Piping connection structure

Abstract

A pipe connection structure according to an embodiment connects end portions of a first pipe and a second pipe in an extension direction to each other. Each of the first pipe and the second pipe is provided with a pipe body and a pair of coupling members. When viewed from the first radial direction of each pipe, the pipe main body has an inclined end surface formed at an end portion thereof, the inclined end surface being inclined with respect to a plane orthogonal to the extension direction. The pair of coupling members are disposed on both sides in the first radial direction at the end of each pipe in the extension direction, and each of the coupling members protrudes outward in the first radial direction from the outer peripheral surface of the pipe body. Each of the pair of connecting members of the first pipe and each of the pair of connecting members of the second pipe are fastened by a fastening member in a state in which the inclined end surface of the first pipe and the inclined end surface of the second pipe are brought into contact with each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a pipe connection structure. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a pipe connection structure for connecting the ends of pipes to each other, sometimes the flanges provided at the ends of the pipes are butt-joined to each other, and the flanges are fastened to each other by a plurality of bolts. Alternatively, sometimes the end of one pipe is inserted into the end of the other pipe, and the two pipes are joined by welding, brazing, or the like.

[0003] However, for example, in a device such as a power conversion device, when high-density component arrangement is performed due to restrictions on the housing size, a configuration in which the volume of the pipe connection structure does not increase is preferred. For example, if the target device is water-cooled, a space for arranging a plurality of pipes is required inside the housing. In particular, if general flanges or mechanical joints (such as thrust couplings) are used in the pipe connection structure, a relatively wide space needs to be provided so that they do not interfere with surrounding components. As a result, it may be difficult to effectively utilize the limited space inside the housing. In addition, when joining the ends of pipes to each other by welding, brazing, or the like, it is sometimes difficult to perform such joining operations in the limited space inside the housing.

[0004] Prior Art Documents

[0005] Patent Documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-093850

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-200761

[0008] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-146987 Summary of the Invention

[0009] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0010] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a pipe connection structure that can reduce the space required for connecting pipes and can easily connect the pipes to each other.

[0011] Means for Solving the Problems

[0012] The piping connection structure of the embodiment connects the end portions in the extending directions of the first piping and the second piping to each other. The first piping and the second piping each include a piping main body and a pair of connecting members. When viewed from the first radial direction of each piping, the piping main body has an inclined end face formed at the end portion and inclined with respect to the plane orthogonal to the extending direction. The pair of connecting members are arranged on both sides in the first radial direction at the end portions in the extending direction of each piping, and respectively project outward in the first radial direction from the outer peripheral surface of the piping main body. In a state where the inclined end face of the first piping and the inclined end face of the second piping are butt-jointed with each other, each of the pair of connecting members of the first piping and each of the pair of connecting members of the second piping are fastened by fastening members. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 It is an explanatory view showing a schematic configuration of a power conversion device including piping to which the piping connection structure of the embodiment is applied.

[0014] Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing the piping connection structure of the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 It is an exploded perspective view of the piping connection structure of the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 It is a side view showing the piping connection structure of the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5 It is an explanatory view showing the inclined end face formed at the end portion of the divided piping when viewed from the normal direction in the piping connection structure of the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 6 It is a side view showing the piping connection structure of the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 7 It is an explanatory view showing a state in the middle of connecting the divided pipings to each other by the piping connection structure of the embodiment.

[0020] Figure 8 It is an explanatory view showing the force acting on the connection portion between the divided pipings in the piping connection structure of the embodiment.

[0021] Figure 9 It is an explanatory view showing a case where the pipings to which the piping connection structure of the embodiment is applied are arranged in parallel.

[0022] Figure 10 It is an explanatory view showing the configuration of a piping in which the divided pipings are flange-connected to each other for comparison with the piping connection structure of the embodiment.

[0023] Figure 11This is an explanatory diagram showing a case where pipes with flange connections between split pipes are arranged side by side for comparison with the piping connection structure of the embodiment. Detailed Embodiment

[0024] Hereinafter, the piping connection structure of the embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a power conversion device including pipes to which the piping connection structure of the embodiment is applied.

