Pipe joint structure

The pipe joint structure uses a hydrogen storage alloy to expand or contract, simplifying pipe connections and disconnections, enhancing efficiency and sealing while reducing volume and blister risk.

JP2026026423APending Publication Date: 2026-02-16TAKENAKA CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2025243616
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-12-09
Publication Date
2026-02-16

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing pipe connection methods require rotational alignment, which can be cumbersome and inefficient for connecting and disconnecting pipes.

Method used

A pipe joint structure utilizing a hydrogen storage alloy connecting member that expands or contracts based on hydrogen absorption and heat, allowing easy connection and disconnection of pipes without rotational alignment.

Benefits of technology

Facilitates easier and more efficient connection and disconnection of pipes compared to rotational methods, providing a sealed and compact joint with reduced blister risk and smaller volume than traditional threaded connections.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To provide a configuration capable of easily connecting or separating one pipe material and the other pipe material as compared with the case of rotating the pipe material or a joint member in the circumferential direction.SOLUTION: The pipe joint structure includes one pipe material in which one connection surface is formed at an end portion, the other pipe material in which the other connection surface is formed at an end portion and an end surface faces an end surface of the one pipe material, a cylindrical intermediate material in which an outer peripheral surface straddling the one connection surface and the other connection surface is formed, and a connection material disposed on an inner peripheral surface of the intermediate material and formed of a hydrogen storage alloy that expands by absorbing hydrogen and contracts by being heated. The one pipe material and the other pipe material are connected by expanding the connecting material by absorbing hydrogen, and the one pipe material and the other pipe material are separated by contracting the connecting material by heating the connecting material.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a pipe joint structure. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a pipe joint consisting of a heat-shrinkable plastic cylinder and a cylinder made of an iron-based shape memory alloy that has been subjected to a diameter expansion process and fits inside the cylinder, with the plastic cylinder being long enough to cover at least the outer periphery and both end faces of the shape memory alloy cylinder after the joint tightening operation is completed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2-253081 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Conventionally, a pair of pipes is connected using a cylindrical joint member. For example, when using such a joint member, an end of one pipe is screwed into one part of the joint member, and an end of the other pipe is screwed into the other part of the joint member. In this way, the pair of pipes are connected by the joint member.

[0005] In this way, one pipe can be connected to another by rotating the pipe or the joint member in the circumferential direction, and similarly, one pipe can be separated from another by rotating the pipe or the joint member in the circumferential direction.

[0006] The object of the present disclosure is to easily connect or disconnect one pipe material to another pipe material, compared to when the pipe material or the coupling member is rotated in the circumferential direction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The pipe fitting structure of the first aspect comprises one pipe material having one connection surface formed at an end portion thereof, another pipe material having the other connection surface formed at an end portion thereof and an end face facing the end face of the one pipe material, a cylindrical intermediate material having an outer peripheral surface spanning the one connection surface and the other connection surface, and a connecting material arranged on the inner peripheral surface of the intermediate material and formed from a hydrogen storage alloy that absorbs hydrogen to expand and is heated to contract, wherein the connecting material absorbs hydrogen to expand, thereby connecting the one pipe material to the other pipe material, and is heated to contract, thereby separating the one pipe material from the other pipe material.

[0008] According to the first aspect, a connecting member is disposed between one connecting surface and the other connecting surface. When hydrogen is supplied to the connecting member, the connecting member absorbs the hydrogen and expands, thereby connecting one pipe member to the other pipe member. On the other hand, when the connecting member is heated while the one pipe member and the other pipe member are connected, the connecting member contracts, thereby separating the one pipe member from the other pipe member.

[0009] By connecting or separating a pair of pipe materials in this manner, one pipe material can be more easily connected or separated from the other pipe material than when the pipe materials or joint members are rotated circumferentially.

[0010] A pipe joint structure according to a second aspect is the pipe joint structure according to the first aspect, characterized in that hydrogen flows inside the one pipe material and the other pipe material.

