Pipe set, pipe structure, and pipe connection method

Abstract

To realize a pipe structure capable of preventing leakage of fluid regardless of a cross sectional shape of a pipe.SOLUTION: A pipe set 10 constituting a pipe structure 1 comprises: a pipe 2; a first elastic ring 3A spaced apart from an end surface 21E of an end part 21 of the pipe 2, and bonded to a circumferential surface of the pipe 2; a cylindrical pipe joint 4 having a fitting part 411 capable of being fitted to the end part 21 of the pipe 2; and a second elastic ring 5A spaced apart from an end surface 411E of the fitting part 411, and bonded to a circumferential surface of the pipe joint 4. When the fitting part 411 is fitted to the pipe 2, the first elastic ring 3A and the second elastic ring 5A approach each other while facing each other in an axial direction L1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pipe set, a pipe structure, and a pipe connection method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a pipe structure including a pipe for transporting a fluid and a pipe fitting such as a socket for connecting pipes to each other. In such a pipe structure, an elastic ring for sealing between the pipe and the pipe fitting is used to prevent leakage of the fluid (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Generally, as a pipe for transporting a fluid, a round pipe having a circular cross section is used, but from the viewpoint of designability and the like, there is a need to use a square pipe having a polygonal cross section. However, when fitting a pipe fitting to a square pipe, the stress applied to the square pipe becomes uneven, so the square pipe is likely to be distorted. In such a case, even in a pipe structure using an elastic ring as in Patent Documents 1 and 2, it is difficult to sufficiently seal between the pipe and the pipe fitting. Therefore, a pipe structure that can easily prevent leakage of the fluid regardless of the cross-sectional shape of the pipe is required.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a pipe set, a pipe structure, and a pipe connection method that can prevent leakage of a fluid regardless of the cross-sectional shape of the pipe.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] [1] The pipe set according to one aspect of the present invention includes a pipe, a first elastic ring adhered to the circumferential surface of the pipe while being spaced apart from the end face of one end of the pipe, a cylindrical pipe joint having a fitting portion that can be fitted to the one end of the pipe, and a second elastic ring adhered to the circumferential surface of the pipe joint while being spaced apart from the end face of the fitting portion. When the pipe is fitted to the fitting portion, the first elastic ring and the second elastic ring approach each other while facing each other in the axial direction of the pipe.

[0007] [2] In the pipe set according to this aspect, each of the first elastic ring and the second elastic ring includes a base adhered to the circumferential surface of the pipe or the pipe joint, and an annular convex portion protruding from the base. The annular convex portion has an inclined surface portion facing one side in the axial direction of the pipe or the pipe joint and facing the side opposite to the base side. When the pipe is fitted to the fitting portion, it is preferable that the inclined surface portion of the first elastic ring and the inclined surface portion of the second elastic ring face each other in the axial direction of the pipe.

[0008] [3] In the pipe set according to this aspect, the pipe joint includes a cylindrical body and a stopper protruding radially from the cylindrical body and capable of abutting against the end face of the pipe. The second elastic ring is preferably disposed at a position closer to the end face of the fitting portion than the stopper.

[0009] [4] In the pipe set according to this aspect, it is preferable that a gap is formed in the axial direction of the pipe joint between the second elastic ring and the stopper.

[0010] [5] In the pipe set according to this aspect, the distance from the end face of the fitting portion to the stopper in the axial direction of the pipe joint is preferably equal to or greater than the distance from the end face of the pipe to the first elastic ring in the axial direction of the pipe.

[0011] [6]The piping structure according to one aspect of the present invention includes a pipe, a cylindrical pipe joint having a fitting portion into which one end of the pipe can be fitted, a first elastic ring adhered to the peripheral surface of the pipe between the pipe and the fitting portion in the radial direction of the pipe, a second elastic ring adhered to the peripheral surface of the fitting portion between the pipe and the fitting portion in the radial direction of the pipe, and a caulking layer compressed between the first elastic ring and the second elastic ring in the axial direction of the pipe.

