Pipe joint cover

Abstract

To provide a pipe joint cover that can improve reliability of connection work of refrigerant piping.SOLUTION: A pipe joint cover 10 is detachably fitted to a joint body 61 of a pipe joint 60 and includes a gauge for setting an insertion length relative to the cap nut 62 of refrigerant piping 100 to be connected to a cap nut 62 of the pipe joint 60.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cover for a pipe fitting. [Background technology]

[0002] In the field of refrigeration devices such as air conditioners, "flare joints" are widely known as pipe joints for connecting refrigerant pipes to each other or connecting refrigerant pipes to components such as valves. This flare joint is provided, for example, at one pipe end of the refrigerant pipes to be connected to each other, and includes a joint body having a male thread portion, and a cap nut provided at the other pipe end and fastened to the male thread portion of the joint body. The pipe end of the other refrigerant pipe is flared, and the refrigerant pipes are connected to each other by fastening the cap nut to the joint body with the flared portion hooked on the cap nut.

[0003] The flare joints described above are prone to variation in flare processing accuracy depending on the worker, making it difficult to stabilize the quality of the connection of the refrigerant pipe. To solve this problem, Patent Document 1 and other publications have proposed pipe joints that do not require flaring.

[0004] The pipe joint of Patent Document 1 has a joint body and a cap nut, similar to a conventional flare joint, and a stop ring is installed in the cap nut. This pipe joint inserts the pipe end of the other refrigerant pipe into the cap nut and fastens the cap nut to the joint body, thereby biting and fixing the stop ring into the other refrigerant pipe, and connects the refrigerant pipe. Therefore, flare processing is not required for the other refrigerant pipe, and the work is essentially completed only by the process of inserting the refrigerant pipe into the cap nut and the process of fastening the cap nut to the joint body, so that the variation in quality of the connection part of the refrigerant pipe can be suppressed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2020 / 262318 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the pipe joint described in Patent Document 1, the insertion length of the refrigerant piping into the cap nut is specified, and it is required that the refrigerant piping be inserted into the cap nut without any shortfall. Therefore, it is essential to mark the end of the refrigerant piping in advance to indicate the insertion length, and a gauge is also used to easily measure the position of the marking.

[0007] However, if the worker does not have a gauge, it is difficult to perform accurate marking, and there is a possibility that the reliability of the work cannot be guaranteed. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a pipe joint cover that can improve the reliability of the work of connecting refrigerant piping. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] (1) A pipe joint cover according to the present disclosure is a cover that is removably attached to a joint body of a pipe joint, The pipe joint has a gauge for setting the insertion length of the refrigerant pipe connected to the cap nut of the pipe joint into the cap nut.

[0009] According to the above configuration, since the cover of the joint body has a gauge, for example, by attaching the cover to the joint body of the pipe joint of a refrigeration device, the gauge can be attached to the refrigeration device. Therefore, the refrigerant piping can be accurately marked at the construction site using the gauge of the cover, and the reliability of the refrigerant piping connection work can be improved.

[0010] (2) The pipe joint cover of (1) preferably further comprises a cylindrical body having an inner diameter into which the joint body can be inserted, and a lid body for closing one axial end of the cylindrical body and covering the tip of the joint body inserted into the cylindrical body. The gauge is provided on the radial outside of the cylindrical body. According to the above configuration, the gauge is provided on the radially outer side of the cylindrical body, so that the gauge can be provided without being affected by its function as a cover for the pipe joint.

[0011] (3) In the pipe fitting cover of (1) or (2), preferably, the gauge has an outer member arranged on the outer periphery of the refrigerant piping, an inner member arranged on the inner periphery of the refrigerant piping, and a contact surface between the outer member and the inner member that contacts and positions an end face of the refrigerant piping, and the outer member has an indication portion that indicates a position a distance away from the contact surface corresponding to the insertion length.

[0012] According to the above configuration, by inserting a refrigerant piping between the outer member and the inner member and bringing the end face of the refrigerant piping into contact with the contact surface, the insertion length of the refrigerant piping to be inserted into the bag nut can be easily grasped by the indicating portion.

[0013] (4) In the pipe joint cover of (3) above, the contact surface is preferably exposed to the outside.

[0014] According to the above configuration, it is possible to easily check whether the refrigerant piping is properly inserted between the outer member and the inner member and whether it is in contact with the contact surface.

[0015] (5) In the pipe joint cover described in (1) above, preferably, the gauge includes a cylindrical body having an inner diameter capable of inserting the refrigerant pipe, a cover body that closes one end of the cylindrical body in the axial direction and has a contact surface that contacts and positions an end surface of the refrigerant pipe inserted into the cylindrical body, The cylindrical body has an indicator portion that indicates a position a distance away from the contact surface that corresponds to the insertion length.

[0016] According to the above configuration, by inserting the refrigerant piping into the cylindrical body and bringing the end face of the refrigerant piping into contact with the lid body, the insertion length of the refrigerant piping to be inserted into the bag nut can be easily grasped by the indicating portion.

[0017] (6) In the pipe fitting cover described in (5) above, the supporting portion is preferably an opening formed in the cylindrical body and capable of exposing an outer circumferential surface of the refrigerant pipe inserted into the cylindrical body.

[0018] With this configuration, the insertion length of the refrigerant piping to be inserted into the cap nut can be easily determined through the opening, and for example, the outer peripheral surface of the refrigerant piping can be marked with a writing instrument through the opening.

[0019] (7) In the pipe joint cover described in (5) or (6) above, the lid body is preferably formed with an opening through which the contact surface can be viewed.

[0020] With this configuration, it is possible to check whether the refrigerant piping is properly inserted into the cylindrical body.

[0021] (8) In the pipe fitting cover described in any one of (5) to (7), preferably, the cover body has an annular groove into which an end of the refrigerant pipe is inserted, and the groove has a radially outer peripheral surface that serves as a reference for an outer diameter dimension of the refrigerant pipe, and a radially inner peripheral surface that serves as a reference for an inner diameter dimension of the refrigerant pipe.

[0022] According to this configuration, by inserting the refrigerant piping into the groove, it is possible to check whether the outer diameter dimension and the inner diameter dimension of the refrigerant piping are appropriate for insertion into the cap nut.

[0023] (9) In the pipe joint cover according to any one of (5) to (8), preferably, the cylindrical body has an inner diameter into which the joint body can be inserted, and covers the inserted joint body from the radially outer side, The lid covers the tip of the joint body inserted into the cylindrical body.

[0024] According to this configuration, the joint body can be covered by the cylindrical body and the lid body that constitute the gauge, so that the cover having the gauge can be configured compactly.