[0011] According to the configuration of the second aspect, hydrogen flows through the interior of the one pipe material and the other pipe material, and therefore, by flowing hydrogen through the one pipe material and the other pipe material, hydrogen is supplied to the connecting material, and the one pipe material and the other pipe material can be connected. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present disclosure, one pipe material and the other pipe material can be more easily connected or disconnected than when the pipe material or the joint member is rotated in the circumferential direction. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are cross-sectional views showing a pipe joint structure according to a first embodiment (reference embodiment) of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 10(A) and 10(B) are cross-sectional views showing a pipe joint structure according to a second embodiment (reference embodiment) of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 10(A) and 10(B) are cross-sectional views showing a pipe joint structure according to a third embodiment (reference embodiment) of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 10(A) and 10(B) are cross-sectional views showing a pipe joint structure according to a fourth embodiment (reference embodiment) of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 10(A) and 10(B) are cross-sectional views showing a pipe joint structure according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 10(A) and 10(B) are cross-sectional views showing a pipe joint structure according to a sixth embodiment (reference embodiment) of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 10(A) and 10(B) are cross-sectional views showing a pipe joint structure according to a seventh embodiment (reference mode) of the present disclosure and a pipe joint structure according to an eighth embodiment (reference mode) of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] First Embodiment (Reference Embodiment) An example of a pipe joint structure according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 1. In the figure, arrow R indicates the radial direction of the pipe, and arrow L indicates the longitudinal direction of the pipe. Furthermore, arrows R and L are perpendicular to each other.

[0015] (Pipe joint structure 10) 1(A) and 1(B), the pipe joint structure 10 according to the first embodiment comprises a connecting member 12, one pipe member 16 which is a steel pipe, and the other pipe member 18 which is also a steel pipe. The outer diameter of the one pipe member 16 is smaller than the inner diameter of the other pipe member 18.

[0016] The connecting material 12 is formed into a cylindrical shape by compressing granular hydrogen storage alloy, and is arranged in a state where it does not absorb hydrogen (where it releases hydrogen) on the outer peripheral surface 16a of the end of one of the pipe materials 16. In this way, the connecting material 12 is provided over the entire outer peripheral surface 16a of one of the pipe materials 16. Here, the hydrogen storage alloy is an alloy that expands when it absorbs hydrogen and contracts when it is heated.

[0017] [Effect] When connecting one pipe material 16 and another pipe material 18, the end of one pipe material 16 is inserted into the end of the other pipe material 18, as shown in Figures 1(A) and 1(B). As a result, the connecting material 12 is disposed between the outer circumferential surface 16a of the one pipe material 16 and the inner circumferential surface 18b of the other pipe material 18. In this state, by supplying hydrogen to the connecting material 12, the connecting material 12 absorbs the hydrogen and expands. In this way, the one pipe material 16 and the other pipe material 18 are connected by the connecting material 12. The outer circumferential surface 16a of the one pipe material 16 is an example of one connecting surface, and the inner circumferential surface 18b of the other pipe material 18 is an example of the other connecting surface.

[0018] On the other hand, when one pipe material 16 and the other pipe material 28 are to be separated, the connecting material 12 is heated, which causes hydrogen to be released from the connecting material 12 and causes the connecting material 12 to shrink. In this way, the one pipe material 16 and the other pipe material 18 are separated.

[0019] 〔summary〕 As described above, in the pipe joint structure 10, one pipe material 16 and the other pipe material 18 are connected by supplying hydrogen to the connecting member 12, and one pipe material 16 and the other pipe material 18 are separated by heating the connecting member 12. This makes it easier to connect or separate one pipe material 16 and the other pipe material 18 than when the pipe material or the joint member is rotated in the circumferential direction.

[0020] Furthermore, in the pipe joint structure 10, one pipe material 16 and the other pipe material 18 are connected by supplying hydrogen, and one pipe material 16 and the other pipe material 18 are separated by heating the connecting member 12. This makes it easier to connect or separate one pipe material 16 and the other pipe material 18 than when one pipe material and the other pipe material are connected by welding.

[0021] In the pipe joint structure 10, the connecting member 12 is provided around the entire outer circumferential surface 16a of one pipe 16. As a result, the one pipe 16 and the other pipe 18 are sealed by the connecting member 12.

