Pipe fittings

Abstract

To provide a pipe joint which can connect pipe bodies of various sizes and is excellent in assembling work and practicality. [Solution] A pipe fitting for connecting pipes, comprising: a nipple provided along the insertion space of the pipe; two sleeves that are attachable to surround the outer periphery of the insertion space of the pipe and are radially deformable, the sleeves being a large diameter size and a small diameter size; and a nut that is arranged on the outside of the two sleeves and covers the outer surfaces of the sleeves in the circumferential direction to tighten them; the nipple has a large diameter cylindrical portion on its outer periphery at its base end for attaching a large diameter pipe; and a small diameter cylindrical portion on its outer periphery at its tip end for attaching a small diameter pipe; and the problem is solved by a pipe fitting that can be selected according to the size of the pipe to be connected, either with only one sleeve attached or with two sleeves attached consecutively in the insertion direction.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pipe joint used to connect a pipe body, such as a hose made of a material such as soft polyvinyl chloride. More specifically, this relates to a pipe fitting in which a pipe is inserted along the outer peripheral surface of a nipple, a sleeve is placed on the outside, and then a nut is pressed to tightly seal the inner peripheral surface of the pipe against the outer peripheral surface of the nipple, and the fitting is capable of connecting pipes of multiple sizes. [Background technology]

[0002] Pipes that are the target of this type of pipe fitting come in a variety of sizes. For this reason, for example, when a customer purchases a new sprinkler fitting at a retail store, unless they know the size of the hose they are currently using, they will not know which sprinkler fitting to purchase. To purchase the correct size, the customer must either consult with a salesperson or go home and check before purchasing, which is a time-consuming process. Under these circumstances, a hose fitting that allows hoses of different inner diameters to be connected to the same fitting has been proposed as prior art (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Publication number 2-31675

[0004] The pipe fitting described in Patent Document 1 has a fitting portion for attaching a small diameter hose on the outer peripheral surface of the front half of the nipple part of the fitting body, and a bamboo-shaped tubular portion on the outer peripheral surface of the rear half, with the bamboo-shaped portions of the tubular portion for attaching a large diameter hose gradually increasing in diameter towards the rear end.Furthermore, the sleeve attached to the outside of the nipple is provided with pressing portions corresponding to the fitting portion for attaching a small diameter hose and the tubular portion for attaching a large diameter hose, and a hose nut that presses the sleeve radially is screwed onto the fitting body, making it possible to connect two hoses of different diameters to a single hose fitting. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Although pipes come in a variety of sizes, the size range was not as wide in the past. The pipe fitting described in Patent Document 1 was proposed at a time when the size range was narrow. However, in recent years, the size variation of pipes has become more abundant as functionality is pursued. For example, sprinkler hoses are available with a wide range of inner diameters, including 7.5 mm, 9 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, 13.5 mm, and 15 mm, and this range is likely to expand further in the future. With the recent increase in size variations, pipe fittings compatible with these sizes have also become available. However, for example, fittings compatible with 7.5 to 9 mm and fittings compatible with 12 to 15 mm are separately available. In other words, these fittings are divided into pipe fittings for small diameter ranges and pipe fittings for large diameter ranges. Therefore, it is not possible to use a single pipe fitting to cover a wide range of diameters, from small to large.

[0006] In addition to this, even within the limited, narrow range of applications covered by conventional technology, structural problems exist. For example, in the pipe fitting described in Patent Document 1, the smaller the size of the small-diameter hose in the front half of the nipple, combined with the large-diameter hose attachment fitting, the longer the radial movement of the sleeve required to tighten a large-diameter hose, which tended to increase the effort and strain required for tightening. From a design perspective, increasing the taper angle of the hose nut to shrink the sleeve increases the load on the sleeve, making it more susceptible to damage. It also significantly deforms the sleeve, increasing the torque required during tightening and increasing the strain. Increasing the thickness of the sleeve in the radial direction to tighten a small-diameter hose requires a correspondingly larger hose nut, resulting in a larger fitting body and a correspondingly larger strain during tightening. Conversely, reducing the taper angle or thickness can lead to other problems, such as increased susceptibility to water leakage.

