Pipe joint

Abstract

To suppress a bending load generated in a first pipe and a second pipe by easily connecting the first pipe and the second pipe to be connected by a pipe joint even when the first pipe and the second pipe are eccentric and / or deflected.SOLUTION: The eccentricity allowance member (3) includes a first fixing end (4) fixed to a distal end of the first pipe (50), a second fixing end (2) fixed to a distal end of the second pipe (51), and an eccentricity allowance member (3) coupled to the first fixing end (4) and accommodating the second fixing end (2) movably in a predetermined distance range in a first movement direction intersecting an axial direction of the second pipe (51). 3a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a piping joint that connects opposing first and second pipes. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, a method for installing a flanged refrigerant pipe is known, which includes a pressing step in which a mounting jig presses the flange against the case in a pressing direction while a sealing member is disposed between the flange and the case, and inserts a portion of the refrigerant pipe into the case, and a fastening step in which the mounting jig continues to press the flange against the case while fastening the refrigerant pipe to the case.

[0003] Furthermore, for example, Patent Document 2 discloses a pipe connection structure that connects a first pipe and a second pipe that are arranged opposite each other and spaced apart in the axial direction via a connecting member, in which the connecting member is a cylindrical body that includes a first retaining portion that is fitted onto the connection end of the first pipe and has a lip portion that seals the first pipe, a second retaining portion that is fitted onto the connection end of the second pipe, and a connecting portion that connects the first retaining portion and the second retaining portion, and the outer peripheral surface of the connection end of the first pipe is provided with an annular recess that has an inner wall that forms a part of the outer peripheral surface, an outer wall that is arranged opposite the inner wall, a bottom, and an opening, and the first retaining portion is provided to fit into the inner wall and the outer wall, and a slit portion is formed along the outer wall so as to extend from the bottom to the opening. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-190471 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-70911 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the piping joint of Patent Document 1 requires alignment using a dedicated jig and does not take eccentricity or angular misalignment into consideration, and if the flange is attached to the case while there is eccentricity or angular misalignment, a bending load is applied to the refrigerant pipe and the unit main body. Furthermore, the piping joint of Patent Document 2 requires a reinforcing ring to be attached after the pipe is inserted into a flexible joint made of rubber or the like. Furthermore, attaching the reinforcing ring before inserting the pipe increases the pipe insertion load, which is likely to worsen assembly. In the piping joint of Patent Document 2, the joint also deforms in accordance with the eccentricity or angular misalignment that occurs in the first and second pipes, and the reaction force generates a bending load on the first and second pipes.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and its purpose is to make it possible to easily connect the first and second pipes to be connected even when they are eccentric and / or angularly misaligned, thereby suppressing the bending load that occurs in the first and second pipes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is designed to absorb eccentricity and / or angular misalignment within a piping joint with a simple structure.

[0008] Specifically, in the first invention, The present invention is directed to a piping joint that connects opposing first and second pipes, The piping joint comprises: a first fixed end portion fixed to a tip end of the first pipe; a second fixed end portion fixed to a tip end of the second pipe; an eccentricity allowance member that accommodates the second fixed end portion so as to be movable within a predetermined distance range in a first movement direction that intersects with the axial direction of the second pipe, and is coupled to the first fixed end portion; The eccentricity allowing member has an inner diameter radially larger than an outer circumferential dimension of the second fixed end portion, and has an eccentricity accommodating portion that accommodates the second pipe so as to be prevented from coming off in the axial direction.

[0009] According to the above configuration, the second fixed end to which the tip of the second pipe is fixed is accommodated in the eccentricity accommodation portion of the eccentricity allowance member so as to be movable within a predetermined distance in a first movement direction that intersects the axial direction of the second pipe, thereby absorbing the eccentricity on the second pipe side, making it possible to easily connect the first pipe and the second pipe even if they are eccentric in the first movement direction. Hereinafter, the term "first movement direction that intersects the axial direction" means not only a direction perpendicular to the axial direction but also a direction inclined relative to the perpendicular.

[0010] In the second invention, A piping joint that connects opposing first and second pipes, a first fixed end portion fixed to a tip end of the first pipe; a second fixed end portion fixed to a tip end of the second pipe; an eccentricity allowance member that accommodates the second fixed end portion so that the second fixed end portion can move within a predetermined distance range in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the second pipe; an eccentricity allowance member that accommodates the first fixed end portion so that the inclination angle with respect to the axial direction of the first pipe is within a predetermined angle range and is coupled to the eccentricity allowance member, the eccentricity allowance member has an inner diameter radially larger than an outer circumferential dimension of the second fixed end portion, and has an eccentricity accommodation portion that accommodates the second pipe so as to be prevented from coming off in the axial direction, the deflection angle allowance member has an inner peripheral surface having an arc-shaped cross section and an inner diameter corresponding to an outer diameter of the first fixed end portion having a hemispherical outer peripheral surface, and has a deflection angle accommodation portion that accommodates the first pipe so as to be prevented from coming off in the axial direction, The inner peripheral surface of the first fixed end portion, which has an arcuate cross section, abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the tip end of the eccentricity allowing member, which has an arcuate cross section.

[0011] According to the above configuration, the second fixed end to which the tip of the second pipe is fixed is accommodated in the eccentricity accommodation portion of the eccentricity allowable member so as to be movable within a predetermined distance range in a first movement direction that intersects the axial direction of the second pipe, thereby absorbing the eccentricity on the second pipe side, allowing the first pipe and the second pipe to be easily connected even if they are eccentric in the first movement direction. Moreover, because the first fixed end to which the tip of the first pipe is fixed is accommodated in the declination accommodation portion of the declination allowable member so as to be declined within a predetermined angle range of the inclination angle with respect to the axial direction of the first pipe, it is possible to absorb the declination on the first pipe side, allowing the first pipe and the second pipe to be easily connected even if they are declined.

