary tightening position to the fixed position, the movement restricting portion 27 enters the inner portion of the second wall portion 312 while contacting the first inclined surface 27a. At this time, because the first inclined surface 27a is provided, the force in the X direction applied to the movement restricting portion 27 from the second wall portion 312 is reduced compared to a configuration in which the first inclined surface 27a is not provided. As a result, the pipe fixing device 3 can be moved to the fixed position with less force.

[0097] Furthermore, when the pipe fixing device 3 is temporarily tightened, the movement restricting portion 27 enters the inner portion of the first wall portion 311 while contacting the first inclined surface 27a. At this time, because the first inclined surface 27a is provided, the force in the X direction applied to the movement restricting portion 27 from the first wall portion 311 is reduced compared to a configuration in which the first inclined surface 27a is not provided. As a result, the pipe fixing device 3 can be moved to the temporarily tightened position with less force. Therefore, since the pipe fixing device 3 can be temporarily tightened with less force, a pipe joint 1 that is easier to manufacture can be realized.

[0098] As shown in Figure 6, the main body 2 and the stopper 4 come into contact when the pipe fixing device 3 moves to its fixed position, forming a seal between the main body 2 and the stopper 4. This seal suppresses fluid leakage from between the main body 2 and the stopper 4. If the stopper 4 moves unintentionally in the X direction during transport of the pipe fitting 1, the main body 2 and the stopper 4 may collide with each other, potentially damaging the main body contact area 2c and the stopper contact surface 42a. This damage may reduce the performance of the seal between the main body 2 and the stopper 4.

[0099] On the other hand, according to the above embodiment, the pipe fixing device 3 has a stopper restricting portion 314 that protrudes from the inner circumferential surface 31a and restricts the movement of the stopper 4 in the X direction. With this configuration, the stopper 4 is less likely to move unintentionally in the X direction during transport of the pipe fitting 1, and collisions between the main body 2 and the stopper 4 are less likely to occur. As a result, scratches are less likely to occur on the main body contact area 2c and the stopper contact surface 42a, and a decrease in the sealing performance between the main body 2 and the stopper 4 can be suppressed.

[0100] According to the above embodiment, the outer edge 211 of the first end portion 21 of the main body is located inward from the top portion 314a of the stopper restricting portion. Therefore, when the pipe fixing device 3 moves to the fixed position, the possibility of the stopper restricting portion 314 colliding with the first end portion 21 can be reduced.

[0101] According to the above embodiment, the position indicator 26 provided on the outer circumferential surface 2b of the main body makes it possible to determine whether or not the pipe fixing device 3 is tightened to a predetermined appropriate torque value. This makes it possible to suppress fluid leakage due to insufficient tightening of the pipe fixing device 3, and damage to the pipe joint 1 and piping due to excessive tightening.

[0102] Furthermore, the outer circumferential surface 31b of the pipe fixing device has a fixing device inclined surface 31c that extends in the X direction from the open end 32 and is inclined radially inward as it approaches the second end 22 in the X direction. With this configuration, compared to a configuration without the fixing device inclined surface 31c, the outer edge 321 of the open end 32 is located closer to the virtual central axis V1. As a result, the position indicator 26 can be viewed from a shallower angle with respect to the virtual central axis V1, making it easier to tighten the pipe fixing device 3 with an appropriate torque value even in narrow spaces such as above a ceiling. Therefore, a pipe joint that is even easier to install can be provided.

[0103] According to the above embodiment, the radial thickness T32 of the open end 32 is less than or equal to the radial height H31 of the fixing device inclined surface 31c. With this configuration, compared to a configuration in which the thickness T32 of the open end 32 is greater than the height H31 of the fixing device inclined surface 31c, the outer edge 321 of the open end 32 is positioned more radially inward. As a result, when the position indicator 26 is viewed from a shallower angle with respect to the virtual central axis V1, the position indicator 26 is less likely to be obstructed by the pipe fixing device 3. Therefore, the position indicator 26 can be viewed from an even shallower angle with respect to the virtual central axis V1.

[0104] According to the above embodiment, the radial thickness of the joint 35 is minimized at the open end 32. With this configuration, compared to a configuration in which the radial thickness of the joint 35 is minimized at parts other than the open end 32, the outer edge 321 of the open end 32 is located more radially inward. As a result, when the position indicator 26 is viewed from a shallower angle with respect to the virtual central axis V1, the position indicator 26 is less likely to be obstructed by the pipe fixing device 3. Therefore, the position indicator 26 can be viewed from an even shallower angle with respect to the virtual central axis V1.