[0007] The present invention addresses these problems by providing a pipe fitting that can connect pipes of a wider range of sizes, rather than simply accommodating pipes of different sizes within a short range, and that is easy to assemble and has excellent practicality. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a pipe joint for connecting pipes, the pipe joint comprising: a nipple provided along an insertion space of the pipe; two sleeves that are attachable to surround the outer periphery of the insertion space of the pipe and are deformable in the radial direction, the sleeve being a large diameter size sleeve and a small diameter size sleeve, formed along the outer periphery of the nipple; and a nut that is disposed on the outside of the two sleeves and covers and tightens the outer surfaces of the sleeves in the circumferential direction, the nipple having a large diameter cylindrical portion on its outer periphery at its base end for attaching a large diameter pipe, and a small diameter cylindrical portion on its outer periphery at its tip end for attaching a small diameter pipe, and the nipple having a large diameter cylindrical portion on its outer periphery at its The large diameter size The present invention is characterized in that either a sleeve alone is attached or two sleeves are attached consecutively in the insertion direction.

[0009] The present invention also provides a pipe joint for connecting pipes, the pipe joint comprising: a nipple provided along an insertion space of the pipe; a plurality of sleeves that are attachable to surround the outer periphery of the insertion space of the pipe, formed along the outer periphery of the nipple, and that are deformable in the radial direction, and that correspond to pipes of a plurality of different sizes; and a nut that is disposed outside the plurality of sleeves and circumferentially covers and tightens the outer surface of at least one of the plurality of sleeves, the nipple having a maximum diameter cylindrical portion on its outer periphery at its base end for attaching to a pipe of a maximum diameter, a cylindrical portion on its outer periphery at its tip end for attaching to a pipe of a diameter smaller than the maximum diameter pipe, and a cylindrical portion for attaching to a pipe of an even smaller diameter, and this configuration is repeated from the maximum diameter pipe to the minimum diameter pipe, and the pipe joint is configured such that, depending on the size of the pipe to be connected, Maximum diameterOnly the sleeve can be attached. Aspects , The diameter of the sleeve decreases in order from the maximum diameter. Multiple sleeves can be attached in succession in the insertion direction as many as needed. Any one of a plurality of aspects is selected. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1(a) and 1(b) are explanatory views showing the overall configuration of a pipe fitting according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 1(a) is a perspective view showing a state in which a thick pipe body is connected, FIG. 1(b) is a perspective view showing a state in which a thin pipe body is connected, and FIG. 1(c) is a perspective view of FIG. 1(b) with the nut removed. [Figure 2] 2(a) and 2(b) are explanatory views showing a nipple of a pipe fitting according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 2(a) is a front view, FIG. 2(b) is a side view, FIG. 2(c) is a plan view, FIG. 2(d) is a bottom view, and FIG. 2(e) is a perspective view. [Figure 3] 3(a) and 3(b) are explanatory views showing a nut of a pipe joint according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 3(a) is a front view, FIG. 3(b) is a side view, FIG. 3(c) is a plan view, FIG. 3(d) is a bottom view, FIG. 3(e) is a perspective view, and FIG. 3(f) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 3(b). [Figure 4] 4(a) and 4(b) are explanatory views showing a large diameter size sleeve and a small diameter size sleeve of a pipe fitting according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which, for the large diameter size sleeve, FIG. 4(a) is a front view, FIG. 4(b) is a plan view, FIG. 4(c) is a bottom view, and FIG. 4(d) is a perspective view, and for the small diameter size sleeve, FIG. 4(e) is a front view, FIG. 4(f) is a plan view, FIG. 4(g) is a bottom view, and FIG. 4(h) is a perspective view. [Figure 5] 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating a hose fastening method for a pipe joint according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 6(a) and 6(c) are explanatory views showing a sleeve locking portion provided on a nipple of a pipe fitting according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 6(a) is a cross-sectional view, FIG. 6(b) is an enlarged view of part C in FIG. 6(a), and FIG. 6(c) is an enlarged view of part D in FIG. 6(a). [Figure 7]7A and 7B are explanatory diagrams showing a pipe body engaging portion provided on a nipple of a pipe fitting according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which Fig. 7(a) is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a thick pipe body is connected, Fig. 7(b) is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a thin pipe body is connected, and Fig. 7(c) is an enlarged view of part E in Fig. 7(b). [Figure 8] 8A and 8B are explanatory views showing the overall configuration of a pipe joint according to another embodiment of the present invention with the nut removed, with FIG. 8A being a perspective view and FIG. 8B being a cross-sectional view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] <Embodiments of the present invention> (Overall configuration of pipe fittings) Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the drawings are created for the purpose of explanation, and for the sake of clarity, components unnecessary for the explanation may be intentionally omitted. Furthermore, components may be intentionally illustrated larger or smaller for the purpose of explanation, and the drawings are not drawn to an exact scale. In the following description, the same reference numerals in different drawings indicate parts with the same function, and duplicate explanations in each drawing will be omitted as appropriate.