[0026] The power conversion device 1 of the embodiment is provided, for example, in electrical equipment or the like. The power conversion device 1 constitutes switchboards, distribution boards, control panels, etc. of a power supply device, a motor drive device, etc.

[0027] As Figure 1 shown, the power conversion device 1 includes a housing 3 and a plurality of devices 2 housed in the housing 3. The housing 3 is formed, for example, in a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped hollow box shape. The housing 3 has an openable and closable door (not shown) on one of its sides.

[0028] Each of the plurality of devices 2 includes, for example, various circuit components such as semiconductor elements, conductors, fuses, capacitors (capacitors), transformers, switches, circuit breakers, and measuring devices. The plurality of devices 2 are respectively fixed to the housing 3.

[0029] A water supply pipe 5 and a drain pipe 6 are connected to the plurality of devices 2. The water supply pipe 5 can supply cooling water from the outside of the housing 3 to the devices 2. Each of the plurality of devices 2 is cooled by the cooling water supplied from the water supply pipe 5. The drain pipe 6 can discharge the cooling water from the devices 2 to the outside of the housing 3.

[0030] The water supply pipe 5 includes, for example, a water supply first pipe 51, a water supply second pipe 52, and a water supply external pipe 53. The water supply first pipe 51 extends along the direction in which the plurality of devices 2 are arranged. The water supply first pipe 51 is connected to each of the plurality of devices 2 via a connection pipe 54. One end of the water supply second pipe 52 is connected to the end of the water supply first pipe 51 at a connection portion J11. The water supply second pipe 52 is bent, for example, in an L shape. The other end of the water supply second pipe 52 is connected to one end of the water supply external pipe 53 at a connection portion J12. The water supply external pipe 53 is introduced into the housing 3 through an opening 3h formed in the housing 3 from the outside of the housing 3.

[0031] The drain pipe 6 includes, for example, a first drain pipe 61, a second drain pipe 62, and an external drain pipe 63. The first drain pipe 61 extends along the direction in which the plurality of devices 2 are arranged. The first drain pipe 61 is connected to each of the plurality of devices 2 via a connecting pipe 64. One end of the second drain pipe 62 is connected to the end of the first drain pipe 61 at a connection portion J21. The second drain pipe 62 is bent, for example, in an L shape. The other end of the second drain pipe 62 is connected to one end of the external drain pipe 63 at a connection portion J22. The external drain pipe 63 is introduced into the housing 3 through an opening 3h formed in the housing 3 from the outside of the housing 3.

[0032] The connection portion J11 between the first water supply pipe 51 and the second water supply pipe 52, the connection portion J12 between the second water supply pipe 52 and the external water supply pipe 53, the connection portion J21 between the first drain pipe 61 and the second drain pipe 62, and the connection portion J22 between the second drain pipe 62 and the external drain pipe 63 are arranged inside the housing 3. The connection portion J12 between the second water supply pipe 52 and the external water supply pipe 53 and the connection portion J22 between the second drain pipe 62 and the external drain pipe 63 are arranged side by side with each other inside the housing 3.

[0033] Next, the pipe connection structures of the connection portions J11, J12, J21, and J22 will be described. The pipe connection structure between the first water supply pipe 51 and the second water supply pipe 52 in the connection portion J11, the pipe connection structure between the second water supply pipe 52 and the external water supply pipe 53 in the connection portion J12, the pipe connection structure between the first drain pipe 61 and the second drain pipe 62 in the connection portion J21, and the pipe connection structure between the second drain pipe 62 and the external drain pipe 63 in the connection portion J22 are the same structure as each other. A pair of pipes connected by each pipe connection structure are sometimes respectively referred to as "split pipes".

[0034] In the following description, in the connection portions J11, J12, J21, and J22, one of the split pipes is referred to as a first pipe 100A, and the other split pipe is referred to as a second pipe 100B. For example, in the connection portion J11, the first water supply pipe 51 is set as the first pipe 100A, and the second water supply pipe 52 is set as the second pipe 100B. For example, in the connection portion J12, the second water supply pipe 52 is set as the first pipe 100A, and the external water supply pipe 53 is set as the second pipe 100B. For example, in the connection portion J21, the first drain pipe 61 is set as the first pipe 100A, and the second drain pipe 62 is set as the second pipe 100B. For example, in the connection portion J22, the second drain pipe 62 is set as the first pipe 100A, and the external drain pipe 63 is set as the second pipe 100B.