[0012] [7]The piping connection method according to one aspect of the present invention includes a step of preparing a pipe with a first elastic ring adhered to its peripheral surface and a cylindrical pipe joint with a second elastic ring adhered to its peripheral surface, applying a caulking material to one end of the pipe or the pipe joint, and fitting the one end of the pipe into the pipe joint and compressing the caulking material between the first elastic ring and the second elastic ring in the axial direction of the pipe.

Advantages of the Invention

[0013] In the piping set of the present invention, by pre-applying a caulking material and fitting the pipe and the pipe joint, a caulking layer compressed between the first elastic ring and the second elastic ring can be formed. Therefore, the space between the pipe and the pipe joint can be sufficiently sealed, and fluid leakage can be prevented regardless of the cross-sectional shape of the pipe. Further, in the piping structure and the piping connection method of the present invention, the same effects as those of the piping set of the present invention can be obtained.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] [First Embodiment] The first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pipe structure 1 of the present embodiment is configured by connecting a pipe unit 11 and a joint unit 12 to each other. FIG. 1 shows a set of a pipe unit 11 and a joint unit 12 which is the minimum unit of the pipe structure 1 of the present embodiment. However, by using a plurality of sets of pipe units 11 and joint units 12 and connecting the pipe units 11 via the joint units 12, a pipe structure 1 of a desired length can be configured.

[0016] Note that the pipe structure 1 of the present embodiment is distributed as a pipe set 10 including the pipe unit 11 and the joint unit 12, and the pipe unit 11 and the joint unit 12 may be connected to each other at a desired installation site. Alternatively, they may be distributed in a state where the pipe unit 11 and the joint unit 12 are connected to each other. In addition, the pipe structure 1 of the present embodiment is attached to, for example, a railway bridge, a road bridge, or a general building structure for the purpose of draining or supplying rainwater, but the present invention is not limited thereto and can be used for the purpose of flowing any fluid.

[0017] (Pipe Set) The piping unit 11 and the joint unit 12 included in the piping set 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6 respectively. As shown in FIG. 3, the piping unit 11 includes a pipe 2 and a pair of first elastic rings 3A and 3B. The pipe 2 is formed into a cylindrical shape by a synthetic resin such as fiber-reinforced plastic, for example, and forms a flow path for allowing any fluid to flow through. The cross-sectional shape of the pipe 2 is not particularly limited, and may be a polygon such as a rectangle (see FIG. 2), or may be circular. In the description of the piping unit 11, the direction along the central axis of the pipe 2 is defined as the axial direction L1, and the direction orthogonal to the axial direction L1 is defined as the radial direction.

[0018] The first elastic rings 3A and 3B are elastic sealing members, and can seal between the pipe 2 and the pipe joint 4 as will be described later. The first elastic rings 3A and 3B can be formed of a synthetic resin or rubber, and may be a foamed molded product or a non-foamed solid molded product.

[0019] Also, the first elastic rings 3A and 3B are annular members inserted through the pipe 2. The first elastic rings 3A and 3B have an annular shape similar to the cross-sectional shape of the pipe 2, and are adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the pipe 2. Specifically, the first elastic ring 3A is adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the pipe 2 at a position separated by a predetermined distance W1 from the end face 21E of one end 21 of the pipe 2. Similarly, the first elastic ring 3B is adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the pipe 2 at a position separated by a predetermined distance W1 from the end face 22E of the other end 22 of the pipe 2. The predetermined distance W1 is not particularly limited, but may be set to be sufficiently large so as to ensure the axial length of the caulking layer 90 described later in the axial direction L1.

