Heat distribution pipeline connecting structure
By combining spherical connectors with split short pipes, the problems of sealing failure and low flow efficiency in thermal pipelines during earthquakes are solved, achieving multi-directional displacement compensation and improved flow efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- TANGSHAN CAOFEIDIAN XINDAO TECH DEV CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-01
AI Technical Summary
Existing thermal pipeline connection structures are prone to sealing failure during earthquakes due to uneven pressing of rubber rings. Furthermore, the reduced diameter design increases fluid resistance and energy consumption, making it difficult to achieve multi-directional displacement compensation and efficient flow.
The system employs a combination structure of spherical connectors and split short pipes, utilizing the multi-degree-of-freedom motion characteristics of the spherical pair to absorb seismic displacement, and achieving rapid assembly through bolt fastening to ensure the continuity and sealing of the flow channel.
It effectively absorbs the complex displacement caused by seismic waves, avoids rubber ring tearing, reduces fluid resistance and energy consumption, and improves installation convenience and flow efficiency.
Smart Images

Figure CN224188259U_ABST
Abstract
Description
A thermal pipe connection structure Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of pipeline technology, specifically relating to a thermal pipeline connection structure. Background Technology
[0002] Heating pipelines refer to heating pipes that run from boiler rooms, direct-fired engine rooms, heating centers, etc., from heat sources to the heating inlets of buildings. During earthquakes, the intense vibrations caused by the energy from the seismic source transmitted to the Earth's surface via seismic waves exert complex mechanical effects on heating pipeline systems. Studies have shown that three-dimensional surface displacement induced by seismic waves can apply combined axial tensile, radial shear, and torsional loads to pipelines. Patent application CN209800960U, through a rotating sleeve connection structure, utilizes a combination of a first rotating sleeve, a second rotating sleeve, and a connecting pipe. While this structure can achieve a certain degree of deflection compensation in a plane, its core sealing relies on a static interference fit between a rubber ring and a metal rotating sleeve.
[0003] However, static interference fit requires a certain press-fit clearance between the rubber ring and the metal swivel, while in actual assembly, an open structure is needed to achieve radial compression installation of the rubber ring. However, the patent application does not explicitly design a dedicated installation opening or detachable press-fit component, making it difficult to ensure uniform pressing of the rubber ring and swivel during on-site construction. This can easily lead to tearing or permanent deformation of the rubber ring due to localized stress concentration. Furthermore, to achieve a rotational fit between the swivel and the connecting pipe, the outer diameter of the connecting pipe must be smaller than the inner diameter of the swivel to maintain a rotational clearance. This results in a smaller effective pipe diameter compared to the original pipe, increasing the medium flow velocity and significantly increasing the pipe's friction resistance. Such a reduced-diameter structure adds 5%-8% to pumping energy consumption in heating networks, leading to poor long-term economic efficiency. Therefore, this utility model proposes a novel thermal pipeline connection structure that is easy to install, provides multi-directional displacement compensation, and ensures efficient flow.
[0004] No effective solutions have yet been proposed to address the problems in the relevant technologies. Summary of the Invention
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a thermal pipeline connection structure, comprising a first pipe body and a second pipe body, wherein spherical connectors are coaxially and symmetrically arranged at the ends of the first pipe body and the second pipe body, and the outer surface of the spherical connectors is a spherical crown-shaped structure;
[0006] A short pipe is provided between the first pipe body and the second pipe body. Both ends of the short pipe are provided with spherical connecting grooves adapted to the spherical connector. The inner surface of the spherical connecting groove is a spherical surface with the same radius of curvature as the outer surface of the spherical connector. The spherical connector is embedded in the spherical connecting groove to form a multi-degree-of-freedom rotational pair.
[0007] The short tube is formed by splitting the first half tube and the second half tube along the axial direction, and the two sides of the first half tube and the second half tube are fastened together by evenly distributed bolts.