[0035] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the pipe connection structure of the embodiment. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the pipe connection structure of the embodiment. Figure 4It is a side view showing the pipe connection structure of the embodiment.

[0036] As Figures 2 to 4 shown, the pipe connection structure Z of the embodiment includes a first pipe 100A, a second pipe 100B, and a fastening member 103 (refer to Figure 2 ). The pipe connection structure Z of the embodiment is applicable to a so-called straight pipe portion where the first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B extend along the same straight-line extension direction (axial direction) Da.

[0037] The first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B each include a pipe body 101 and a pair of plates (connecting members) 102.

[0038] Figure 5 It is an explanatory view of an inclined end face formed at the end of a split pipe as viewed from a direction intersecting the inclined end face (for example, the normal direction of the inclined end face) in the pipe connection structure of the embodiment.

[0039] The pipe bodies 101 of the first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B extend along the extension direction Da of the first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B. An inclined end face 104 is formed at the end 101a of each pipe body 101. As Figure 4 shown, the inclined end face 104 is formed along a plane inclined by a specified angle θ with respect to a plane orthogonal to the extension direction Da. The inclined end face 104 is inclined in a manner of rotating around a diameter D1 along a first radial direction Dr1 described later. As Figure 5 shown, on the inclined end face 104 of the pipe body 101 of at least one (only one in the embodiment) of the first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B, a sealing groove 104m for accommodating a sealing ring 110 described later is formed over the entire circumference of the inclined end face 104.

[0040] As Figures 2 to 5 shown, the pair of plates 102 are arranged on both sides of the pipe body 101 across the radial direction Dr of the pipe body 101 at the end 101a of the pipe body 101. The pair of plates 102 are arranged on both sides of the pipe body 101 in one direction of the radial direction Dr of the pipe body 101, that is, both sides of the first radial direction Dr1. The inclined end face 104 of the pipe body 101 is inclined from one side of the extension direction Da toward the other side with respect to a second radial direction Dr2 orthogonal to the first radial direction Dr1 in the radial direction Dr.

[0041] Each plate 102 projects outward from the outer peripheral surface 101f of the pipe body 101 in the radial direction Dr of the pipe body 101. Each plate 102 is formed in a flat plate shape parallel to the first radial direction Dr1 and the extension direction Da (a flat plate shape orthogonal to the second radial direction Dr2). As Figure 4As shown, when observed from the first radial direction Dr1, the plates 102 of the respective divided pipes are arranged to face each other across the central axis C of the pipe body 101 in the second radial direction Dr2.

[0042] The base portion 102a on one side in the extending direction Da of each plate 102 is joined (e.g., welded) to the outer peripheral surface 101f of the pipe body 101. The front end portion 102b on the other side in the extending direction Da of each plate 102 protrudes from the inclined end surface 104 toward the one side in the extending direction Da. In the extending direction Da, the position of the first pipe 100A relative to the inclined end surface 104 of the plate 102 (the amount of protrusion from the inclined end surface 104) is the same as the position of the second pipe 100B relative to the inclined end surface 104 of the plate 102 (the amount of protrusion from the inclined end surface 104). All the plates 102 in the embodiment have the same configuration. Therefore, when welding the plates 102 to the ends of the pipes 100A and 100B, welding can be performed using common fixtures and other equipment.

[0043] The plates 102 of the respective divided pipes have opposing surfaces 102f that face each other in the second radial direction Dr2. Each opposing surface 102f is integrally formed in a flat shape along a plane orthogonal to the second radial direction Dr2. Each opposing surface 102f is not limited to a plane and has a fine concavo-convex shape including a locking claw 105 described later. When observed from the first radial direction Dr1, each opposing surface 20f is formed along the central axis C of the pipe body 101. When observed from the first radial direction Dr1, each opposing surface 102f is arranged to form an acute angle with the inclined end surface 104 of the pipe body 101. That is, in each plate 102, when observed from the first radial direction Dr1, the opposing surface 102f is formed on the side that forms an acute angle with the inclined end surface 104 of the pipe body 101.