[0020] The first elastic rings 3A and 3B have the same configuration as each other except for the arrangement. Hereinafter, the configuration of the first elastic ring 3A will be described as a representative, but the same description is applicable to the first elastic ring 3B.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 4, the first elastic ring 3A includes a base portion 31 adhered to the pipe 2, and a plurality of annular convex portions 32 that project annularly outward in the radial direction from the base portion 31 and are arranged in the axial direction L1. Note that the number of annular convex portions 32 may be one or more, but in this embodiment, a plurality of annular convex portions 32 are exemplified.

[0022] The base portion 31 has an adhesive surface 311 adhered to the pipe 2. This adhesive surface 311 has a wavy shape in which concavities and convexities are alternately arranged along the axial direction L1. Note that the adhesive 7 that adheres between the adhesive surface 311 of the base portion 31 and the pipe 2 is not particularly limited, and any adhesive can be used.

[0023] The annular convex portion 32 has a blade-shaped cross section inclined on one side in the axial direction L1. Specifically, the annular convex portion 32 has a flat surface portion 321 facing one side in the axial direction L1 and an inclined surface portion 322 facing the other side in the axial direction L1. The inclined surface portion 322 is inclined with respect to the radial direction so as to face the side opposite to the base portion 31 side. Further, the inclined surface portion 322 has an arc shape that approaches the flat surface portion 321 as it moves away from the base portion 31 in the radial direction.

[0024] Here, as shown in Fig. 3, the first elastic ring 3A is arranged such that the inclined surface portion 322 faces the end face 21E side of the pipe 2. On the other hand, the first elastic ring 3B is arranged such that the inclined surface portion 322 faces the end face 22E side of the pipe 2. In other words, the first elastic rings 3A and 3B are arranged such that the flat surface portions 321 face each other in the axial direction L1.

[0025] As shown in Fig. 5, the joint unit 12 includes a pipe joint 4 and a pair of second elastic rings 5A and 5B. The pipe joint 4 is preferably formed from the same material as the pipe 2, and is formed of a synthetic resin such as a fiber-reinforced plastic, for example. Further, the pipe joint 4 includes a cylindrical body 41 and a stopper 42 provided on the cylindrical body 41.

[0026] The cross-sectional shape of the cylinder body 41 is similar to the cross-sectional shape of the pipe 2, and may be a polygon such as a rectangle (see Fig. 2), or may be circular. In the description of the joint unit 12, the direction along the central axis of the cylinder body 41 is defined as the axial direction L2, and the direction orthogonal to the axial direction L2 is defined as the radial direction. Further, in the present embodiment, since the pipe joint 4 is externally fitted to the pipe 2, the inner diameter of the cylinder body 41 of the pipe joint 4 is larger than the outer diameter of the pipe 2.

[0027] The stopper 42 projects radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder body 41 at the central portion of the cylinder body 41 in the axial direction L2. The stopper 42 may be formed to be continuously annular along the inner periphery of the cylinder body 41, or may be formed intermittently along the inner periphery of the cylinder body 41.

[0028] The pipe joint 4 also has a fitting portion 411 which is a portion of the cylinder body 41 on one side of the stopper 42 in the axial direction L2, and a fitting portion 412 which is a portion of the cylinder body 41 on the other side of the stopper 42 in the axial direction L2. The fitting portions 411 and 412 can be fitted to either the end portions 21 and 22 of the pipe 2. The axial distance W3 from the end faces 411E and 412E of the fitting portions 411 and 412 to the stopper 42 is preferably set to be equal to or greater than the above-described predetermined distance W1 (see Fig. 3).

[0029] The second elastic rings 5A and 5B have an annular shape similar to the cross-sectional shape of the cylinder body 41 and are adhered to the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder body 41. Specifically, the second elastic ring 5A is adhered to the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder body 41 at a position separated from the end face 411E of the fitting portion 411 by a predetermined distance W2. Similarly, the second elastic ring 5B is adhered to the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder body 41 at a position separated from the end face 412E of the fitting portion 412 by a predetermined distance W2. The predetermined distance W2 is not particularly limited, but by setting it to be equal to or greater than the above-described predetermined distance W1 (see Fig. 3), a large relief space S3 described later can be ensured. Further, a gap G in the axial direction L2 for forming a relief space S2 described later is formed between the second elastic rings 5A and 5B and the stopper 42.