[0025] (10) In the pipe joint cover according to any one of (5) to (9), preferably, the pipe joint cover further comprises a second cylindrical body having an inner diameter into which the joint body can be inserted and covering the inserted joint body from the radially outer side, The lid covers the tip of the joint body inserted into the second cylindrical body.

[0026] According to this configuration, one of the two cylindrical bodies can be used as a gauge and the other can be used as a cover, and the cover can be formed with appropriate dimensions according to each function. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a pipe joint equipped with a pipe joint cover according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a pipe joint cover. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a gauge function of the pipe joint cover. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state in which a refrigerant pipe is inserted into a gauge of a pipe joint cover. [Diagram 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a pipe joint cover according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a gauge function of the pipe joint cover. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a pipe joint cover according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a gauge function of the pipe joint cover. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a pipe joint cover according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a pipe joint cover. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a pipe joint cover according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a pipe joint cover. [Figure 16] FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a pipe joint cover according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a pipe joint cover according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a case where the pipe joint cover is used as a gauge. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. [First embodiment] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a pipe joint equipped with a pipe joint cover according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The pipe joint cover 10 is used in a refrigeration device such as an air conditioner to cover a pipe joint 60 for connecting a refrigerant pipe from the outside and to prevent foreign matter from entering the inside of the pipe joint 60. This pipe joint cover 10 is used from the stage when the refrigeration device is manufactured and shipped by the manufacturer until the refrigerant pipe is connected at the construction site.

[0029] (Pipe Joint Configuration) First, a pipe joint to which the pipe joint cover of this embodiment is applied will be described. Figures 5 and 6 are cross-sectional views of the pipe fitting. In particular, Figure 5 shows the state immediately before the refrigerant pipe 100 is connected to the pipe fitting 60, and Figure 6 shows the state after the refrigerant pipe 100 has been connected to the pipe fitting 60. In Figures 5 and 6, the axis of the pipe fitting 60 is indicated by the symbol C. In the following description, the direction X parallel to the axis C of the pipe fitting 60 is referred to as the axial direction.

[0030] The pipe joint 60 of this embodiment is a so-called flareless joint. The pipe joint 60 has a joint body 61 and a cap nut 62. The joint body 61 is provided, for example, at the tip of a refrigerant pipe extending from a heat exchanger of an outdoor unit or an indoor unit of an air conditioner, which is an example of a refrigeration device, to the outside of the unit.

[0031] The joint body 61 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The inside of the cylinder of the joint body 61 becomes a refrigerant flow path. A male thread 61a is formed on the outer circumferential surface on one axial side (the right side in FIG. 5) of the joint body 61. An end face 61b on one axial side of the joint body 61 is formed into a tapered surface that is inclined toward the tip. The joint body 61 may be formed integrally with a port such as a stop valve, or may be formed integrally with the pipe end of a refrigerant piping.

[0032] The cap nut 62 has a nut body 64, a stop ring 65, and seals 66, 67. The nut body 64 is formed in a cylindrical shape. An internal thread 64a, a housing portion 64b, and a groove 64c are formed inside the cylinder of the nut body 64. The internal thread 64a is formed on the inner peripheral surface on the other axial side (the left side in FIG. 5) of the nut body 64. The internal thread 64a can be fastened to the external thread 61a. In FIG. 5, the internal thread 64a of the nut body 64 is shallowly fastened to the external thread 61a of the joint body 61, and in FIG. 6, the internal thread 64a of the nut body 64 is deeply and completely fastened to the external thread 61a of the joint body 61.

[0033] The groove 64c is formed on an inner peripheral surface on one axial side of the nut body 64. A seal 66 is attached to the groove 64c. The seal 66 is, for example, an O-ring. The accommodation portion 64b is formed between the female thread 64a and the groove 64c in the axial direction X of the nut body 64. A stop ring 65 is accommodated in the accommodation portion 64b. A seal 67 is accommodated between the stop ring 65 accommodated in the accommodation portion 64b and the female thread 64a. The seal 67 is, for example, an O-ring. An inner peripheral surface 64b1 on one axial side of the accommodation portion 64b is formed into a tapered surface whose inner diameter becomes smaller toward the one axial side.

[0034] The stop ring 65 is formed in a cylindrical shape. An insertion portion 65a is provided inside the cylinder of the stop ring 65. The insertion portion 65a is formed into a cylindrical surface having a constant inner diameter. The refrigerant pipe 100 connected to the joint body 61 is inserted into the insertion portion 65a. An end face 65b on the other axial side of the stop ring 65 is formed into a tapered surface that comes into surface contact with the tip end face 61b of the joint body 61.

[0035] One end side (right side in FIG. 5) in the axial direction X of the stop ring 65 is formed with a claw portion 65c that comes into contact with the tapered surface 64b1 of the nut body 64. The claw portion 65c bites into the outer peripheral surface of the refrigerant pipe 100 inserted into the insertion portion 65a to fix the refrigerant pipe 100. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, when the female thread 64a of the nut body 64 is shallowly fastened to the male thread 61a of the joint body 61, the claw portion 65c is separated from the outer peripheral surface of the refrigerant pipe 100 or only slightly contacts it, but when the female thread 64a is deeply fastened to the male thread 61a as shown in FIG. 6, the claw portion 65c is pushed by the tapered surface 64b1 and deforms toward the inner diameter side, bites into the outer peripheral surface of the refrigerant pipe 100, and fixes the refrigerant pipe 100.

[0036] As described above, in order to connect the refrigerant pipe 100 to the joint body 61, the minimum length L of the refrigerant pipe 100 to be inserted into the cap nut 62 is determined for each pipe joint 60. Therefore, when performing the work of connecting the refrigerant pipe 100, it is required to mark the position indicating the minimum length L with a pen or the like. In Figs. 5 and 6, the marked mark is indicated by the symbol M. In order to mark accurately, it is essential to use a specified jig (gauge). However, it is possible that the worker does not have the jig, in which case the connection quality of the refrigerant pipe 100 may not be guaranteed.

[0037] Conventionally, a pipe joint 60 provided in a refrigeration system is provided with a cover to prevent the intrusion of foreign matter until the refrigerant pipe 100 is connected. In the case of a conventional flare joint, the cover is fixed by fastening a cap nut with the tip of the joint body covered with a plate-shaped cover. When connecting the refrigerant pipe, the cap nut is removed from the joint body and the cover is removed. Then, the refrigerant pipe is flared, and the cap nut is fastened to the joint body with the flare portion of the refrigerant pipe in contact with the joint body.

[0038] In this embodiment, the flareless joint as described above is used, and a cap nut for a flare joint is not used, so a cover cannot be provided by the conventional method. Therefore, in this embodiment, a cover 10 suitable for a flareless joint is used.