[0012] 1 to 3, a pipe fitting 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is a pipe fitting for connecting a large-diameter tube B1 or a small-diameter tube B2. The pipe fitting includes a nipple 1 provided along the insertion space of the tubes, two sleeves formed along the outer surface of the nipple 1 that can be attached to surround the outer periphery of the insertion space and are radially deformable: a large-diameter sleeve 3 and a small-diameter sleeve 4, and a nut 2 disposed on the outside of the two sleeves to circumferentially cover and tighten the outer surfaces of the sleeves. In this embodiment, the large-diameter tube B1 is assumed to have an inner diameter in the range of 12 mm to 15 mm, and the small-diameter tube B2 is assumed to have an inner diameter in the range of 7.5 mm to 9 mm. By adjusting the degree of tightening of the nut 2 within each range, the tubes can be secured with sufficient holding force.

[0013] Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of a pipe fitting according to an embodiment of the present invention, with Fig. 1(a) being a perspective view showing a state in which a large pipe body is connected, Fig. 1(b) being a perspective view showing a state in which a small pipe body is connected, and Fig. 1(c) being a perspective view of Fig. 1(b) with the nut removed. Fig. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a nipple of a pipe fitting according to an embodiment of the present invention, with Fig. 2(a) being a front view, Fig. 2(b) being a side view, Fig. 2(c) being a plan view, Fig. 2(d) being a bottom view, and Fig. 2(e) being a perspective view. Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a nut of a pipe fitting according to an embodiment of the present invention, with Fig. 3(a) being a front view, Fig. 3(b) being a side view, Fig. 3(c) being a plan view, Fig. 3(d) being a bottom view, Fig. 3(e) being a perspective view, and Fig. 3(f) being a cross-sectional view along line AA of Fig. 3(b).

[0014] More specifically, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, the pipe fitting 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises, as its main components, a nipple 1 having a guide portion 11 disposed opposite the inner surface of a large-diameter tube B1 or a small-diameter tube B2, a nut 2 having an inner nut inclined surface 21 (tapered surface) disposed opposite the outer peripheral surface of the guide portion 11 and inclined in the axial direction, and a large-diameter sleeve 3 and / or a small-diameter sleeve 4 disposed on the inner nut inclined surface 21 of the nut 2. Here, as shown in Figure 1(c), when connecting a small-diameter tube B2, the small-diameter sleeve 4 is disposed on top of the large-diameter sleeve 3, and connection is made using the small-diameter sleeve 4. On the other hand, when connecting a large-diameter tube B1, only the large-diameter sleeve 3 is disposed (see Figure 5), and connection is made using the large-diameter sleeve 3. The inner and outer diameters of the thick tube body B1 and the thin tube body B2 are not fixed, but rather there are multiple sizes that fall within a specified range, and by adjusting the degree of tightening of the nut 2, it is possible to connect and fix hoses of multiple sizes.