[0030] The second elastic rings 5A and 5B are sealing members having elasticity, similar to the first elastic rings 3A and 3B, and have the same configuration as the first elastic rings 3A and 3B except for the arrangement. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the second elastic ring 5A includes a base portion 51 adhered to the cylindrical body 41, and a plurality of annular convex portions 52 protruding annularly inward in the radial direction from the base portion 51 and arranged in the axial direction L2. Further, the annular convex portion 52 has a flat surface portion 521 facing one side in the axial direction L2 and an inclined surface portion 522 facing the other side in the axial direction L2 and inclined with respect to the radial direction.

[0031] Here, as shown in FIG. 5, the second elastic ring 5A is arranged such that the inclined surface portion 522 faces the end surface 411E side of the fitting portion 411. On the other hand, the second elastic ring 5B is arranged such that the inclined surface portion 522 faces the end surface 412E side of the fitting portion 412. In other words, the second elastic rings 5A and 5B are arranged such that the flat surface portions 521 face each other in the axial direction L1.

[0032] (Pipe connection method) An example of a pipe connection method using the pipe set 10 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9. FIGS. 7 to 9 are cross-sectional views showing a part of the pipe unit 11 and the joint unit 12 in an enlarged manner.

[0033] First, as shown in FIG. 7, an operator prepares the pipe unit 11 and the joint unit 12, and applies a caulking material 9 to one end portion 21 of the pipe 2 (application step). The specific type of the caulking material 9 is not particularly limited as long as it has viscosity during application. The application region R of the pipe 2 to which the caulking material 9 is applied may be a region on the outer peripheral surface of the pipe 2 closer to the end surface 21E of the pipe 2 than the first elastic ring 3A. The application amount of the caulking material 9 is not particularly limited, but it is preferably more than the final volume of the sealing space S1 formed later.

[0034] Next, as shown in FIG. 8, the operator inserts the end portion 21 of the pipe 2 into the fitting portion 411 of the pipe fitting 4 with the axial directions L1 and L2 of the pipe unit 11 and the joint unit 12 aligned, thereby fitting the end portion 21 of the pipe 2 to the fitting portion 411 of the pipe fitting 4 (fitting step). At this time, the inclined surface portion 322 of the first elastic ring 3A and the inclined surface portion 522 of the second elastic ring 5A face each other in the axial direction L1. As the fitting state progresses, the first elastic ring 3A and the second elastic ring 5A are compressed between the pipe 2 and the fitting portion 411, and the annular convex portions 32 and 52 are elastically deformed toward opposite sides so that the inclinations of the inclined surface portions 322 and 522 increase. Further, as the fitting state progresses, the inclined surface portion 322 of each annular convex portion 32 of the first elastic ring 3A slides on the inner peripheral surface of the fitting portion 411, and the inclined surface portion 522 of each annular convex portion 52 of the second elastic ring 5A slides on the outer peripheral surface of the pipe 2.

[0035] Here, the first elastic ring 3A and the second elastic ring 5A approach each other along the axial direction L1. As a result, a sealing space S1 surrounding the caulking material 9 is formed by the pipe 2, the fitting portion 411, the first elastic ring 3A, and the second elastic ring 5A, and the sealing space S1 shrinks as the fitting state progresses. For this reason, the caulking material 9 in the sealing space S1 is compressed between the first elastic ring 3A and the second elastic ring 5A.

[0036] When the sealing space S1 shrinks, the caulking material 9 filling the sealing space S1 presses on each of the first elastic ring 3A and the second elastic ring 5A, and the annular convex portions 32 and 52 are elastically deformed so that the inclined surface portions 322 and 522 are more inclined. For this reason, the surplus caulking material 9 that cannot fit within the sealing space S1 flows out of the sealing space S1 over the elastically deformed first elastic ring 3A or second elastic ring 5A.