[0039] (Configuration of pipe joint cover) Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the pipe joint cover, and Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the pipe joint cover. As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the pipe joint cover 10 is made of synthetic resin or metal. The pipe joint cover 10 has a cylindrical body 11 and a lid body 12. The cylindrical body 11 is formed in a cylindrical shape having an axis parallel to the axial direction X. When the cover 10 is attached to the joint body 61, the axis C of the joint body 61 and the axis of the cover 10 coincide with each other. Therefore, in the following description and drawings, the axis of the cover 10 is also denoted by the same symbol C.

[0040] An internal thread 14 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 11. This internal thread 14 can be fastened to an external thread 61a of a joint body 61 of a pipe joint 60. The cylindrical body 11 includes a first external peripheral surface 15 formed in a hexagonal shape on the radially outer side of the internal thread 14. By engaging a tool such as a wrench with this first external peripheral surface 15, it is possible to easily fasten the internal thread 14 of the cylindrical body 11 to the external thread 61a of the joint body 61.

[0041] The cylindrical body 11 includes a second outer peripheral surface 16 having an outer diameter smaller than that of the first outer peripheral surface 15 at an end on the other side in the axial direction X (the left side in FIG. 1). This second outer peripheral surface 16 is formed with openings 17 penetrating in the radial direction. In this embodiment, the openings 17 are formed in two locations that are 180° out of phase with each other. These openings 17 are formed to be elongated in the circumferential direction. These openings 17 are used to mark a mark M with a writing implement 101 such as a pen when the refrigerant pipe 100 is inserted.

[0042] An end portion on one axial side (right side in FIG. 1) of the cylindrical body 11 is closed by a lid body 12. An end portion on the other axial side (left side in FIG. 1) of the cylindrical body 11 is open. The lid body 12 includes an outer tube 21, a bottom plate 22, and a protrusion 23. The outer tube 21 is formed in a cylindrical shape and extends from an end portion on one axial side of the cylindrical body 11 toward the one axial side. The outer diameter of the outer tube 21 is smaller than the first outer peripheral surface 15 of the cylindrical body 11.

[0043] The bottom plate 22 of the lid body 12 is provided at one axial end of the outer cylinder 21 and closes the outer cylinder 21. The bottom plate 22 is formed in a circular plate shape.

[0044] The protrusion 23 of the lid body 12 protrudes from the bottom plate 22 toward the other axial side (the left side in FIG. 1 ) toward the inside of the cover 10. The protrusion 23 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The tip of the protrusion 23 fits into the cylindrical body 11. The tip surface of the protrusion 23 closes the tip opening of the joint body 61, preventing foreign matter from entering the joint body 61.

[0045] 3, the outer circumferential surface 23a of the protrusion 23 has a substantially constant outer diameter over most of it, and is tapered so that a portion of the tip side is slightly tapered. An annular groove 24 is formed between the inner circumferential surface 21a of the outer cylinder 21 and the outer circumferential surface 23a of the protrusion 23.

[0046] The outer cylinder 21 of the lid body 12 is formed with openings 25 penetrating in the radial direction. The openings 25 are formed in two locations that are 180° out of phase with each other. Through these openings 25, the inside of the cover 10, particularly the contact surface 22a of the bottom plate 22 described below, can be visually observed from the outside of the cover 10.

[0047] Fig. 4A is a cross-sectional view for explaining the gauge function of the pipe joint cover, and Fig. 4B is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state in which a refrigerant pipe is inserted into the gauge of the pipe joint cover. The cover 10 of this embodiment has a gauge for marking the refrigerant pipe 100. Specifically, the cylindrical body 11 and the lid body 12 described above constitute the gauge. In other words, the cylindrical body 11 and the lid body 12 function not only as the cover 10 but also as a gauge. As shown in FIG. 3, a distance L from a surface (contact surface) 22a on the other axial side of the bottom plate 22 of the lid body 12 to the opening 17 of the cylindrical body 11 corresponds to a length L of the refrigerant pipe 100 to be inserted into the cap nut 62 of the pipe joint 60 as shown in FIG. 5.

[0048] When the cover 10 of this embodiment is used as a gauge, the cover 10 is removed from the joint body 61, and the refrigerant pipe 100 is inserted from the opening on the other axial side of the cylindrical body 11 of the cover 10. Furthermore, one axial end of the refrigerant pipe 100 is inserted into the groove 24 of the lid 12, and the end face of the refrigerant pipe 100 is brought into contact with the contact surface 22a of the bottom plate 22. Whether the end face of the refrigerant pipe 100 is in contact with the contact surface 22a of the bottom plate 22 can be confirmed from the opening 25 formed in the outer cylinder 21.

[0049] With the end face of the refrigerant pipe 100 in contact with the contact surface 22a, a writing implement 101 such as a pen is inserted through the opening 17 of the cylindrical body 11, thereby making it possible to mark the outer circumferential surface of the refrigerant pipe 100 with a mark M (see Figs. 5 and 6). This allows the length L of the refrigerant pipe 100 to be inserted into the cap nut 62 to be set accurately. Therefore, the refrigerant pipe 100 can be reliably connected to the pipe fitting 60, reducing the variation in work by workers and reducing the possibility of refrigerant leaking from the pipe fitting 60. Therefore, even if a refrigerant leak from the refrigeration device is detected, the pipe fitting 60 can be removed from the location where there is a possibility of leakage, which contributes to a rapid search for the leakage location.

[0050] The opening 17 formed in the cylindrical body 11 can expose the outer circumferential surface of the refrigerant pipe 100 inserted into the cover 10, and constitutes an indicator that indicates the insertion length L of the refrigerant pipe 100 into the cap nut 62. This opening 17 is formed to allow the writing tool 101 to be inserted in a direction perpendicular to the axis C. For example, the opening 17 has a width w (see FIG. 3) in the axial direction X so that the writing tool 101 does not reach the outer circumferential surface of the refrigerant pipe 100 even if it is inserted from a direction inclined to the axis C. This prevents the writing tool 101 from being inserted obliquely into the opening 17, and allows marking at a more accurate position.

[0051] Because the refrigerant pipe 100 is cut appropriately using a dedicated tool during the installation work of the air conditioner, as shown in Fig. 4B, burrs B may occur on the inner or outer peripheral edge of the end face of the refrigerant pipe 100. If such burrs B exist, the insertion of the refrigerant pipe 100 into the cap nut 62 may be hindered, and the refrigerant pipe 100 may not be able to be inserted to the required length L.

