Pipe joint

Abstract

To provide a pipe joint which can absorb misalignment of pipes to be connected with a compact space.SOLUTION: A pipe joint 1 is provided with a cylindrical elastic part 2 through which a passage 1a extends penetrating and which is formed of an elastic material. At the elastic part 2, multiple hard layered bodies 4 which enclose the outer periphery side of the passage 1a in an annular form are embedded at intervals in an extension direction of the passage 1a, and the elastic part 2 and the respective hard layered bodies 4 form a peripheral wall of the passage 1a. Misalignment S of pipes 9 to be connected to the pipe joint 1 is absorbed by elastic deformation of the elastic part 2 caused by shearing deformation of elastic layers 5 existing between the hard layered bodies 4.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pipe joint, and more particularly to a pipe joint capable of absorbing displacement of connected pipes in a compact space.

Background Art

[0002] Pipes are used by connecting to various objects. Various structures for connecting pipes have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the structure proposed in Patent Document 1, when connecting a pipe to a building or the like, the pipe is inserted into a through hole formed in a wall portion, and the outer peripheral side of the pipe is covered by a sealing device disposed on the outdoor side of the wall portion, and the pipe is fixed to the wall portion. This sealing device is configured such that an annular elastic ring and an annular reinforcing ring, which are in a state of being externally inserted into the pipe, are alternately arranged in the extending direction of the pipe.

[0003] In this sealing device, each elastic ring can absorb displacement in the radial direction of the pipe by undergoing shear deformation. However, since the structure is such that an annular elastic ring and an annular reinforcing ring having a diameter much larger than that of the pipe are arranged surrounding the outside of the pipe, a relatively large space is required to install this sealing device, and there is room for improvement in absorbing displacement of the connected pipes in a compact space.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a pipe joint capable of absorbing displacement of connected pipes in a compact space.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the pipe joint of the present invention has a flow path extending therethrough and is formed of an elastic material. Straight barrel circle It is a pipe joint provided with a cylindrical elastic part, It has a cylindrical connecting part made of metal arranged at both ends of the elastic part with the elastic part interposed therebetween. The elastic part and each of the connecting parts are integrated by vulcanization adhesion. The flow path communicates with each of the connecting parts, and each of the connecting parts is a pipe joint that is inserted into a pipe or equipment to be connected and used in a connected state. a plurality of rigid laminates annularly surrounding the outer peripheral side of the flow path are embedded in the elastic part at intervals in the extending direction of the flow path, and the elastic part and each of the rigid laminates constitute the peripheral wall of the flow path.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, the elastic material existing between the plurality of rigid laminates embedded in the elastic part is shear-deformed, so that the elastic part is elastically deformed. Therefore, when connecting a pipe with poor flexibility to the pipe joint, even if the pipe is displaced with respect to a predetermined position, the elastic part is elastically deformed, so that this displacement can be absorbed and the pipe can be connected to the pipe joint. And since the elastic part and each of the rigid laminates constitute the peripheral wall of the flow path, the pipe joint can be made compact. Therefore, by using the pipe joint, it becomes possible to absorb the displacement of the connected pipe in a compact space.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

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Figure 9

Figure 10

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, the pipe joint of the present invention will be described based on the embodiments shown in the drawings.

[0010] The pipe joint 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 is used for connecting a pipe 9 with poor flexibility to necessary equipment or the like. Alternatively, the pipe joint 1 is used for connecting pipes 9 with poor flexibility to each other. Such a pipe 9 is formed of metal, a hard resin having a very high bending rigidity, a composite material of these materials, or the like.

[0011] This pipe joint 1 includes a cylindrical elastic part 2 and cylindrical connecting parts 3 arranged on both sides of the elastic part 2 with the elastic part 2 interposed therebetween. The elastic part 2 and each connecting part 3 are integrated. A flow path 1a penetrates and extends through the elastic part 2 and each connecting part 3. The fluid flowing through the flow path 1a may be a liquid or a gas. The alternate long and short dash line CL in the figure indicates an axis extending through the center of the cross section of the pipe joint 1 (flow path 1a). Therefore, the alternate long and short dash line CL is also the axis of the elastic part 2 and the connecting part 3, and the extending direction of the alternate long and short dash line CL is the axial direction.

[0012] A pipe 9, necessary equipment, etc. are connected to each connecting part 3. Each connecting part 3 is generally formed of metal.

[0013] The elastic part 2 is formed of an elastic material, and is softer and has a lower rigidity (modulus) than the connecting part 3 respectively. The elastic part 2 is formed of, for example, various known vulcanized rubbers or elastomers.

[0014] In the elastic part 2, a plurality of annular hard layer bodies 4 are embedded at a predetermined interval g in the extending direction (i.e., the axial direction) of the flow path 1a. Each hard layer body 4 annularly surrounds the outer peripheral side of the flow path 1a and is joined to the connecting part 3. The hard layer body 4 is harder and has a higher rigidity (modulus) than the elastic material forming the elastic part 2. In this embodiment, all the hard layer bodies 4 have the same shape and are in a simple flat annular shape. The hard layer body 4 can also have other shapes, or hard layer bodies 4 with different shapes can be mixed.