[0037] Next, as shown in FIG. 9, the fitting is completed when the end portion 21 of the pipe 2 abuts against the stopper 42 of the pipe fitting 4. At this time, the second elastic ring 5A is disposed closer to the end face 21E of the end portion 21 of the pipe 2 than the first elastic ring 3A, and the sealing space S1 filled with the caulking material 9 is maintained. Also, when the fitting is completed, in addition to the above-described sealing space S1, escape spaces S2 and S3 are formed between the pipe 2 and the fitting portion 411. The escape space S2 is disposed on the side opposite to the sealing space S1 with respect to the second elastic ring 5A, and the escape space S3 is disposed on the side opposite to the sealing space S1 with respect to the first elastic ring 3A. The surplus caulking material 9 that has flowed out of the sealing space S1 can accumulate in at least one of the escape spaces S2 and S3.

[0038] As described above, the pipe unit 11 and the joint unit 12 are connected, and thereby, the pipe structure 1 shown in FIG. 1 is configured. In this pipe structure 1, a caulking layer 90 compressed in the sealing space S1 between the first elastic ring 3A and the second elastic ring 5A is formed. Thereafter, when further extending the pipe structure 1, the other fitting portion 412 of the pipe joint 4 may be connected to another pipe unit 11 by the same method as the above-described pipe connection method, or the other end portion 22 of the pipe 2 may be connected to another joint unit 12.

[0039] (Effect of the First Embodiment) The effects of this embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, the effects when fitting one end portion 21 of the pipe 2 and one fitting portion 411 of the pipe joint 4, that is, the effects using the first elastic ring 3A and the second elastic ring 5A will be described, but the same effects can be obtained when fitting the other end portion 22 of the pipe 2 and the other fitting portion 412 of the pipe joint 4.

[0040] As described above, the pipe set 10 of the present embodiment includes the pipe 2, a first elastic ring 3A that is adhered to the peripheral surface of the pipe 2 while being spaced apart from the end surface 21E of the end portion 21 of the pipe 2, a cylindrical pipe joint 4 having a fitting portion 411 that can be fitted to the end portion 21 of the pipe 2, and a second elastic ring 5A that is adhered to the peripheral surface of the pipe joint 4 while being spaced apart from the end surface 411E of the fitting portion 411. When the pipe 2 is fitted into the fitting portion 411, the first elastic ring 3A and the second elastic ring 5A approach each other while facing each other in the axial direction L1. According to such a pipe set 10, by previously applying a caulking material 9 to the end portion 21 of the pipe 2 or the fitting portion 411 of the pipe joint 4 and fitting the end portion 21 of the pipe 2 into the fitting portion 411, the pipe structure 1 of the present embodiment can be configured. In this pipe structure 1, a caulking layer 90 compressed between the first elastic ring 3A and the second elastic ring 5A is formed.

[0041] Here, as a comparative example, a pipe set including a pipe and a pipe joint provided with a plurality of elastic rings will be described. In such a comparative example, the interval between the plurality of elastic rings does not change before and after the fitting of the pipe and the pipe joint. Therefore, even when a caulking material is applied between the plurality of elastic rings, it is difficult to sufficiently seal between the pipe and the pipe joint. In particular, when the pipe is distorted, the sealing between the pipe and the pipe joint tends to be insufficient.

[0042] On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as described above, when the pipe 2 is fitted into the pipe joint 4, the first elastic ring 3A and the second elastic ring 5A approach each other, so that the caulking material 9 can be compressed. Therefore, even when the pipe 2 is distorted, the compressed caulking layer 90 can sufficiently seal between the pipe 2 and the pipe joint 4. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, a pipe structure 1 capable of preventing fluid leakage is provided regardless of the cross-sectional shape of the pipe 2.