[0044] Locking claws (protrusions) 105 are formed on each opposing surface 102f. The locking claws 105 extend, for example, along the first radial direction Dr1 (along the direction orthogonal to the extending direction Da). A plurality of locking claws 105 are formed at equal intervals in the extending direction Da on the opposing surface 102f. Each locking claw 105 has a locking surface 105f. The locking surface 105f is formed, for example, to face the one side (base portion 102a) in the extending direction Da. The locking surface 105f is a surface that intersects the extending direction Da and is, for example, a plane inclined with respect to the orthogonal plane to the extending direction Da.

[0045] A recess for matching (fitting) the locking claw 105 of the opposing surface 102f of the other plate 102 facing each other in the second radial direction Dr2 is formed between a pair of adjacent locking claws 105 in the extending direction Da. That is, a concavo-convex shape that can be mutually fitted is formed on a pair of opposing surfaces 102f that face each other.

[0046] As Figure 3 、 Figure 5As shown, insertion holes (through holes) 107 through which bolts 103a of fastening members 103 described later are inserted are formed in each plate 102. The insertion holes 107 are formed, for example, at two positions spaced apart in the extending direction Da in each plate 102. Each insertion hole 107 penetrates each plate 102 in the second radial direction Dr2.

[0047] As Figure 2 shown, in the pipe connection structure Z of the embodiment, the first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B are connected in a state where the inclined end faces 104 of the first pipe 100A and the inclined end faces 104 of the second pipe 100B are butt - joined to each other. A ring - shaped seal ring 110 (refer to Figure 3 ) is sandwiched between the inclined end face 104 of the first pipe 100A and the inclined end face 104 of the second pipe 100B. The seal ring 110 is housed in a seal groove 104m formed in one of the inclined end faces 104, thereby positioning it with respect to the inclined end face 104.

[0048] Figure 6 is a side view showing the pipe connection structure of the embodiment.

[0049] As Figure 6 shown, the first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B are connected in a state where the opposing surfaces 102f of the pair of plates 102 of the first pipe 100A and the opposing surfaces 102f of the pair of plates 102 of the second pipe 100B abut against each other in the second radial direction Dr2. The engaging surfaces 105f of the respective engaging claws 105 of the opposing surface 102f of the plate 102 of the first pipe 100A and the opposing surface 102f of the plate 102 of the second pipe 100B abut against each other in the extending direction Da. Thereby, relative movement of the first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B in the direction of separating from each other in the extending direction Da is restricted.

[0050] Figure 7 is an explanatory view showing an intermediate state of connecting split pipes to each other by the pipe connection structure of the embodiment.

[0051] When connecting the first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B, first, the first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B are brought close to each other along the extending direction Da. The seal ring 110 is pre - installed in the seal groove 104m of one of the inclined end faces 104 of each split pipe.

[0052] Next, the sealing ring 110 is crushed between the inclined end faces 104 of the first pipe 100A and the inclined end faces 104 of the second pipe 100B, and the inclined end faces 104 are brought closer to each other in the extending direction Da. At this time, the elastic force of the sealing ring 110 acts in a manner that separates the inclined end faces 104 from each other in the normal direction. This elastic force acts in the direction of pressing the opposing faces 102f of the pair of plates 102 facing each other.

[0053] Before long, the inclined end face 104 of the first pipe 100A abuts against the inclined end face 104 of the second pipe 100B. In addition, the opposing face 102f of the plate 102 of the first pipe 100A abuts against the opposing face 102f of the plate 102 of the second pipe 100B in the second radial direction Dr2. At this time, as Figure 6 shown, the positions of the plates 102 of the first pipe 100A and the plates 102 of the second pipe 100B coincide with each other in the extending direction Da. Then, the insertion holes 107 of the plates 102 of the first pipe 100A and the insertion holes 107 of the plates 102 of the second pipe 100B overlap coaxially with each other. In this state, the respective plates 102 of the first pipe 100A and the corresponding plates 102 of the second pipe 100B can be fastened by the fastening member 103.