[0015] The number of the hard layer bodies 4 is, for example, about 5 to 30. The thickness (layer thickness) of the hard layer body 4 is, for example, about 0.3 mm to 2.0 mm. The predetermined interval g, which is the separation distance between adjacent hard layer bodies 4, is, for example, 0.5 mm to 5.0 mm. Basically, the predetermined interval g is set to the same size at all positions, but the size of the predetermined interval g can also be varied according to the position.

[0016] Between the hard layer bodies 4 embedded adjacent to each other in the extending direction of the flow path 1a, there is an elastic layer 5 made of the elastic material forming the elastic part 2. That is, the hard layer bodies 4 and the elastic layer 5 are alternately arranged in the extending direction of the flow path 1a. The layer thickness of the elastic layer 5 is the size of the predetermined interval g.

[0017] In this embodiment, each rigid laminate 4 is embedded in the elastic portion 2 in a state where its respective inner peripheral surface is not exposed to the flow path 1a. That is, the elastic portion 2 has a cylindrical inner peripheral elastic layer 6 disposed on the inner peripheral side of each rigid laminate 4. The inner peripheral elastic layer 6 is formed of various known vulcanized rubbers and elastomers. Each rigid laminate 4 and the inner peripheral elastic layer 6 are joined together. The elastic portion 2 and the inner peripheral elastic layer 6 can be formed of elastic materials having the same specifications or different specifications. The inner peripheral elastic layer 6 can be provided arbitrarily. When the rigid laminate 4 is made of metal, it is desirable to provide the inner peripheral elastic layer 6 in order to suppress corrosion of the rigid laminate 4 caused by the fluid flowing through the flow path 1a.

[0018] Furthermore, each rigid laminate 4 is embedded in the elastic portion 2 in a state where its respective outer peripheral surface is not exposed to the outside of the elastic portion 2. That is, the elastic portion 2 has a cylindrical outer peripheral elastic layer 7 disposed on the outer peripheral side of each rigid laminate 4. The outer peripheral elastic layer 7 is formed of various known vulcanized rubbers and elastomers. Each rigid laminate 4 and the outer peripheral elastic layer 7 are joined together. The elastic portion 2 and the outer peripheral elastic layer 7 can be formed of elastic materials having the same specifications or different specifications. The outer peripheral elastic layer 7 can be provided arbitrarily. When the rigid laminate 4 is made of metal, it is desirable to provide the outer peripheral elastic layer 7 in order to suppress corrosion of the rigid laminate 4 caused by the outside air (such as moisture).

[0019] In this pipe joint 1, the elastic portion 2 and each rigid laminate 4 constitute the peripheral wall of the flow path 1a. Also, each connecting portion 3 constitutes the peripheral wall of the flow path 1a.

[0020] To manufacture the pipe joint 1 having the elastic portion 2 formed of vulcanized rubber, a component corresponding to the elastic portion 2 is formed of unvulcanized rubber, and each rigid laminate 4 is embedded in this component. Then, a molded body in which each connecting portion 3 is brought into contact with both sides of this component is molded. Next, by vulcanizing this molded body by a known method, a pipe joint 1 in which each component (member) is integrated by vulcanization adhesion can be manufactured.

[0021] Each pipe 9 illustrated in FIG. 4 is already fixed in position, and there is a misalignment (axial misalignment) S in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction between the two. One pipe 9 is connected to the connecting portion 3 on one side of the joint pipe 1, and the other pipe 9 is connected to the connecting portion 3 on the other side, and they are connected to each other via the pipe joint 1.

[0022] In the elastic portion 2, each elastic layer 5 is slightly sheared in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction. By the accumulation of the shear deformation of each elastic layer 5, the elastically deformed elastic portion 2 absorbs the misalignment S between the pipes 9.

[0023] When connecting the pipe 9 with poor flexibility to the pipe joint 1, even if there is a misalignment S of at least one pipe 9 with respect to a predetermined position, each elastic layer 5 is sheared and deformed so as to follow this misalignment S. As a result, the elastically deformed elastic portion 2 absorbs the misalignment S and the pipe 9 can be connected to the pipe joint 1.

[0024] And since the elastic portion 2 and each rigid layer-like body 4 constitute the peripheral wall of the flow path 1a, the pipe joint 1 does not become excessive, which is advantageous for making the pipe joint 1 compact. Therefore, by using this pipe joint 1, it is possible to absorb the misalignment S of the connected pipes 9 in a compact space.

[0025] The larger the number of elastic layers 5 arranged in the extending direction of the flow path 1a, the larger the elastic deformation amount of the elastic portion 2 can be made. Therefore, when the misalignment S of the pipe 9 is large, the number of elastic layers 5 (in other words, the number of rigid layer-like bodies 4) may be increased. That is, when the misalignment S of the pipe 9 is large, a pipe joint 1 having a large number of elastic layers 5 (rigid layer-like bodies 4) may be used.