[0043] Further, in the pipe structure 1 of the present embodiment, not only the caulking layer 90 but also each of the first elastic ring 3A and the second elastic ring 5A has a sealing function, so that the space between the pipe 2 and the pipe joint 4 can be more reliably sealed. In addition, in the piping structure 1 of the present embodiment, since fluid leakage can be preferably prevented regardless of the cross-sectional shape of the pipe 2, square pipes, which were conventionally difficult to use for fluid transportation, can be preferably used. In addition, in the piping structure 1 of the present embodiment, since the caulking material 9 is applied at a position where it is not visually recognized on the appearance, the aesthetic appearance of the piping structure 1 can be improved. Furthermore, in the piping structure 1 of the present embodiment, after connecting the piping unit 11 and the joint unit 12, sufficient water stoppage can be obtained without taking the trouble of curing the piping structure 1 or the like. Therefore, the piping structure 1 can be preferably installed even in a place where installation work is difficult.

[0044] In the present embodiment, each of the first elastic ring 3A and the second elastic ring 5A includes bases 31, 51 adhered to the peripheral surface of the pipe 2 or the pipe joint 4, and annular convex portions 32, 52 protruding from the bases 31, 51. The annular convex portions 32, 52 have inclined surface portions 322, 522 facing one side in the axial directions L1, L2 and facing the side opposite to the base 31, 51 side. When the pipe 2 is fitted into the fitting portion 411, the inclined surface portions 322 of the first elastic ring 3A and the inclined surface portions 522 of the second elastic ring 5A face each other in the axial direction L1. With such a configuration, when the pipe 2 is fitted into the pipe joint 4, the inclined surface portions 322, 522 of the respective annular convex portions 32, 52 come into contact with the pipe 2 or the pipe joint 4, so that the respective annular convex portions 32, 52 are easily elastically deformed so as to fall to the opposite sides. Therefore, the friction generated between the second elastic ring 5A and the pipe 2 and the friction generated between the first elastic ring 3A and the pipe joint 4 can be reduced respectively. In addition, since the excess caulking material 9 easily flows out of the sealing space S1 over the first elastic ring 3A or the second elastic ring 5A, the caulking material 9 can be preferably compressed. Furthermore, after the pipe 2 is fitted into the pipe joint 4, when the fluid flowing through the pipe 2 applies pressure to the second elastic ring 5A, the annular convex portion 52 rises and crimps to the pipe 2, so that the water stoppage can be improved.

[0045] In the present embodiment, the pipe joint 4 includes a cylindrical body 41 and a stopper 42 that protrudes radially from the cylindrical body 41 and can abut against the end face 21E of the pipe 2. The second elastic ring 5A is disposed at a position closer to the end face 411E of the fitting portion 411 than the stopper 42. With such a configuration, the sealing space S1 can be reliably ensured by defining the fitting amount of the pipe 2 with respect to the pipe joint 4.

[0046] In the present embodiment, a gap G is formed between the second elastic ring 5A and the stopper 42 in the axial direction L2. With such a configuration, a relief space S2 for retaining an excess caulking material can be formed between the second elastic ring 5A and the stopper 42. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the excess caulking material 9 from obstructing the flow path in the pipe 2.

[0047] In the present embodiment, the distance W3 from the end face 411E of the fitting portion 411 to the stopper 42 in the axial direction L2 is equal to or greater than the distance W1 from the end face 21E of the pipe 2 to the first elastic ring 3A in the axial direction L1. With such a configuration, the sealing space S1 can be reliably ensured. Further, when the distance W3 is greater than the dimension obtained by adding the dimension of the first elastic ring 3A in the axial direction L1 to the distance W1, a relief space S3 for retaining the excess caulking material 9 can be formed between the end face 411E of the fitting portion 411 and the first elastic ring 3A. Since the excess caulking material 9 remaining in the relief space S3 is not visually recognized, the aesthetic appearance of the pipe structure 1 can be improved. Further, according to the above-described relief spaces S2 and S3, the allowable error in the application amount of the caulking material 9 can be increased, and the labor required for the application work can be reduced.

