Pipe connection structure and connecting member

Abstract

In a structure that connects connecting members so that they can rotate relative to each other around an axis, the present invention provides a technology that can maintain the connection even when the connecting members rotate relative to each other while a force acting in a direction away from each other is acting on the connecting members. [Solution] The pipe connection structure comprises a first connecting member having an insertion port and a first pipe connection portion, a second connecting member having an insertion port and a second pipe connection portion, and a locking mechanism that maintains the inserted state in which the insertion port is inserted into the insertion port and allows relative rotation of the first connecting member and the second connecting member around their axes. The locking mechanism comprises an annular locking groove provided continuously in the circumferential direction on the outer circumferential surface of the insertion port, a pair of circumferentially extending slits provided opposite the circumferential wall of the insertion port, a pair of pin portions arranged on either side of the insertion port and inserted into the locking groove through the pair of slits, and a restraining portion provided in the slit that contacts the pin portion to suppress movement of the pin portion in the direction of coming out of the locking groove.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology of the present disclosure relates to a pipe connection structure and a connection member.

Background Art

[0002] As a pipe connection structure for connecting connection members to which pipes are connected, a groove continuous in the circumferential direction is provided in the insertion port portion of one connection member, and a pair of slits are provided in the insertion port portion of the other connection member, and a pair of pin portions are inserted into the groove through the pair of slits, thereby connecting the insertion port portion and the insertion port portion. A structure is known (see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, the pipe connection structures disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are configured such that when the connection members are connected, relative rotation between the insertion port portion and the insertion port portion is prevented by a rotation prevention mechanism. In such a pipe connection structure, it is difficult to cancel the torsional force acting on the pipe. For this reason, a pipe connection structure that connects the connection members so as to be relatively rotatable has been studied. However, when the connection members are configured to be relatively rotatable, if fluid flows through the connected pipes and the insertion port portion and the insertion port portion repeatedly rotate relative to each other in a state where a force in a direction to separate the connection members acts on them due to the fluid pressure, the frictional force generated between the pair of pin portions and the groove bottom causes the interval between the pair of pin portions to expand, that is, there is a risk that the pin portions move in a direction to come out of the groove.

[0005] The object of this disclosure is to provide a technology that can maintain the connection state even when the connecting members rotate relative to each other while a force acting in a direction away from each other is acting on the connecting members, in a structure that connects connecting members so that they can rotate relative to each other around an axis. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A pipe connection structure according to a first aspect of the present disclosure comprises: a cylindrical first connecting member having an insertion port provided at one end and a first pipe connection portion provided at the other end to which a first pipe is connected; a cylindrical second connecting member having an insertion port provided at one end and inserted into the insertion port, and a second pipe connection portion provided at the other end to which a second pipe is connected; and a locking mechanism that maintains the inserted state in which the insertion port is inserted into the insertion port and allows relative rotation of the first connecting member and the second connecting member about their axes, wherein the locking mechanism comprises: an annular locking groove provided circumferentially and continuously on the outer circumferential surface of the insertion port; a pair of circumferentially extending slits provided opposite the circumferential wall of the insertion port; a pair of pin portions arranged on either side of the insertion port and inserted into the locking groove through the pair of slits; and a restraining portion provided in the slits that, by contacting the pin portions, suppresses the movement of the pin portions in the direction of coming out of the locking groove.

[0007] In the pipe connection structure of the first embodiment, the insertion opening of the second connecting member, to which the second pipe is connected, is inserted into the insertion opening of the first connecting member, to which the first pipe is connected, and the locking mechanism is activated in this inserted state to connect the first connecting member and the second connecting member.

[0008] In the above-described pipe connection structure, the locking mechanism maintains the inserted state in which the insertion port is inserted into the insertion port, while also allowing relative rotation of the first connecting member and the second connecting member around their respective axes. Therefore, even if an excessive torsional force is acting on at least one of the pipes, the first pipe connected to the first connecting member and the second pipe connected to the second connecting member, the excessive torsional force acting on at least one of the pipes can be mitigated by allowing the connected first and second connecting members to rotate relative to each other around their axes.

[0009] Furthermore, in the above-described pipe connection structure, the locking mechanism functions by inserting a pair of pins into the lock grooves of the insertion port through a pair of slits in the insertion port. When fluid is flowed through the first and second connecting members in this state, a force acts on the first and second connecting members in a direction away from each other, for example, in the direction of pulling the insertion port out from the insertion port. When the first and second connecting members rotate relative to each other around their axis while such a force is acting, the frictional force between the pins and the lock grooves causes the gap between the pair of pins to widen. That is, the pins try to move in a direction away from the lock grooves, but the movement of the pins in the direction away from the lock grooves is suppressed by the restraining part provided by the locking mechanism. Thus, in the above-described pipe connection structure, since the movement of the pins in the direction away from the lock grooves is suppressed by the restraining part, the connection state of the first and second connecting members can be maintained even when the first and second connecting members rotate relative to each other around their axis while a force acting away from each other is acting on them.

[0010] A second aspect of the pipe connection structure of the present disclosure is a pipe connection structure of the first aspect, wherein the wall surface on the tip side of the insertion opening of the slit is provided with an inclined portion as a restraining portion that slopes radially from the inside to the outside and from one end to the other end of the first connecting member.

[0011] In the pipe connection structure of the second embodiment, when the pin portion comes into contact with an inclined portion provided on the wall surface on the tip side of the insertion opening of the slit, which slopes radially from the inside to the outside and from one end to the other end of the first connecting member, for example, a portion of the force pulling the insertion opening out of the insertion opening is converted into a force directed radially from the outside to the inside. That is, since the component of the force pulling the insertion opening out of the insertion opening is directed radially from the outside to the inside, it is possible to suppress the movement of the pin portion in the direction of coming out of the lock groove.

[0012] A third aspect of the pipe connection structure of the present disclosure is a pipe connection structure of the first or second aspect, comprising a locking member having a pair of pin portions, which is mounted on the outer circumference of the insertion opening so as to be movable between a first position and a second position radially inward from the first position, wherein at the first position the pair of pin portions are arranged in a pair of slits, and at the second position the pair of pin portions are inserted through a pair of slits into the lock grooves to maintain the inserted state.

[0013] In the third embodiment of the pipe connection structure, when the locking member is in the second position, the pair of pin portions are inserted into the locking grooves, thereby maintaining the inserted state in which the insertion portion is inserted into the insertion port. Here, the pair of pin portions that are in the locking grooves move along the locking grooves while being guided by the groove walls on both sides of the locking grooves when the first connecting member and the second connecting member rotate relative to each other around their axes. This makes it possible to suppress rattle when the first connecting member and the second connecting member rotate relative to each other around their axes.

[0014] A fourth aspect of the pipe connection structure of the present disclosure is the pipe connection structure of the third aspect, wherein the locking member has a connecting portion that connects one end of a pair of pin portions, and when positioned in the second position, a gap is formed between the connecting portion and the outer surface of the insertion opening portion.

[0015] In the fourth embodiment of the pipe connection structure, a gap is formed between the connecting portion and the outer surface of the insertion portion when the locking member is in the second position. Here, the locking member can be easily moved from the second position to the first position by inserting a finger or tool into the gap between the connecting portion and the outer surface of the insertion portion and lifting the connecting portion relative to the outer surface of the insertion portion.