[0052] 3 and 4B, in the cover 10 of this embodiment, the radially outer peripheral surface (inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 21) 21a of the groove 24 formed in the lid body 12 is the reference for the outer diameter dimension of the refrigerant pipe 100, and the radially inner peripheral surface (outer peripheral surface diameter of the protrusion 23) 23a of the groove 24 is the reference for the inner diameter dimension of the refrigerant pipe 100. In other words, the diameter D1 of the radially outer peripheral surface 21a of the groove 24 corresponds to the appropriate outer diameter of the refrigerant pipe 100, and the diameter D2 of the radially inner peripheral surface 23a of the groove 24 corresponds to the appropriate inner diameter of the refrigerant pipe 100. Therefore, if a burr B exists on the end surface of the refrigerant pipe 100 and the inner diameter of the refrigerant pipe 100 becomes smaller or the outer diameter becomes larger by the amount of the burr B, the burr B gets caught on the peripheral surfaces 21a, 23a of the groove 24, and the refrigerant pipe 100 cannot be inserted until it contacts the contact surface 22a of the bottom plate 22. This makes it possible to make the worker aware of the presence of burr B in refrigerant pipe 100, and urges the worker to carry out the work of removing burr B.

[0053] [Second embodiment] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a pipe joint cover according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a gauge function of the pipe joint cover. The pipe fitting cover 10 of the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the opening 17 constituting the indicating portion is not formed in the cylindrical body 11. In this embodiment, the distance L from the surface (contact surface) 22a on the other axial side (left side in FIG. 8) of the bottom plate 22 of the cover body 12 to the end face 18 on the other axial side of the cylindrical body 11 corresponds to the length of the refrigerant pipe 100 to be inserted into the cap nut 62 of the pipe fitting 60. Therefore, the end face 18 on the other axial side of the cylindrical body 11 constitutes the indicating portion that indicates the position of the marking.

[0054] In this embodiment, the end surface 18 of the cylindrical body 11 forms the support portion, and the opening 17 as in the support portion of the first embodiment is not required. Therefore, the dimension of the cover 10 in the axial direction X can be reduced, and further miniaturization can be achieved.

[0055] However, in both the first and second embodiments, the cylindrical body 11 functions as both the cover 10 and the gauge, so that the inner diameter of the cylindrical body 11 is set so that the joint body 61, which has the larger outer diameter, can be inserted between the joint body 61 and the refrigerant pipe 100. Therefore, a gap is generated between the inner surface of the cylindrical body 11 and the outer peripheral surface of the refrigerant pipe 100 inserted into the cylindrical body 11. In the second embodiment, when marking is performed with the writing instrument 101, the tip of the writing instrument 101 may enter the gap, and the position of the marking may not be fixed. In this respect, in the first embodiment (see FIG. 4), the opening 17 is formed so that the writing instrument 101 is inserted in a direction perpendicular to the axis C, and marking can be performed at a fixed position. Therefore, in this respect, the first embodiment is more advantageous than the second embodiment.

[0056] [Third embodiment] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a pipe joint cover according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a gauge function of the pipe joint cover. The cover 10 of the third embodiment includes two cylindrical bodies 11, 31. One cylindrical body (second cylindrical body) 11 functions as a cover for the joint main body 61. This cylindrical body 11 has a configuration substantially similar to that of the cylindrical body 11 of the second embodiment. The other cylindrical body (first cylindrical body) 31 functions as a gauge for the refrigerant pipe 100. The lid body 12 is disposed between the two cylindrical bodies 11, 31. The lid body 12 closes the ends of both cylindrical bodies 11, 31 in the axial direction X.

[0057] The first cylindrical body 31 and the second cylindrical body 11 are formed in a cylindrical shape having the same axis C. The first cylindrical body 31 extends from the cover body 12 to one side in the axial direction X. The outer diameter of the first cylindrical body 31 is smaller than the outer diameter of the second cylindrical body 11. The inner diameter of the first cylindrical body 31 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the refrigerant pipe 100, and when the refrigerant pipe 100 is inserted into the first cylindrical body 31, only a small gap is generated between the first cylindrical body 31 and the refrigerant pipe 100. An opening 25 is formed at the base end of the first cylindrical body 31. This opening 25 makes it possible to visually check whether the refrigerant pipe 100 is in contact with the bottom plate 22 of the cover body 12.

[0058] A distance L between a surface (contact surface) 22a on one side in the axial direction X of the bottom plate 22 of the lid 12 and an end face 33 on one side in the axial direction X of the cylindrical body 31 corresponds to the length of the refrigerant pipe 100 to be inserted into the cap nut 62. The end face 33 of the cylindrical body 31 forms an indicator portion that indicates the position of the marking.

[0059] The protrusion 23 of the cover 12 protrudes from the bottom plate 22 of the cover 12 to one side in the axial direction X, and is disposed inside the first cylindrical body 31. An annular groove 24 is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the first cylindrical body 31 and the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion 23. An end of the refrigerant pipe 100 inserted into the first cylindrical body 31 is inserted into this groove 24. As in the first and second embodiments, the radially outer peripheral surface and the radially inner peripheral surface of the groove 24 serve as the reference for the outer diameter dimension and the inner diameter dimension of the refrigerant pipe 100, respectively.

[0060] In this embodiment, the second cylindrical body 11, which functions substantially as a cover for the joint main body 61, and the first cylindrical body 31, which functions as a gauge for the refrigerant pipe 100, are separate bodies. Therefore, the inner diameter of the first cylindrical body 31 as a gauge can be formed to match the outer diameter of the refrigerant pipe 100, and the gap between them can be made small. Therefore, it is easy to mark a certain position with the writing tool 101. In addition, the opening 25 formed in the first cylindrical body 31 does not communicate with the inside of the second cylindrical body 11, so that foreign matter entering from the opening 25 does not enter the joint main body 61.

[0061] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a pipe joint cover according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. 12 is a plan view of the pipe joint cover, and Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the pipe joint cover. The pipe joint cover 10 of the fourth embodiment has a cylindrical body 11 and a lid body 12. The cylindrical body 11 and the lid body 12 function as a substantial cover for a joint body 61. Hereinafter, the cylindrical body 11 and the lid body 12 are collectively referred to as a cover body 40. An internal thread 14 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 11. The internal thread 14 can be fastened to an external thread 61a of a joint body 61 of a pipe joint 60. An outer peripheral surface (first outer peripheral surface) 15 of the cylindrical body 11 is formed in a hexagonal shape that can be engaged with a tool such as a wrench.

[0062] The pipe joint cover 10 of this embodiment has, in addition to the cover body 40, an outer member 41 that functions as a gauge, an inner member 42, and a connecting member 43. The cover body 40, the outer member 41, the inner member 42, and the connecting member 43 are integrally formed from a synthetic resin material.