[0012] In the third invention, A piping joint that connects opposing first and second pipes, a first fixed end portion fixed to a tip end of the first pipe; a second fixed end portion fixed to a tip end of the second pipe; an eccentricity / angle tolerance member that accommodates the second fixed end portion so that it can move within a predetermined distance range in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the second pipe, and accommodates the first fixed end portion so that it can be tilted at an angle within a predetermined angle range relative to the axial direction of the first pipe, The eccentric misalignment allowance member is an eccentric accommodating portion that has an inner diameter radially larger than an outer circumferential dimension of the second fixed end portion and accommodates the second fixed end portion so as to be prevented from coming off in the axial direction; an angular accommodation portion having an inner peripheral surface with an arc-shaped cross section and an inner diameter corresponding to an outer diameter of the first fixed end portion having a hemispherical outer peripheral surface, the angular accommodation portion accommodating the first pipe so as to be prevented from slipping out in the axial direction; The inner peripheral surface of the first fixed end portion, which has an arcuate cross section, abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the eccentric misalignment allowance member, which has an arcuate cross section.

[0013] According to the above configuration, the second fixed end to which the tip of the second pipe is fixed is accommodated in the eccentric accommodation portion of the eccentricity and misalignment allowable member so as to be movable within a predetermined distance range in a first movement direction that intersects the axial direction of the second pipe, thereby absorbing the eccentricity on the second pipe side, and the first and second pipes can be easily connected even if they are eccentric in the first movement direction. Moreover, because the first fixed end to which the tip of the first pipe is fixed is accommodated in the misalignment accommodation portion of the eccentricity and misalignment allowable member so as to be able to misalign within a predetermined angle range of the inclination angle with respect to the axial direction of the first pipe, the misalignment on the first pipe side can be absorbed, and the first and second pipes can be easily connected even if they are misaligned.

[0014] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the present invention, The eccentric misalignment allowance member is an outer peripheral part that abuts against the hemispherical outer peripheral surface of the first fixed end; and an inner peripheral part that can be fitted with the outer peripheral part, abutting the tip of the second fixed end and abutting the hemispherical inner peripheral surface of the first fixed end, and through which fluid flows on the inner peripheral surface.

[0015] With the above configuration, the eccentric misalignment allowable member is divided into two parts, making it easy to connect the first fixed end and the second fixed end by fitting them together. Also, by not dividing the inner circumferential surface of the inner circumferential side part through which the fluid flows, leakage of the fluid can be suppressed.

[0016] In the fifth invention, The present invention is directed to a piping joint that connects opposing first and second pipes, The piping joint comprises: a first fixed end portion fixed to a tip end of the first pipe and having a first forward flange with an arc-shaped cross section that expands so that the outer diameter gradually increases toward the end portion; a second fixed end portion, the second fixed end portion being fixed to the tip of the second pipe and having a second forward flange with an arc-shaped cross section that expands so that the outer diameter gradually increases toward the end portion; an annular inner member having a first outer circumferential surface that is arcuate in cross section and that conforms to the inner surface of the first forward flange, and a second outer circumferential surface that is arcuate in cross section and that conforms to the inner surface of the second forward flange, the inner member having a through-hole at its center and an annular flange on its outer periphery; an outer member having a first half portion having a first arc-shaped inner circumferential surface along the outer surface of the first forward flange and a through-center portion, and a second half portion having a second arc-shaped inner circumferential surface along the outer surface of the second forward flange and a through-center portion, the outer member accommodating the annular flange with the first half portion and the second half portion butted against each other; The inner member and the outer member are tilted to move the second pipe relative to the first pipe in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the first pipe, thereby making the first pipe and the second pipe eccentric; The first forward flange moves between the first cross-sectional arc-shaped inner circumferential surface and the first cross-sectional arc-shaped outer circumferential surface, and the second forward flange moves between the second cross-sectional arc-shaped inner circumferential surface and the second cross-sectional arc-shaped outer circumferential surface, thereby connecting the first pipe and the second pipe in a manner that allows deflection angles to be adjusted.

[0017] According to the above configuration, the first and second pipes can be connected even if they are eccentric because the inner and outer members are tilted and the second pipe moves relative to the first pipe in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the first pipe, and the first forward flange moves between the first cross-sectional arc-shaped inner circumferential surface and the first cross-sectional arc-shaped outer circumferential surface, and the second forward flange moves between the second cross-sectional arc-shaped inner circumferential surface and the second cross-sectional arc-shaped outer circumferential surface, so the first and second pipes can be connected even if they are angularly misaligned. Therefore, the first and second pipes can be connected using the piping coupling in accordance with the eccentricity and misalignment angle of the first and second pipes, thereby suppressing bending loads on the first and second pipes.

[0018] In the sixth invention, The present invention is directed to a piping joint that connects opposing first and second pipes, The piping joint comprises: a first fixed end portion fixed to the tip of the first pipe and having a first reverse flange with an arc-shaped cross section that expands so that the outer diameter gradually increases toward the opposite side of the end portion; a second fixed end portion having a second reverse flange fixed to the tip of the second pipe and having an arc-shaped cross section that expands so that the outer diameter gradually increases toward the opposite side of the end portion; an annular inner member having a first cross-sectional arc-shaped outer peripheral surface that conforms to the inner surface of the first reverse flange and a second cross-sectional arc-shaped outer peripheral surface that conforms to the inner surface of the second reverse flange, the inner member having a through-hole at the center and gradually increasing in thickness in a radial direction; a first inner peripheral surface having an arcuate cross section that conforms to the outer surface of the first reverse flange, and a second inner peripheral surface having an arcuate cross section that conforms to the outer surface of the second reverse flange, the inner member having a through-hole and covering the first reverse flange and the second reverse flange; The inner member and the outer member are tilted to move the second pipe relative to the first pipe in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the first pipe, thereby making the first pipe and the second pipe eccentric; The first reverse flange moves between the first cross-sectional arc-shaped inner peripheral surface and the first cross-sectional arc-shaped outer peripheral surface, and the second reverse flange moves between the second cross-sectional arc-shaped inner peripheral surface and the second cross-sectional arc-shaped outer peripheral surface, thereby connecting the first pipe and the second pipe in a manner that allows for angular deflection.

