Piping connection structure

Abstract

Provided is an expandable pipe joint that enables piping installation and repair work to be carried out easily and quickly and has excellent earthquake resistance. [Solution] The expandable pipe joint 1 of the present invention comprises a universal pipe joint 2 for arranging piping in any direction within the range of rotation and bending angles required for piping connection work, and an expansion joint 3 whose one end is fixed to either one end or the other end of the universal pipe joint 2 and whose length in the expansion direction of the piping path can be adjusted by removably inserting the piping into the receiving portion which is the other end.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an expandable pipe joint used for connecting various types of pipes as fluid passages. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, ventilation equipment for indoor ventilation is installed on the inside of a ceiling or wall, and is connected to an external exhaust port attached to the wall of a building via piping. In this case, since the position of the connection exhaust port on the piping side and the position of the external exhaust port may not match, the connection exhaust port and the external exhaust port are connected while adjusting the piping path using an elbow pipe or a bellows pipe.

[0003] An elbow pipe is effective as a piping joint for indoor ventilation because there are no irregularities on the inner surface that would impede the flow of air, but because it is a piping joint with a fixed bend angle, it is not possible to finely adjust the angle, and there are cases where an elbow pipe alone cannot connect a connection exhaust port to an external exhaust port. On the other hand, a bellows pipe is effective as a piping joint that allows fine adjustment of the angle because it has flexibility that allows it to be moved in any direction, but because there are fine irregularities on the inner wall surface of the pipe, the air resistance increases and smooth circulation of indoor air may not be expected. In particular, when a bellows pipe is used as an external piping for a range hood that exhausts polluted air generated during cooking to the outdoors, it is not preferable because the oil and fat contained in the polluted air tends to accumulate in the recesses inside the pipe.

[0004] In addition, in ordinary houses and high-rise buildings, pipes for domestic wastewater are installed in the same narrow spaces as ventilation pipes, between the inner and outer walls of the building, or between the floor and ceiling. In extremely narrow spaces, such pipes are required to have a specified gradient (2% or more) as stipulated by the Building Standards Act.

[0005] However, it is difficult to achieve the gradient stipulated by the Building Standards Act in a small space, and many pipes do not have the required gradient. In some cases, the pipes are laid out in a nearly parallel state, so in such houses, it is necessary to clean the inside of the pipes with a high-pressure washer or the like about once a year.

[0006] There have also been cases of fraud where straight pipes have been forcibly bent to achieve the required gradient. Such fraudulent pipe connections have become a problem because they can cause significant deterioration in the durability of the pipes due to accumulated debris and excessive loads over a long period of time. This problem is not limited to pipes inside the home, but also occurs in the pipes that run from the home to the sewer main.

[0007] As a means for solving the above problems, Patent Document 1 discloses an angle-adjustable joint rotation joint. Specifically, Patent Document 1 describes that an A joint part in which a tubular A joint and an inner spherical body are integrally molded, and a B joint part in which an outer spherical body that slidably fits with the outer peripheral surface of the inner spherical body and a tubular B joint are integrally molded are joined in a smooth joint, so that the A joint part can swivel slightly more than the specified shape. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 07-265973 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] However, in the joint (conventional joint) described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, as described that the A joint (straight pipe section) "can swivel slightly more than the specified shape," the A joint is configured to be swivelable around the center point of the inner sphere at an inclination angle of 30° with respect to the central axis of the B joint (straight pipe section). In other words, since it is impossible to make the bending angle between the straight pipe sections larger than 30°, it remains difficult to easily and quickly install or repair piping in an extremely narrow space.

[0010] Furthermore, when installing or repairing pipes using the conventional joints described in Patent Document 1 or existing joints such as elbow pipes or bellows pipes, it was necessary for at least two workers to actually check and adjust the centering of the pipes and the position and inclination angle of the pipes to be connected.

[0011] Furthermore, when pipes are installed or repaired using conventional joints, elbow pipes, or bellows pipes, the joint strength in the direction of expansion and contraction is extremely weak because they cannot easily absorb the expansion and contraction of the pipe route caused by shaking or vibration from an earthquake, etc. Therefore, when subjected to large shaking or vibration, the fitting parts of the pipes may break or come apart, and in some cases, the fluid flowing through the pipes may leak out.

[0012] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and aims to provide an expandable pipe joint that enables piping installation and repair work to be performed easily and quickly and has excellent earthquake resistance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] The expandable pipe joint according to the present invention comprises a universal pipe joint for arranging a pipe in any direction within the range of rotation and bending angles required for pipe connection work; The universal pipe joint has a universal pipe spigot portion at one end thereof which is fixed in a state of being inserted into an opening formed at one end or the other end thereof, and has a pipe receiving portion at the other end thereof into which the pipe is inserted, The pipe is removably inserted into the receiving portion, thereby enabling adjustment of the length of the pipe path in the expansion / contraction direction.

[0014] Specifically, the universal pipe joint includes a first connection structure including a first straight pipe section which is a cylindrical straight pipe, and a first fitting section which is joined to one end of the first straight pipe section and has a spherical outer surface with a predetermined spherical curvature. The universal pipe joint also includes a second connection structure including a second straight pipe section which is a cylindrical straight pipe, and a second fitting section which is joined to one end of the second straight pipe section and has an inner surface which has the same spherical curvature as the outer surface of the first fitting section and is hemispherical in shape and has an inner diameter which is the same as the outer diameter of the first fitting section. The universal pipe joint also includes an annular reinforcing support member whose inner peripheral surface has the same spherical curvature as the outer surface of the first fitting section and which can be screwed onto the end periphery of the second fitting section so as to cover the first fitting section.