[0054] It is also possible to form a gap between the inclined end face 104 of the first pipe 100A and the inclined end face 104 of the second pipe 100B in a state where the opposing face 102f of the plate 102 of the first pipe 100A abuts against the opposing face 102f of the plate 102 of the second pipe 100B in the second radial direction Dr2. This gap is within a range that can ensure the sealing performance of the sealing ring 110.

[0055] The fastening member 103 includes, for example, a bolt 103a and a nut 103b. The bolt 103a is inserted through the insertion holes 107 that communicate coaxially with each other from one side in the second radial direction Dr2. The nut 103b is screwed onto the front end portion of the bolt 103a that protrudes to the other side in the second radial direction Dr2 from the insertion hole 107.

[0056] The plate 102 and the fastening member 103 are arranged so as to fall within the width D (diameter) in the second radial direction Dr2 of the pipe main body 101 when viewed from the first radial direction Dr1.

[0057] If the bolt 103a is inserted through the insertion hole 107, the nut 103b is screwed onto the front end portion of the bolt 103a and tightened, then it is fastened until the opposing face 102f of the plate 102 of the first pipe 100A abuts against the opposing face 102f of the plate 102 of the second pipe 100B. Thereby, the end portion of the first pipe 100A and the end portion of the second pipe 100B are integrally connected.

[0058] At this time, the locking claws 105 on the opposing surface 102f of the plate 102 of the first pipe 100A are engaged with the locking claws 105 on the opposing surface 102f of the plate 102 of the second pipe 100B. Thus, the relative movement of the first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B in the direction of separating from each other in the extending direction Da is firmly restricted by the concave-convex fitting of the opposing surfaces 102f with each other.

[0059] Figure 8 It is an explanatory diagram showing the forces acting on the connection part between the divided pipes in the pipe connection structure of the embodiment.

[0060] In the pipe connection structure Z of the embodiment, in a state where the opposing surfaces 102f of the respective plates 102 of the first pipe 100A are brought into contact with the opposing surfaces 102f of the corresponding plates 102 in the second pipe 100B by the fastening member 103, the first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B are connected to each other. The fastening force F1 of the fastening member 103 acts in the second radial direction Dr2 between the opposing surfaces 102f of the respective plates 102 of the first pipe 100A and the opposing surfaces 102f of the corresponding plates 102 in the second pipe 100B.

[0061] When the first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B are brought closer to each other along the extending direction Da, the inclined end surfaces 104 of the first pipe 100A and the inclined end surfaces 104 of the second pipe 100B approach each other in their normal directions. By applying a force F2 in the normal direction between these respective inclined end surfaces 104, the sealing ring 110 is crushed. At this time, a component force in the second radial direction Dr2 of the reaction force (the elastic force of the sealing ring 110) of the force F2 generates an action of bringing the plate 102 of the first pipe 100A into contact with the plate 102 of the second pipe 100B. Through this action, the opposing surfaces 20f are concave-convexly fitted with each other, and a force F3 for maintaining the state where the first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B are held close to each other in the extending direction Da is maintained. That is, the first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B can be easily temporarily held in the close state. Therefore, the connection operation of the first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B can be easily performed.

[0062] Figure 9 It is an explanatory diagram showing a case where pipes to which the pipe connection structure of the embodiment is applied are arranged side by side.

[0063] In the pipe connection structure Z, a pair of plates 102 for connecting the first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B are provided on both sides of the first radial direction Dr1 of the pipe main body 101. The fastening operation of the fastening member 103 for connecting the plate 102 of the first pipe 100A and the plate 102 of the second pipe 100B can be performed on both sides of the first radial direction Dr1 with respect to the pipe main body 101. Therefore, it is not necessary to secure a working space for connecting the first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B on both sides of the second radial direction Dr2 with respect to the first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B. Thus, as Figure 9 shown, the connection portion J12 and the connection portion J22 arranged in parallel in the housing 3 can be arranged close to each other.

[0064] Figure 10 is an explanatory view showing the configuration of pipes in which split pipes are flange-connected to compare with the pipe connection structure of the embodiment. Figure 11 is an explanatory view showing a case where pipes in which split pipes are flange-connected are arranged in parallel to compare with the pipe connection structure of the embodiment.