[0016] A fifth aspect of the pipe connection structure of the present disclosure is a pipe connection structure of the fourth aspect, wherein the other end of each of the pair of pin portions is bent, and the outer circumferential surface of the insertion opening is provided with recesses in the middle of the pair of slits, in which the bent portions of the pair of pin portions at the first position are accommodated.

[0017] In the fifth embodiment of the pipe connection structure, when the locking member is in the first position, each bent portion of the pair of pins is housed in the recess of the insertion opening, making it easy to determine that the locking member is in the first position. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the locking member from being moved from the first position to the second position due to erroneous operation.

[0018] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is a pipe connection structure in any one of the first to fifth aspects, further comprising an annular sealing member disposed between the insertion port and the insertion port, the inner circumference of which contacts the outer circumferential surface of the insertion port and the outer circumference of which contacts the inner circumferential surface of the insertion port, thereby sealing the space between the insertion port and the insertion port.

[0019] In the pipe connection structure of the sixth embodiment, when the locking mechanism functions and the first connecting member and the second connecting member are connected, the space between the insertion port and the insertion port is sealed by the annular sealing member. In this pipe connection structure, the inner circumference of the annular sealing member contacts the outer circumference of the insertion port, and the outer circumference of the sealing member contacts the inner circumference of the insertion port, thereby sealing the space between the insertion port and the insertion port. As a result, even if the first connecting member and the second connecting member are rotated relative to each other around an axis in the connected state, the sealing effect of the sealing member can be maintained.

[0020] In the pipe connection structure according to the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, in the pipe connection structure according to the sixth aspect, an annular accommodation groove that is continuous in the circumferential direction is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion port portion on the tip side of the insertion port portion with respect to the lock groove. The seal member is accommodated in the accommodation groove.

[0021] In the pipe connection structure according to the seventh aspect, by inserting the insertion port portion through the inside of the annular seal member and accommodating the seal member in the accommodation groove, the positioning of the seal member with respect to the insertion port portion can be easily performed.

[0022] The pipe connection structure according to the eighth aspect of the present disclosure is the pipe connection structure according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the first connection member further includes a first valve mechanism capable of opening and closing an internal flow path, and the second connection member further includes a second valve mechanism capable of opening and closing an internal flow path.

[0023] In the pipe connection structure according to the eighth aspect, in the connected state where the first connection member and the second connection member are connected by operating the lock mechanism, the first valve mechanism of the first connection member and the second valve mechanism of the second connection member are respectively operated to open each internal flow path. Thereby, the inside of the first pipe and the inside of the second pipe communicate with each other through the internal flow path of the first connection member and the internal flow path of the second connection member. Here, since the first connection member includes the first valve mechanism and the second connection member includes the second valve mechanism, fluid leakage when connecting or disconnecting the first connection member and the second connection member can be suppressed.

[0024] The connection member according to the ninth aspect of the present disclosure is a cylindrical connection member, which is provided at one end with an insertion port portion into which an insertion port portion of a connection target is inserted, at the other end with a pipe connection portion to which a pipe is connected, a pair of slits provided facing the peripheral wall of the insertion port portion and extending in the circumferential direction, and a pair of pin portions disposed sandwiching the insertion port portion and inserted into an annular lock groove provided continuously in the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion port portion through the pair of slits, and a suppression portion provided in the slit and suppressing the movement of the pin portion outward in the radial direction of the insertion port portion by abutting against the pin portion.

[0025] In the connecting member of the ninth aspect, a pipe is connected to the pipe connection part, and the insertion port part of the connection target is inserted into the insertion port part to be inserted. A part of the longitudinal direction of the pair of pin parts is located inside the radial direction of the insertion port part to be inserted through the pair of slits, so that they are respectively inserted into an annular lock groove continuously provided in the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion port part. As a result, the insertion state in which the insertion port part is inserted into the insertion port part to be inserted is maintained, and relative rotation around the axis between the connecting member and the connection target can be allowed. In this way, in the above connecting member, by relatively rotating the connecting member to which each pipe is connected and the connection target around the axis, excessive torsional force acting on at least one of the respective pipes can be relaxed. When fluid flows in the state where the connecting member and the connection target are connected, a force acts in a direction in which the connecting member and the connection target move away from each other, for example, in a direction of pulling out the insertion port part from the insertion port part to be inserted. In a state where such a force acts, when the connecting member and the connection target relatively rotate around the axis, the frictional force between the pin part and the lock groove tries to expand the distance between the pair of pin parts. That is, the pin part tries to move to the outside in the radial direction of the insertion port part to be inserted, in other words, in a direction of coming out of the lock groove, but the movement of the pin part in the direction of coming out of the lock groove is suppressed by the pin part abutting against the suppression part. In this way, in the connecting member, since the movement of the pin part in the direction of coming out of the lock groove is suppressed by the suppression part, even if the connecting member and the connection target relatively rotate around the axis in a state where a force in a direction in which the connecting member and the connection target move away from each other acts, the connection state between the connecting member and the connection target can be maintained.

Effect of the Invention

[0026] As described above, according to the present disclosure, in a structure in which connecting members are connected so as to be relatively rotatable around the axis, even if the connecting members relatively rotate in a state where a force in a direction in which the connecting members move away from each other acts, the connection state can be maintained.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] [Figure 1]This is an exploded perspective view showing the connection state of the first connecting member and the second connecting member constituting a piping connection structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, with the first connecting member and the second connecting member disassembled. [Figure 2] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the connection state between the first connecting member and the second connecting member shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3A] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the connection between the first connecting member and the second connecting member (the cross-sectional view along the line 3Y-3Y indicated by the arrow in Figure 2). [Figure 3B] This is a magnified view of the area indicated by arrow 3B in Figure 3A. [Figure 4] This is a side view showing the connection state between the first connecting member and the second connecting member shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view illustrating the operation of connecting the first connecting member and the second connecting member. [Figure 6] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view along the line 6Y-6Y indicated by the arrow. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view showing the connection state between the first connecting member and the second connecting member, and it shows the state when the locking mechanism is not functioning. [Figure 8] Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view along the line 8Y-8Y indicated by the arrow. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view showing the connection state between the first connecting member and the second connecting member, with the locking mechanism in operation. [Figure 10] This is a side view showing the connection state between the first connecting member and the second connecting member. [Figure 11] Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view along the line 11Y-11Y, indicated by arrows. [Figure 12] Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view along the line 12Y-12Y, indicated by the arrow. [Figure 13] This is an enlarged perspective view of the main parts showing the state before the insertion opening of the second connecting member is inserted into the insertion opening of the first connecting member. [Figure 14] This is an enlarged perspective view of the main part showing the connection state between the first connecting member and the second connecting member. [Figure 15] This is an enlarged side view of the main parts of the first and second connecting members that constitute the pipe connection structure according to another embodiment. [Figure 16] Figure 15 is a plan view showing the connection state between the first connecting member and the second connecting member. [Figure 17] This is an enlarged plan view of the main parts of the first and second connecting members that constitute the pipe connection structure according to another embodiment. [Figure 18] Figure 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main parts of the first and second connecting members that constitute the pipe connection structure shown (cross-sectional view along the line 18Y-18Y, indicated by arrows 18Y-18Y in Figure 15). [Figure 19] This is a side view showing the state in which the first connecting member and the second connecting member are connected according to another embodiment. [Figure 20] This is a cross-sectional view along the axial direction in Figure 19. [Figure 21] This is a cross-section along the axial direction of Figure 19, and is a cross-section perpendicular to the direction of Figure 20. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] The embodiments for implementing this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Components indicated by the same reference numerals in each drawing are considered to be the same or similar components. In the embodiments described below, descriptions and reference numerals that are repeated may be omitted. Furthermore, the drawings used in the following description are all schematic, and the dimensional relationships and ratios of each element shown in the drawings do not necessarily correspond to reality. Also, the dimensional relationships and ratios of each element do not necessarily correspond between multiple drawings.