[0015] 2(a), 2(b), and 2(e), the outer peripheral surface of nipple 1 has a plurality of projections and recesses formed continuously in the axial direction or at appropriate intervals to form guide portions 11 for guiding the hose. These projections and recesses include a large-diameter sleeve locking portion 13 that restricts movement of large-diameter sleeve 3 in the tube insertion / removal direction, a small-diameter sleeve locking portion 14 that restricts movement of small-diameter sleeve 4 in the tube insertion / removal direction, a large-diameter tube engaging portion 15 that restricts movement of large tube B1 in the insertion / removal direction, and a thin tube engaging portion 16 that restricts movement of thin tube B2 in the insertion / removal direction. Details of these locking and engaging portions will be described later. In Figure 2(b), the area from the large diameter sleeve locking portion 13 to the thick tube body engaging portion 15 functions as a large diameter cylindrical portion for attaching a large diameter tube body, and the area from the small diameter sleeve locking portion 14 to the thin tube body engaging portion 16 functions as a small diameter cylindrical portion for attaching a small diameter tube body.

[0016] As shown in the figure, a male thread portion 12 for threading onto a nut 2 is provided on the lower outer periphery of the guide portion 11. The pipe can be fixed by tightening the nut 2 to the required degree depending on the size of the pipe. Furthermore, below the male thread portion 12, there is provided a groove portion 17 for fitting a part of the sprinkler joint that engages with a tool, and a protrusion 18 for making it easier to apply force when tightening by hand.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 3( f), the nut inner inclined surface 21 of the nut 2 is provided with a large-area tapered section 23 having a large inner diameter and a small-area tapered section 24 having a small inner diameter. Although not shown, a female thread 25 is formed in the lower region of the nut inner inclined surface so that the nut 2 can be threaded onto the nipple 1. The large-area tapered section 23 functions to tighten the large-diameter sleeve 3, and the small-area tapered section 24 functions to tighten the small-diameter sleeve 4. In this embodiment, a non-tapered region 22 is disposed between the large-area tapered section 23 and the small-area tapered section 24. Non-tapered regions are also provided below the large-area tapered section 23 and above the small-area tapered section 24. The taper angles of the large-area tapered section 23 and the small-area tapered section 24 are set to be different in magnitude. Specifically, the taper angle of the large-area tapered section 23 is set to be larger than the taper angle of the small-area tapered section 24. In this embodiment, a tube with an inner diameter in the range of 12 mm to 15 mm is assumed as the thick tube body B1, and a tube with an inner diameter in the range of 7.5 mm to 9 mm is assumed as the thin tube body B2, and the adjustment range for the thick tube body B1 is larger, resulting in the above-mentioned angle relationship; however, if the adjustment ranges for the thick and thin tubes are reversed, the relationship in the magnitude of the taper angles will also be reversed.

[0018] In the embodiment, a non-tapered region is provided and the taper angles are varied. However, modifications may be made such as omitting the non-tapered region and configuring tapered sections with different taper angles in succession, or configuring the taper angle to be uniform. However, while detailed explanations of these modifications will be omitted, from a design perspective, problems arise, such as the larger size of the fitting body and the shorter nut and nipple, making the design more difficult. A larger fitting body requires more resin and a thicker sleeve, which requires a greater force to deform than a thinner one for the same amount of deformation, resulting in an increased burden during nut tightening. A shorter nut and nipple requires a greater force to deform the shorter sleeve, which increases the burden during nut tightening. To ensure the same amount of deformation, a thicker sleeve is required, further increasing the burden. Furthermore, a shorter nipple reduces the hose insertion depth, potentially making the hose more likely to slip out. However, even if the design becomes more difficult, it is not impossible, and the pipe fitting still functions to a certain extent as a pipe fitting capable of connecting pipes of various sizes, so modifications are not excluded from the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a large diameter size sleeve and a small diameter size sleeve of a pipe fitting according to an embodiment of the present invention, with Figure 4(a) being a front view, Figure 4(b) being a plan view, Figure 4(c) being a bottom view, and Figure 4(d) being a perspective view of the large diameter size sleeve, and Figure 4(e) being a front view, Figure 4(f) being a plan view, Figure 4(g) being a bottom view, and Figure 4(h) being a perspective view of the small diameter size sleeve.