[0019] According to the above configuration, the first and second pipes can be connected even if they are eccentric by tilting the inner and outer members and moving the second pipe relative to the first pipe in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the first pipe, and the first reverse flange moves between the first cross-sectional arc-shaped inner circumferential surface and the first cross-sectional arc-shaped outer circumferential surface, and the second reverse flange moves between the second cross-sectional arc-shaped inner circumferential surface and the second cross-sectional arc-shaped outer circumferential surface, so that the first and second pipes can be connected even if they are angularly misaligned. Therefore, the first and second pipes can be connected using the piping coupling in accordance with the eccentricity and misalignment angle of the first and second pipes, thereby suppressing bending loads on the first and second pipes. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] As described above, according to the present invention, the first and second pipes to be connected can be easily connected even if they are eccentric and / or angularly misaligned, and the bending load occurring in the first and second pipes can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view showing a piping joint according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the piping joint according to the first embodiment of the present invention when it is not eccentric. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the piping joint according to the first embodiment of the present invention when it is eccentric. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a front view showing a piping joint according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a piping joint according to a second embodiment of the present invention when there is no eccentricity or angular deviation. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a piping joint according to a second embodiment of the present invention when it is eccentric and angularly deviated. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a piping joint according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a piping joint according to a third embodiment of the present invention when there is no eccentricity or angular deviation. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a piping joint according to a third embodiment of the present invention when it is eccentric and angularly deviated. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a piping joint according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a piping joint according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention when there is no eccentricity or angular deviation. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a piping joint according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention when it is eccentric. [Figure 13]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a piping joint according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention when there is a deflection angle. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a piping joint according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention when it is eccentric and angularly deviated. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a piping joint according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a piping joint according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention when there is no eccentricity or angular deviation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0023] (Embodiment 1) 1 to 3 show a piping joint 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, which connects opposing cylindrical first and second pipes 50 and 51. The materials of the first and second pipes 50 and 51 are not particularly limited, and in some cases they do not have to be circular in cross section. In this embodiment, the first and second pipes 50 and 51 are cylindrical pipes of approximately the same size, but they may be different in size or cross-sectional shape. The fluid flowing inside the piping joint 1 may be liquid or gas, and its intended use is, but is not particularly limited to, automobiles.

[0024] Each component of the piping joint 1 is made of synthetic resin, but some components may be made of metal, etc., and are not limited to synthetic resin. The piping joint 1 has a first fixed end 4 fixed to the tip of the first pipe 50 and a second fixed end 2 fixed to the tip of the second pipe 51.

[0025] The second fixed end 2 is, for example, an annular member, and is sealed between itself and the outer peripheral surface of the second pipe 51 by a second O-ring 61. The second pipe 51 and the second fixed end 2 may be fixed together by a strainer or fastening member (not shown), or may be bonded in some cases.

[0026] The first fixed end 4 is an annular member having a larger outer diameter than the second fixed end 2, and is sealed between itself and the outer peripheral surface of the first piping 50 by a first O-ring 62. The first piping 50 and the first fixed end 4 may also be fixed together by a strainer or fastening member (not shown), or may be bonded together, for example.

[0027] In addition, in this embodiment, the first fixed end 4 is formed from a single member, but the first fixed end 4 may be formed from multiple members. When formed from multiple members, a sealing member such as an O-ring may be disposed between the members as necessary.

[0028] The first fixed end 4 and the second fixed end 2 are in contact with each other so as to be able to move relative to each other in a direction intersecting the axial direction (a perpendicular direction in the illustrated example), and for example, a third O-ring 63 is provided on the second fixed end 2 side to seal the gap between the first fixed end 4 and the second fixed end 2.

[0029] The second fixed end 2 is accommodated by an annular eccentricity tolerance member 3 so as to be movable within a predetermined distance in a first movement direction intersecting the axial direction of the second pipe 51. Specifically, the eccentricity tolerance member 3 has an inner diameter radially larger than the outer periphery of the second fixed end 2 and includes an eccentricity accommodation portion 3a formed by an annular recess that accommodates the second pipe 51 so as to prevent it from slipping out in the axial direction. The radial gap between the inner periphery of the eccentricity accommodation portion 3a and the outer periphery of the second fixed end 2 determines the predetermined distance range of the second fixed end 2. In this embodiment, the first direction is perpendicular to the axial direction, but in some cases, it may be slightly inclined relative to the direction perpendicular to the axial direction. However, a perpendicular orientation makes it easier to connect the first pipe 50 and the second pipe 51.

[0030] The eccentricity allowable member 3 is connected to the first fixed end 4. The connecting method is not particularly limited and may be fitting, fastening, adhesive, etc. This connection results in a connection between the first pipe 50 and the second pipe 51. On the other hand, the second fixed end 2 is not fixed to either the eccentricity allowable member 3 or the first fixed end 4.