[0065] As Figure 10 shown, in the pipe connection structure 200 in which circular plate-shaped flanges 201 extending outward in the radial direction Dr are provided at the respective ends of the pipes 200A and 200B in order to connect one pipe 200A and the other pipe 200B, there are the following problems. That is, when the connection portions J101 and J102 of the pipes 200A and 200B are arranged in parallel, it is necessary to ensure a space S2 such that the flange 201 of one connection portion J101 and the flange 201 of the other connection portion J102 do not interfere with each other.

[0066] Therefore, as Figure 11 shown, when the connection portion J101 and the connection portion J102 are arranged in parallel in the housing 3 of the power conversion device 1, it is necessary to ensure a large space S2 between one connection portion J101 and the other connection portion J102, and the space in the housing 3 becomes narrow. In addition, if the watertight welding between the flange 201 and the pipe is insufficient, there is a possibility of water leakage at the welded portion.

[0067] In contrast, as Figure 9 shown, in the pipe connection structure Z of the embodiment, by arranging the connection portion J12 and the connection portion J22 in parallel along the second radial direction Dr2, interference between the pair of plates 102 can be avoided. Thus, as Figure 1 、 Figure 9 shown, the space S1 between the connection portion J12 and the connection portion J22 can be made smaller than the above-mentioned space S2. In addition, in the pipe connection structure of the embodiment, watertight welding is not required, and the risk of water leakage can be reduced.

[0068] According to at least one embodiment described above, the first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B each have an inclined end face 104 inclined about a diameter D1 along a first radial direction Dr1 at an end 101a in the extending direction Da of the pipe main body 101. The first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B are connected by butt-joining the respective inclined end faces 104 to each other. The first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B each have a pair of plates 102 protruding outward from the pipe main body 101 in the first radial direction Dr1 on both sides of the first radial direction Dr1 at the end 101a of the pipe main body 101. The respective plates 102 of the first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B are fastened by a fastening member 103 in a second radial direction Dr2 orthogonal to the first radial direction Dr1. Thus, at least a part of the fastening force applied to the respective plates 102 of the first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B is utilized as a force for butt-joining the respective inclined end faces 104 to each other. Since the respective plates 102 of the first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B protrude in the first radial direction Dr1, it is possible to suppress the protrusion of the respective plates 102 in the second radial direction Dr2. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the space required for connecting the pipes 100A and 100B and to easily connect the pipes 100A and 100B to each other.

[0069] In addition, the plates 102 and the fastening member 103 are arranged to fall within a width D of the second radial direction Dr2 of the pipe main body 101 when viewed from the first radial direction Dr1. Thereby, the plates 102 and the fastening member 103 are prevented from protruding in the second radial direction Dr2 of the pipe main body 101. Therefore, when the pipes to which the pipe connection structure Z is applied are arranged in parallel in the second radial direction Dr2, the interval S1 between the connection portions J12 and J22 can be narrowed.

[0070] In addition, the plates 102 of the first pipe 100A and the plates 102 of the second pipe 100B are in a flat plate shape orthogonal to the second radial direction Dr2. A bolt 103a is inserted through an insertion through-hole 107 formed in each of the plates 102, and a nut 103b is screwed and tightened to the front end portion of the bolt 103a. Thereby, the plates 102 of the first pipe 100A and the plates 102 of the second pipe 100B can be easily and reliably fastened in a state of being butt-joined to each other in the second radial direction Dr2.

[0071] Further, when viewed from the first radial direction Dr1, the plates 102 of the first pipe 100A and the plates 102 of the second pipe 100B are arranged so as to face each other with the central axis C of the pipe body 101 interposed therebetween. In the extending direction (axial direction) Da of the first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B, the positions of the first pipe 100A with respect to the inclined end face 104 of the plate 102 and the positions of the second pipe 100B with respect to the inclined end face 104 of the plate 102 are the same as each other. Thus, in the first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B, the plates 102 are mounted in the same manner as each other. Thereby, the pipes 100A and 100B can be easily manufactured.