[0008] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the spherical connector has a hollow cavity structure, and its inner diameter is equal to the inner diameter of the first tube and the second tube.
[0009] As a preferred technical solution of this utility model, the two ends of the spherical connector are respectively connected to the first pipe body and the second pipe body by welding or flange connection to form a continuous fluid channel.
[0010] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, a sealing sleeve is fixed to the inner wall of the spherical connecting groove.
[0011] As a preferred technical solution of this utility model, the mating end faces of the first half-pipe and the second half-pipe are respectively provided with outwardly extending flange connection portions, the flange connection portions are provided with bolt holes at equal intervals, and a sealing gasket is sandwiched between the mating surfaces of the flange connection portions.
[0012] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0013] This invention employs a combination structure of a spherical connector and a split-type short pipe. Utilizing the multi-degree-of-freedom motion characteristics of the spherical pair, it effectively absorbs axial tension, lateral misalignment, and torsional combined displacement caused by seismic waves, avoiding the risk of pipe fracture due to stress concentration. The split-type short pipe achieves rapid assembly via bolt fastening, eliminating the stringent installation requirements of traditional interference fits and solving the sealing failure problem caused by uneven rubber ring pressing. Simultaneously, the external short pipe and equal-diameter flow channel design ensure that the medium flow cross-section is consistent with the original pipe, significantly reducing fluid resistance and energy loss, and avoiding the negative impact of the reduced-diameter structure on conveying efficiency. Attached Figure Description
[0014] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the present invention and form part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of the present invention to explain the present invention, but do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings:
[0015] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;
[0016] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the short tube of this utility model;
[0017] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the moving spherical connector of this utility model;
[0018] In the diagram: 1. First pipe body; 2. Second pipe body; 3. Short pipe; 4. Spherical connector; 5. Sealing sleeve; 6. First half-pipe; 7. Second half-pipe; 8. Sealing gasket; 9. Spherical connecting groove; 10. Flange connection. Detailed Implementation
[0019] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0020] Example
[0021] Please refer to Figures 1-3. This utility model provides the following technical solution: a thermal pipeline connection structure, including a first pipe body 1 and a second pipe body 2. The ends of the first pipe body 1 and the second pipe body 2 are coaxially symmetrically provided with spherical connectors 4. The outer surface of the spherical connectors 4 is a spherical crown structure. A short pipe 3 is provided between the first pipe body 1 and the second pipe body 2. The two ends of the short pipe 3 are provided with spherical connecting grooves 9 adapted to the spherical connectors 4. The inner surface of the spherical connecting grooves 9 is a spherical surface with the same radius of curvature as the outer surface of the spherical connectors 4. The spherical connectors 4 are embedded in the spherical connecting grooves 9 to form a multi-degree-of-freedom rotating pair. The short pipe 3 is formed by splitting the first half pipe 6 and the second half pipe 7 along the axial direction. The first half pipe 6 and the second half pipe 7 are fastened together on both sides by evenly distributed bolts.
[0022] To ensure the continuity of the fluid channel and reduce the resistance to medium flow, in this embodiment, as a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the spherical connector 4 is a hollow cavity structure, and its inner diameter is equal to the inner diameter of the first pipe body 1 and the second pipe body 2. The two ends of the spherical connector 4 are connected to the first pipe body 1 and the second pipe body 2 by welding or flange connection to form a continuous fluid channel.
[0023] In order to improve the sealing performance between the spherical connector 4 and the spherical connecting groove 9, in this embodiment, as a preferred technical solution of the present invention, a sealing sleeve 5 is fixed on the inner wall of the spherical connecting groove 9.
[0024] In order to enhance the detachability and ease of installation of the short pipe 3, and at the same time ensure the sealing reliability of the connection, in this embodiment, as a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the mating end faces of the first half pipe 6 and the second half pipe 7 are respectively provided with outwardly extending flange connection portions 10, and bolt holes are evenly spaced on the flange connection portions 10, and a sealing gasket 8 is sandwiched between the mating surfaces of the flange connection portions 10.