[0031] In this manner, in this embodiment, the second fixed end 2, to which the tip of the second pipe 51 is fixed, is accommodated within the eccentricity accommodation portion 3a of the eccentricity allowance member 3 so as to be movable within a predetermined distance range in the first movement direction (vertical direction) that intersects the axial direction of the second pipe 51. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 3, by absorbing the eccentricity distance d1 on the second pipe 51 side, which is the difference between the center of the first pipe 50 and the center of the second pipe 51, the first pipe 50 and the second pipe 51 can be easily connected by the piping coupling 1 even if they are eccentric in the first movement direction. For example, the predetermined distance range is -10 mm ≦ d1 ≦ 10 mm.

[0032] Therefore, according to the piping fitting 1 of this embodiment, the second fixed end portion 2 fixed to one of the second pipes 51 is movably accommodated within the eccentricity-tolerant member 3, so that the first pipe 50 and the second pipe 51 to be connected can be easily connected even if they are eccentric.

[0033] (Embodiment 2) 4 to 6 show a second embodiment of the present invention, which differs from the first embodiment in that it further includes a deviation allowance member. In the following embodiments, the same parts as those in Figs. 1 to 3 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0034] The piping joint 101 of this embodiment is also a joint that connects opposing first and second pipes 50 and 51, and includes a first fixed end portion 104 that is fixed to the tip of the first pipe 50, and a second fixed end portion 102 that is fixed to the tip of the second pipe 51. The first fixed end portion 104 is bowl-shaped with a through hole roughly in the center of the tip side.

[0035] In this embodiment, the eccentricity allowable member 103 also accommodates the second fixed end 102 so that it can move within a predetermined distance in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the second pipe 51. The eccentricity allowable member 103 has an inner diameter radially larger than the outer circumferential dimension of the second fixed end 102 and has an eccentricity accommodation portion 103a including an annular recess that accommodates the second pipe 51 so as to prevent it from coming off in the axial direction. The tip side of the eccentricity allowable member 103 has an outer circumferential surface 103b with an arc-shaped cross section that has an outer diameter corresponding to the arc-shaped inner circumferential surface 104b of the first fixed end 104. Similar to the eccentricity accommodation portion 3a in the first embodiment, the eccentricity accommodation portion 103a of the eccentricity allowable member 103 can absorb the eccentricity distance d2 on the second pipe 51 side that occurs due to a misalignment between the center 50a of the first pipe 50 and the center 51a' of the second pipe 51.

[0036] A feature of this embodiment is that piping fitting 101 accommodates first fixed end 104 so that the inclination angle θ2 relative to the axial direction of first pipe 50 (the angle formed between the center of first fixed end 104 and center 51a of second fixed end 102 shown in FIG. 6) can be deflected within a predetermined angle range, and includes an deflection angle allowance member 105 coupled to eccentricity allowance member 103. Of course, the inclination angle θ2 shown in FIG. 6 may be deflected upward or downward on the plane of the drawing. For example, the predetermined angle range is -30°≦θ2≦30°.

[0037] This declination tolerance member 105 includes an inner peripheral surface 105a having an arc-shaped cross section and an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the first fixed end 104, which has a hemispherical outer peripheral surface 104a, and has a declination accommodation portion 105b between it and the outer peripheral surface 103b of the first fixed end 104, which accommodates the first piping 50 in an axially preventable manner.

[0038] It is desirable that the thickness between the cross-sectionally arcuate inner peripheral surface 104b and the hemispherical outer peripheral surface 104a of first fixed end 104 be approximately constant. Similarly, it is desirable that the width of the cross-sectionally arcuate slit (constituting declination accommodating portion 105b) formed between the cross-sectionally arcuate inner peripheral surface 105a of declination allowance member 105 and the cross-sectionally arcuate outer peripheral surface 103b at the tip of eccentricity allowance member 103 be maintained at approximately the same width around the entire circumference. The angular range of inclination angle θ2 can be adjusted by the size of the gap between the inner surface of the slit end and the end of first fixed end 104.

[0039] An inner peripheral surface 104b having an arcuate cross section of first fixed end portion 104 abuts against an outer peripheral surface 103b having an arcuate cross section at the tip of eccentricity allowance member 103. A fourth O-ring 64 is provided to seal the abutting surfaces of the two, but the fourth O-ring 64 may also be provided between the hemispherical outer peripheral surface 104a and the inner peripheral surface 105a having an arcuate cross section.

[0040] In this embodiment, the second fixed end 102 is also sealed against the outer peripheral surface of the second pipe 51 by a second O-ring 61. The first fixed end 104 is also sealed against the outer peripheral surface of the first pipe 50 by a first O-ring 62. Furthermore, a third O-ring 63 is provided on the second fixed end 102 side to seal the gap between the eccentricity allowance member 103 and the second fixed end 102.

[0041] As described above, in this embodiment, the second fixed end 102 to which the tip of the second pipe 51 is fixed is accommodated within the eccentricity accommodation portion 103a of the eccentricity tolerant member 103 so as to be movable within a predetermined distance range in the first movement direction that intersects the axial direction of the second pipe 51. Therefore, by absorbing the eccentricity on the second pipe 51 side, the first pipe 50 and the second pipe 51 can be easily connected even if they are eccentric in the first movement direction.

[0042] Furthermore, the first fixed end 104 to which the tip of the first pipe 50 is fixed is accommodated in the deflection angle accommodation portion 105b of the deflection angle allowance member 105 so that it can deflect within a predetermined angle range of the inclination angle θ2 relative to the axial direction of the first pipe 50. Therefore, the deflection angle on the first pipe 50 side can be absorbed, and the first pipe 50 and the second pipe 51 can be easily connected even if they are deflected at an angle.

[0043] Therefore, according to the piping fitting 101 of this embodiment, the second fixed end portion 102 fixed to the tip of one of the second pipes 51 is movably accommodated within the eccentricity-tolerant member 103, so that the first pipe 50 and the second pipe 51 to be connected can be easily connected even if they are eccentric.