[0015] The first and second fitting portions are formed to have a larger diameter than the first and second straight pipe portions, respectively, and form an interfitting portion that fits with each other when a part of the spherical surface of the first fitting portion is accommodated inside the second fitting portion. When the interfitting portion is slid in the fitted state, the tip of the second straight pipe portion can rotate within the range around the central axis of the first straight pipe portion. Furthermore, the piping connection structure according to the present invention includes the expandable pipe joint, and is characterized in that in the piping connection structure in which a piping path extending in a plurality of directions is formed by combining a plurality of the expandable pipe joints with a plurality of straight pipes, each of the piping paths in each direction includes one of the expansion joints.

[0016] The expansion joint also includes a rubber ring that slidably fits against the outer surface of the connected pipe and seals between the inside and outside of the pipe. ,before The pipe receptacle portion is formed to have an inner diameter larger than that of the flexible pipe spigot portion, and further, a step surface is formed between the flexible pipe spigot portion and the pipe receptacle portion due to the difference in inner diameter.

[0017] According to the present invention, by using the expandable pipe joint configured as described above, even when the installation or repair work of the pipe is performed in an extremely narrow space, the pipe connection work can be easily and quickly realized while satisfying the gradient stipulated by the Building Standards Act. Furthermore, when the installation or repair work of the pipe is performed using the conventional joint, elbow pipe, or bellows pipe, it was necessary for at least two workers to actually check and adjust the centering of the pipes and the arrangement position and inclination angle of the pipes to be connected, but by simplifying the pipe connection work, it becomes possible for one worker to easily and quickly complete the above adjustment work. Furthermore, the expandable pipe joint according to the present invention is a joint that absorbs the rotational deviation of the pipe route caused by shaking or vibration such as an earthquake, and the expansion joint absorbs the expansion and contraction deviation of the pipe route caused by shaking or vibration such as an earthquake, and functions as a joint for an earthquake-resistant structure pipe route that absorbs the deviation of the pipe route in all directions due to the interaction between them, and therefore excellent earthquake resistance can be obtained.

[0018] In addition, in the expandable pipe joint according to the present invention, the first straight pipe portion and the second straight pipe portion may be joined eccentrically with respect to the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion, respectively.

[0019] In addition, in the expandable pipe joint of the present invention, it is desirable that the angle between a straight line connecting a common spherical center and a central axis of the first straight pipe portion in the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion and the central axis is within a range of 38° or more and 68° or less.

[0020] In the expandable pipe joint according to the present invention, the reference plane is a plane that includes straight lines connecting the common spherical center and the central axis of the first straight pipe part in the first fitting part and the second fitting part, the angle between the straight lines and the central axis being within a range of 38° to 68°, and is perpendicular to the plane formed by the spherical center and the central axis of the first straight pipe part, and is formed by the inner wall of the first fitting part.The end peripheral part of the first fitting part is desirably formed at a position away from the reference plane by a length of 15% to 30% of the diameter of the reference plane in the direction in which the surface area of ​​the first fitting part increases.

[0021] In addition, in the expandable pipe joint of the present invention, it is desirable to set the inner diameter of the first fitting portion to be longer than the inner diameter of the first straight pipe portion within a range of 1.2 to 2.0 times.

[0022] Furthermore, in the expandable pipe joint of the present invention, it is desirable that the end peripheral portion of the second fitting portion includes straight lines connecting the common spherical center portion in the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion and the central axis of the second straight pipe portion, the angles between these straight lines and the central axis being within the range of 38° or more and 68° or less, and is formed at a position where a plane perpendicular to the plane formed by the spherical center portion and the central axis of the second straight pipe portion intersects with the spherical portion of the second fitting portion. Effect of the Invention

[0023] According to the expandable pipe joint of the present invention, piping installation work and repair work can be performed easily and quickly, and excellent earthquake resistance can be obtained. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view showing the configuration of one embodiment of an expandable pipe joint according to the present invention. [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a specific example of a first connection structure portion constituting the expandable pipe joint according to the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a specific example of a second connection structure portion constituting the expandable pipe joint according to the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view that illustrates a state in which the first connection structure and the second connection structure are combined. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a specific example of a reinforcing support body. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the reinforcing support body. [Figure 7] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the reinforcing support, and FIG. 7B is a side view of the second connecting structure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of a specific example of a lock device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of a specific example of an expansion structure part constituting the expandable pipe joint according to the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of one specific example of another expansion structure portion constituting the expansion pipe joint according to the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an embodiment of an expandable pipe joint according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of an expandable pipe joint according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0026] <<Overall structure of the expansion and contraction pipe joint>> 1 to 4 are diagrams showing a specific example of the basic structure of an expandable pipe joint according to the present invention. In detail, FIG. 1 is a side view showing the configuration of one specific example of an expandable pipe joint according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of one specific example of a first connection structure constituting an expandable pipe joint according to the present invention, where (A) is a cross-sectional view and (B) is a top view. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of one specific example of a second connection structure constituting an expandable pipe joint according to the present invention, where (A) is a side view, (B) is a top view, and (C) is a view in which a fitting protrusion is developed into a planar shape. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic state in which the first connection structure and the second connection structure are combined.