[0022] Furthermore, the pipe joint structure 10 is sealed by the connecting material 12 made of a hydrogen storage alloy. This prevents blisters caused by hydrogen from occurring, as compared to when rubber is used to seal one pipe material from the other.

[0023] Furthermore, in the pipe joint structure 10, the connecting member 12 is cylindrical and is disposed on the outer peripheral surface 16a of the end of one of the pipe materials 16. This allows the volume of the member connecting the pair of pipe materials to be smaller than when using a pipe joint formed with a threaded portion that is screwed into one pipe material and a threaded portion that is screwed into the other pipe material.

[0024] <Second embodiment (reference embodiment)> An example of a pipe joint structure 20 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Note that, with regard to the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0025] (Pipe joint structure 20) 2(A) and 2(B), a pipe joint structure 20 according to the second embodiment comprises a pipe joint 22, one steel pipe member 26, and another steel pipe member 28. The inner diameter of the one pipe member 26 and the inner diameter of the other pipe member 28 are the same.

[0026] The pipe joint 22 is configured to include a cylindrical intermediate member 23, which is a steel pipe, and a connecting member 24, which is disposed on the outer peripheral surface 23a of the intermediate member 23 and formed into a cylindrical shape by compressing granular hydrogen storage alloy. The outer diameter of the intermediate member 23 is smaller than the inner diameters of the pipe members 26, 28. The inner peripheral surface 26b of one pipe member 26 is an example of one connecting surface, and the inner peripheral surface 28b of the other pipe member 28 is an example of the other connecting surface. The outer peripheral surface 23a of the intermediate member 23 is an example of a circumferential surface.

[0027] [Effect] When connecting one pipe material 26 and the other pipe material 28, as shown in Figures 2(A) and 2(B), the pipe fitting 22 is inserted so as to straddle the end of one pipe material 26 and the end of the other pipe material 28. Furthermore, the end face 26c of one pipe material 26 and the end face 28c of the other pipe material 28 are made to face each other.

[0028] As a result, one side portion of the connecting member 24 is disposed between the outer peripheral surface 23a of the intermediate member 23 and the inner peripheral surface 26b of one of the pipe members 26, and the other side portion of the connecting member 24 is disposed between the outer peripheral surface 23a of the intermediate member 23 and the inner peripheral surface 28b of the other pipe member 28. In this state, by supplying hydrogen to the connecting member 24, the connecting member 24 absorbs the hydrogen and expands. As a result, the one pipe member 26 and the other pipe member 28 are connected by the pipe joint 22.

[0029] On the other hand, when one pipe material 26 and the other pipe material 28 are to be separated, the connecting material 24 is heated, which causes hydrogen to be released from the connecting material 24 and causes the connecting material 24 to shrink, thereby separating the one pipe material 26 and the other pipe material 28.

[0030] 〔summary〕 As described above, in the pipe joint structure 20, one pipe material 26 and another pipe material 28 having the same inner diameter can be connected or disconnected using the pipe joint 22.

[0031] Third Embodiment (Reference Embodiment) An example of a pipe joint structure according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Note that, with regard to the third embodiment, differences from the second embodiment will be mainly described.

[0032] (Pipe joint structure 30) As shown in FIGS. 3(A) and 3(B), a pipe joint structure 30 according to the third embodiment includes a pipe joint 32, one pipe member 26, and the other pipe member 28.

[0033] The pipe joint 32 is configured to include a cylindrical intermediate member 33, which is a steel pipe, and a connecting member 34, which is disposed on the inner peripheral surface 33b of the intermediate member 33 and formed into a cylindrical shape by compressing granular hydrogen storage alloy. The inner diameter of the intermediate member 33 is larger than the outer diameters of the pipe members 26, 28. The outer peripheral surface 26a of one pipe member 26 is an example of one connecting surface, and the outer peripheral surface 28a of the other pipe member 28 is an example of the other connecting surface. The inner peripheral surface 33b of the intermediate member 33 is an example of a peripheral surface.

[0034] [Effect] When connecting one pipe material 26 and the other pipe material 28, as shown in Figures 3(A) and 3(B), the end of one pipe material 26 and the end of the other pipe material 28 are inserted into the pipe joint 32. Furthermore, the end face 26c of one pipe material 26 and the end face 28c of the other pipe material 28 are made to face each other.