[0029] [Piping connection structure S1] Figures 1 to 14 show a piping connection structure S1 (hereinafter referred to as "connection structure S1" as appropriate) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] The connection structure S1 of this embodiment is a structure for connecting a first pipe P1 and a second pipe P2. Specifically, the connection structure S1 is a structure that connects the first pipe P1 and the second pipe P2 in such a way that the two pipes can rotate relative to each other around their respective axes. For example, a heat transfer medium flows through the first pipe P1 and the second pipe P2.

[0031] The connection structure S1 comprises a first connecting member 20, a second connecting member 40, a sealing member 60, and a locking mechanism 80.

[0032] As shown in Figures 1 to 3A, the first pipe P1 (shown as a dashed line in the figures) is connected to the first connecting member 20. The second pipe P2 (shown as a dashed line in the figures) is connected to the second connecting member 40. By connecting the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40, the first pipe P1 and the second pipe P2 are connected via the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40. The sealing member 60 has the function of sealing the space between the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40, which are connected to each other. In this embodiment, the sealing member 60 is attached to the second connecting member 40, and therefore will be described as one of the components constituting the second connecting member 40. The locking mechanism 80 has the function of maintaining the connection state between the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40, and allowing relative rotation of the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40 around their axes. The first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40 will be described in detail below.

[0033] [First connecting member 20] As shown in Figures 2 and 3A, the first connecting member 20 includes a first cylindrical body 22, an insertion opening 26, a first pipe connection part 28, and a first valve mechanism 30.

[0034] (First cylindrical body 22) As shown in Figures 2 and 3A, the first cylindrical body 22 constitutes the main body portion of the first connecting member 20. An insertion opening 26 is provided at one end of the first cylindrical body 22 in the axial direction. A first pipe connection portion 28, to which the first pipe P1 is connected, is provided at the other end of the first cylindrical body 22 in the axial direction.

[0035] In the following, the axial direction of the first cylindrical body 22 is indicated by arrow X1.

[0036] As shown in Figures 2 and 3A, the first valve body 32 (details described later) that constitutes the first valve mechanism 30 is arranged inside the first cylindrical body 22 (also called the internal flow path). Specifically, the first cylindrical body 22 is provided with a first housing section 22A in which the first valve body 32 is housed. The first valve body 32 is housed in this first housing section 22A in a rotatable manner. In the axial direction of the first cylindrical body 22, a large-diameter section 27 is provided between the insertion port section 26 and the first pipe connection section 28, and the inside of this large-diameter section 27 constitutes the first housing section 22A.

[0037] Furthermore, a through-hole 22B is formed in the large-diameter portion 27 of the first cylindrical body 22, through which the first valve stem 34 (details to be described later) passes, which rotates the first valve body 32 to open and close the internal flow path of the first cylindrical body 22.

[0038] The wall surface 22C constituting the first housing section 22A has seal grooves 22D formed on both sides of the through hole 22B in the axial direction X1 of the first cylindrical body 22. Each of the seal grooves 22D is continuous in the circumferential direction of the first cylindrical body 22. An annular seal member 23 is housed in each seal groove 22D. These seal members 23 are in contact with the surface of the first valve body 32. In this embodiment, as an example, an O-ring with a circular cross-sectional shape is used as the seal member 23, but this disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, a seal member with a polygonal cross-sectional shape may be used. An example of a seal member with a square cross-sectional shape is a ball seat.

[0039] As shown in Figures 2 and 3A, the first cylindrical body 22 in this embodiment is composed of a cylindrical member 37 on the insertion port 26 side and a cylindrical member 38 on the first pipe connection port 28 side. The first cylindrical body 22 is formed by assembling the cylindrical member 38 to the cylindrical member 37. The cylindrical member 37 includes the insertion port 26 and a part of the large diameter portion 27. The cylindrical member 38 includes the first pipe connection port 28 and the remaining part of the large diameter portion 27. Specifically, the cylindrical member 37 includes the peripheral wall of the large diameter portion 27 and a side wall portion 37A that connects the peripheral wall to the base end of the insertion port 26. The cylindrical member 38 also includes a flange portion 38A that protrudes from the base end of the first pipe connection port 28. This flange portion 38A is fitted into the opening of the large diameter portion 27 on the side opposite to the insertion port 26. A groove 38B that is continuous in the circumferential direction is provided on the peripheral edge of the flange portion 38A. An O-ring 38C is housed in this groove 38B. The O-ring 38C is positioned between the bottom surface of the groove 38B in the flange portion 38A and the inner circumferential surface of the large-diameter portion 27, sealing the space between the flange portion 38A and the large-diameter portion 27.

[0040] (Insertion port 26) As shown in Figures 1 to 3A and Figure 6, the insertion port 26 is provided at one end of the first cylindrical body 22 and is the part into which the insertion port 46 of the second connecting member 40 is inserted. The inner diameter of this insertion port 26 is set to be larger than the inner diameter of the first pipe connection portion 28.

[0041] (First piping connection part 28) The first pipe connection portion 28 is provided at the other end of the first cylindrical body 22, as shown in Figures 1 to 3A and Figure 6, and is the portion to which the first pipe P1 is connected. In this embodiment, the first pipe connection portion 28 is connected to the first pipe P1 by being press-fitted into the first pipe P1. If the first pipe P1 is a flexible hose, the portion where the first pipe P1 and the first pipe connection portion 28 overlap in the connected state may be tightened from the outside of the first pipe P1 with a band member, for example. By tightening with a band member in this way, the connection between the first pipe P1 and the first pipe connection portion 28 can be made stronger.

[0042] (First valve mechanism 30) The first valve mechanism 30, as shown in Figures 2, 3A, and 6, is a mechanism that opens and closes the internal flow path of the first cylindrical body 22. This first valve mechanism 30 comprises a first valve body 32 and an operating section 36.