[0063] The outer member 41 is provided on a part of the outer peripheral surface 15 of the cylindrical body 11 (one surface of the hexagonal shape). The outer member 41 is formed in a rectangular plate shape. The outer member 41 is formed to be longer in the axial direction X than the cover body 40. An end face of the outer member 41 on one side in the axial direction X (the right side in FIG. 13) is disposed on the same plane as an end face of the cover body 40 on one side in the axial direction X (the outer surface of the lid body 12). An end face 41b of the outer member 41 on the other side in the axial direction X (the left side in FIG. 13) is disposed on the other side in the axial direction X than the end face of the cover body 40 on the other side in the axial direction X, and protrudes beyond the cover body 40.

[0064] The inner member 42 is formed in a rectangular or square plate shape. The inner member 42 is disposed outside the outer member 41 in the radial direction of the cylindrical body 11. The inner member 42 is formed shorter in the axial direction X than the outer member 41. An end face of the inner member 42 on one side in the axial direction X (the right side in FIG. 13) is disposed on the same plane as end faces of the cover body 40 and the outer member 41 on one side in the axial direction X (the outer surface of the lid body 12). An end portion of the inner member 42 on the other side in the axial direction X (the left side in FIG. 13) is disposed on one side in the axial direction X of the end face of the cover body 40 on the other side in the axial direction X.

[0065] The connection member 43 connects one end of the outer member 41 in the axial direction X to one end of the inner member 42 in the axial direction X. A groove 44 that is open to the other axial direction side is formed between the outer member 41 and the inner member 42 connected by the connection member 43. An end of the refrigerant pipe 100 is inserted into this groove 44. The connection member 43 has a contact surface 43a that positions the refrigerant pipe 100 by contacting the end face of the refrigerant pipe 100 inserted into the groove 44. The distance L from the contact surface 43a to the end face 41b on the other side of the axial direction X of the outer member 41 corresponds to the length L of the refrigerant pipe 100 to be inserted into the cap nut 62 of the pipe joint 60, as shown in FIG. 5. The end face 41b on the other side of the axial direction X of the outer member 41 constitutes a support portion.

[0066] A side surface 41a of the outer member 41 facing the inner member 42 is formed in an arc shape. A side surface 42a of the inner member 42 facing the outer member 41 is also formed in an arc shape. These side surfaces 41a, 42a configure a circumferential surface that forms an arc-shaped groove 44. The center line of the arc-shaped groove 44 is parallel to the axis C of the cylindrical body 11.

[0067] The groove 44 has a circumferential length that allows insertion of a range of half the circumference or less of the refrigerant pipe 100. This allows the gauge of the cover 10 (the outer member 41, the inner member 42, the connecting member 43, and the groove 44) to be made smaller, and the cover 10 as a whole to be made smaller. However, the groove 44 may have a circumferential length that allows insertion of a range of half the circumference or more of the refrigerant pipe 100.

[0068] One circumferential surface 41a (side surface of the outer member 41) of the groove 44 serves as a reference for the outer diameter dimension of the refrigerant pipe 100, and the other circumferential surface 42a (side surface of the inner member 42) of the groove 44 serves as a reference for the inner diameter dimension of the refrigerant pipe 100. In other words, as shown in FIG. 12 , a radius of curvature d1 of one circumferential surface 41a of the groove 44 corresponds to half (radius) of the appropriate outer diameter of the refrigerant pipe 100, and a radius of curvature d2 of the other circumferential surface 42a of the groove 44 corresponds to half (radius) of the appropriate inner diameter of the refrigerant pipe 100.

[0069] When the cover 10 of this embodiment is used as a gauge, the cover 10 is removed from the joint body 61, an end of the refrigerant pipe 100 is inserted into the groove 44 between the outer member 41 and the inner member 42, and the end face of the refrigerant pipe 100 is brought into contact with the contact surface 43a. It can be checked from the outside whether the end face of the refrigerant pipe 100 is in contact with the contact surface 43a. Since the groove 44 is only half the length of the refrigerant pipe 100 or less, the refrigerant pipe 100 can be rotated while inserted into the groove 44 to check for the presence or absence of burrs B around the entire circumference of the refrigerant pipe 100.

[0070] Then, with the end face of the refrigerant pipe 100 in contact with the contact surface 43a, a mark M (see FIGS. 5 and 6) is marked on the outer circumferential surface of the refrigerant pipe 100 with a writing implement 101 such as a pen along the end face (indicating portion) 41b of the outer member 41. This allows the length L of the refrigerant pipe 100 to be inserted into the cap nut 62 to be set accurately. Therefore, the refrigerant pipe 100 can be reliably connected to the pipe fitting 60, reducing the variation in work by workers and reducing the possibility of refrigerant leaking from the pipe fitting 60. This allows the pipe fitting 60 to be removed from the location where there is a possibility of leakage even if a refrigerant leak from the refrigeration device is detected, which contributes to a rapid search for the leak location.

[0071] In this embodiment, the indicator showing the insertion length L of the refrigerant pipe 100 may be an opening (for example, the opening 17 described in the first embodiment) formed in the outer member 41, instead of the end face 41b of the outer member 41. In this embodiment, the end face 41b on the other side in the axial direction X (the left side in FIG. 13) of the outer member 41 protrudes from the end face on the other side in the axial direction X of the cover body 40, but does not necessarily have to protrude. For example, when the axial length of the cylindrical body 11 has a dimension corresponding to the insertion length L of the refrigerant pipe 100, the end face 41b on the other side in the axial direction X of the outer member 41 and the end face on the other side in the axial direction X of the cover body 40 can be arranged on the same plane. In this case, the cylindrical body 11 itself can also be used as the outer member 41. In this case, it is sufficient to form an arc-shaped circumferential surface on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 11 to form the groove 44.

[0072] Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a pipe joint cover according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the pipe joint cover, and Fig. 16 is a front view of the pipe joint cover. The cover 10 of the fifth embodiment includes two cylindrical bodies 11, 31. One cylindrical body (second cylindrical body) 11 functions as a cover for the joint body 61 together with the lid body 12. This cylindrical body 11 has a configuration substantially similar to that of the cylindrical body 11 of the fourth embodiment (see FIG. 13). However, the female thread 14 is not formed on the inner peripheral surface of this cylindrical body 11.

[0073] An end portion on one side in the axial direction X of the cylindrical body 11 (the right side in FIG. 15 ) is closed by the cover body 12. A pair of claws 51 protrude from an end portion on the other side in the axial direction X of the cylindrical body 11. A projection 51a is formed on the mutually facing surfaces of the pair of claws 51. A hexagonal large diameter portion 61c is formed on the base end side of the male thread 61a in the joint body 61 for engaging with a tool such as a wrench. The projection 51a of the claws 51 is caught on the large diameter portion 61c of the joint body 61 inserted into the cylindrical body 11, thereby fixing the cover 10 to the joint body 61.