[0035] As a result, one side portion of the connecting member 34 is disposed between the inner circumferential surface 33b of the intermediate member 33 and the outer circumferential surface 26a of one of the pipe members 26, and the other side portion of the connecting member 34 is disposed between the inner circumferential surface 33b of the intermediate member 33 and the outer circumferential surface 28a of the other pipe member 28. In this state, by supplying hydrogen to the connecting member 34, the connecting member 34 absorbs the hydrogen and expands. As a result, the one pipe member 26 and the other pipe member 28 are connected by the pipe joint 32.

[0036] On the other hand, when one pipe material 26 and the other pipe material 28 are to be separated, the connecting material 34 is heated, which causes hydrogen to be released from the connecting material 34 and causes the connecting material 34 to shrink, thereby separating the one pipe material 26 and the other pipe material 28.

[0037] <Fourth embodiment (reference embodiment)> An example of a pipe joint structure according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Note that, with regard to the fourth embodiment, differences from the second embodiment will be mainly described.

[0038] (Pipe joint structure 40) As shown in FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B), a pipe joint structure 40 according to the fourth embodiment includes a pipe joint 42, one pipe member 26, and the other pipe member 28.

[0039] The pipe joint 42 is configured to include a cylindrical intermediate member 43 which is a steel pipe, and a pair of connecting members 44 which are formed into a ring shape by compressing granular hydrogen storage alloy.

[0040] The outer diameter of the intermediate material 43 is smaller than the inner diameter of the pipe materials 26, 28, and a stepped surface 43b recessed relative to the outer circumferential surface 43a of the intermediate material 43 is formed at each of both longitudinal ends of the intermediate material 43. This stepped surface 43b extends in the circumferential direction.

[0041] Furthermore, the connecting members 44 have a rectangular cross section, and a pair of connecting members 44 are respectively arranged on stepped surfaces 43b formed at both longitudinal ends of the intermediate member 43. The connecting members 44 protrude radially outward from the outer circumferential surface 43a of the intermediate member 43. The inner circumferential surface 26b of one pipe member 26 is an example of one connecting surface, and the inner circumferential surface 28b of the other pipe member 28 is an example of the other connecting surface. The stepped surfaces 43b of the intermediate member 43 are an example of a circumferential surface.

[0042] [Effect] When connecting one pipe material 26 and the other pipe material 28, as shown in Figures 4(A) and 4(B), a pipe fitting 42 is inserted so as to straddle the end of one pipe material 26 and the end of the other pipe material 28. Furthermore, the end face 26c of one pipe material 26 and the end face 28c of the other pipe material 28 are made to face each other.

[0043] As a result, one connecting member 44 is disposed between one step surface 43b of the intermediate member 43 and the inner circumferential surface 26b of one pipe member 26, and the other connecting member 44 is disposed between the other step surface 43b of the intermediate member 43 and the inner circumferential surface 28b of the other pipe member 28. In this state, by supplying hydrogen to the connecting member 44, the connecting member 44 absorbs the hydrogen and expands. As a result, the one pipe member 26 and the other pipe member 28 are connected by the pipe joint 42.

[0044] On the other hand, when one pipe material 26 and the other pipe material 28 are to be separated, the connecting material 44 is heated, which causes hydrogen to be released from the connecting material 44 and causes the connecting material 44 to shrink, thereby separating the one pipe material 26 and the other pipe material 28.

[0045] Fifth Embodiment An example of a pipe joint structure according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Note that, with regard to the fifth embodiment, differences from the second embodiment will be mainly described.

[0046] (Pipe joint structure 50) As shown in FIGS. 5(A) and 5(B), a pipe joint structure 50 according to the fifth embodiment includes a pipe joint 52, one pipe member 26, and the other pipe member 28.