[0048] In the pipe connection method of the present embodiment, the pipe structure 1 of the present embodiment can be configured by performing a step of applying the caulking material 9 to the end portion 21 of the pipe 2 or the pipe joint 4, and a step of fitting the end portion 21 of the pipe 2 to the pipe joint 4 and compressing the caulking material 9 between the first elastic ring 3A and the second elastic ring 5A in the axial direction L1. According to such a method, a caulking layer 90 compressed between the first elastic ring 3A and the second elastic ring 5A can be easily formed.

[0049] Since the pipe 2 of the present embodiment is composed of a fiber-reinforced plastic material having high pressure resistance, high strength, and high weather resistance, the service life can be extended, and as a result, the running cost can be greatly reduced.

[0050] Further, since the pipe joint 4 of the present embodiment is composed of the same material as the pipe 2, the strength characteristics, thermal expansion characteristics, etc. are the same between the pipe 2 and the pipe joint 4. For this reason, in the pipe structure 1 of the present embodiment, even when thermal shrinkage due to direct sunlight or temperature difference occurs, or wind pressure is applied, deformation of the entire pipe conduit constituted by the pipe structure 1 can be suppressed. Also, in the pipe structure 1 of the present embodiment, generation of internal stress due to season, weather, solar radiation, etc. can be reduced.

[0051] [Second Embodiment] The pipe structure 1A of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 10. In the first embodiment, the pipe joint 4 is externally fitted to the pipe 2, but in the second embodiment, the pipe joint 4 is internally fitted to the pipe 2. Hereinafter, for the same configurations as those in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment are given, and the description is omitted or simplified.

[0052] The pipe structure 1A of the second embodiment is configured by connecting a pipe unit 11 and a joint unit 12, similar to the pipe structure 1 of the first embodiment. Also, the pipe unit 11 has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, except that the first elastic rings 3A and 3B are adhered to the inner peripheral surface of the pipe 2.

[0053] The joint unit 12 includes a pipe joint 4 and a pair of second elastic rings 5A and 5B. Here, the pipe joint 4 has a cylindrical body 41 and a stopper 42 protruding radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 41. Also, the second elastic rings 5A and 5B are adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 41 of the pipe joint 4.

[0054] The piping connection method for constructing the piping structure 1A of the second embodiment is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment. However, instead of the pipe 2, a caulking material 9 may be pre-applied to the pipe fitting 4, and then the pipe 2 and the pipe fitting 4 may be fitted together. Thereby, similarly to the first embodiment, a caulking layer 90 compressed within the sealing space S1 between the first elastic ring 3A and the second elastic ring 5A can be formed.

[0055] In such a second embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. In the second embodiment, the effects of the escape spaces S2 and S3 described in the first embodiment are applied with their roles interchanged.

[0056] [Modification Example] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and modifications, improvements, etc. within the scope that can achieve the object of the present invention are included in the present invention.

[0057] In each of the above embodiments, the piping unit 11 and the joint unit 12 each have a configuration symmetric with respect to the axial directions L1 and L2, but the present invention is not limited to this. Specifically, a pair of first elastic rings 3A and 3B are adhered to the pipe 2, but at least one of the first elastic rings 3A (or 3B) may be adhered. For example, when the first elastic ring 3A is adhered to one end 21 of the pipe 2, the other end 22 may be configured to be connected to another element without passing through the first elastic ring 3B, or an opening that is not connected to another element may be formed. Also, a pair of second elastic rings 5A and 5B are adhered to the pipe fitting 4, but at least one of the second elastic rings 5A (or 5B) may be adhered. For example, when the second elastic ring 5A is adhered to one fitting portion 411 of the pipe fitting 4, the other fitting portion 412 may be configured to be connected to another element without passing through the second elastic ring 5B.