[0027] The expandable pipe joint 1 of this embodiment includes a first connection structure 11, a second connection structure 12, a reinforcing support 13, and an expansion structure 14, and the expansion structure 14 is fixed in a state where it is connected to either the first connection structure 11 or the second connection structure 12. In this expandable pipe joint 1, the structure formed by the first connection structure 11, the second connection structure 12, and the reinforcing support 13 functions as a universal pipe joint 2 for arranging a pipe in an arbitrary direction, and the expansion structure 14 functions as an expansion joint 3 capable of adjusting the length of the pipe route in the expansion direction. That is, in this expandable pipe joint 1, the universal pipe joint 2 absorbs the deviation in the rotation direction of the pipe route due to shaking or vibration such as an earthquake, and the expansion joint 3 absorbs the deviation in the expansion direction of the pipe route due to an earthquake, and the interaction between them functions as a joint for an earthquake-resistant structure pipe route that absorbs the deviation of the pipe route in any direction.

[0028] The structures of the first connecting structure 11 and the second connecting structure 12 constituting the expandable pipe joint 1 of this embodiment are basically based on the technical ideas and experimental result data disclosed in Patent No. 5807984.

[0029] <First Connection Structure and Second Connection Structure> The first connection structure part 11 is composed of a first straight pipe part 11a which is a cylindrical straight pipe, and a first fitting part 11b which is joined to one end of the first straight pipe part 11a and has a predetermined spherical curvature and a smooth outer surface (see Figure 2).

[0030] The second connection structure part 12 is composed of a second straight pipe part 12a which is a cylindrical straight pipe, and a second fitting part 12b which is joined to one end of the second straight pipe part 12a, has an inner surface having substantially the same spherical curvature as the outer surface of the first fitting part 11b, has an inner diameter substantially the same as the outer diameter of the first fitting part 11b, and further has a smooth inner surface (see Figure 3).

[0031] The first fitting portion 11b has a spherical shape with a larger diameter than the first straight pipe portion 11a (see FIG. 2(A)), while the second fitting portion 12b has a hemispherical shape with a larger diameter than the second straight pipe portion 12a (see FIG. 3(A)). The first fitting portion 11b and the second fitting portion 12b having such shapes form an interfitting portion 23 that fits together when a part of the spherical surface of the first fitting portion 11b is accommodated inside the second fitting portion 12b (see FIG. 4). When the interfitting portion 23 is slid in the fitted state (when the interfitting portion 23 is formed), for example, the tip of the second straight pipe portion 12a can rotate in almost all directions around the central axis of the first straight pipe portion 11a. At this time, the outer surface of the first fitting portion 11b and the inner surface of the second fitting portion 12b slide on each other while maintaining a watertight state, centered on the spherical center point P common to both fitting portions.

[0032] It should be noted that the above-mentioned "substantially all directions" does not mean all directions in the complete sense, but rather the range of rotation and bending angles required in piping connection work, and means that any direction can be flexibly set within this range.

[0033] In the expandable pipe joint 1 of this embodiment, the central axis Z of the first straight pipe portion 11a 1 and the central axis Z of the second straight pipe portion 12a 24, do not pass through the sphere center P. That is, the first straight pipe portion 11a and the second straight pipe portion 12a are joined eccentrically to the first fitting portion 11b and the second fitting portion 12b, respectively.

[0034] Specifically, the center P of the sphere and the central axis Z 1 or central axis Z 2 In a cut surface (cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 4) along a plane S (not shown) formed by the above-mentioned eccentricity, a portion of the joint between the first straight pipe portion 11a and the first fitting portion 11b forms a continuous flat surface portion 11c due to the above-mentioned eccentricity, and similarly, a portion of the joint between the second straight pipe portion 12a and the second fitting portion 12b forms a continuous flat surface portion 12c due to the above-mentioned eccentricity.

[0035] In the expandable pipe joint 1 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 A straight line (W 0 , W 1 ,W 2 …) and the central axis Z 1 The reference plane T is a plane that includes a straight line having an angle F within a range of 38° to 68° with respect to the plane S and is perpendicular to the plane S, and is formed by the inner wall of the first fitting portion 11b.

[0036] In this embodiment, as an example, the central axis Z 1 The angle F between the straight line W and the point W is 45°. 0 A plane that includes the plane S and is perpendicular to the plane S and is formed by the inner wall of the first fitting portion 11b is set as a reference plane T (see FIG. 4).

[0037] The first fitting portion 11b is provided with a diameter of the reference plane T (the inner diameter R of the first fitting portion 11b) in a direction V (the direction in which the surface area of ​​the first fitting portion 11b becomes larger) opposite to the direction in which the first straight pipe portion 11a is connected, with the reference plane T as a reference. 1 An end peripheral portion 11d is formed at a position (position shifted in parallel) that is 15% to 30% of the length L of the end portion 11a (see FIG. 4).

[0038] Furthermore, in the expandable pipe joint 1 of this embodiment, the inner diameter R 1 (diameter of reference plane T) is the inner diameter X of the first straight pipe portion 11a 1 It is preferable that the inner diameter R of the first fitting portion 11b is set to be within a range of 1.2 to 2.0 times longer than the inner diameter R of the first fitting portion 11b. 1 is the inner diameter X of the first straight pipe portion 11a 1 It is most desirable to set the length to 1.6 times the ratio R 1 / X 1 When the inner diameter R of the first fitting portion 11b is less than 1.2, 1 and the inner diameter X of the first straight pipe portion 11a 1 As a result, the turning angle of the first straight pipe portion 11a is significantly restricted, which is not preferable.