[0020] The large diameter size sleeve 3 and the small diameter size sleeve 4 are made of an elastically deformable material such as polyacetal resin or other synthetic resin with excellent surface smoothness, toughness, and heat resistance, and are formed into an approximately cylindrical shape that can be expanded and contracted in the radial direction, with their inner diameters set to be approximately the same as or larger than the outer diameter of tube B1 or tube B2 when expanded, and smaller than the outer diameter of tube B1 or tube B2 when contracted.

[0021] In this embodiment, the large-diameter sleeve 3 has eight split tip portions 31 that are split to allow the diameter of the sleeve to be reduced on the tip side in the insertion / removal direction, one of which is split all the way through to the base to form a full split portion 32. The small-diameter sleeve 4 has six split tip portions 41 that are split to allow the diameter of the sleeve to be reduced on the tip side in the insertion / removal direction, one of which is split all the way through to the base to form a full split portion 42.

[0022] The outer diameters of the large diameter sleeve 3 and the small diameter sleeve 4 are preferably smaller than the inner diameter of the nut 2 that they face, and are set so that the hose is compressed by 60% or more when the nut is fully tightened.

[0023] Naturally, the large diameter size sleeve 3 is larger than the small diameter size sleeve 4. However, as can be seen by comparing Figures 4(d) and 4(h), the large diameter size sleeve 3 is thinner than the small diameter size sleeve 4 (see also Figure 6(a)). In other words, the small diameter size sleeve 4 is thicker than the large diameter size sleeve 3. The reason for this is that the upper area of ​​the nut 2 where the small diameter size sleeve 4 is placed must be large enough to allow the large tubular body B1 to pass through, but at the same time, the small diameter size sleeve 4 must be able to sufficiently tighten the thin tubular body B2.

[0024] With the configuration described above, the pipe fitting 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention can fasten a wide range of pipes, large and small, by selecting either a configuration using only the large diameter sleeve 3 or a configuration using both the large diameter sleeve 3 and the small diameter sleeve 4. A specific fastening method will now be described.

[0025] (How to fasten hoses to pipe joints) Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating a method for fastening a hose to a pipe joint according to an embodiment of the present invention. When attaching a large hose (pipe body B1), the process is as shown in the upper half of Figure 5. First, the large diameter sleeve 3 is pushed in until the bottom surface of the large diameter sleeve 3 clears the large diameter sleeve engaging portion 13, and attached to the nipple 1 (see also Figures 6(a) and 6(b)). Next, the large hose (pipe body B1) is inserted until it abuts against the convex portion (flange portion) of the nipple. Finally, the nut 2 is tightened onto the nipple 1 until the required amount of hose compression is achieved.

[0026] The process for attaching the thin hose (tube body B2) is shown in the lower half of Figure 5. First, the large-diameter sleeve 3 is attached to the nipple 1 by pushing it in until its bottom surface clears the large-diameter sleeve locking portion 13 (see also Figures 6(a) and 6(b)). Next, the small-diameter sleeve 4 is attached to the nipple 1 by pushing it in until its bottom surface clears the small-diameter sleeve locking portion 14 and the entire sleeve abuts against the large-diameter sleeve 3 (see also Figures 6(a) and 6(c)). Next, the thin hose (tube body B2) is inserted until it abuts against the bottom of the small-diameter sleeve 4. Finally, the nut 2 is tightened onto the nipple 1 until the required amount of hose compression is achieved.

[0027] As can be seen from the above, with the pipe fitting 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, two sleeves are used for one fitting, and a tapered portion is provided on the inner surface of one nut that enables each sleeve to be tightened. By selectively using only one or two sleeves and varying the amount of hose insertion and the amount of tightening of the nut, it is possible to fasten hoses of different sizes using common parts other than the sleeves.

[0028] In conventional technology, even if it was possible to connect hoses of different sizes, it was necessary to prepare separate fittings for large and small ranges, or even if there was only one fitting, it was necessary to prepare many attachments.However, in the embodiment of the present invention, a single common part can be used for all sizes, except for the sleeve.

[0029] (Configuration of sleeve locking part) Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a sleeve locking portion provided on a nipple of a pipe fitting according to an embodiment of the present invention, where Figure 6(a) is a cross-sectional view, Figure 6(b) is an enlarged view of part C in Figure 6(a), and Figure 6(c) is an enlarged view of part D in Figure 6(a).