[0043] As shown in Figures 2 and 3A, the first valve body 32 opens and closes the internal flow path of the first cylindrical body 22. The first valve body 32 is provided with a communication hole 32A. When the axial direction of the communication hole 32A of the first valve body 32 (hereinafter referred to as "axial direction CL1" as appropriate) coincides with the axial direction of the first cylindrical body 22 (see Figure 2), the inside of the insertion port 26 and the inside of the first pipe connection 28 communicate through the inside of the communication hole 32A. This allows fluid to flow inside the first cylindrical body 22. In other words, when the axial direction of the communication hole 32A of the first valve body 32 coincides with the axial direction of the first cylindrical body 22, the internal flow path of the first cylindrical body 22 is completely open. Hereafter, the state in which the axial direction of the communication hole 32A coincides with the axial direction of the first cylindrical body 22 will be referred to as the flow path open state of the first cylindrical body 22. Here, "matching" includes not only cases where the axial direction of the communication hole 32A and the axial direction of the first cylindrical body 22 are perfectly aligned, but also cases where they are tilted by approximately ±5 degrees.

[0044] Furthermore, when the axial direction CL1 of the communication hole 32A of the first valve body 32 and the axial direction of the first cylindrical body 22 are perpendicular (see Figure 3A), the inside of the communication hole 32A does not communicate with the inside of the insertion port 26 and the inside of the first pipe connection 28. As a result, the fluid flow inside the first cylindrical body 22 is stopped. Hereinafter, the state in which the axial direction of the communication hole 32A and the axial direction of the first cylindrical body 22 are perpendicular is referred to as the flow path occluded state of the first cylindrical body 22. Here, "perpendicular" includes, for example, cases where the axial direction of the communication hole 32A and the axial direction of the first cylindrical body 22 are perfectly perpendicular, as well as cases where they are inclined at approximately 90 degrees ± 5 degrees.

[0045] Furthermore, a fitting groove 32B is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the first valve body 32, extending in the same direction as the axial direction CL1 of the communication hole 32A. The tip 34A of the first valve stem 34, which penetrates the through hole 22B, is fitted into this fitting groove 32B. When a rotational force acts on the first valve stem 34, the rotational force is transmitted to the fitting groove 32B via the tip 34A. When a rotational force is transmitted to the first valve body 32, the first valve body 32 rotates within the first housing 22A. Therefore, when the flow path of the first cylindrical body 22 is open, the fitting groove 32B faces the same direction as the axial direction X1 of the first cylindrical body 22, and when the flow path of the first cylindrical body 22 is closed, the fitting groove 32B faces a direction perpendicular to the axial direction X1 of the first cylindrical body 22.

[0046] The operating unit 36 ​​controls the opening and closing of the internal flow path of the first cylindrical body 22 by the first valve body 32. This operating unit 36 ​​is provided on the outer circumference of the first cylindrical body 22. Specifically, the operating unit 36 ​​is fixed to the other end of the first valve stem 34. In this embodiment, the operating unit 36 ​​is, for example, an operating handle. By gripping and turning this operating handle, the first valve body 32 rotates together with the first valve stem 34 within the first housing 22A.

[0047] In this embodiment, when the flow path of the first cylindrical body 22 is blocked, if the protrusion 36A provided on the operating part 36 is rotated clockwise around the first valve stem 34 as the central axis, the protrusion 36A will come into contact with the stopper 22E provided on the outer circumferential surface of the first cylindrical body 22 at the position where the flow path of the first cylindrical body 22 is blocked, and rotation will be prevented. On the other hand, when the flow path of the first cylindrical body 22 is blocked, if the protrusion 36A provided on the operating part 36 is rotated counterclockwise around the first valve stem 34 as the central axis, the protrusion 36A will come into contact with the stopper 22F provided on the outer circumferential surface of the first cylindrical body 22 at the position where the flow path of the first cylindrical body 22 is open, and rotation will be prevented.

[0048] [Second connecting member 40] As shown in Figures 2 and 3A, the second connecting member 40 includes a second cylindrical body 42, an insertion port 46, a second piping connection portion 48, a second valve mechanism 50, and a sealing member 60.

[0049] (Second cylindrical body 42) As shown in Figures 2 and 3A, the second cylindrical body 42 constitutes the main body portion of the second connecting member 40. An insertion opening 46 is provided at one end of the second cylindrical body 42 in the axial direction. A second pipe connection portion 48, to which the second pipe P2 is connected, is provided at the other end of the second cylindrical body 42 in the axial direction.

[0050] In the following, the axial direction of the second cylinder 42 is indicated by arrow X2.

[0051] As shown in Figures 2 and 3A, a second valve body 52, which constitutes the second valve mechanism 50, is installed inside the second cylindrical body 42 (also called the internal flow path). Specifically, a second housing section 42A is provided inside the second cylindrical body 42 to accommodate the second valve body 52. ​​The second valve body 52 is housed in this second housing section 42A in a rotatable manner. In the axial direction of the second cylindrical body 42, a large-diameter section 47 is provided between the insertion port 46 and the second pipe connection section 48, and the interior of this large-diameter section 47 constitutes the second housing section 42A.

[0052] Furthermore, a through hole 42B is formed in the large-diameter portion 47 of the second cylindrical body 42, through which a second valve stem 54 (details to be described later) passes, which rotates the second valve body 52 to open and close the internal flow path of the second cylindrical body 42.

[0053] The wall surface 42C constituting the second housing section 42A has seal grooves 42D formed on both sides of the through hole 42B in the axial direction X2 of the second cylindrical body 42. Each of the seal grooves 42D is continuous in the circumferential direction of the second cylindrical body 42. An annular seal member 43 is housed in each seal groove 42D. These seal members 43 are in contact with the surface of the second valve body 52. ​​In this embodiment, an O-ring with a circular cross-sectional shape is used as an example of the seal member 43, but this disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, a seal member with a polygonal cross-sectional shape may be used. An example of a seal member with a square cross-sectional shape is a ball seat.

[0054] As shown in Figures 2 and 3A, the second cylindrical body 42 in this embodiment is composed of a cylindrical member 57 on the insertion port 46 side and a cylindrical member 58 on the second pipe connection port 48 side. The second cylindrical body 42 is formed by assembling the cylindrical member 58 to the cylindrical member 57. The cylindrical member 57 includes the insertion port 46 and a part of the large diameter portion 47. The cylindrical member 58 includes the second pipe connection port 48 and the remaining part of the large diameter portion 47. Specifically, the cylindrical member 57 includes the peripheral wall of the large diameter portion 47 and a side wall portion 57A that connects the peripheral wall to the base end of the insertion port 46. The cylindrical member 58 also includes a flange portion 58A that protrudes from the base end of the second pipe connection port 48. This flange portion 58A is fitted into the opening of the large diameter portion 47 on the opposite side of the insertion port 46. A groove 58B that is continuous in the circumferential direction is provided on the peripheral edge of the flange portion 58A. An O-ring 58C is housed in this groove 58B. The O-ring 58C is positioned between the bottom surface of the groove 58B in the flange portion 58A and the inner circumferential surface of the large-diameter portion 47, sealing the space between the flange portion 58A and the large-diameter portion 47.

[0055] (Insertion opening 46) As shown in Figures 2 and 3A, the insertion port 46 is provided at one end of the second cylindrical body 42 and is the portion that is inserted into the insertion port 26. The inner diameter of this insertion port 46 is set to be the same as the inner diameter of the second pipe connection portion 48. Here, "same" includes, for example, cases where the inner diameter of the insertion port 46 and the inner diameter of the second pipe connection portion 48 are exactly the same, as well as cases where the inner diameter of the second pipe connection portion 48 is within ±5% of the inner diameter of the insertion port 46.