[0058] In each of the above embodiments, the preferred configurations of the first elastic rings 3A and 3B and the second elastic rings 5A and 5B have been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various other configurations known as elastic rings can be utilized. Further, the first elastic rings 3A and 3B and the second elastic rings 5A and 5B of the present embodiment do not necessarily require a sealing function or a dimensional adjustment function between the pipe 2 and the pipe joint 4.

[0059] In each of the above embodiments, the pipe joint 4 has a configuration that linearly connects the pipes 2 to each other. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the pipe joint 4 may have a curved intermediate portion between the fitting portions 411 and 412 in the axial direction L2.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0060] 1, 1A... Pipe structure, 10... Pipe set, 11... Pipe unit, 12... Joint unit, 2... Pipe, 21... End portion, 21E... End face, 22... End portion, 22E... End face, 3A, 3B... First elastic ring, 31... Base portion, 311... Adhesive surface, 32... Annular convex portion, 321... Flat portion, 322... Inclined surface portion, 4... Pipe joint, 41... Cylindrical body, 411... Fitting portion, 411E... End face, 412... Fitting portion, 412E... End face, 42... Stopper, 5A, 5B... Second elastic ring, 51... Base portion, 52... Annular convex portion, 521... Flat portion, 522... Inclined surface portion, 7... Adhesive, 9... Caulking material, 90... Caulking layer, G... Gap, L1, L2... Axial direction, R... Coating region, S1... Sealing space, S2, S3... Relief space.

Claims

1. A pipe, a first elastic ring adhered to the circumferential surface of the pipe while being spaced apart from the end face of one end of the pipe, a cylindrical pipe joint having a fitting portion that can be fitted to the one end of the pipe, and a second elastic ring adhered to the circumferential surface of the pipe joint while being spaced apart from the end face of the fitting portion, comprising: When the pipe is fitted into the fitting portion, the first elastic ring and the second elastic ring approach each other while facing each other in the axial direction of the pipe, a pipe set.

2. Each of the first elastic ring and the second elastic ring, a base adhered to the circumferential surface of the pipe or the pipe joint, and an annular convex portion protruding from the base, comprising: The annular convex portion faces one side in the axial direction of the pipe or the pipe joint and has an inclined surface portion facing the side opposite to the base side, When the pipe is fitted into the fitting portion, the inclined surface portion of the first elastic ring and the inclined surface portion of the second elastic ring face each other in the axial direction of the pipe, the pipe set according to Claim 1.

3. The pipe joint includes a cylindrical body and a stopper that protrudes radially from the cylindrical body and can contact the end face of the pipe, The second elastic ring is disposed at a position closer to the end face of the fitting portion than the stopper, the pipe set according to Claim 1.

4. A gap is formed in the axial direction of the pipe joint between the second elastic ring and the stopper, the pipe set according to Claim 3.

5. The distance from the end face of the fitting portion to the stopper in the axial direction of the pipe joint is equal to or greater than the distance from the end face of the pipe to the first elastic ring in the axial direction of the pipe, the pipe set according to Claim 3 or Claim 4.

6. A pipe, a cylindrical pipe joint having a fitting portion into which one end of the pipe can be fitted, a first elastic ring adhered to the circumferential surface of the pipe between the pipe and the fitting portion in the radial direction of the pipe, a second elastic ring adhered to the circumferential surface of the fitting portion between the pipe and the fitting portion in the radial direction of the pipe, and a caulking layer compressed between the first elastic ring and the second elastic ring in the axial direction of the pipe, a pipe structure.

7. A step of preparing a pipe with a first elastic ring adhered to the circumferential surface and a cylindrical pipe joint with a second elastic ring adhered to the circumferential surface, and applying a caulking material to one end of the pipe or the pipe joint, A pipe connection method including a step of fitting the one end portion of the pipe to the pipe joint and compressing the caulking material between the first elastic ring and the second elastic ring in the axial direction of the pipe.

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