[0039] On the other hand, the ratio R 1 / X 1 When the inner diameter R of the first fitting portion 11b is larger than 2.0, 1 and the inner diameter X of the first straight pipe portion 11a 1 As a result, the turning angle of the first straight pipe portion 11a becomes large, but on the other hand, the area of ​​the joint between the first fitting portion 11b and the first straight pipe portion 11a becomes small, which is undesirable because it reduces the strength and durability of the expandable pipe joint 1. Furthermore, 1 / X 1 is greater than 2.0, the inner diameter X of the first straight pipe portion 11a 1 When the inner diameter R of the first fitting portion 11b is increased, 1 becomes extremely large, and accordingly, the entire expandable pipe joint 1 also becomes proportionally large, which increases the manufacturing cost. In addition, the increase in size of the entire expandable pipe joint 1 is an obstacle to pipe connection work in an extremely narrow working space.

[0040] As described above, in the first connection structure 11, the reference plane T in the first fitting portion 11b and the central axis Z of the first straight pipe portion 11a are 1 the angle F between the end periphery 11d of the first fitting portion 11b and the reference plane T, the distance L between the end periphery 11d of the first fitting portion 11b and the reference plane T, and the inner diameter X of the first straight pipe portion 11a. 1The inner diameter R of the first fitting portion 11b 1 Ratio R 1 / X 1 At least one of these is set within the above-mentioned value range.

[0041] On the other hand, in the second fitting portion 12b, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 4, the sphere center line P and the central axis line Z 2 A straight line (Y 0 , Y 1 ,Y 2 …) and the central axis Z 2 End peripheral portion 12d is formed at a position where the spherical portion of second fitting portion 12b intersects with a plane that includes a straight line having an angle F' within a range of 38° to 68° and is perpendicular to plane S. That is, end peripheral portion 12d of second fitting portion 12b is formed on a plane that includes spherical center P. This makes it possible to reduce the cost of molding second fitting portion 12b.

[0042] Also, as shown in Figures 3(A) and (C), an annular mating protrusion 21 is formed on the outer peripheral wall surface of the end peripheral portion 12d of the second connection structure portion 12, and on the outer surface of this mating protrusion 21, a plurality of spiral protrusions 22 (or spiral groove portions 22) having a predetermined length are formed adjacent to each other at a predetermined interval U.

[0043] Specifically, at least two helical protrusions 22 must be provided on the fitting protrusion 21, and for example, when there are two helical protrusions 22, they are preferably disposed at positions that each cover half of the circumference of the annular fitting protrusion 21. When three or more helical protrusions 22 are provided, they are preferably divided and disposed at positions that cover 1 / 3, 1 / 4, ... of the fitting protrusion 21.

[0044] <Reinforcement support> In addition, in the expandable pipe joint 1 of this embodiment, an annular reinforcing support 13 formed to cover the first fitting portion 11b is attached to the annular fitting protrusion 21, which is the end of the second fitting portion 12b.

[0045] In detail, in the expandable pipe joint 1 of this embodiment, the outer surface of the first fitting portion 11b and the inner surface of the second fitting portion 12b are both formed with smooth surfaces, without any unevenness such as protrusions or depressions, and the mutual fitting portion 23 is always maintained in a state in which it can slide easily and lightly. On the other hand, the mutual fitting portion 23 where the first fitting portion 11b and the second fitting portion 12b come into contact due to sliding is a particularly fragile portion, so it is reinforced by the annular reinforcing support 13.

[0046] Fig. 5 shows a specific example of the reinforcing support 13 used in the expandable pipe joint 1 of this embodiment, where (A) is a plan view and (B) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A'. Fig. 6 shows a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the reinforcing support 13, where (A) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B' of the reinforcing support 13 alone and (B) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the reinforcing support 13 integrated with each fitting portion. Fig. 7(A) is a perspective view of the reinforcing support 13, and Fig. 7(B) is a side view of the second connecting structure.

[0047] The reinforcing support 13 has an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the fitting protrusion 21 formed in the second connection structure 12, and is formed so as to be attachable by screwing to the outer peripheral wall surface of the fitting protrusion 21. The reinforcing support 13 has a height H 1 and a truncated hollow cone portion 43 that is connected to the upper portion of the annular cylindrical portion 42 and formed integrally therewith.

[0048] The inner periphery of the annular cylindrical portion 42 is provided with a depth H 1 A first annular recess 46 is formed in the second connecting structure 12 (second fitting portion 12b). A helical groove 48 (or helical protrusion 48) is formed on an inner wall 47 of the first annular recess 46, which is screwed into the helical protrusion 22 (or helical groove 22) formed on the outer surface of the fitting protrusion 21. That is, the helical groove 48 formed in the annular cylindrical body 42 and the helical protrusion 22 formed in the fitting protrusion 21 are fitted together while sliding (screw tightening operation is performed), whereby the reinforcing support 13 is fixed to the second connecting structure 12 (second fitting portion 12b).

[0049] The outer peripheral surface 50 of the truncated hollow cone portion 43 is formed of an inclined surface having an angle θ with respect to the central axis direction of the reinforcing support 13 (see FIG. 6(A)). The angle θ is set appropriately according to the spherical curvature of the first fitting portion 11b. Meanwhile, the inner peripheral surface 51 of the truncated hollow cone portion 43 has the same spherical curvature as the spherical curvature of the outer surface of the first fitting portion 11b (see FIG. 6(B)). This allows the inner peripheral surface 51 of the truncated hollow cone portion 43 and the outer surface of the first fitting portion 11b to slide in a watertight state.