[0056] An annular accommodating groove 46A is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the insertion opening 46, and is continuous in the circumferential direction of the insertion opening 46. The sealing member 60 is housed in this accommodating groove 46A.

[0057] (Second piping connection part 48) The second pipe connection portion 48 is provided at the other end of the second cylindrical body 42, as shown in Figures 2 and 3A, and is the portion to which the second pipe P2 is connected. In this embodiment, the second pipe connection portion 48 is a flange portion that is connected to a flange portion attached to the end of the second pipe P2, and the second pipe P2 and the second pipe connection portion 48 are connected by fastening the flange portion of the second pipe P2 and the second pipe connection portion 48 together, for example with a bolt.

[0058] (Second valve mechanism 50) The second valve mechanism 50, as shown in Figures 2 and 3A, is a mechanism that opens and closes the internal flow path of the second cylindrical body 42. This second valve mechanism 50 comprises a second valve body 52 and an operating section 56.

[0059] As shown in Figures 2 and 3A, the second valve body 52 opens and closes the internal flow path of the second cylinder 42. The second valve body 52 is provided with a communication hole 52A. When the axial direction of the communication hole 52A of the second valve body 52 (hereinafter referred to as "axial direction CL2" as appropriate) coincides with the axial direction of the second cylinder 42, the inside of the inlet 46 and the inside of the second pipe connection 48 communicate through the inside of the communication hole 52A. This allows fluid to flow inside the second cylinder 42. In other words, when the axial direction of the communication hole 52A of the second valve body 52 coincides with the axial direction of the second cylinder 42 (see Figure 2), the internal flow path of the second cylinder 42 is completely open. Hereafter, the state in which the axial direction of the communication hole 52A coincides with the axial direction of the second cylinder 42 will be referred to as the flow path open state of the second cylinder 42. Here, "matching" includes not only cases where the axial direction of the communication hole 52A and the axial direction of the second cylindrical body 42 are perfectly aligned, but also cases where they are tilted by approximately ±5 degrees.

[0060] Furthermore, when the axial direction CL2 of the communication hole 52A of the second valve body 52 and the axial direction of the second cylinder 42 are perpendicular (see Figure 3A), the inside of the communication hole 52A does not communicate with the inside of the inlet portion 46 and the inside of the second pipe connection portion 48. As a result, the fluid flow inside the second cylinder 42 is stopped. Hereinafter, the state in which the axial direction of the communication hole 52A and the axial direction of the second cylinder 42 are perpendicular is referred to as the flow path occluded state of the second cylinder 42. Here, "perpendicular" includes, for example, cases where the axial direction of the communication hole 52A and the axial direction of the second cylinder 42 are perfectly perpendicular, as well as cases where they are inclined at approximately 90 degrees ± 5 degrees.

[0061] Furthermore, a fitting groove 52B is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the second valve body 52, extending in the same direction as the axial direction CL2 of the communication hole 52A. The tip 54A of the second valve stem 54, which passes through the through hole 42B, is fitted into this fitting groove 52B. When a rotational force acts on the second valve stem 54, the rotational force is transmitted to the fitting groove 52B via the tip 54A. When a rotational force is transmitted to the second valve body 52, the second valve body 52 rotates within the second housing 42A. Therefore, when the flow path of the second cylindrical body 42 is open, the fitting groove 52B faces the same direction as the axial direction X2 of the second cylindrical body 42, and when the flow path of the second cylindrical body 42 is closed, the fitting groove 52B faces a direction perpendicular to the axial direction X2 of the second cylindrical body 42.

[0062] The operating unit 56 controls the opening and closing of the internal flow path of the second cylindrical body 42 by the second valve body 52. ​​This operating unit 56 is provided on the outer circumference of the second cylindrical body 42. Specifically, the operating unit 56 is fixed to the other end of the second valve stem 54. In this embodiment, the operating unit 56 is, for example, an operating handle. By gripping and turning this operating handle, the second valve body 52 rotates together with the second valve stem 54 within the second housing 42A.

[0063] In this embodiment, when the flow path of the second cylindrical body 42 is blocked, if the protrusion 56A provided on the operating part 56 is rotated counterclockwise around the second valve stem 54 as the central axis, the protrusion 56A will come into contact with the stopper 42E provided on the outer circumferential surface of the second cylindrical body 42 at a position where the flow path of the second cylindrical body 42 is open, and rotation will be prevented. On the other hand, when the flow path of the second cylindrical body 42 is open, if the protrusion 56A provided on the operating part 56 is rotated counterclockwise around the second valve stem 54 as the central axis, the protrusion 56A will come into contact with the stopper 42F provided on the outer circumferential surface of the second cylindrical body 42 at a position where the flow path of the second cylindrical body 42 is blocked, and rotation will be prevented.

[0064] (Sealing member 60) The sealing member 60 is positioned between the insertion opening 46 and the insertion opening 26, and seals the space between the insertion opening 46 and the insertion opening 26. Specifically, the sealing member 60 is formed in an annular shape, and its inner circumference contacts the outer circumferential surface of the insertion opening 46, while its outer circumference contacts the inner circumferential surface of the insertion opening 26, thereby sealing the space between the insertion opening 46 and the insertion opening 26. In this embodiment, the sealing member 60 uses, as an example, an O-ring with a circular cross-section. The outer circumferential surface of the insertion opening 46 also includes the bottom surface of the housing groove 46A in which the sealing member 60 is housed.

[0065] In this embodiment, the sealing member 60 is mounted on the outer circumference of the insertion opening 46. In other words, the sealing member 60 is housed in a housing groove 46A provided on the outer surface of the insertion opening 46. By housing the sealing member 60 in the housing groove 46A in this way, the axial movement X2 of the sealing member 60 when the insertion opening 46 is inserted into the insertion opening 26 can be restricted.

[0066] Since the first connecting member 20 has an insertion opening 26 and the second connecting member 40 has an insertion opening 46, the first connecting member 20 may be interpreted as a female member, and the second connecting member 40 may be interpreted as a male member.

[0067] [Locking mechanism 80] The locking mechanism 80 maintains the inserted state in which the insertion opening portion 46 is inserted into the insertion opening portion 26, and is a mechanism that allows relative rotation of the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40 around their axes.

[0068] As shown in Figures 6, 8, 11, and 12, the locking mechanism 80 includes a locking groove 88 having a hooking portion 82, a pair of slits 84, a locking member 86 having a pin portion 86A, and a restraining portion 89.

[0069] As shown in Figure 6, the lock groove 88 is an annular groove provided continuously in the circumferential direction on the outer surface of the insertion opening 46 of the second cylindrical body 42, on the side of the second pipe connection 48 that is closer to the area where the seal member 60 is placed. Here, the area where the seal member 60 is placed is the area on the outer surface of the insertion opening 46 where the seal member 60 is placed, and in this embodiment, this corresponds to the area where the housing groove 46A is provided. The lock groove 88 has a hook portion 82 formed by the groove wall on the side opposite to the second pipe connection 48.

[0070] As shown in Figures 11 to 14, the pair of slits 84 are provided on the circumferential wall of the insertion opening 26, on the side of the first pipe connection 28 that is further away from the area where the sealing member 60 is placed. The pair of slits 84 are also provided facing each other, and each extends in the circumferential direction.

