PIPE JOINT

摘要

A pipe joint that enables pipe bodies and the joint itself to be easily and simply connected and achieves a reliable water-stop effect by rapid water absorption and expansion of a water-expandable portion. Resin-made base-material fibers (9) as a base material, water-expandable fibers (10) formed from a water-expandable resin material with a high melting point made in a fiber form, and a binder (11) are processed into a nonwoven fabric. The base-material fibers (9) and the water-expandable fibers (10) are joined by the binder (11) that is melted by heat occurring during the processing to form a water-expandable portion (4). The water-expandable portion (4) is integrally provided on that surface of a joint body (1a) that faces pipe bodies. An almost uniform clearance (C) is formed between the water-expandable portion (4) and the outer peripheral surfaces of pipe bodies (2, 2) connected by a pipe joint (1). An interposed portion (5) for holding, integrated with a connection portion (1c), is provided on the inner layer side of the water-expandable portion (4) or an exterior portion (8) covering the water-expandable portion (4) is provided on its outer layer side. Both end portions (13a, 13a) of a nonwoven fabric sheet (13) rolled up in a substantially hollow-cylindrical form are superposed on each other and integrally fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the joint body (1a).