[0044] Furthermore, by accommodating the other first pipe 50 in the deflection angle allowing member 105 so that the first pipe 50 and the second pipe 51 can be easily connected even when they are deflected at an angle.

[0045] (Embodiment 3) 7 to 9 show a piping joint 201 according to a third embodiment of the present invention, which differs from the second embodiment in that the eccentricity and misalignment allowance member and the misalignment allowance member are configured as a single eccentricity and misalignment allowance member 203.

[0046] In this embodiment as well, the piping joint 201 is a joint that connects the first pipe 50 and the second pipe 51 that face each other.

[0047] The piping joint 201 has a first fixed end 204 fixed to the tip of the first pipe 50 and a second fixed end 202 fixed to the tip of the second pipe 51. As in the second embodiment, the first fixed end 204 has a bowl shape with a through hole roughly in the center of the tip side.

[0048] In this embodiment, the first pipe 50 is fixed to the first fixed end 204 by a first strainer 206, and the second pipe 51 is fixed to the second fixed end 202 by a second strainer 207. The first strainer 206 and the second strainer 207 are made of, for example, metal annular members, but their material and shape are not particularly limited, and they may be fixed with fastening members. The first pipe 50 and the second pipe 51 may be provided with through holes or the like at appropriate positions for the strainers and fastening members.

[0049] In this embodiment, the piping joint 201 accommodates the second fixed end 202 so that it can move within a predetermined distance range in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the second piping 51, and has an eccentricity and angle tolerance member 203 that accommodates the first fixed end 204 so that the inclination angle θ3 relative to the axial direction of the first piping 50 can be deflected within a predetermined angle range.

[0050] The eccentric misalignment tolerance member 203 has an inner diameter radially larger than the outer circumferential dimension of the second fixed end portion 202, and is provided with an eccentric accommodation portion 203a formed by an annular recess that accommodates the second fixed end portion 202 so as to prevent it from coming loose in the axial direction.

[0051] Furthermore, the inner surface of eccentric misalignment allowance member 203 on the first piping 50 side has an inner diameter that is radially larger than the dimensions of outer periphery 204a of arc-shaped cross section of first fixed end portion 204. The inner surface of second piping 51 side has an outer diameter that is smaller than the dimensions of inner circumferential surface 204b of arc-shaped cross section of first fixed end portion 204. As a result, eccentric misalignment allowance member 203 is provided with misalignment accommodation portion 203b that has an arc-shaped cross section that accommodates first piping 50 so as to be prevented from coming off in the axial direction, is continuous in the circumferential direction, and has an inner diameter that gradually narrows toward the first piping 50 side.

[0052] The eccentric misalignment allowance member 203 includes two matable parts: an outer peripheral part 203c that abuts against the hemispherical outer peripheral surface 204a of the first fixed end 204 and has an arc-shaped cross section; and an inner peripheral part 203d that abuts against the tip of the second fixed end 202 and against the hemispherical inner peripheral surface 204b of the first fixed end 204 and has a center-side inner peripheral surface 203e through which a fluid flows.

[0053] In this embodiment, the second fixed end 202 to which the tip of the second pipe 51 is fixed is accommodated within the eccentric accommodation portion 203a of the eccentricity deflection tolerance member 203 so as to be movable within a predetermined distance range in a first movement direction (vertical direction) that intersects the axial direction of the second pipe 51.Therefore, by absorbing the eccentric distance d3 on the second pipe 51 side that arises due to the misalignment between the center 50a of the first pipe 50 and the center 51a'' of the second pipe 51, the first pipe 50 and the second pipe 51 can be easily connected even if they are eccentric in the first movement direction.

[0054] Moreover, the first fixed end 204, to which the tip of the first pipe 50 is fixed, is accommodated in the deflection angle accommodation portion 203b of the eccentric deflection allowance member 203 so that the angle of inclination θ3 relative to the axial direction of the first pipe 50 can be deflected within a predetermined angle range, so that the deflection angle on the first pipe 50 side can be absorbed, and the first pipe 50 and the second pipe 51 can be easily connected even if they are deflected at an angle. In this embodiment as well, the predetermined angle range is, for example, -30°≦θ3≦30°.

[0055] In this embodiment, the eccentric misalignment allowable member 203 is divided into two parts, so that the first fixed end portion 204 and the second fixed end portion 202 can be easily fitted together and connected.

[0056] Therefore, according to the piping fitting 201 of this embodiment, the fixed end portion fixed to the tip of one of the pipes is movably accommodated within the eccentric accommodation portion 203a, so that the first pipe 50 and the second pipe 51 to be connected can be easily connected even if they are eccentric.

[0057] Furthermore, by accommodating the other first pipe 50 in the angle accommodation portion 203b so that the angle can be changed, the first pipe 50 and the second pipe 51 to be connected can be easily connected even when the first pipe 50 and the second pipe 51 are at an angle.

[0058] (Embodiment 4) Figures 10 to 14 show a piping joint 301 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, which differs from the previous embodiments in that the components on the first piping 50 side and the second piping 51 side are generally symmetrical left to right and top to bottom.

[0059] The piping joint 301 of this embodiment also connects opposing first and second pipes 50 and 51, and is provided with a first fixed end 302 that is fixed to the tip of the first pipe 50 and has a first forward flange 303 with an arc-shaped cross section that gradually expands so that its outer diameter increases toward the end.