[0071] As shown in Figure 11, the locking member 86 is mounted on the outer circumference of the insertion opening 26 so as to be movable between a first position and a second position radially inward from the first position. The first position of the locking member 86 is the position shown in Figures 11 and 13. The second position of the locking member 86 is the position shown in Figures 12 and 14.

[0072] The locking member 86 also has a pair of pin portions 86A that are inserted into a pair of slits 84, and a connecting portion 86B that connects one end of the pair of pin portions 86A.

[0073] In the locking member 86, as shown in Figures 11 and 13, in the first position, the pair of pin portions 86A are not inserted into the locking groove 88, and the pair of pin portions 86A do not catch on their respective hooking portions 82.

[0074] In the locking member 86, as shown in Figures 12 and 14, when the pair of pin portions 86A are inserted into the locking groove 88 in the second position, the distance between the pair of pin portions 86A becomes narrower than in the first position, and the pair of pin portions 86A each catch on the hooking portion 82 of the locking groove 88. This maintains the inserted state in which the insertion opening portion 46 is inserted into the insertion opening portion 26.

[0075] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12, when the locking member 86 is in the second position, a gap G is formed between the connecting portion 86B and the outer circumferential surface of the insertion opening portion 26. It is preferable to set this gap G to a size that allows a tool or a worker's finger to be inserted.

[0076] Furthermore, the other end of each pin portion 86A, which is located opposite the connecting portion 86B, is bent.

[0077] Furthermore, on the outer circumferential surface of the insertion opening 26, recesses 85 are provided in the middle of a pair of slits 84, in which each bent portion 86C of the pair of pin portions 86A of the locking member 86 fits in the first position. Specifically, when the locking member 86 is in the first position, each bent portion 86C fits into the respective recess 85, thus preventing the locking member 86 from falling out during transport, etc. On the other hand, when the locking member 86 is pushed from the first position to the second position, the distance between the pair of pin portions 86A widens, and each bent portion 86C moves over its respective recess 85. Once each bent portion 86C moves over its respective recess 85, the pair of pin portions 86A return to their original state, and the distance between the pair of pin portions 86A narrows. Then, each of the pair of pin portions 86A is inserted into the lock groove 88, and the insertion state in which the insertion opening 46 is inserted into the insertion opening 26 is maintained. In other words, the locking mechanism 80 maintains the state in which the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40 are connected.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the locking member 86 is in the second position and the first valve body 32 opens the internal flow path of the first cylindrical body 22 by operating the operating part 36, as shown in Figures 12 and 14, a part of the operating part 36 contacts the locking member 86, thereby preventing the locking member 86 from moving to the first position. Specifically, when the locking member 86 is in the second position and the flow path of the first cylindrical body 22 is open, a part of the operating part 36 protrudes onto the connecting part 86B of the locking member 86 when viewed from the axial direction of the first valve stem 34, thereby preventing the locking member 86 from unintentionally moving from the second position to the first position.

[0079] The restraining portion 89 is provided in each slit 84, as shown in Figures 3A and 3B. The restraining portion 89 restrains the movement of the pin portion 86A in the direction of disengaging from the lock groove 88 by contacting the pin portion 86A. Specifically, the restraining portion 89 is an inclined portion provided on the wall surface on the tip side of the insertion opening portion 26 of the slit 84. This inclined portion slopes from the radially inner side to the outer side of the insertion opening portion 26 and from one end side to the other end side of the first connecting member 20 (in Figure 3B, it slopes towards the upper right).

[0080] In this embodiment, the entire wall surface on the tip side of the insertion opening 26 of the slit 84 is inclined. That is, the entire wall surface on the tip side of the insertion opening 26 of the slit 84 is inclined with respect to the radial direction. However, this disclosure is not limited to this configuration, and a restraining portion 89 may be provided on a part of the wall surface on the tip side of the insertion opening 26 of the slit 84.

[0081] As shown in Figure 3B, the restraining portion 89 is preferably inclined at an angle θ with respect to the radial direction of the insertion opening portion 26. The angle θ is preferably, for example, 6 degrees or more and 40 degrees or less.

[0082] Furthermore, the wall surface of the slit 84 opposite to the side on which the restraining portion 89 is provided may be inclined parallel to the restraining portion 89, or it may extend along the radial direction of the insertion opening portion 26 without being inclined. In other words, the orientation of the wall surface of the slit 84 opposite to the side on which the restraining portion 89 is provided is not limited.

[0083] Next, the effects and advantages of this embodiment will be described. In the connection structure S1 of this embodiment, as shown in Figures 5 to 8, the insertion port 46 of the second connecting member 40, to which the second pipe P2 is connected, is inserted into the insertion port 26 of the first connecting member 20, to which the first pipe P1 is connected, in the first connecting member 28. Then, as shown in Figures 9 to 14, the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40 are connected by activating the locking mechanism 80 in the inserted state with the insertion port 46 inserted into the insertion port 26. Specifically, by moving the locking member 86 from the first position to the second position in the inserted state with the insertion port 46 inserted into the insertion port 26, the pair of pins 86A of the locking member 86 are inserted into the locking groove 88 through the pair of slits 84, and the inserted state is maintained. That is, the connection state between the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40 is maintained.

[0084] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, when the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40 are connected, the annular sealing member 60 seals the space between the insertion opening 46 and the insertion opening 26. Therefore, by operating the first valve mechanism 30 of the first connecting member 20 and the second valve mechanism 50 of the second connecting member 40, respectively, the internal passages of the first cylindrical body 22 and the second cylindrical body 42 are opened, respectively, allowing the inside of the first pipe P1 and the inside of the second pipe P2 to communicate via the internal passages of the first cylindrical body 22 and the second cylindrical body 42.

[0085] In the above connection structure S1, the locking mechanism 80 maintains the inserted state in which the insertion port 46 is inserted into the insertion port 26, and also allows relative rotation of the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40 around their axes. Therefore, even if an excessive torsional force is acting on at least one of the pipes, the first pipe P1 connected to the first connecting member 20 and the second pipe P2 connected to the second connecting member 40, the excessive torsional force acting on at least one of the pipes, the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40, can be mitigated by allowing relative rotation of the connected pipes, the first and second connecting members 20, around their axes.

[0086] Furthermore, in the connection structure S1, the inner circumference of the annular sealing member 60 contacts the outer circumference of the insertion opening 46, and the outer circumference of the sealing member 60 contacts the inner circumference of the insertion opening 26, thereby sealing the space between the insertion opening 46 and the insertion opening 26. As a result, even if the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40 are rotated relative to each other around an axis while in the connected state, the sealing effect of the sealing member 60 can be maintained.

[0087] Thus, in the above-described connection structure S1, by rotating the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40 relative to each other around an axis, the excessive torsional force acting on at least one of the first pipe P1 and the second pipe P2 can be mitigated, and the sealing effect of the sealing member 60 can be maintained even when the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40 are rotated relative to each other around an axis. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which, for example, a mechanism that allows relative rotation is incorporated into each connecting member, the structure of the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40 can be simplified.