[0047] The pipe joint 52 is configured to include a cylindrical intermediate member 53, which is a steel pipe, and a connecting member 54 formed into a cylindrical shape by compressing granular hydrogen storage alloy. The outer diameter of the intermediate member 53 is set so that a small gap is created between the intermediate member 53 and the inner circumferential surfaces 26b, 28b of the pipe members 26, 28. The connecting member 54 is also arranged to fit along the entire inner circumferential surface 53b of the intermediate member 53. The inner circumferential surface 26b of one pipe member 26 is an example of one connecting surface, and the inner circumferential surface 28b of the other pipe member 28 is an example of the other connecting surface.

[0048] [Effect] When connecting one pipe material 26 and the other pipe material 28, as shown in Figures 5(A) and 5(B), a pipe fitting 52 is inserted so as to straddle the end of one pipe material 26 and the end of the other pipe material 28. Furthermore, the end face 26c of one pipe material 26 and the end face 28c of the other pipe material 28 are made to face each other.

[0049] As a result, one side portion of the outer circumferential surface 53a of the intermediate member 53 faces the inner circumferential surface 26b of the pipe member 26, and the other side portion of the outer circumferential surface 53a of the intermediate member 53 faces the inner circumferential surface 28b of the pipe member 28. In this state, by supplying hydrogen to the connecting member 54 of the pipe joint 52, the connecting member 54 absorbs the hydrogen and expands. As a result, the outer diameter of the intermediate member 53 increases, and one pipe member 26 and the other pipe member 28 are connected by the pipe joint 52.

[0050] On the other hand, when one pipe material 26 and the other pipe material 28 are to be separated, the connecting material 54 is heated, causing hydrogen to be released from the connecting material 54 and shrinking the connecting material 54. As a result, the outer diameter of the intermediate material 53 becomes smaller, and the one pipe material 26 and the other pipe material 28 are separated.

[0051] Sixth Embodiment (Reference Embodiment) An example of a pipe joint structure according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Note that, with regard to the sixth embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0052] (Pipe joint structure 60) As shown in Figures 6(A) and 6(B), the pipe joint structure 60 according to the sixth embodiment comprises a connecting member 62, one pipe material 66 which is a steel pipe, the other pipe material 68 which is also a steel pipe, a plurality of fastening bolts 69a, and a plurality of fastening nuts 69b.

[0053] The outer diameter of one pipe 66 and the outer diameter of the other pipe 68 are the same. A flange 65 that extends radially outward is formed at the end of one pipe 66. This flange 65 has a flange surface 65a and a plurality of through holes 65b formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. The end of the other pipe 68 has a flange 67 that extends radially outward. This flange 67 has a flange surface 67a and a plurality of through holes 67b formed at intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0054] The connecting material 62 is disposed between the flange surface 65a and the flange surface 67a. The connecting material 62 is formed by compressing granular hydrogen storage alloy so that it has a doughnut shape when viewed longitudinally and a plate shape when viewed radially. The connecting material 62 has a plurality of through holes 62b formed therein, which overlap with the through holes 65b and 67b.

[0055] [Effect] 6(A) and 6(B), when connecting one pipe material 66 and another pipe material 68, a connecting member 62 is placed between a flange surface 65a of one pipe material 66 and a flange surface 67a of the other pipe material 68. Furthermore, a fastening bolt 69a is inserted into through-hole 65b, through-hole 62b, and through-hole 67b in that order, and a fastening nut 69b is tightened onto the fastening bolt 69a.

[0056] In this state, hydrogen is supplied to the connecting material 62, which absorbs the hydrogen and expands. As a result, the thickness of the connecting material 62 increases, eliminating the gap between one pipe material 66 and the other pipe material 68, and the one pipe material 66 and the other pipe material 68 are connected by the connecting material 62.

[0057] On the other hand, when one pipe material 66 and the other pipe material 68 are to be separated, the connecting material 62 is heated, causing hydrogen to be released from the connecting material 62 and causing the connecting material 62 to shrink. Then, the fastening nut 69b is loosened from the fastening bolt 69a. This separates the one pipe material 66 and the other pipe material 68.

[0058] Seventh Embodiment (Reference Embodiment) An example of a pipe joint structure according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 7(A). Note that, with regard to the seventh embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0059] (Pipe joint structure 70) As shown in FIG. 7(A), a pipe joint structure 70 according to the seventh embodiment includes a connecting member 72, one pipe member 16, and the other pipe member 18.