[0072] Further, the plates 102 of the first pipe 100A and the plates 102 of the second pipe 100B have opposing surfaces 102f that face each other in the second radial direction Dr2. The opposing surface 102f of the plate 102 of the first pipe 100A and the opposing surface 102f of the plate 102 of the second pipe 100B have a concavo-convex shape that engages with each other. Thereby, relative movement of the first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B in the extending direction Da in a direction separating from each other can be restricted, and the connection strength of the pipes 100A and 100B can be improved.

[0073] Several embodiments of the present invention have been described, but these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments or their variations are included in the scope or gist of the invention, and are equally included in the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

[0074] For example, when viewed from the first radial direction Dr1, the opposing surfaces 102f of the respective plates 102 may also be formed on the side where an obtuse angle is formed between the opposing surfaces 102f and the inclined end faces 104. In this case, a part of the fastening force for fastening the plates 102 to each other is applied as a force for bringing the inclined end faces 104 closer to each other, and the surface pressure between the inclined end faces 104 can be increased to ensure the sealing performance of the seal ring 110.

[0075] The connecting members for connecting the pipes 100A and 100B are not limited to the manner of the plates 102 fastened in the second radial direction Dr2, and may also be members fastened in a direction intersecting the second radial direction Dr2. It may also be configured such that only one of the connecting members in the first radial direction Dr1 is directly fastened by a fastening member, and the other connecting member is fastened in a driven manner by a hook, a hinge, or the like.

[0076] The concavo-convex shape of the opposing surface 102f of each plate 102 may have a curved surface shape such as a wave shape instead of the plurality of locking claws 105 and the concave portions between adjacent claws. The concavo-convex shape of the opposing surface 102f of each plate 102 only needs to restrict the relative movement in the axial direction of the divided pipe by mutual engagement.

[0077] Description of Reference Numerals

[0078] 100A... first pipe, 100B... second pipe, 101... pipe body, 101a... end portion, 101f... outer peripheral surface, 102... plate (connecting member), 102f... opposing surface, 103... fastening member, 103a... bolt, 103b... nut, 104... inclined end surface, 105... locking claw, 105f... locking surface, 107... insertion through hole, 110... sealing ring, C... central axis, D... width, D1... diameter, Da... extending direction (axial direction), Dr... radial direction, Dr1... first radial direction, Dr2... second radial direction, Z... pipe connection structure.

Claims

1. A pipe connection structure that connects the end portions in the extending direction of a first pipe and a second pipe, wherein, The first pipe and the second pipe each include: a pipe body having, when viewed from a first radial direction of each pipe, an inclined end face that is inclined with respect to a plane orthogonal to the extending direction at an end; and a pair of connecting members disposed on both sides of the first radial direction at an end in the extending direction of each pipe, and protruding outward from the outer peripheral surface of the pipe body toward the outside in the first radial direction, in a state where the inclined end face of the first pipe is docked with the inclined end face of the second pipe, each of the pair of connecting members of the first pipe and each of the pair of connecting members of the second pipe are fastened by fastening members.

2. The pipe connection structure according to claim 1, the connecting member and the fastening member are arranged to fall within the width in a second radial direction orthogonal to the first radial direction of the pipe body when viewed from the first radial direction.

3. The pipe connection structure according to claim 2, the connecting members are each in a flat plate shape orthogonal to the second radial direction, through holes penetrating in the second radial direction are respectively formed in the connecting members, the fastening member has a bolt inserted through the through hole and a nut screwed to the front end portion of the bolt.

4. The pipe connection structure according to claim 3, when viewed from the first radial direction, the connecting member of the first pipe and the connecting member of the second pipe are arranged to face each other across the central axis of the pipe body, in the extending direction, the position of the first pipe relative to the inclined end face of the connecting member is the same as the position of the second pipe relative to the inclined end face of the connecting member.

5. The pipe connection structure according to claim 3 or 4, the connecting member of the first pipe and the connecting member of the second pipe have opposing surfaces that oppose each other in the second radial direction and abut against each other by the fastening of the fastening member, the opposing surface of the connecting member of the first pipe and the opposing surface of the connecting member of the second pipe have an uneven shape that fits together.

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