[0030] As shown in Figures 6(a) and 6(b), nipple 1 has a large diameter sleeve locking portion 13 near the convex portion (flange portion) and slightly above the bottom surface of large diameter sleeve 3. Large diameter sleeve locking portion 13 provides a clicking sensation when the bottom surface of large diameter sleeve 3 passes over it, allowing the user to confirm whether or not the sleeve has been attached to the nipple, and also prevents the sleeve from falling off the nipple and being lost if the nipple is not covered with a nut.

[0031] As shown in Figures 6(a) and 6(c), nipple 1 is provided with small diameter sleeve locking portion 14 slightly above the position of the bottom surface of small diameter sleeve 4 when stacked on top of large diameter sleeve 3. Small diameter sleeve locking portion 14 provides a clicking sensation when the bottom surface of small diameter sleeve 4 passes over it, allowing the user to confirm whether or not the sleeve has been attached to the nipple, and also prevents the sleeve from falling off the nipple and being lost if the nipple is not covered with a nut.

[0032] (Configuration of the tube engaging portion) Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a pipe body engaging portion provided on a nipple of a pipe fitting according to an embodiment of the present invention, where Figure 7(a) is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a thick pipe body is connected, Figure 7(b) is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a thin pipe body is connected, and Figure 7(c) is an enlarged view of part E in Figure 7(b).

[0033] 2(a), 7(a) and 7(b), in a pipe fitting 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, in order to prevent the hoses from being inadvertently inserted or removed when attaching a large hose (pipe B1) or a small hose (pipe B2), the nipple 1 is provided with a large tube engaging portion 15 and a small tube engaging portion 16. The large tube engaging portion 15 functions to restrict movement of the large tube B1 in the insertion / removal direction, and to restrict movement of the small tube engaging portion 16 and the small tube B2 in the insertion / removal direction.

[0034] The restriction of movement is achieved by the cooperation of these engagement portions and the tip of the sleeve, forcing the hose into the engagement portion. As shown in Figure 7(c) as an example of application to a thin hose (tube B2), when the small-diameter sleeve 4 is tightened and reduced in diameter, the tip of the small-diameter sleeve 4 is positioned in the thin-tube engagement portion 16, which is a recessed portion of the concave portion of the nipple 1, and the thin hose (tube B2) is pressed into the thin-tube engagement portion 16. A convex portion is located immediately above the thin-tube engagement portion 16, which acts as a stopper when the hose is pulled in the direction of removal from the nipple, making it difficult to remove. Since the large-tube engagement portion 15 is inserted deep into the nipple, it is not designed to function as a stopper in this embodiment. However, by appropriately designing the dimensions, the convex portion and the large-diameter sleeve 3 may also work together to provide a stopper function for the large-tube engagement portion 15.

[0035] <Another embodiment of the present invention> Up to this point, we have explained an embodiment in which hoses of different sizes can be fastened by dividing the area into two regions, large and small, and selecting the attachment mode of two different sleeves. Expanding on this concept and increasing the number of sleeve variations makes it possible to attach hoses of different sizes over a wider range of areas. This other embodiment will now be described.

[0036] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of a pipe fitting according to another embodiment of the present invention with the nuts removed, with Figure 8(a) being a perspective view and Figure 8(b) being a cross-sectional view. As shown in Figure 8, a pipe fitting 100A according to another embodiment of the present invention is a pipe fitting 100A for connecting one pipe selected from pipes of various sizes belonging to four ranges, and includes a nipple 1A provided along the insertion space of the pipe, four sleeves formed along the outer surface of nipple 1A that can be attached to surround the outer periphery of the insertion space of the pipe and that can be deformed in the radial direction, namely a first sleeve 3A, a second sleeve 4A, a third sleeve 5A, and a fourth sleeve 6A, and one nut 2A (not shown) arranged outside the four sleeves to circumferentially cover and tighten the outer surfaces of the sleeves.