[0088] Furthermore, in connection structure S1, the inner circumference of the annular sealing member 60 contacts the outer circumferential surface of the insertion opening 46, and the outer circumference of the sealing member 60 contacts the inner circumferential surface of the insertion opening 26 (axial sealing structure). By using this structure, in connection structure S1, the contact pressure between the sealing member 60 and the insertion opening 26 approaches uniformity in the circumferential direction of the sealing member 60, and the contact pressure between the sealing member 60 and the insertion opening 46 approaches uniformity in the circumferential direction of the sealing member. As a result, in connection structure S1, the sealing performance is improved compared to, for example, a structure in which the sealing surfaces of the connecting members are pressed together (surface sealing structure).

[0089] Thus, according to the connection structure S1 of this embodiment, it is possible to simplify the structure of the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40 while improving the sealing performance between the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40.

[0090] In the connection structure S1, when fluid is flowed with the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40 connected, a force acts on the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40 in a direction that moves them apart from each other, for example, in the direction of pulling the insertion opening 46 out of the insertion opening 26. When the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40 rotate relative to each other around an axis while such a force is acting, the frictional force between the pin portion 86A and the lock groove 88 causes the gap between the pair of pin portions 86A to widen. That is, the pin portion 86A tries to move in the direction of coming out of the lock groove 88, but the movement of the pin portion 86A in the direction of coming out of the lock groove 88 is suppressed when the pin portion 86A comes into contact with the restraining portion 89 of the lock mechanism 80. Specifically, when the pin portion 86A comes into contact with the inclined portion acting as the restraining portion 89, for example, a portion of the force in the direction of pulling the insertion opening 46 out of the insertion opening 26 is converted into a force directed radially outward to inward. In other words, the component force of the force pulling the insertion opening 46 out from the insertion opening 26 is directed from the radially outer to the inner direction, thus preventing the pin portion 86A from moving out of the lock groove 88. In Figure 3B, the force indicated by arrow FC is the force that presses the pin portion 86A against the restraining portion 89 when a force is applied in the direction of pulling the insertion opening 46 out from the insertion opening 26, and the force indicated by arrow FD is the component force of arrow FC, which is the force that keeps the pin portion 86A inside the lock groove 88.

[0091] As described above, with the connection structure S1 of this embodiment, the restraining portion 89 prevents the pin portion 86A from moving out of the lock groove 88. Therefore, even if the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40 rotate relative to each other around an axis while a force acting on them to move away from each other is applied, the connection state of the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40 can be maintained.

[0092] Furthermore, in the connection structure S1 of this embodiment, since the sealing member 60 is attached to the outer circumference of the insertion opening 46 of the second cylindrical body 42, the sealing member 60 can be attached to the outer circumference of the insertion opening 46 by a simple operation of passing the insertion opening 46 inside the annular sealing member 60.

[0093] Furthermore, in the connection structure S1 of this embodiment, an annular accommodating groove 46A is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the insertion opening 46, and the sealing member 60 is housed in this accommodating groove 46A. Therefore, in the connection structure S1, the insertion opening 46 is passed inside the annular sealing member 60, and the sealing member 60 is housed in the accommodating groove 46A, making it easy to position the sealing member 60 relative to the insertion opening 46.

[0094] Furthermore, in the connection structure S1 of this embodiment, when the locking member 86 is moved from the first position to the second position, the pair of pin portions 86A each catch on the hooking portions 82 of the locking groove 88, and the inserted state in which the insertion opening portion 46 is inserted into the insertion opening portion 26 is maintained. That is, the connection state between the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40 is maintained. Also, when the locking member 86 is moved from the second position to the first position, the pair of pin portions 86A do not catch on the hooking portions 82 of the locking groove 88, so it becomes possible to pull the insertion opening portion 46 out of the insertion opening portion 26. That is, it becomes possible to release the connection state between the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40. Thus, in the above connection structure S1, the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40 can be connected or released by a simple operation of moving the locking member 86 between the first and second positions.

[0095] Furthermore, in the connection structure S1 of this embodiment, when the locking member 86 is in the second position, the pair of pin portions 86A each enter the locking groove 88, thereby maintaining the inserted state in which the insertion opening portion 46 is inserted into the insertion opening portion 26. Here, the pair of pin portions 86A that have entered the locking groove 88 move along the locking groove 88 while being guided by both groove walls of the locking groove 88 during the relative rotation of the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40 around their axes. This makes it possible to suppress rattle when the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40 are rotated relative to each other around their axes.

[0096] Furthermore, in the connection structure S1 of this embodiment, a gap is formed between the connecting portion 86B and the outer surface of the insertion opening portion 26 when the locking member 86 is in the second position. Here, by inserting a finger or tool into the gap G between the connecting portion 86B and the outer surface of the insertion opening portion 26 and lifting the connecting portion 86B relative to the outer surface of the insertion opening portion 26, the locking member 86 can be easily moved from the second position to the first position.

[0097] Furthermore, in the connection structure S1 of this embodiment, when the locking member 86 is in the first position, each bent portion 86C of the pair of pin portions 86A is fitted into the recess 85 of the insertion opening portion 26, making it easy to determine that the locking member 86 is in the first position. In addition, it is possible to prevent the locking member 86 from being moved from the first position to the second position due to erroneous operation.

[0098] Furthermore, in the connection structure S1 of this embodiment, when the insertion port 46 is inserted into the insertion port 26, and the locking member 86 is in the second position and the first valve body 32 is opened to open the internal flow path of the first cylindrical body 22 by the operation of the operating part 36 (flow path open state), a part of the operating part 36 comes into contact with the locking member 86, thereby preventing the locking member 86 from moving from the second position to the first position. In this way, in the connection structure S1, since the locking member 86 cannot be moved from the second position to the first position when the flow path of the first cylindrical body 22 is open, it is possible to prevent the operation of pulling the insertion port 46 out of the insertion port 26 when the flow path of the first cylindrical body 22 is open. This prevents the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40 from being disconnected due to erroneous operation of the locking member 86.

[0099] (Other embodiments) In the embodiment described above, a locking member 86 is attached to the first connecting member 20, but this disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, a locking member may also be attached to the second connecting member. Specifically, as shown in Figures 15 to 18, a locking member 86 may be attached to the first connecting member 220 and a locking member 286 may be attached to the second connecting member 240. As shown in Figure 18, a locking groove 288 is provided on the tip side of the slit 84 of the insertion opening 26 of the first connecting member 220, and is continuous in the circumferential direction. In addition, a concentric annular rib is provided on the radially outer side of the insertion opening 46 of the second connecting member 240, and the tip of the insertion opening 26 is inserted between the insertion opening 46 and the annular rib. A pair of slits 284 are formed in the annular rib. Each of the pair of slits 284 is provided with a restraining portion 289. The restraining portion 289 is an inclined portion provided on the wall surface of the slit 284 on the tip side of the annular rib. This inclined portion slopes radially from the inside to the outside of the annular rib and from one end to the other of the second connecting member. The pair of pin portions 286A of the locking member 286 are inserted into the pair of slits 284. The locking member 286 has a connecting portion 286B that connects one end of the pair of pin portions 286A and a bent portion 286C that is bent at the other end. Furthermore, recesses 285 are provided on the outer circumference of the annular rib into which the bent portion 286C fits. The operation of this locking member 286 is the same as the operation of the locking member 86. In addition, the plate 237 of the first connecting member 220 is shaped so that the locking member 86 cannot be operated until the first valve body 32 completely closes the flow path. Similarly, the plate 257 of the second connecting member 240 is shaped so that the locking member 286 cannot be operated until the second valve body 52 completely closes the flow path. With this configuration, when at least one of the first valve body 32 and the second valve body 52 is in an open state, the insertion opening 46 is prevented from being pulled out of the insertion opening 26, thereby suppressing water leakage when the insertion opening 46 is pulled out of the insertion opening 26.