[0074] The other cylindrical body (first cylindrical body) 31 functions as a gauge for the refrigerant pipe 100. The one cylindrical body 11 and the other cylindrical body 31 have different axes C, C1. The axes C, C1 of both cylindrical bodies 11, 31 are arranged substantially parallel to each other. One end of the other cylindrical body 31 in the axial direction X is closed by a lid body 32. The outer surface of the lid body 32 (the surface on one side in the axial direction X (the right side in FIG. 15)) is arranged on the same plane as the outer surface of the lid body 12. The lid body 32 has a bottom plate 35 and a protrusion 36. The bottom plate 35 has a contact surface 35a that contacts the end surface of the refrigerant pipe 100 inserted into the cylindrical body 31 to position the refrigerant pipe 100.

[0075] The inner diameter of the cylindrical body 31 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the refrigerant pipe 100. Therefore, when the refrigerant pipe 100 is inserted into the cylindrical body 31, only a small gap is formed between the cylindrical body 31 and the refrigerant pipe 100. An opening 25 is formed at the base end of the cylindrical body 31. This opening 25 makes it possible to visually check whether the end face of the refrigerant pipe 100 is in contact with the contact surface 35a of the cover body 32.

[0076] An opening 17 is formed in the cylindrical body 31. A distance L between the contact surface 35a of the lid body 32 and the opening 17 corresponds to the length L of the refrigerant pipe 100 to be inserted into the cap nut 62. The opening 17 constitutes an indicator that indicates the position of the marking.

[0077] The protrusion 36 of the cover 12 is formed in a cylindrical shape, protrudes from the bottom plate 35 of the cover 32 to the other side in the axial direction X, and is disposed inside the cylindrical body 31. An annular groove 24 is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 31 and the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion 23. An end of the refrigerant pipe 100 inserted into the cylindrical body 31 is inserted into this groove 24. As in the first and second embodiments, the radially outer peripheral surface and the radially inner peripheral surface of the groove 24 are references for the outer diameter dimension and the inner diameter dimension of the refrigerant pipe 100, respectively.

[0078] In this embodiment, the cylindrical body 11, which functions essentially as a cover for the joint main body 61, and the cylindrical body 31, which functions as a gauge for the refrigerant pipe 100, are constructed separately and integrated. Therefore, the inner diameter of the cylindrical body 31 as a gauge can be formed to match the outer diameter of the refrigerant pipe 100, and the gap between them can be made small. Therefore, it is easy to mark a certain position with the writing tool 101. In addition, the opening 25 formed in the cylindrical body 31 does not communicate with the inside of the cylindrical body 11, so that foreign matter entering through the opening 25 does not enter the joint main body 61.

[0079] In this embodiment, the cylindrical body 31 constitutes the outer member 41 described in the fourth embodiment, and the protrusion 36 of the lid body 32 constitutes the inner member 42 described in the fourth embodiment. In other words, this embodiment can be said to be a modified example in which the groove 44 of the fourth embodiment is provided over the entire circumference of the refrigerant pipe 100. Therefore, in this embodiment, the cylindrical body 31 and the lid body 32 constituting the gauge are provided radially outside the cylindrical body 11 functioning as a cover.

[0080] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a pipe joint cover according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. The sixth embodiment is substantially a modified example of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1). The cover 10 of this embodiment has a cylindrical body 11, a lid body 12 (outer cylinder 21, bottom plate 22, protrusion 23), a female thread 14, openings 17, 25, etc., similar to the first embodiment. However, in this embodiment, the axis C of the cylindrical body 11 and the axis C2 of the protrusion 23 are eccentric. In addition, the annular groove 24 formed between the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion 23 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 21 is also eccentric with respect to the axis C of the cylindrical body 11.

[0081] Therefore, when the end of the refrigerant pipe 100 is inserted into the groove 24 in the cylindrical body 11, a part of the outer circumferential surface of the refrigerant pipe 100 approaches a part of the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 11, reducing the gap between them. Therefore, the writing instrument 101 inserted into the opening 17 is less likely to tilt, making it easier to mark a fixed position with the writing instrument 101.

[0082] In this embodiment, a covering member 46 is provided to cover the opening 25 of the cover 12. The covering member 46 is formed in a shape that covers the entire outer tube 21 and bottom plate 22 of the cover 12. The covering member 46 is formed of a transparent or translucent member. Therefore, even when the opening 25 is covered, the opening 25 can be seen from the outside, and it can be confirmed whether the end face of the refrigerant pipe 100 is in contact with the contact surface 22a. By providing such a covering member 46, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering the cover 10 through the opening 25. The covering member 46 does not necessarily have to be provided.

[0083] Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a pipe joint cover according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. 19 is an exploded perspective view of the pipe joint cover, and Fig. 20 is a perspective view of the pipe joint cover used as a gauge. The cover 10 of the seventh embodiment includes a cover body 40 having a cylindrical body 11 and a lid body 12, and a gauge member 54 that essentially constitutes a gauge, which are separate bodies. The gauge member 54 is detachably attached to the cover body 40. The gauge member 54 is used in a first form (a form used as a cover for the joint body 61) in which it is attached to the cover body 40 from one axial side (the left side in FIG. 19), and in a second form (a form used as a gauge for the refrigerant pipe 100) in which it is attached to the cover body 40 from the other axial side (the right side in FIG. 19).

[0084] The cylindrical body 11 and the lid body 12 of this embodiment are substantially the same as the cylindrical body 11 and the lid body 12 of the second embodiment (see Figs. 7 and 8), and the inside of the cylindrical body 11 is formed with a protrusion 23 and a groove 24 as shown in Fig. 8. However, in this embodiment, the outer tube 21 of the lid body 12 is formed with openings 25 at three or more locations (six locations in the illustrated example). Also, on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 11, a groove 11a into which the claw 57 of the gauge member 54 fits, and a protrusion 11b for hooking the claw 57 are formed.

[0085] The gauge member 54 includes a main body 55, a plurality of covering portions 56, and a pair of claws 57. The main body 55 is formed in a flat plate shape. A through hole 55a is formed in the center of the main body 55. The diameter of the through hole 55a is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the refrigerant pipe 100. The outer periphery of the main body 55 is formed in a hexagonal shape that is substantially the same as the outer periphery of the cylindrical body 11.

[0086] The multiple covering portions 56 protrude from one surface of the main body portion 55. The multiple covering portions 56 are arranged at equal intervals around the through hole 55a of the main body portion 55. When the multiple covering portions 56 are attached to the cylindrical body 11 in the first form (see FIG. 18 ), they close the opening 25 formed in the cylindrical body 11. Therefore, in the first form, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering the cover 10 through the opening 25.

[0087] The pair of claws 57 protrude from one surface of the main body 55. The pair of claws 57 have protrusions 57a on surfaces facing each other. In both the first and second forms, the pair of claws 57 are hooked onto protrusions 11b formed on the cylindrical body 11, whereby the gauge member 54 is attached to the cover main body 40.