[0037] A pipe fitting 100A according to another embodiment of the present invention fastens pipes in one of the following modes, depending on the size of the pipe: a mode using only one sleeve, the first sleeve 3A; a mode using two sleeves, the first sleeve 3A and the second sleeve 4A; a mode using three sleeves, the first sleeve 3A, the second sleeve 4A, and the third sleeve 5A; or a mode using all four sleeves. With this configuration, in this another embodiment of the present invention, a single common part other than the sleeve can be used to accommodate a wider variety of hose sizes.

[0038] <Additional Notes> The other embodiments can be considered as conceptually expanded versions of the previously described embodiments, and can employ configurations similar to those described in the previous embodiments. These technical ideas are described below as supplementary notes.

[0039] (1) A pipe joint for connecting pipes, a nipple provided along the insertion space of the pipe; a plurality of sleeves that are attachable to surround the outer periphery of the insertion space of the pipe formed along the outer periphery of the nipple and are deformable in the radial direction, and that correspond to a plurality of different sizes of pipes; a nut disposed outside the plurality of sleeves for circumferentially covering and tightening an outer surface of at least one of the plurality of sleeves; The nipple is configured such that a maximum diameter cylindrical portion for attaching a pipe of a maximum diameter is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the base side, a cylindrical portion for attaching a pipe of a diameter smaller than the maximum diameter is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the tip side, and then a cylindrical portion for attaching a pipe of an even smaller diameter is provided, and this configuration is repeated from the maximum diameter pipe to the minimum diameter pipe, Depending on the size of the pipe to be connected, either one sleeve can be attached or multiple sleeves can be attached consecutively in the insertion direction as many as necessary. Pipe fitting A characterized by:

[0040] Here, the multiple sleeves in pipe fitting A should not be understood as three or more, excluding two, but should be understood to include two. In other words, there is no reasonable reason to think that the explanation above that "is configured to be repeated from the pipe body with the largest diameter to the pipe body with the smallest diameter" excludes the case where the diameter next to the largest diameter is the smallest diameter.

[0041] (2) The plurality of sleeves are set so that the larger the diameter of the pipe body, the smaller the wall thickness of the sleeve. The pipe fitting A according to (1) is characterized in that

[0042] (3) The nut has a tapered portion having a plurality of regions with different inner diameter sizes, The tapered portion in the plurality of regions corresponds to each of the plurality of sleeves. The pipe fitting A according to (1) is characterized in that

[0043] (4) The tapered portion of the plurality of regions is a continuous tapered portion. The pipe fitting A according to (3) is characterized in that

[0044] (5) A non-tapered region is disposed between each of the tapered regions of the plurality of regions. The pipe fitting A according to (3) is characterized in that

[0045] (6) The taper angles of the tapered portions of the plurality of regions are different from each other. The pipe joint A according to any one of (3) to (5) above is characterized in that:

[0046] (7) The nipple is provided with a sleeve locking portion that restricts movement of the plurality of sleeves in the pipe insertion / removal direction. The pipe fitting A according to (1) is characterized in that

[0047] (8) The nipple is provided with a tube engaging portion that restricts movement of the tube in the insertion / removal direction. The pipe fitting A according to (1) is characterized in that

[0048] (9) the tube engaging portion is a recess provided on the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion, When the tube moving in the insertion / removal direction is pushed into the recess, the tube is caught in the recess and is difficult to remove. The pipe fitting A according to (8) is characterized in that

[0049] As described above, the pipe fittings according to the embodiments and other embodiments of the present invention enable hoses of different sizes to be fastened using common parts other than the sleeve, and provide pipe fittings that are excellent in assembly and practicality. This allows customers who are unsure of the hose size they are using to purchase a fitting with confidence, without having to consult a sales clerk or take the time to double-check the hose size. This also has significant benefits for retailers, as it reduces the number of times customers need to consult a sales clerk, improving business efficiency.