[0050] In addition, the height H of the reinforcing support 13 2 The length H of the reinforcing support 13 is set to 15% to 25% of the maximum inner diameter of the end peripheral portion 12d of the second connection structure portion 12. 2 , the height H of the annular cylindrical portion 42 1 (Depth H of the first annular recess 46 1 The dimensions of each part of the reinforcing support 13 other than the first and second mating portions 11b and 12b are not particularly limited as long as the mutual mating portion 23 is maintained in a state in which it can slide easily and smoothly (the first mating portion 11b and the second mating portion 12b can slide in approximately all directions).

[0051] By using the reinforcing support 13, even though the actual end peripheral portion 12d of the second fitting portion 12b is formed on a plane including the spherical center P, the position of the end of the second fitting portion 12b is structured as if it were formed at a position shifted in parallel by a length L (in the opposite direction to the direction in which the second straight pipe portion 12a is connected) from the plane including the spherical center P, similar to the position of the end peripheral portion 11d of the first fitting portion 11b (see FIG. 6(B)). This increases the contact area of ​​the sliding portion, making it possible to slide the first fitting portion 11b smoothly and stably.

[0052] Furthermore, by using the reinforcing support 13, even if, for example, end peripheral portion 11d and end peripheral portion 12d are opened in the portion where the first mating portion 11b and the second mating portion 12b overlap (corresponding to the mutual mating portion 23), the reinforcing support 13 can adequately cover the opening portion.

[0053] Furthermore, by using the multiple helical protrusions 22 (or helical grooves 22) and helical grooves 48 (or helical protrusions 48) to screw together, the compressive strength and tensile strength between the first fitting portion 11b and the second fitting portion 12b can be significantly improved, and the sliding operation of the mutual fitting portion 23 can be made smoother. Furthermore, the reinforcement by the reinforcing support 13 makes it possible to continuously maintain the absorption effect against shaking and vibrations caused by earthquakes and the like for a long period of time, thereby obtaining excellent earthquake resistance.

[0054] <Swivel joint> That is, the universal pipe joint 2 configured as described above has a first connection structure including a first straight pipe section 11a and a spherical first fitting section 11b joined to one end of the first straight pipe section 11a and having an outer surface with a predetermined spherical curvature. The universal pipe joint 2 also has a second connection structure including a second straight pipe section 12a and a hemispherical second fitting section 12b joined to one end of the second straight pipe section 12a and having an inner surface with the same spherical curvature as the outer surface of the first fitting section 11b and further having an inner diameter with the same as the outer diameter of the first fitting section 11b. The universal pipe joint 2 also has an annular reinforcing support 13 whose inner peripheral surface has the same spherical curvature as the outer surface of the first fitting section 11b and can be screwed to an end peripheral portion 12d of the second fitting section 12b so as to cover the first fitting section 11b.

[0055] Furthermore, the first fitting portion 11b and the second fitting portion 12b are formed to have a larger diameter than the first straight pipe portion 11a and the second straight pipe portion 12a, respectively, and form an interfitting portion 23 that fits with each other when a part of the spherical surface of the first fitting portion 11b is accommodated inside the second fitting portion 12b. When the interfitting portion 23 is slid in a state in which the first fitting portion 11b and the second fitting portion 12b are engaged with each other, the tip of the second straight pipe portion 12a can rotate in almost all directions around the central axis of the first straight pipe portion 11a.

[0056] This allows the universal joint 2 to absorb rotational deviations of the piping path caused by shaking or vibration due to an earthquake or the like.

[0057] In the universal joint 2, the inner diameter X of the first straight pipe portion 11a provided in the first connection structure portion 11 is 1 and the inner diameter X of the second straight pipe portion 12a provided in the second connection structure portion 12. 2 In the present embodiment, it is possible to use straight pipe sections with different diameters in any combination. However, when the second connection structure 12 is used downstream with respect to the flow direction of the fluid and the first connection structure 11 is used upstream with respect to the flow direction of the fluid, the inner diameter X of the second straight pipe section 12a is set to 1 / 100. 2 is the inner diameter X of the first straight pipe portion 11a 1 Larger than is preferable.

[0058] <Locking device> In the expandable pipe joint 1 of this embodiment, a locking device 58 is further introduced to prevent (lock) misalignment between the reinforcing support body 13 and the second fitting portion 12b and loosening of the screw-fastened portion.

[0059] In order to perform the locking operation by the locking device 58, one or more first insertion grooves 54 of a predetermined length are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the fitting protrusion 21 from the lower end surface 53 toward the upper side (see FIG. 7(B)). Furthermore, in the reinforcing support 13, in a state where the helical groove 48 formed on the annular cylindrical body portion 42 is fitted with the helical protrusion 22 formed on the fitting protrusion 21 (a state where the second connecting structure 12 and the reinforcing support 13 are attached and fixed), a second insertion groove 52 of the same length as the first insertion groove 54 is provided from the lower end surface 45 toward the upper side at a position facing the first insertion groove 54 (see FIG. 7(A)). As a result, when the position of the first insertion groove 54 and the position of the second insertion groove 52 coincide with each other in a state where the second connecting structure 12 and the reinforcing support 13 are attached and fixed, an insertion hole for preventing mutual movement (locking) is formed.