[0100] In the embodiment described above, the first pipe P1 is connected to the first pipe connection 28 and the second pipe P2 is connected to the second pipe connection 48, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the structure of the first pipe connection 28 and the structure of the second pipe connection 48 may be swapped so that the second pipe P2 is connected to the first pipe connection 28 and the first pipe P1 is connected to the second pipe connection 48. Furthermore, the structure of the first pipe connection 28 may be any structure as long as it can be connected to the target pipe. The second pipe connection 48 may also be any structure as long as it can be connected to the target pipe, similar to the first pipe connection 28.

[0101] In the above-described embodiment, the sealing member 60 is mounted individually on the outer circumference of the insertion opening 46, but the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, multiple sealing members 60 may be mounted on the outer circumference of the insertion opening 46. In this case, multiple accommodating grooves 46A may be provided on the outer surface of the insertion opening 46, and the sealing members 60 may be placed in each of the multiple accommodating grooves 46A.

[0102] In the embodiments described above, a ball valve mechanism is used as the first valve mechanism 30, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a needle valve mechanism or a butterfly valve mechanism may be used as the first valve mechanism 30. Similarly, for the second valve mechanism 50, a needle valve mechanism or a butterfly valve mechanism may be used instead of a ball valve mechanism, just as with the first valve mechanism 30.

[0103] In the embodiments described above, the first connecting member 20 has a configuration comprising a first cylindrical body 22, an insertion opening 26, a first pipe connection part 28, and a first valve mechanism 30, but the disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, as shown in Figures 19 to 21, the first connecting member 320 may have a configuration comprising a first cylindrical body 322, an insertion opening 326, and a first pipe connection part 328, but without the first valve mechanism 30. Note that the first connecting member 320 is formed by integrally forming the first cylindrical body 322, the insertion opening 326, and the first pipe connection part 328. Furthermore, the second connecting member 40 has a configuration comprising a second cylindrical body 42, an insertion opening 46, a second pipe connection part 48, a second valve mechanism 50, and a sealing member 60, but the disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, as shown in Figures 19 to 24, the second connecting member 340 may have a second cylindrical body 342, an insertion opening 346, and a second pipe connection part 348, but may not have a second valve mechanism 50. The second connecting member 340 is formed by integrally forming the second cylindrical body 342, the insertion opening 346, and the second pipe connection part 348. Alternatively, the first connecting member 20 of the above-described embodiment may be connected to the second connecting member 340, or the second connecting member 40 of the above-described embodiment may be connected to the first connecting member 320. In the configuration shown in Figures 19 to 21, the sealing member 60 is housed in a groove formed in the first connecting member 320.

[0104] Although embodiments of this disclosure have been described above with reference to examples, these embodiments are merely examples and can be modified in various ways without departing from the gist of the disclosure. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the scope of rights of this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0105] 20 First connecting member 22 First cylinder 26 Insertion port 28 First piping connection 30 First valve mechanism 40 Second connecting member 42 Second cylinder 46 Insertion opening 46A Housing groove 48 Second piping connection 50 Second valve mechanism 60 sealing member 80 Locking mechanism 84 slits 85 recess 86 Locking member 86A Pin section 86B Connection part 86C Folding section 88 lock grooves 89 Suppression part 220 First connecting member 240 Second connecting member 284 Slits 285 recess 286 Locking component 286A Pin section 286B Connection section 286C Folding section 288 lock grooves 289 Suppression part 320 First connecting member 340 Second connecting member P1 First piping P2 Second piping S1 Connection structure (pipe connection structure) X1 Axial direction X2 Axial direction G Gap

Claims

1. A cylindrical first connecting member having an insertion opening at one end and a first pipe connection portion at the other end to which the first pipe is connected, A cylindrical second connecting member having an insertion port at one end that is inserted into the insertion port and a second pipe connection port at the other end to which the second pipe is connected, A locking mechanism that maintains the inserted state in which the insertion opening is inserted into the insertion opening and allows relative rotation of the first connecting member and the second connecting member around their axes, Equipped with, The locking mechanism is An annular locking groove is provided continuously in the circumferential direction on the outer surface of the insertion opening, A pair of circumferentially extending slits provided opposite the peripheral wall of the insertion opening, A pair of pin portions are arranged on either side of the insertion opening and are inserted into the lock groove through a pair of slits, A restraining portion is provided in the slit and, by contacting the pin portion, restrains the movement of the pin portion in the direction of disengaging from the lock groove, A piping connection structure equipped with the following features.

2. The pipe connection structure according to claim 1, wherein the wall surface on the tip side of the insertion opening of the slit is provided with an inclined portion that serves as the restraining portion, which slopes radially from the inside to the outside and from one end to the other end of the first connecting member.

3. A locking member having a pair of pin portions, which is mounted on the outer circumference of the insertion opening so as to be movable between a first position and a second position radially inward from the first position, wherein in the first position the pair of pin portions are positioned within a pair of slits, and in the second position the pair of pin portions are inserted through a pair of slits into the lock grooves to maintain the inserted state.

4. The pipe connection structure according to claim 3, wherein the locking member has a connecting portion that connects one end of a pair of pin portions, and when positioned in the second position, a gap is formed between the connecting portion and the outer surface of the insertion opening portion.

5. The other end of each of the pair of pin portions is bent, The pipe connection structure according to claim 4, wherein the outer circumferential surface of the insertion opening is provided with recesses in the middle of the pair of slits, in which the bent portions of the pair of pins at the first position are accommodated.

6. The pipe connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising an annular sealing member disposed between the insertion port and the insertion port, wherein the inner circumference of the sealing member contacts the outer circumferential surface of the insertion port and the outer circumference of the sealing member contacts the inner circumferential surface of the insertion port.

7. An annular receiving groove is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the insertion opening, which is continuous in the circumferential direction on the tip side of the insertion opening, The pipe connection structure according to claim 6, wherein the sealing member is housed in the housing groove.

8. The first connecting member further comprises a first valve mechanism capable of opening and closing an internal flow path, The piping connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second connecting member further comprises a second valve mechanism capable of opening and closing an internal flow path.

9. A cylindrical connecting member, One end is provided with an insertion port into which the insertion port to be connected is inserted, A pipe connection section is provided at the other end to which the pipe is connected, A pair of slits extending in the circumferential direction are provided opposite the circumferential wall of the insertion opening, A pair of pins are arranged on either side of the insertion opening and are inserted through a pair of slits into annular lock grooves that are continuously provided circumferentially on the outer surface of the insertion opening, A restraining portion is provided in the slit and, by contacting the pin portion, restrains the radial outward movement of the pin portion of the insertion opening portion, A connecting member comprising:

Images