[0050] The pipe fittings according to the embodiments and other embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, and their structures and functions have been explained. However, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and the present invention includes design changes within the scope of the present invention. For example, the number of sleeves may be three in a row, in addition to two in a row or four in a row. Furthermore, because the fitting is configured to be tightened with a nut, even if the sleeve locking portion is omitted, the fitting will still function sufficiently as a pipe fitting and still fall within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0051] 1 nipple 11 Information Department 12 Male thread 13 Large diameter sleeve locking portion (sleeve locking portion) 14 Small diameter sleeve locking portion (sleeve locking portion) 15 Large pipe engaging portion (pipe engaging portion) 16 thin tube body engaging portion (tube body engaging portion) 17 Groove 18 Protruding 2 nuts 21 Nut inner inclined surface 22 Non-tapered region 23 Large area tapered section 24 Small area tapered section 25 Female thread 3 Large diameter sleeve (sleeve) 31 Split section 32 Full portion 4 Small diameter sleeve (sleeve) 41 Split section 42 Full portion 100 Pipe Fittings B1 Large tube body (tube body) B2 Thin tube body (tube body) 1A nipple 3A First Sleeve 4A Second Sleeve 5A Third Sleeve 6A Fourth Sleeve 100A pipe fitting

Claims

1. A pipe joint for connecting pipes, a nipple provided along the insertion space of the pipe; two sleeves, a large diameter sleeve and a small diameter sleeve, that can be attached to surround the outer periphery of the insertion space of the pipe and that can be deformed in a radial direction and that are formed along the outer periphery of the nipple; a nut disposed outside the two sleeves for tightening the sleeves by covering the outer surfaces of the sleeves in a circumferential direction; The nipple has a large-diameter cylindrical portion on its outer peripheral surface at its base for attaching a large-diameter pipe, and a small-diameter cylindrical portion on its outer peripheral surface at its tip end for attaching a small-diameter pipe, Depending on the size of the pipe to be connected, either the large-diameter sleeve alone or two sleeves are attached consecutively in the insertion direction can be selected. A pipe joint characterized by:

2. The large diameter sleeve is thinner than the small diameter sleeve.

2. The pipe joint according to claim 1.

3. The nut has two tapered portions consisting of a large area tapered portion whose inner diameter is large and a small area tapered portion whose inner diameter is small, the large area tapered section is configured to clamp the large diameter sleeve; The small area tapered portion is configured to clamp the small diameter sleeve.

2. The pipe joint according to claim 1.

4. The large-area tapered portion and the small-area tapered portion are continuous tapered portions.

4. The pipe joint according to claim 3.

5. A non-tapered region is disposed between the large-region tapered portion and the small-region tapered portion.

4. The pipe joint according to claim 3.

6. The taper angle of the large-area tapered portion and the taper angle of the small-area tapered portion are different in magnitude.

6. A pipe joint according to claim 3, wherein the pipe joint is a pipe joint having a diameter of 100 mm or less.

7. The nipple is provided with a sleeve locking portion that restricts movement of the plurality of sleeves in the pipe insertion / removal direction.

2. The pipe joint according to claim 1.

8. The nipple is provided with a tube engaging portion that restricts movement of the tube in the insertion / removal direction.

2. The pipe joint according to claim 1.

9. the tube engaging portion is a recess provided on the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion, When the tube moving in the insertion / removal direction is pushed into the recess, the tube is caught in the recess and is difficult to remove.

9. The pipe joint according to claim 8.

10. A pipe joint for connecting pipes, a nipple provided along the insertion space of the pipe; a plurality of sleeves that are attachable to surround the outer periphery of the insertion space of the pipe formed along the outer periphery of the nipple and are deformable in the radial direction, and that correspond to a plurality of different sizes of pipes; a nut disposed outside the plurality of sleeves for circumferentially covering and tightening an outer surface of at least one of the plurality of sleeves; The nipple is configured such that a maximum diameter cylindrical portion for attaching a pipe of a maximum diameter is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the base side, a cylindrical portion for attaching a pipe of a diameter smaller than the maximum diameter is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the tip side, and then a cylindrical portion for attaching a pipe of an even smaller diameter is provided, and this configuration is repeated from the maximum diameter pipe to the minimum diameter pipe, Depending on the size of the pipe to be connected, one of the following modes can be selected: a mode in which only the sleeve with the largest diameter is attached; or a plurality of sleeves with diameters successively smaller than the maximum diameter are attached consecutively in the insertion direction as many as necessary. A pipe joint characterized by:

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