[0060] 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of a specific example of the locking device 58 used in this embodiment. The locking device 58 has a base portion 55, a first plug-in pin portion 57 formed so as to be able to be fitted and inserted into the first insertion groove 54, and a second plug-in pin portion 56 formed so as to be able to be fitted and inserted into the second insertion groove 52, and is formed integrally with the base portion 55 so that the first plug-in pin portion 57 and the second plug-in pin portion 56 are in a parallel state. The first plug-in pin portion 57 is provided with a protrusion portion 59 for preventing the locking device 58 from falling off, and the first insertion groove 54 is provided with a groove portion 54a into which the protrusion portion 59 fits. The locking device 58 (the first plug-in pin portion 57 and the second plug-in pin portion 56) is inserted into a locking insertion hole and pushed in to a position where the protrusion portion 59 fits into the groove portion 54a, thereby preventing (locking) the second connection structure portion 12 and the reinforcing support body 13 from moving relative to each other.

[0061] The dimensions of the locking device 58 are not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, the length C is 14 mm and the width D 1 The width D of the first plug-in pin portion 57 connected to the base portion 55 is 6.8 mm, the thickness E is 4 mm, and 2 is 3 mm, and the width D of the second plug-in pin portion 56 is 3 is set to 2 mm.

[0062] The first insertion groove 54 and the second insertion groove 52 are used to align the reinforcing support 13 and the second fitting portion 12b (fitting protrusion 21) when a worker at a piping construction site screws them together.

[0063] <Stopper> In addition, in the case where the joint boundary between the first straight pipe portion 11a and the first fitting portion 11b in the first connection structure portion 11 is the joint boundary line 60 (see FIG. 1 and FIG. 2(B)), the outer surface of the first fitting portion 11b is provided with a protruding stopper 65 formed in a ring shape with two predetermined points on the joint boundary line 60 as base points. Specifically, the stopper 65 is arranged in a ring shape on the outer surface of the first fitting portion 11b so as to pass through a first outer surface portion 62 which is a part of the outer surface of the first fitting portion 11b adjacent to a shortest portion 61 which is a portion on the joint boundary line 60 where the distance to the edge portion of the first straight pipe portion 11a is the shortest, and a second outer surface portion 64 which is a part of the outer surface of the first fitting portion 11b adjacent to a longest portion 63 which is a portion on the joint boundary line 60 where the distance to the edge portion of the first straight pipe portion 11a is the longest.

[0064] The shape of the stopper 65 is not particularly limited, and in this embodiment, for example, it is desirable to set the height of the protrusion within a range of 1 mm to 5 mm. This makes it possible to prevent the turning angle of the first straight pipe portion 11a from increasing excessively, and the guide function of the stopper 65 makes it possible to smoothly turn and swing the first straight pipe portion 11a.

[0065] In addition, since it may be difficult to arrange the stopper 65 in an annular shape because the space near the first outer surface region 62 becomes small depending on the size of the angle F and the thickness and outer diameter of the first straight pipe portion 11a, in such a case, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 (B), a stopper cutout portion 66 consisting of a disconnected portion of a predetermined length may be formed on both sides centered on the first outer surface region 62. That is, a discontinuous annular stopper 65 may be formed. In addition, the portion of the stopper 65 that passes through the second outer surface region 64 may be arranged in a direction away from the joint boundary line 60 depending on the thickness and outer diameter of the first straight pipe portion 11a.

[0066] <Sealing material> In the expandable pipe joint 1 of this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 6(A), a second annular recess 70 is formed at the bottom of the first annular recess 46, which is a recess having a desired step (depth) and an inner diameter smaller than that of the first annular recess 46. An O-ring 71, which is an annular sealing member, is fitted along the inner peripheral wall of the second annular recess 70 (see Fig. 6(B)). The O-ring 71 seals between the inside and outside of the mutual fitting portion 23 (ensuring watertightness between the inside and outside) by being in close contact with the outer surface of the first fitting portion 11b and the end peripheral portion 12d of the second fitting portion 12b (see Fig. 6(B)).

[0067] The second annular mold recess 70 is formed in a stepped shape relative to the bottom of the first annular mold recess 46 and is formed so that the O-ring 71 can be fitted therein, and there are no particular limitations on the dimensions such as the depth and inner diameter. The material and shape of the O-ring 71 are not particularly limited as long as they can ensure watertightness inside and outside when fitted into the second annular mold recess 70, but it is preferable that they are made of silicone resin, for example.

[0068] <Expansion structure (expansion joint)> In the expandable pipe joint 1 of this embodiment, an expansion structure 14 functioning as the expansion joint 3 is connected to either the first connection structure 11 or the second connection structure 12 .

[0069] 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of one specific example of the expansion structure 14 constituting the expandable pipe joint according to the present invention, and in detail, the left half of the figure is a front view, and the right half is a sectional view seen from the front. This expansion structure 14 absorbs deviations in the expansion and contraction direction of the piping route caused by shaking or vibration such as an earthquake.

[0070] The expansion structure 14 is composed of a substantially cylindrical joint body 81, an annular rubber ring 82 which is a sealing member, and an annular socket cover 83.

[0071] The joint body 81 has a universal pipe spigot portion 84 to be inserted into the end opening of the first connection structure portion 11 or the end opening of the second connection structure portion 12, and a pipe receptacle portion 85 into which a pipe such as a PVC pipe forming a piping path is inserted, and is formed in a generally cylindrical shape with a step. In detail, the joint body 81 is formed such that the pipe receptacle portion 85 has a larger inner diameter than the universal pipe spigot portion 84, and further, a step surface 86 is formed between the universal pipe spigot portion 84 and the pipe receptacle portion 85, which is inclined with respect to the central axis direction of the cylinder due to the difference in inner diameter.