[0088] When the gauge member 54 is attached to the cover body 40 in the second form, an opening on one axial side of the cylindrical body 11 (an opening on the opposite side to the lid body 12) is covered by the body portion 55 of the gauge member 54. In this embodiment, the outer surface 55b of the body portion 55 constitutes the indicator. Therefore, the insertion length L of the refrigerant pipe 100 can be accurately set by inserting the refrigerant pipe 100 into the through hole 55a, inserting the end of the refrigerant pipe 100 into the groove 24 (see FIG. 8) in the lid body 12, and marking along the outer surface 55b of the body portion 55 with the writing implement 101. Since the through hole 55a of the body portion 55 can be formed according to the outer diameter of the refrigerant pipe 100, the gap between the refrigerant pipe 100 and the through hole 55a can be reduced, and a fixed position can be marked with the writing implement 101.

[0089] [Other embodiments] In the above embodiment, the refrigerant pipe 100 is marked using the writing implement 101, but the marking may be made by other means. For example, the marking may be made by a sticker. In this case, a sticker may be provided so as to cover the opening 17 from the inside of the cylindrical body 11 of the first embodiment, and the sticker may be attached to the refrigerant pipe by inserting a stick or the like into the opening 17 from the outside of the cylindrical body 11.

[0090] In the above embodiment, the cylindrical body 11 of the cover 10 is formed with the female thread 14 that is fastened to the male thread 61a of the joint body 61 and the claw 51 that is hooked onto the joint body 61, but the cover 10 may be attached to the joint body 61 by means other than these. For example, the cover 10 may be attached to the joint body 61 by adhesive tape or the like. The cover 10 may be attached to the joint body 61 by packaging material.

[0091] The specific configuration of the pipe joint 60 is not limited to the examples shown in Figs. 5 and 6, and any conventionally known configuration may be used.

[0092] [Effects of the embodiment] (1) The pipe fitting cover 10 in the above embodiment is a cover that is removably attached to the fitting body 61 of the pipe fitting 60, and has a gauge for setting the insertion length L of the refrigerant piping 100 connected to the bag nut 62 of the pipe fitting 60 relative to the bag nut 62. By attaching the cover 10 to the joint body 61 of the pipe joint 60 in the refrigeration equipment, a gauge can be attached to the refrigeration equipment. Therefore, the cover 10 can be removed from the joint body 61 at the construction site and the gauge of the cover 10 can be used to accurately mark the refrigerant pipe 100, improving the reliability of the connection work of the refrigerant pipe 100.

[0093] Since the length L of the refrigerant pipe 100 to be inserted into the cap nut 62 of the pipe fitting 60 varies depending on the diameter of the refrigerant pipe 100, many types of gauges are required. For an operator to prepare such many types of gauges would significantly increase the burden on the operator. Although it is also possible to attach a gauge to the refrigeration device product as an accessory, if a different type of gauge is mistakenly attached, there is a risk that the refrigerant pipe will not be connected properly. In this embodiment, the cover attached to the fitting body can have the function of a gauge according to the diameter of the refrigerant pipe connected to the fitting body, so that the burden on the operator can be reduced and the attachment of different types of gauges can be reduced.

[0094] (2) In the above fourth and fifth embodiments, the cover 10 further includes a cylindrical body 11 having an inner diameter into which the joint body 61 can be inserted, and a lid body 12 that closes one axial end of the cylindrical body 11 and covers the tip of the joint body 61 inserted into the cylindrical body 11. The gauge is provided on the radial outside of the cylindrical body 11. By providing the gauge on the radial outside of the cylindrical body 11 in this manner, the gauge can be provided without being affected by the function of the joint body 61 as a cover. In addition, by providing the gauge on the radial outside of the cylindrical body 11, it is possible to prevent the cover 10 from becoming large in the axial direction. If the cover 10 becomes large in the axial direction, the cover 10 may protrude significantly from the refrigeration device, which may increase the packaging size of the refrigeration device. However, by using the cover 10 of the above embodiment, such inconvenience can be eliminated.

[0095] (3) In the fourth and fifth embodiments, the gauge includes an outer member 41 disposed on the outer periphery of the refrigerant pipe 100, an inner member 42 disposed on the inner periphery of the refrigerant pipe 100, and contact surfaces 43a, 35a that contact and position an end face of the refrigerant pipe 100 between the outer member 41 and the inner member 42. The outer member 41 has indicators 41b, 17 that indicate a position a distance away from the contact surfaces 43a, 35a that corresponds to the insertion length L. Therefore, by inserting the refrigerant pipe 100 between the outer member 41 and the inner member 42 and bringing the end face of the refrigerant pipe 100 into contact with the contact surfaces 43a, 35a, the length L of the refrigerant pipe 100 to be inserted into the cap nut 62 can be easily grasped by the indicators 41b, 17.

[0096] (4) In the fourth embodiment, the contact surface 43a is exposed to the outside. Therefore, it is easy to check whether the end face of the refrigerant pipe 100 inserted into the groove 44 is in contact with the contact surface 43a.

[0097] (5) In the first to third, fifth and sixth embodiments, the gauge includes a cylindrical body 11, 31 having an inner diameter into which the refrigerant pipe 100 can be inserted, and a cover body 12, 32 that closes one end of the cylindrical body 11, 31 in the axial direction X and has a contact surface 22a, 35a that contacts and positions the end face of the refrigerant pipe 100 inserted into the cylindrical body 11, 31, and the cylindrical body 11, 31 has an indicator 17, 18, 33 that indicates a position away from the contact surface 22a, 35a by a distance corresponding to the insertion length L. Therefore, by inserting the refrigerant pipe 100 into the cylindrical body 11, 31 and bringing the end face of the refrigerant pipe 100 into contact with the cover body 12, the indicator 17, 18, 33 can easily grasp the insertion length of the refrigerant pipe 100 to be inserted into the cap nut 62.

[0098] (6) In the first, fifth and sixth embodiments, the indication portion 17 is an opening formed in the cylindrical body 11, 31 and capable of exposing the outer circumferential surface of the refrigerant pipe 100 inserted into the cylinder 17, 18, 33. Therefore, the insertion length of the refrigerant pipe 100 to be inserted into the cap nut 62 can be easily grasped by the opening 17, and for example, the outer circumferential surface of the refrigerant pipe 100 can be marked with the writing implement 101 through the opening 17.

[0099] (7) In the first to third and fifth to seventh embodiments, the lid 12 has the opening 25 through which the contact surfaces 22a, 35a can be visually observed. Therefore, it is easy to check whether the refrigerant pipe 100 is properly inserted into the cylindrical bodies 11, 31.