[0105] According to the above embodiment, the length L31 of the inclined surface of the fixing device is greater than or equal to the height H31 of the inclined surface of the fixing device. With this configuration, the position indicator unit 26 can be viewed from a greater angle with respect to the virtual central axis V1 compared to a configuration in which the length L31 of the inclined surface of the fixing device is smaller than the height H31 of the inclined surface of the fixing device.

[0106] According to the above embodiment, the inclined surface 31c of the fixing device is located on a virtual straight line V31 connecting the two ends 321 and 322 of the inclined surface 31c of the fixing device in a cross-section through which the virtual central axis V1 passes, or radially inward from the virtual straight line V31. With this configuration, the position indicator 26 is less likely to be obstructed by the pipe fixing device 3 compared to a configuration in which the inclined surface 31c of the fixing device is located radially outward from the virtual straight line V31. Therefore, the position indicator 26 can be viewed from an even greater angle with respect to the virtual central axis V1.

[0107] According to the above embodiment, the outer edge 321 of the opening end 32 is located radially inward from the outer edge 241 of the wall surface 24a. With this configuration, the outer edge 321 of the opening end 32 is located radially inward compared to a configuration in which the outer edge 321 is located outward from the outer edge 241 of the wall surface 24a. As a result, when the position indicator 26 is viewed from a shallower angle with respect to the virtual central axis V1, the position indicator 26 is less likely to be obstructed by the pipe fixing device 3. Therefore, the position indicator 26 can be viewed from an even shallower angle with respect to the virtual central axis V1.

[0108] According to the above embodiment, the outer edge 321 of the open end 32 is located radially inward from the sloped region 24b. With this configuration, the outer edge 321 of the open end 32 is located radially inward compared to a configuration where the outer edge 321 is located outward from the sloped region 24b. As a result, when the position indicator 26 is viewed from a shallower angle with respect to the virtual central axis V1, the position indicator 26 is less likely to be obstructed by the pipe fixing device 3. Therefore, the position indicator 26 can be viewed from an even shallower angle with respect to the virtual central axis V1.

[0109] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various other forms. For example, the pipe joint according to this disclosure is not limited to a pipe joint for connecting two pipes in series, but may be a pipe joint to which at least one pipe is connected. For example, the pipe joint according to this disclosure may be a pipe joint for connecting one or more pipes to equipment, or a pipe joint for connecting three or more pipes to each other. The pipe joint does not have to be formed symmetrically with respect to the virtual plane of symmetry V2. That is, the second part 12 may have a different structure from the first part 11.

[0110] The movement restricting portion 27 may be provided on either the main body 2 or the pipe fixing device 3, and may, for example, protrude from the inner circumferential surface 31a of the pipe fixing device 3. In this case, the first wall portion 311 and the second wall portion 312 may protrude from the outer circumferential surface 2b of the main body 2.

[0111] Figure 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 8, showing modified examples of the movement restricting portion, the first wall portion, and the second wall portion. In the example shown in Figure 11, the pipe fixing device 3 has a movement restricting portion 27A that protrudes radially inward toward the main body 2 from the inner circumferential surface 31a. The movement restricting portion 27A has a first inclined surface 27Aa and a second inclined surface 27Ab that are positioned to sandwich the top portion 271A of the movement restricting portion in the X direction when the pipe fixing device 3 is in the temporary tightening position. The first inclined surface 27Aa is inclined inward as it moves away from the first end portion 21 in the X direction. The second inclined surface 27Ab is inclined outward as it approaches the first end portion 21 in the X direction.

[0112] The main body 2 has a first wall portion 311A ​​and a second wall portion 312A that project outward radially from the outer circumferential surface 2b toward the pipe fixing device 3. The first wall portion 311A ​​and the second wall portion 312A are substantially trapezoidal in the cross-section shown in Figure 11. The top portion 311a of the first wall portion 311A ​​and the top portion 312a of the second wall portion 312A are located radially inward from the top portion 271A of the movement restricting portion 27A. As a result, when the pipe fixing device 3 moves from the temporary tightening position, the movement restricting portion 27A contacts the first wall portion 311A ​​or the second wall portion 312A in the X direction. This suppresses the movement of the pipe fixing device 3 from the temporary tightening position. The top portions 311a and 312a are located radially inward from the top portion 341 of the thread of the female thread portion 34.