[0072] Furthermore, a cylindrical expanded diameter portion 88 having an inner diameter larger than the other portion (corresponding to the reduced diameter portion 87 shown in the figure) is formed on the tip side of the pipe receiving portion 85 of the joint body 81, and an annular rubber ring 82 is fitted into this expanded diameter portion 88. As a result, when the pipe is inserted, the rubber ring 82 slidably adheres to the outer surface of the pipe, reliably sealing between the inside and outside of the pipe.

[0073] The socket cover 83 is formed in a cap shape that covers the enlarged diameter portion 88 of the joint body 81, and is coupled by being pushed axially and fitted into the enlarged diameter portion 88. The coupling method is not limited to this fitting method, and coupling by screwing or adhesive may also be used. When the socket cover 83 is fitted into the enlarged diameter portion 88 of the joint body 81, an opening 89 for inserting a pipe is formed at the tip of the extension structure 14 on the socket cover 83 side. This opening 89 penetrates toward the flexible pipe spigot 84 side.

[0074] When constructing a piping route using the expandable pipe joint 1 to which the expansion structure 14 configured as described above is fixed, the worker inserts the pipe from the opening 89 on the receptacle cover 83 side, and pushes the tip of the pipe into the pipe receptacle 85 of the joint body 81. At this time, the tip of the pipe inserted into the pipe receptacle 85 is stopped at about the middle of the reduced diameter portion 87 formed in the pipe receptacle 85 (it does not abut against the step surface 86). This makes it possible to ensure a margin for expansion and contraction of the piping route due to shaking and vibrations such as earthquakes. In other words, this margin for expansion and contraction can absorb deviations in the expansion and contraction direction of the piping route due to earthquakes.

[0075] Furthermore, in the expandable pipe joint 1 of this embodiment, by providing the expansion structure 14, the piping inserted into the piping receiving portion 85 can be easily removed. This makes it possible to disassemble the first connection structure 11, the second connection structure 12, and the reinforcing support 13, which are assembled by screwing, and therefore makes it possible to easily and quickly replace the O-ring 71.

[0076] The materials of the joint body 81 and the socket cover 83 are not particularly limited, but for example, metal and synthetic resin (vinyl chloride resin, polyethylene resin, etc.) are preferably used, and other materials such as FRP resin containing reinforcing materials including glass fiber or carbon fiber, ceramics, etc. Also, various well-known rubber rings can be suitably used as the rubber ring 82.

[0077] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the expansion joint 3 (expansion structure 14) of the concentric type (the flexible pipe spigot 84 and the pipe receptacle 85 are formed concentrically) that mainly absorbs the deviation in the expansion direction in the vertical piping route has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the flexible pipe spigot 84 and the pipe receptacle 85 do not necessarily need to be formed on a concentric circle, and there may be a portion without a step surface 86 by making them eccentric. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of one specific example of another expansion structure (expansion joint) that constitutes the expandable pipe joint according to the present invention. The expansion joint shown in FIG. 10 allows the pipe to be inserted from the opening on the pipe receptacle 85 side. That is, in the expandable pipe joint 1 of this embodiment, it is also possible to integrate an eccentric type expansion joint that mainly absorbs the deviation in the expansion direction in the horizontal piping route.

[0078] <Effects, etc.> As described above, the expandable pipe joint 1 of this embodiment includes the universal pipe joint 2 that allows piping to be arranged in almost all directions required for piping connection work, and the expansion joint 3 that is fixed to either the first connection structure part 11 or the second connection structure part 12 and allows the length of the piping path to be adjusted in the expansion and contraction direction and the piping to be removed. This makes it possible to easily and quickly install and repair piping, including replacing the O-ring 71. In other words, by using the expandable pipe joint 1, even when installing or repairing piping in an extremely narrow space, it is possible to easily and quickly achieve piping connection work while satisfying the gradient (2% or more) specified by the Building Standards Act.

[0079] In addition, when installing or repairing pipes using conventional joints, elbow pipes, or bellows pipes, at least two workers were required to physically check and center the pipes and adjust the position and inclination angle of the pipes to be connected. However, by simplifying the pipe connection work, it is now possible for a single worker to easily complete the above adjustments in a short amount of time.

[0080] Furthermore, in the expandable pipe joint 1 of this embodiment, the expandable pipe joint 2 absorbs the rotational deviation of the piping path caused by shaking or vibration due to an earthquake or the like, and the expansion joint 3 absorbs the expansion and contraction deviation of the piping path caused by shaking or vibration due to an earthquake or the like. Due to the interaction between these, the joint functions as a joint for an earthquake-resistant piping route that absorbs deviations of the piping path in all directions, thereby obtaining excellent earthquake resistance.

[0081] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment of the expandable pipe joint 1, the expansion joint 3 is fixed to either the first connection structure part 11 or the second connection structure part 12, but this does not prevent the expansion joint 3 from being fixed to both the first connection structure part 11 and the second connection structure part 12, for example.

[0082] Furthermore, the expandable pipe joint 1 in this embodiment may be used for gas, but is particularly effective in the field of processing fluids including liquids.

[0083] <Examples of earthquake-resistant structures> FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the expandable pipe joint according to the present invention. In detail, (A) shows an example of an earthquake-resistant piping route using the expandable pipe joint 1 and a general straight pipe, and (B) shows an example of an earthquake-resistant piping route further incorporating a T-shaped socket.