[0060] The pipe joint 301 is also fixed to the tip of the second pipe 51, and includes a second fixed end portion 304 having a second forward flange 305 with a circular arc-shaped cross section that bulges so that the outer diameter gradually increases toward the end. For the connection between the first fixed end portion 302 and the first pipe 50 and the connection between the second fixed end portion 304 and the second pipe 51, welding, screwing, adhesion, etc. are conceivable, and the tip shapes of the first pipe 50 and the second pipe 51 may be deformed accordingly.

[0061] The pipe joint 301 also has a first circular arc-shaped outer peripheral surface 306a along the inner surface 303a of the first forward flange 303, and a second circular arc-shaped outer peripheral surface 306b along the inner surface 305a of the second forward flange 305. It has an annular inner member 306 with a through center and an annular flange portion 306c on the outer periphery.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 11, in the inner member 306, the center 306d of the first circular arc-shaped outer peripheral surface 306a and the center 306e of the second circular arc-shaped outer peripheral surface 306b are arranged at positions separated from each other on the central axis 306f of the inner member 306. The center 306d of the first circular arc-shaped outer peripheral surface 306a is arranged outside the second circular arc-shaped outer peripheral surface 306b, and the center 306e of the second circular arc-shaped outer peripheral surface 306b is arranged outside the first circular arc-shaped outer peripheral surface 306a. Half of the distance L1 between the center 306d of the first circular arc-shaped outer peripheral surface 306a and the center 306e of the second circular arc-shaped outer peripheral surface 306b is shorter than the radius R1 of the first circular arc-shaped outer peripheral surface 306a and the radius R2 of the second forward flange 305 (L1÷2 < R1, R2). That is, when L1÷2 = R1, R2, the first circular arc-shaped outer peripheral surface 306a and the second circular arc-shaped outer peripheral surface 306b will be located on the same spherical surface, and the eccentricity between the first pipe 50 and the second pipe 51 cannot be accommodated. On the other hand, when L1÷2 > R1, R2, similar to the case of L1÷2 < R1, R2, it is possible to accommodate the eccentricity and / or deflection angle between the first pipe 50 and the second pipe 51, but the pipe joint 301 will become unnecessarily large.

[0063] Piping fitting 301 also has first half portion 308 having first cross-sectional arc-shaped inner circumferential surface 308a formed along the outer surface of first forward flange 303 and penetrating through its center, and second half portion 309 having second cross-sectional arc-shaped inner circumferential surface 309a formed along the outer surface of second forward flange 305 and penetrating through its center, and is equipped with outer member 307 having flange portion accommodating recess 307a that accommodates annular flange portion 306c when first half portion 308 and second half portion 309 are abutted against each other. First cross-sectional arc-shaped inner circumferential surface 308a and second cross-sectional arc-shaped inner circumferential surface 309a have the same central axis. The first half 308 and the second half 309 are fastened together, for example, with a bolt and nut 310, but are not limited to this and may be joined together by snap fitting, adhesion, or screwing of male and female threads provided on the contact surfaces of each other.

[0064] O-ring grooves 306g for accommodating O-rings 361, 362 are formed in first cross-sectional arc-shaped outer peripheral surface 306a and second cross-sectional arc-shaped outer peripheral surface 306b of inner member 306. O-ring groove 306g is positioned within a range that allows it to always come into contact with O-rings 361, 362 within the operating ranges of inner surface 303a of first forward flange 303 and inner surface 305a of second forward flange 305. O-ring groove 306g may also be provided on the inner surface 303a of first forward flange 303 and inner surface 305a of second forward flange 305.

[0065] By configuring as described above, as shown in Figure 12, the piping fitting 301 allows the inner member 306 and the outer member 307 to tilt, thereby moving the second pipe 51 by a distance d4 relative to the first pipe 50 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the first pipe 50, thereby making the first pipe 50 and the second pipe 51 eccentric.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 13, in piping coupling 301, first forward flange 303 moves between first cross-sectional arc-shaped inner circumferential surface 308a and first cross-sectional arc-shaped outer circumferential surface 306a, and second forward flange 305 moves between second cross-sectional arc-shaped inner circumferential surface 309a and second cross-sectional arc-shaped outer circumferential surface 306b, thereby allowing first piping 50 and second piping 51 to be angularly deflected.

[0067] Although a detailed description will be omitted, the piping joint 301 can also connect the first pipe 50 and the second pipe 51 even when they are eccentric and at an angle, as shown in FIG.

[0068] Therefore, the first and second pipes 50, 51 can be connected by the piping joint 301 in accordance with the eccentricity and angular misalignment of the first and second pipes 50, 51, thereby preventing bending loads from being applied to the first and second pipes 50, 51.

[0069] Furthermore, even if a compressive load is generated in the direction of bringing the first pipe 50 and the second pipe 52 closer together due to a heavy object such as a heat exchanger, the compression state of the O-rings 361, 362 provided on the inner member 306 by the first forward flange 303 and the second forward flange 305, which also have an arc-shaped cross-sectional inner surface, remains constant, ensuring stable sealing performance.

[0070] (Embodiment 5) 15 and 16 show a piping joint 401 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, which differs from the fourth embodiment in that the diameters of the flanges 403, 405 expand in opposite directions.

[0071] The piping joint 401 of this embodiment also connects opposing first and second pipes 50 and 51, and is provided with a first fixed end 402 that is fixed to the tip of the first pipe 50 and has a first reverse flange 403 with an arc-shaped cross section that gradually expands toward the side opposite the end so that its outer diameter gradually increases.

[0072] The piping joint 401 is fixed to the tip of the second pipe 51 and includes a second fixed end 404 having a second reverse flange 405 with an arc-shaped cross section that expands so that the outer diameter gradually increases toward the side opposite the end. The connection between the first fixed end 402 and the first pipe 50 and the connection between the second fixed end 404 and the second pipe 51 can be achieved by welding, screws, adhesive bonding, etc., and it is advisable to modify the tip shapes of the first pipe 50 and the second pipe 51 accordingly.