[0113] Unlike the above embodiment, the first wall portion 311 and the second wall portion 312 may not be provided. In this case as well, for example, the movement restricting portion 27 contacts the inner circumferential surface 31a of the pipe fixing device 3 in the radial direction, thereby increasing the resistance of the movement restricting portion 27 to movement in the X direction. This makes it possible to suppress the movement of the pipe fixing device 3 in the X direction.

[0114] Only one of the first wall portion 311 and the second wall portion 312 may be provided. For example, even if only the first wall portion 311 is provided, the movement of the pipe fixing device 3 in the +X direction (i.e., the direction in which the pipe fixing device 3 loosens) can be suppressed by contact between the movement restricting portion 27 and the first wall portion 311. Similarly, even if only the second wall portion 312 is provided, the movement of the pipe fixing device 3 in the -X direction (i.e., the direction in which the pipe fixing device 3 tightens) can be suppressed by contact between the movement restricting portion 27 and the second wall portion 312.

[0115] The movement restricting portion 27 may be located further away from the nut portion 24 than the male thread portion 25, or closer to the nut portion 24 than the male thread portion 25, in the X direction.

[0116] The movement restricting section 27 does not necessarily have to be provided with a first inclined surface 27a and a second inclined surface 27b. The length of the first inclined surface 27a in the X direction may be less than or equal to the length of the second inclined surface 27b in the X direction.

[0117] The first end portion 21 does not necessarily have to have a notch 28. As long as the movement of the pipe fixing device 3 to its fixed position is not hindered, the outer edge 211 of the first end portion 21 may be at the same position as the top portion 314a of the stopper restricting portion 314 in the radial direction, or outward from the top portion 314a.

[0118] The stopper restricting portion 314 does not necessarily have to be provided on the pipe fixing device 3.

[0119] The position indicator 26 is not limited to the configuration shown in the above embodiment, as long as it indicates the position of the pipe fixing device 3 in the X direction. For example, the position indicator 26 may be a scale or a single band indicating an appropriate range for the fixing position. Furthermore, the position indicator 26 does not have to be provided on the main body 2.

[0120] The inclined surface 31c of the pipe fixing device 3 does not have to extend from the open end 32. For example, the pipe fixing device 3 may have a small diameter portion having the open end 32 and a large diameter portion that is located further from the nut portion 24 than the small diameter portion and has a larger diameter than the small diameter portion. In this case, the inclined surface 31c of the fixing device may be provided between the small diameter portion and the large diameter portion. The length L31 of the inclined surface 31c of the fixing device may be less than the height H31 of the inclined surface 31c of the fixing device. The length L31 of the inclined surface 31c of the fixing device may be less than the width W26 of the position indicator portion 26. The inclined surface 31c of the fixing device may be located outward from the virtual straight line V31.

[0121] The thickness T32 of the open end 32 may be greater than the height T31 of the inclined surface 31c of the fastener. The radial thickness of the joint 35 may be minimal in parts other than the open end 32. The open end 32 may be located radially at the same position as the inclined surface region 24b, or outward from the outer edge 241 of the wall surface 24a.

[0122] The pipe fixing device 3 is not limited to fixing the pipe indirectly via the stopper 4, but may also fix the pipe directly. In this case, the stopper 4 does not need to be provided. The lock ring 5 and O-ring 6 do not need to be provided.

[0123] The movement restricting section 27 and either the first wall section 311 or the second wall section 312 may be provided only in a portion of the circumferential direction of the virtual central axis V1. The contact section 23, the fixing device inclined surface 31c, the stopper restricting section 314, and the position indicator section 26 may also be provided only in a portion of the circumferential direction.

[0124] By appropriately combining any embodiment or modification from the various embodiments or modifications described above, the effects of each can be achieved. Furthermore, combinations of embodiments with each other, combinations of examples with each other, or combinations of embodiments with examples are possible, as well as combinations of features from different embodiments or examples.