[0084] As shown in the examples of Figures 11(A) and (B), workers at a construction site place the expandable joints 1 and various pipes at various locations along the piping route in an extremely narrow work space, and perform pipe connection work for an ordinary house, a multi-story house, an office, or other collective building by appropriately adjusting the centering of the pipes and the placement position and inclination angle of the pipes to be connected.

[0085] This makes it possible to realize an earthquake-resistant piping route that satisfies the specified gradient stipulated by the Building Standards Act through simple and quick piping connection work, while also having excellent earthquake resistance against horizontal and vertical forces caused by shaking and vibrations such as those caused by earthquakes. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1 Expandable pipe joint 2 Universal joint 3 Expansion joints 11 First connection structure 11a First straight pipe section 11b First fitting portion 11c Continuous flat section 11d Edge periphery 12 Second connection structure part 12a Second straight pipe section 12b Second fitting portion 12c Continuous flat section 12d Edge periphery 13 Reinforcement support 14 Telescopic structure 21 Fitting protrusion 22 Spiral protrusion (spiral groove) 23 Interfitting part 42 Annular cylindrical section 43 Truncated hollow cone 45 Lower end surface 46 First annular recess 47 Inner wall 48 Spiral groove (spiral protrusion) 50 Outer surface area 51 Inner surface 52 Second insertion groove 53 Lower end surface 54 First insertion groove 54a Groove 55 Base 56 Second plug pin part 57 First plug pin 58 Locking device 59 Protrusion 60 Joint border 61 Shortest part 62 First outer surface area 63 Longest part 64 Second outer surface area 65 Stopper 66 Stopper notch 70 Second annular recess 71 O-ring 81 Fitting body 82 Rubber Ring 83 Socket cover 84 Flexible pipe spigot 85 Pipe receptacle 86 Step surface 87 Reduced diameter part 88 Expanded diameter part 89 Aperture

Claims

1. A universal pipe joint for arranging piping in any direction within the range of turning and bending angles required for piping connection work; an expansion joint having at one end a universal pipe spigot portion fixed in a state inserted into an opening formed at one end or the other end of the universal pipe joint, and having at the other end a pipe receptacle portion into which the pipe is inserted, the expansion joint being capable of adjusting the length of the pipe path in the expansion / contraction direction by removably inserting the pipe into the pipe receptacle; Equipped with The universal joint comprises: A first connection structure including a first straight pipe portion that is a cylindrical straight pipe, and a first fitting portion that is joined to one end of the first straight pipe portion and has a spherical shape with an outer surface having a predetermined spherical curvature; a second connection structure including a second straight pipe portion that is a cylindrical straight pipe, and a hemispherical second fitting portion that is joined to one end of the second straight pipe portion, has an inner surface that has the same spherical curvature as the outer surface of the first fitting portion, and has an inner diameter that is the same as the outer diameter of the first fitting portion; an annular reinforcing support member having an inner peripheral surface with the same spherical curvature as an outer surface of the first fitting portion and capable of being screwed onto an end peripheral portion of the second fitting portion so as to cover the first fitting portion; Including, Furthermore, the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion are formed to have a diameter larger than the first straight pipe portion and the second straight pipe portion, respectively, and form an interfitting portion that fits with each other when a part of a spherical surface of the first fitting portion is accommodated inside the second fitting portion; When the mutual fitting portion is slid in a fitted state, the tip end of the second straight pipe portion can rotate within the range about a central axis line of the first straight pipe portion. Including an expandable joint, In a piping connection structure in which a piping path extending in a plurality of directions is formed by combining a plurality of the expandable pipe joints and a plurality of straight pipes, Each piping route in each direction includes one expansion joint. A piping connection structure characterized by:

2. the first straight pipe portion and the second straight pipe portion are joined eccentrically to the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion, respectively; 2. The pipe connection structure according to claim 1 .

3. an angle between a line connecting a common center of a sphere and a central axis of the first straight tube portion in the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion and the central axis is within a range of 38° to 68°; 2. The pipe connection structure according to claim 1 .

4. In the case where a reference plane is a plane that includes straight lines connecting a common spherical center and a central axis of the first straight pipe portion in the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion, the angle between the straight lines and the central axis is within a range of 38° to 68°, and is perpendicular to a plane formed by the spherical center and the central axis of the first straight pipe portion and is formed by an inner wall of the first fitting portion, the end peripheral portion of the first fitting portion is formed at a position away from the reference plane by a length of 15% to 30% of a diameter of the reference plane in a direction in which a surface area of ​​the first fitting portion increases, 2. The pipe connection structure according to claim 1 .

5. an inner diameter of the first fitting portion is set to be longer than an inner diameter of the first straight pipe portion within a range of 1.2 to 2.0 times; 2. The pipe connection structure according to claim 1 .

6. The peripheral edge of the second fitting portion is a plane including straight lines connecting the common spherical center and the central axis of the second straight pipe portion in the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion, the straight lines forming angles with the central axis being within a range of 38° to 68°, and perpendicular to a plane formed by the spherical center and the central axis of the second straight pipe portion; A spherical portion of the second fitting portion; is formed at the intersection of 2. The pipe connection structure according to claim 1 .

7. The expansion joint is A rubber ring is provided which is slidably fitted to the outer surface of the connected pipe to seal between the inside and outside of the pipe, The pipe receptacle portion is formed with an inner diameter larger than that of the flexible pipe spigot portion, and further, a step surface is formed between the flexible pipe spigot portion and the pipe receptacle portion due to the difference in inner diameter.

7. The pipe connection structure according to claim 1, wherein the pipe connection structure is a pipe connection structure having a plurality of connecting members.

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