[0100] (8) In the first to third and fifth to seventh embodiments, the cover 12 has an annular groove 24 into which the end of the refrigerant pipe 100 is inserted, and the groove 24 has a radially outer circumferential surface 21a that serves as a reference for the outer diameter dimension of the refrigerant pipe 100 and a radially inner circumferential surface 23a that serves as a reference for the inner diameter dimension of the refrigerant pipe 100. Therefore, by inserting the refrigerant pipe 100 into the groove 24, it can be confirmed whether the outer diameter dimension and the inner diameter dimension of the refrigerant pipe 100 are appropriate for insertion into the cap nut 62.

[0101] (9) In the above first, second, sixth and seventh embodiments, the cylindrical body 11 has an inner diameter into which the joint body 61 can be inserted and covers the inserted joint body 61 from the radially outer side, and the lid body 12 covers the tip of the joint body 61 inserted into the cylindrical body 11. According to this configuration, the joint body 61 can be covered by the cylindrical body 11 and the lid body 12 themselves which constitute the gauge, so that the cover 10 having the gauge can be configured compactly.

[0102] (10) In the above third and fifth embodiments, the cover 10 has an inner diameter into which the fitting body 61 can be inserted, and has the second cylindrical body 11 that covers the inserted fitting body 61 from the radial outside, and the lid body 12 covers the tip of the fitting body 61 inserted into the second cylindrical body 11. Therefore, of the two cylindrical bodies 11, 31, one cylindrical body (first cylindrical body) 31 can be used as a gauge, and the other cylindrical body (second cylindrical body) 11 can be used as a cover, and appropriate dimensions according to the respective functions can be formed, for example, the inner diameter of the first cylindrical body 31 can be formed to a dimension compatible with the refrigerant pipe 100, and the inner diameter of the second cylindrical body 11 can be formed to a dimension compatible with the fitting body 61.

[0103] Although the embodiments have been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 10: Pipe joint cover 11: Cylindrical body 12: Lid 17: Opening (instruction part) 18: End face (indication part) 21a: Peripheral surface 22a: Contact surface 23a: Peripheral surface 24: Groove 25:Aperture 31: Cylindrical body 32: Lid 33: End face (indication part) 35a: Contact surface 36: Protrusion 41:Outer member 41b: End face (indication part) 42: Inner member 43a: Contact surface 44: Groove 60: Pipe fittings 61: Fitting body 62: Cap nut 100: Refrigerant piping L: Insertion length

Claims

1. A cover removably attached to a fitting body (61) of a pipe fitting (60), a gauge for setting an insertion length (L) of a refrigerant pipe (100) connected to the cap nut (62) of the pipe joint (60) into the cap nut (62); a cylindrical body (11) having an inner diameter into which the joint body (61) can be inserted; a cover body (12) that closes one axial end of the cylindrical body (11) and covers a tip of the joint main body (61) inserted into the cylindrical body (11), A pipe joint cover, wherein the gauge is provided radially outside the cylindrical body (11).

2. the gauge has an outer member (41) arranged on the outer circumferential side of the refrigerant piping (100), an inner member (42) arranged on the inner circumferential side of the refrigerant piping (100), and a contact surface (43a) between the outer member (41) and the inner member (42) for contacting and positioning an end face of the refrigerant piping, 2. The pipe joint cover according to claim 1, wherein the outer member (41) has an indication portion (41b) that indicates a position a distance away from the contact surface (43a) that corresponds to the insertion length (L).

3. 3. The pipe joint cover according to claim 2, wherein the contact surface (43a) is exposed to the outside.

4. A cover removably attached to a fitting body (61) of a pipe fitting (60), a gauge for setting an insertion length (L) of a refrigerant pipe (100) connected to the cap nut (62) of the pipe joint (60) into the cap nut (62); The gauge is A cylindrical body (11) having an inner diameter capable of inserting the refrigerant pipe (100); a cover (12) that closes one axial end of the cylindrical body (11) and has a contact surface (22a) that contacts and positions an end face of the refrigerant pipe (100) inserted into the cylindrical body (11), The cylindrical body (11) has an indicator (17, 18) that indicates a position a distance away from the contact surface (22a) that corresponds to the insertion length (L), The cylindrical body (11) has an inner diameter into which the joint body (61) can be inserted, and covers the inserted joint body (61) from the radially outer side, The cover (12) covers the tip of the joint body (61) inserted into the cylindrical body (11).

5. The pipe fitting cover according to claim 4, wherein the supporting portion (17) is an opening formed in the cylindrical body (11) and capable of exposing an outer circumferential surface of the refrigerant pipe (100) inserted into the cylindrical body (11).

6. The pipe joint cover according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the lid body (12) has an opening (25) through which the contact surface (22a) can be viewed.

7. A cover removably attached to a fitting body (61) of a pipe fitting (60), a gauge for setting an insertion length (L) of a refrigerant pipe (100) connected to the cap nut (62) of the pipe joint (60) into the cap nut (62); The gauge is a cylindrical body (11, 31) having an inner diameter into which the refrigerant pipe (100) can be inserted; a cover (12, 32) that closes one axial end of the cylindrical body (11, 31) and has a contact surface (22a, 35a) that contacts and positions an end face of the refrigerant pipe (100) inserted into the cylindrical body (11, 31), the cylindrical body (11, 31) has an indicator (17, 18, 33) that indicates a position a distance away from the contact surface (22a, 35a) that corresponds to the insertion length (L), the cover (12, 32) has an annular groove (24) into which the end of the refrigerant piping (100) is inserted, the groove (24) having a radially outer peripheral surface (21 a) that serves as a reference for the outer diameter dimension of the refrigerant piping (100) and a radially inner peripheral surface (23 a) that serves as a reference for the inner diameter dimension of the refrigerant piping (100).

8. A cover removably attached to a fitting body (61) of a pipe fitting (60), a gauge for setting an insertion length (L) of a refrigerant pipe (100) connected to the cap nut (62) of the pipe joint (60) into the cap nut (62); The gauge is A cylindrical body (31) having an inner diameter capable of inserting the refrigerant pipe (100); a cover (12) that closes one axial end of the cylindrical body (31) and has a contact surface (22a) that contacts and positions an end face of the refrigerant pipe (100) inserted into the cylindrical body (31), The cylindrical body (31) has an indicator (33) that indicates a position a distance away from the contact surface (22a) that corresponds to the insertion length (L), The second cylindrical body (11) has an inner diameter into which the joint body (61) can be inserted and covers the inserted joint body (61) from the radially outer side. The cover body (12) covers the tip of the joint body (61) inserted into the second cylindrical body (11), The pipe joint cover, wherein the cylindrical body (11) and the second cylindrical body (31) are arranged on opposite sides of the lid body (12) in the axial direction.

Images