[0073] The piping fitting 401 also includes an annular inner member 406 having a first cross-sectional arc-shaped outer peripheral surface 406a that is recessed along the inner surface of the first reverse flange 403, and a second cross-sectional arc-shaped outer peripheral surface 406b that is recessed along the inner surface of the second reverse flange 405, the inner member 406 being perforated at the center and gradually increasing in thickness in the radial direction.

[0074] The piping joint 401 also includes an outer member 407 that has a first cross-sectional arc-shaped inner peripheral surface 408a formed along the outer surface of the first reverse flange 403 and a second cross-sectional arc-shaped inner peripheral surface 409a formed along the outer surface of the second reverse flange 405, penetrates the center, and covers the inner member 406, as well as the first and second reverse flanges 403 and 405. In this embodiment, the first cross-sectional arc-shaped inner peripheral surface 408a and the second cross-sectional arc-shaped inner peripheral surface 409a are also on the same axis.

[0075] O-ring grooves 406g for accommodating O-rings 461, 462 are formed in the first cross-sectional arc-shaped outer peripheral surface 406a and the second cross-sectional arc-shaped outer peripheral surface 406b of the inner member 406. The O-ring grooves 406g are positioned within a range that allows them to always come into contact with the O-rings 461, 462 within the operating ranges of the inner surface 403a of the first reverse flange 403 and the inner surface 405a of the second reverse flange 405. The O-ring grooves 406g may also be provided on the inner surface 403a of the first reverse flange 403 and the inner surface 405a of the second reverse flange 405.

[0076] Although not shown in the figures, in this embodiment too, by configuring as described above, the piping fitting 401 can tilt the inner member 406 and the outer member 407 to move the second piping 51 relative to the first piping 50 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the first piping 50, thereby making the first piping 50 and the second piping 51 eccentric.

[0077] In addition, the piping joint 401 is capable of deflecting the angle between the first piping 50 and the second piping 51 by the first reverse flange 403 moving between the first cross-sectional arc-shaped inner surface 408a and the first cross-sectional arc-shaped outer surface 406a, and the second reverse flange 405 moving between the second cross-sectional arc-shaped inner surface 409a and the second cross-sectional arc-shaped outer surface 406b.

[0078] Therefore, the first and second pipes 50, 51 can be connected by the pipe joint 401 in accordance with the eccentricity and angular misalignment of the first and second pipes 50, 51, thereby preventing bending loads from being applied to the first and second pipes 50, 51.

[0079] In this embodiment, even if a compressive load is generated in the direction of bringing the first pipe 50 and the second pipe 52 closer together due to a heavy object such as a heat exchanger, the compression state of the O-rings 461, 462 provided on the inner member 406 is constant by the first reverse flange 403 and the second reverse flange 405, which also have an arc-shaped inner surface in cross section, and stable sealing performance is ensured.

[0080] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are essentially preferred examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, its applications, or uses.

[0081] For example, in the above embodiment, an O-ring is used as the sealing member, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the sealing member may be configured as a ball seat used in a ball valve or the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1. Piping joints 2 Second fixed end 3 Eccentricity tolerance member 3a Eccentric housing 4 First fixed end 50 First Pipe 50a center 51 Second piping 51a',51a'' center 61 Second O-ring 62 First O-ring 63 Third O-ring 64 4th O-ring 101 Piping joints 102 Second fixed end 103 Eccentricity tolerance member 103a Eccentric housing 103b Circular arc-shaped outer surface 104 First fixed end 104a Hemispherical outer surface 104b: Inner surface with arcuate cross section 105 Deviation angle tolerance member 105a: Inner surface with arcuate cross section 105b Declination angle housing 201 Piping joints 202 Second fixed end 203 Eccentricity and angular tolerance member 203a Eccentric housing 203b Declination housing 203c Outer periphery part 203d Inner part 203e Center side inner circumferential surface 204 1st fixed end 204a Circular cross section 204b Circular cross section inner circumference 206 First strainer 207 Second strainer 301 Piping joints 302 1st fixed end 303 First forward flange 303a Inner surface 304 Second fixed end 305 Second forward flange 305a Inner surface 306 Inner member 306a First cross section arc-shaped outer peripheral surface 306b Second cross section arc-shaped outer peripheral surface 306c Tsubabe 306d center 306e center 306f center axis 306g O-ring receiving groove 307 Outer member 307a Flange receiving recess 308 1st half section 308a First cross section arc-shaped inner peripheral surface 309 Second half part 309a Second cross section arc-shaped inner surface 310 Bolts and nuts 361,362 O-ring 401 Piping joints 402 1st fixed end 403 First reverse flange 403a Interior 404 Second fixed end 405 Second reverse flange 405a Inner surface 406 Inner member 406a First cross section arc-shaped outer peripheral surface 406b Second cross section arc-shaped outer peripheral surface 406g O-ring receiving groove 407 Outer member 408a First cross section arc-shaped inner peripheral surface 409a Second cross section arc-shaped inner surface 461,462 O-rings

Claims

1. A piping joint that connects opposing first and second pipes, a first fixed end portion fixed to a tip end of the first pipe; a second fixed end portion fixed to a tip end of the second pipe; an eccentricity allowance member that accommodates the second fixed end portion so as to be movable within a predetermined distance range in a first movement direction that intersects with the axial direction of the second pipe, and is coupled to the first fixed end portion; The eccentricity allowing member has an inner diameter that is radially larger than an outer circumferential dimension of the second fixed end portion, and has an eccentricity accommodating portion that accommodates the second pipe so as to be prevented from coming off in the axial direction. A piping joint characterized by:

2. A piping joint that connects opposing first and second pipes, a first fixed end portion fixed to a tip end of the first pipe; a second fixed end portion fixed to a tip end of the second pipe; an eccentricity allowance member that accommodates the second fixed end portion so that the second fixed end portion can move within a predetermined distance range in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the second pipe; an eccentricity allowance member that accommodates the first fixed end portion so that the inclination angle with respect to the axial direction of the first pipe is within a predetermined angle range and is coupled to the eccentricity allowance member, the eccentricity allowance member has an inner diameter that is radially larger than an outer circumferential dimension of the second fixed end portion, and has an eccentricity accommodation portion that accommodates the second pipe so as to be prevented from coming off in the axial direction, the deflection allowance member has an inner peripheral surface having an arc-shaped cross section and an inner diameter corresponding to an outer diameter of the first fixed end portion having a hemispherical outer peripheral surface, and has a deflection accommodation portion that accommodates the first pipe so as to be prevented from coming off in the axial direction, The inner peripheral surface of the first fixed end portion having an arcuate cross section is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the tip end of the eccentricity allowing member having an arcuate cross section. A piping joint characterized by:

3. A piping joint that connects opposing first and second pipes, a first fixed end portion fixed to a tip end of the first pipe; a second fixed end portion fixed to a tip end of the second pipe; an eccentricity / eccentricity allowance member that accommodates the second fixed end portion so that it can move within a predetermined distance range in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the second pipe, and that accommodates the first fixed end portion so that it can be tilted at an angle within a predetermined angle range with respect to the axial direction of the first pipe, The eccentric misalignment allowance member is an eccentric accommodating portion that has an inner diameter that is larger in a radial direction than an outer circumferential dimension of the second fixed end portion and accommodates the second fixed end portion so as to be prevented from coming off in the axial direction; an angular accommodation portion having an inner peripheral surface with an arc-shaped cross section and an inner diameter corresponding to an outer diameter of the first fixed end portion having a hemispherical outer peripheral surface, the angular accommodation portion accommodating the first pipe so as to be prevented from slipping out in the axial direction; The inner peripheral surface of the first fixed end portion having an arcuate cross section is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the eccentric angle tolerance member having an arcuate cross section. A piping joint characterized by:

4. The eccentric misalignment allowance member is an outer peripheral part that abuts against the hemispherical outer peripheral surface of the first fixed end; an inner peripheral part that can be fitted with the outer peripheral part, the inner peripheral part abutting against a tip of the second fixed end and abutting against a hemispherical inner peripheral surface of the first fixed end, and through which a fluid flows.

4. The piping joint according to claim 3.

5. A piping joint that connects opposing first and second pipes, a first fixed end portion fixed to a tip end of the first pipe and having a first forward flange with an arc-shaped cross section that expands so that the outer diameter gradually increases toward the end portion; a second fixed end portion, the second fixed end portion having a second forward flange with an arc-shaped cross section that expands so that the outer diameter gradually increases toward the end portion, the second fixed end portion being fixed to a tip end of the second pipe; an annular inner member having a first outer circumferential surface that is arcuate in cross section and that conforms to the inner surface of the first forward flange, and a second outer circumferential surface that is arcuate in cross section and that conforms to the inner surface of the second forward flange, the inner member having a through-hole at its center and an annular flange on its outer periphery; an outer member having a first half portion having a first arc-shaped inner circumferential surface that fits along the outer surface of the first forward flange and a penetrating center, and a second half portion having a second arc-shaped inner circumferential surface that fits along the outer surface of the second forward flange and a penetrating center, the outer member accommodating the annular flange with the first half portion and the second half portion abutting against each other; The inner member and the outer member are tilted to move the second pipe relative to the first pipe in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the first pipe, thereby making the first pipe and the second pipe eccentric; The first forward flange moves between the first cross-sectional arc-shaped inner peripheral surface and the first cross-sectional arc-shaped outer peripheral surface, and the second forward flange moves between the second cross-sectional arc-shaped inner peripheral surface and the second cross-sectional arc-shaped outer peripheral surface, thereby connecting the first pipe and the second pipe in a manner that allows deflection. A piping joint characterized by:

6. A piping joint that connects opposing first and second pipes, a first fixed end portion fixed to a tip end of the first pipe and having a first reverse flange with an arc-shaped cross section that expands so that the outer diameter gradually increases toward the opposite side of the end portion; a second fixed end portion, the second fixed end portion having a second reverse flange with an arc-shaped cross section, the second reverse flange being fixed to the tip of the second pipe and gradually increasing in outer diameter toward the opposite side of the second fixed end portion; an annular inner member having a first cross-sectional arc-shaped outer peripheral surface that conforms to the inner surface of the first reverse flange and a second cross-sectional arc-shaped outer peripheral surface that conforms to the inner surface of the second reverse flange, the inner member having a through-hole at its center and gradually increasing in thickness in a radial direction; an outer member having a first inner peripheral surface arcuate in cross section that conforms to the outer surface of a first reverse flange, and a second inner peripheral surface arcuate in cross section that conforms to the outer surface of a second reverse flange, the outer member penetrating the center and covering the inner member, the first reverse flange, and the second reverse flange; The inner member and the outer member are tilted to move the second pipe relative to the first pipe in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the first pipe, thereby making the first pipe and the second pipe eccentric; The first reverse flange moves between the first cross-sectional arc-shaped inner peripheral surface and the first cross-sectional arc-shaped outer peripheral surface, and the second reverse flange moves between the second cross-sectional arc-shaped inner peripheral surface and the second cross-sectional arc-shaped outer peripheral surface, thereby connecting the first pipe and the second pipe in a manner that allows deflection angles. A piping joint characterized by:

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