[0125] While this disclosure is adequately described in relation to preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, various variations and modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications should be understood to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined by the attached claims. [Industrial applicability]

[0126] This disclosure is useful, for example, for pipe fittings, because it can prevent pipe fasteners from moving from their temporary fastening position during transport. [Explanation of symbols]

[0127] 1. Pipe fittings 11 Part 1 12 Part 2 2 Main unit 2a Inner surface 2b Outer surface 2c Body contact area 21 First end 211 Outer edge 22 Second end 23 Contact part 24 Nut section 241 Outer edge 24a Wall surface 24b Slope area 25 Male thread section 251 Top 26 Position display section 261 Minimum position display area 262 Maximum position display area 27, 27A Movement control section 27a, 27Aa 1st slope 27b, 27Ab 2nd slope 271, 271A top 28 Notch 3 Piping fixture 31 Peripheral wall section 31a Inner surface 31b Outer surface 31c Fixture slope 311, 311A ​​1st wall section 311a Top 312, 312A 2nd wall section 312a Top 313 Stopper Promotion Department 314 Stopper regulating section 314a Top 315 Groove 316 O-ring housing groove 32 Open end 321 Outer edge 322 End 33 Insertion end 34 Female thread section 341 Top SP3 Interior Space 4 Stoppers 41 Base 411 Stopper protrusion 42 Tapered section 42a Stopper contact surface 421 Nail part 5 Lock Rings 51 Teeth 6 O-rings V1 Virtual Central Axis V2 Virtual Symmetry Plane V31 Virtual Straight Line

Claims

1. A cylindrical body extending in the axial direction, having a first end into which a pipe can be inserted, and a second end opposite to the first end, An annular pipe fixing device attached to the outer surface of the main body, which is movable in the axial direction between a fixing position for fixing the pipe to the main body and a temporary tightening position further from the second end than the fixing position, Equipped with, The outer surface of the main body is provided with a male threaded portion for attaching the pipe fixing device to the main body. The inner circumferential surface of the pipe fixing device is provided with a female thread that can be connected to the male thread, The main body and the pipe fixing device have a movement restricting portion that protrudes radially toward the other of the main body and the pipe fixing device. The movement restricting portion contacts the main body and the other of the pipe fixing device to restrict the movement of the pipe fixing device from the temporary fastening position to other positions. Pipe fittings.

2. The other of the main body and the pipe fixing device has a first wall portion that protrudes radially toward one of the main body and the pipe fixing device. The first wall portion is provided adjacent to the movement restricting portion in the axial direction, at a position further from the first end than the movement restricting portion when the pipe fixing device is in the temporary tightening position. The movement restricting portion contacts the first wall portion and restricts the movement of the pipe fixing device from the temporary fastening position to other positions. The pipe fitting according to claim 1.

3. The other of the main body and the pipe fixing device has a second wall portion that protrudes radially toward one of the main body and the pipe fixing device. The second wall portion is provided adjacent to the movement restricting portion in the axial direction, at a position closer to the first end than the movement restricting portion when the pipe fixing device is in the temporary tightening position. The movement restricting portion contacts the second wall portion and restricts the movement of the pipe fixing device from the temporary fastening position to other positions. The pipe fitting according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The movement restricting portion is provided on the main body and protrudes radially toward the pipe fixing device, The movement restricting portion is located between the male thread portion and the first end when the pipe fixing device is in the temporary tightening position. The top of the movement restricting portion is located inward in the radial direction from the top of the threads provided in the female thread portion when the pipe fixing device is attached to the main body. The pipe fitting according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The pipe joint according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the movement restricting portion has an inclined surface that is inclined to move toward the other body and the pipe fixing device as it moves away from the first end in the axial direction.

6. The pipe fixing device further comprises an annular stopper provided in the internal space of the pipe fixing device and positioned adjacent to the first end in the axial direction, The aforementioned pipe fixing device is A stopper propulsion unit is provided so as to sandwich the stopper between itself and the first end in the axial direction, and is capable of contacting the stopper. A stopper restricting portion that protrudes from the inner circumferential surface, contacts the stopper, and restricts the movement of the stopper in the axial direction, It has, The stopper is configured to be sandwiched between the stopper thrust portion and the first end when the pipe fixing device moves to the fixing position, thereby deforming or displacing inward in the radial direction and fixing the pipe. The pipe fitting according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The pipe fitting according to claim 6, wherein the outer edge of the first end is located radially inward from the top of the stopper restricting portion.

8. The aforementioned pipe fixing device is configured to tighten the pipe as it approaches the second end, The outer circumferential surface of the main body is provided with a position indicator that shows the position of the pipe fixing device in the axial direction. The pipe fixing device has an open end that can be positioned to overlap with the position indicator in the radial direction of the main body by moving the pipe fixing device, The outer circumferential surface of the pipe fixing device extends in the axial direction from the opening end and has an inclined surface that slopes inward with respect to the axial direction as it approaches the second end in the axial direction. The pipe fitting according to claim 1 or 2.

Images