[0025] Based on the above technical solution, the working principle of this utility model is as follows:
[0026] The spherical connectors 4 at the ends of the first pipe body 1 and the second pipe body 2 form a spherical mating pair with the spherical connecting grooves 9 at both ends of the short pipe 3. The radius of curvature of the outer surface of the spherical connector 4 is completely consistent with the inner surface of the spherical connecting groove 9, and a certain radial clearance is maintained between them. When seismic waves induce axial tension, radial shear, or torsion in the pipeline, the spherical connector 4 can freely deflect ±15° within the spherical connecting groove 9 and slide along the axial direction, absorbing three-dimensional seismic displacement through the multi-degree-of-freedom movement of the spherical pair.
[0027] The short pipe 3 is composed of an axially split first half pipe 6 and a second half pipe 7, which are fastened together by evenly distributed bolts. During assembly, the two half pipes are wrapped around the spherical connector 4 and then the bolts are tightened, eliminating the need for the radial press-fitting process required by traditional interference fits and avoiding stress concentration problems during rubber ring installation. The split structure allows for quick on-site assembly and disassembly, making it particularly suitable for confined spaces or emergency repair scenarios.
[0028] The annular sealing sleeve 5, installed on the inner wall of the spherical connecting groove 9, is made of high-temperature resistant fluororubber. When the spherical connector 4 deflects, the sealing sleeve 5 remains in contact with the spherical surface through elastic deformation, forming a dynamic sealing interface. The sealing gasket 8 between the flange connection 10 of the first half-pipe 6 and the second half-pipe 7 achieves static end-face sealing through bolt pre-tightening force, preventing medium leakage along the split surface. The inner diameter of the spherical connector 4 is completely consistent with the inner diameters of the first pipe body 1 and the second pipe body 2, and the inner wall of the short pipe 3 has a smooth transition without a diameter reduction section.
[0029] Finally, it should be noted that, in this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "setting," "connection," "fixing," "screw connection," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal connection of two components or the interaction between two components. Unless otherwise explicitly limited, those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.
[0030] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Although the present utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A thermal pipeline connection structure, comprising a first pipe body (1) and a second pipe body (2), characterized in that: The ends of the first tube (1) and the second tube (2) are symmetrically provided with spherical connectors (4), and the outer surface of the spherical connectors (4) is a spherical crown structure; a short tube (3) is provided between the first tube (1) and the second tube (2), and the two ends of the short tube (3) are provided with spherical connecting grooves (9) adapted to the spherical connectors (4). The inner surface of the spherical connecting grooves (9) is a spherical surface with the same radius of curvature as the outer surface of the spherical connectors (4). The spherical connectors (4) are embedded in the spherical connecting grooves (9) to form a multi-degree-of-freedom rotating pair; the short tube (3) is formed by splitting the first half tube (6) and the second half tube (7) along the axial direction, and the two sides of the first half tube (6) and the second half tube (7) are fastened together by evenly distributed bolts.
2. The thermal pipeline connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The spherical connector (4) has a hollow cavity structure, and its inner diameter is equal to that of the first tube (1) and the second tube (2).
3. The thermal pipeline connection structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The two ends of the spherical connector (4) are connected to the first pipe body (1) and the second pipe body (2) by welding or flange connection to form a continuous fluid channel.
4. The thermal pipeline connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: A sealing sleeve (5) is fixed to the inner wall of the spherical connecting groove (9).
5. A thermal pipeline connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first half-pipe (6) and the second half-pipe (7) are respectively provided with outwardly extending flange connection parts (10), and bolt holes are evenly spaced on the flange connection parts (10), and a sealing gasket (8) is sandwiched between the mating surfaces of the flange connection parts (10).
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Heat distribution pipeline protection damping device
CN209800960U