[0060] An uneven portion 76, in which convex portions and concave portions are aligned in the longitudinal direction, is formed on the end of one of the pipes 16 that is in contact with the connecting material 72. In addition, an uneven portion 72a is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the connecting material 72 so as to mesh with the uneven portion 76. The uneven portion 76 is an example of a suppressing portion that suppresses expansion of the connecting material 72 in the longitudinal direction.

[0061] 〔summary〕 In the pipe joint structure 70, when connecting one pipe material 16 and another pipe material 18, the end of the one pipe material 16 is inserted into the end of the other pipe material 18. Here, the uneven portion 76 of the one pipe material 16 and the uneven portion 76 of the connecting member 72 mesh with each other. This prevents the connecting member 72 from moving longitudinally relative to the one pipe material 16 when the one pipe material 16 is inserted into the other pipe material 18.

[0062] Furthermore, in the pipe joint structure 70, the uneven portion 76 of one pipe 16 and the uneven portion 76 of the connecting material 72 are interlocked. As a result, when the connecting material 72 absorbs hydrogen and expands, the connecting material 72 is prevented from expanding in the longitudinal direction, allowing the connecting material 72 to expand effectively in the radial direction.

[0063] Furthermore, in the pipe joint structure 70, the connecting member 72 effectively expands in the radial direction, thereby improving the connecting strength between the one pipe member 16 and the other pipe member 18.

[0064] Eighth Embodiment (Reference Embodiment) An example of a pipe joint structure according to an eighth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 7(B) . Note that, with regard to the eighth embodiment, differences from the seventh embodiment will be mainly described.

[0065] (Pipe joint structure 80) As shown in FIG. 7(B), a pipe joint structure 80 according to the eighth embodiment includes a cylindrical connecting member 82, one pipe member 16, and the other pipe member 18.

[0066] A recess 86 into which the connecting material 82 fits is formed and extends circumferentially at the end of one of the pipes 16 that is in contact with the connecting material 82. Furthermore, when the connecting material 82 from which hydrogen has been released is fitted in the recess 86, the connecting material 82 protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential surface 16a of the one of the pipes 16. The recess 86 formed in the one of the pipes 16 is an example of a suppression portion that suppresses the connecting material 82 from expanding in the longitudinal direction.

[0067] While the present disclosure has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to such embodiments and that various other embodiments are possible within the scope of the present disclosure. Although not specifically described in the above embodiments, the pipe joint structure may be used as a hydrogen pipe joint. In this way, hydrogen can be supplied to a connecting member formed of a hydrogen storage alloy by flowing hydrogen through the pipe material.

[0068] Although not specifically described in the second, third, and fifth embodiments, as in the seventh and eighth embodiments, suppression portions for suppressing longitudinal expansion of the connecting materials may be provided in the intermediate materials 23, 33, and 53 at the portions where the connecting materials 24, 34, and 54 contact each other. This allows the intermediate materials to effectively expand in the radial direction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 26 One pipe material 26a Outer surface (example of one connecting surface) 26b Inner surface (an example of one of the connection surfaces) 26c end face 28 Other pipe material 28a Outer surface (example of one connecting surface) 28b Inner surface (an example of the other connecting surface) 28c end face 50 Pipe joint structure 53 Intermediate materials 53a Outer surface 53b Inner surface 54 Connecting material

Claims

1. One pipe material having one connection surface formed at an end thereof; Another pipe material having another connection surface formed at an end portion thereof and an end surface thereof facing the end surface of the one pipe material; a cylindrical intermediate member having an outer circumferential surface spanning the one connecting surface and the other connecting surface; a connecting material disposed on an inner circumferential surface of the intermediate material and formed of a hydrogen storage alloy that expands upon absorbing hydrogen and contracts upon heating; The connecting material absorbs hydrogen and expands, thereby connecting the one pipe material and the other pipe material, and the connecting material is heated to cause the connecting material to contract, thereby separating the one pipe material and the other pipe material. Pipe joint structure.

2. Hydrogen flows inside the one pipe material and the other pipe material. The pipe joint structure according to claim 1 .

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Pipe joint

    JP1990253081A