[0026] Even if the internal pressure of the pipe 9 increases due to the flow of fluid through the flow path 1a, the shear deformation of each elastic layer 5 is slight, so it can sufficiently withstand a high internal pressure. The smaller the predetermined interval g (the layer thickness of the elastic layer 5) between the rigid layer bodies 4, the more difficult it is for the elastic layer 5 to undergo shear deformation. Therefore, to improve the pressure resistance of the pipe joint 1, the predetermined interval g may be reduced. That is, when the operating internal pressure of the pipe 9 is high, a pipe joint 1 with a small predetermined interval g may be used.

[0027] In this embodiment, the inner peripheral elastic layer 6 is formed of an elastic material having excellent resistance to the fluid flowing through the flow path 1a. Therefore, it is not necessary to change the type (specification) of the elastic material forming the elastic layer 5 according to the fluid flowing through the flow path 1a. Also, in this embodiment, the outer peripheral elastic layer 7 is formed of an elastic material having excellent resistance to the outside air. Therefore, it is not necessary to change the type (specification) of the elastic material forming the elastic layer 5 according to the conditions of the outside air.

[0028] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the pipe joint 1 further has an elongation restricting member 8 attached to the outer peripheral side of the elastic portion 2. The elongation restricting member 8 is a member that restricts the elongation of the elastic portion 2 in the axial direction (the extending direction of the flow path 1a). The elongation restricting member 8 restricts only the elongation of the elastic portion 2 substantially in the axial direction and does not substantially restrict the displacement in other directions. The elongation restricting member 8 is formed of, for example, metal and is harder and has a higher rigidity (modulus) than the elastic material forming the elastic portion 2.

[0029] In this embodiment, the connection end portions of the respective connecting portions 3 with the elastic portion 2 have a flanged shape with a larger diameter. This elongation restricting member 8 engages with the flanged portion with a larger diameter of each connecting portion 3 and has a cylindrical shape that is externally fitted to the elastic portion 2. As the elongation restricting member 8, for example, a cylindrical body divided into two (a plurality of divisions) along a dividing line extending in the axial direction is adopted. The elongation restricting member 8 can be in other forms as long as it can restrict only the elongation of the elastic portion 2 substantially in the axial direction. The elongation restricting member 8 can be provided arbitrarily.

[0030] For the pipe joint 1, depending on the installation site, an external force pulling in the axial direction of the elastic part 2 may act. Even when such an external force acts, the elastic layer 5 hardly deforms. However, if this external force is excessive, there is a risk that the elastic layer 5 will be damaged. In this embodiment, when the elastic part 2 is pulled by an excessive external force in the axial direction, the elongation restricting member 8 resists the external force, so that the risk of the elastic layer 5 being pulled and damaged can be reduced.

[0031] Since the elongation restricting member 8 does not restrict displacement other than in the axial direction of the elastic part 2, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the elastic part 2 can elastically deform to absorb the displacement S of the pipe 9. Therefore, the excellent effect of the elastic part 2 is not impaired by the elongation restricting member 8. In the elongation restricting member 8, a low friction material such as fluororesin or a rotating roller can also be used for the portion (flange-like portion) engaging with each connecting part 3. This is advantageous for reducing the risk that the ease of elastic deformation of the elastic part 2 is impaired due to the elongation restricting member 8.

[0032] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the outer peripheral surface of each rigid layer 4 is exposed to the outside of the elastic part 2. That is, the outer peripheral elastic layer 7 is omitted from the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2. For example, when the rigid layer 4 is formed of a material (for example, a resin material) that is hardly corroded by the outside air, such a specification can also be adopted to further reduce the size and weight of the pipe joint 1.

[0033] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the inner peripheral surface of each rigid layer 4 is exposed to the flow path 1a. That is, the inner peripheral elastic layer 6 is omitted from the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2. For example, when the rigid layer 4 is formed of a material (for example, a resin material) that is hardly corroded by the fluid flowing through the flow path 1a, such a specification can also be adopted to further reduce the size and weight of the pipe joint 1.

[0034] It is also possible to adopt a specification in which the outer peripheral surface of each rigid layer 4 is exposed to the outside of the elastic part 2 and the inner peripheral surface is exposed to the flow path 1a. That is, from the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the outer peripheral elastic layer 7 and the inner peripheral elastic layer 6 are omitted, and further compactification and weight reduction of the pipe joint 1 can be achieved.

[0035] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, each rigid layer 4 has a shape that protrudes in an arc shape on one side in the extending direction of the flow path 1a in a side view. That is, this rigid layer 4 is an annular body, and has a curved shape on one surface side of the annular body. Accordingly, the elastic layer 5 also has a shape that protrudes in an arc shape on one side in the extending direction of the flow path 1a in a side view.

[0036] Each rigid layer 4 can have the same shape, but it is preferable to change the radius r of the arc shape in a side view according to each arrangement. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 9, each rigid layer 4 preferably has an arc shape having a radius r centered on one bending center P on the axis CL. That is, the farther the rigid layer 4 is located from the bending center P, the larger the radius r is.

[0037] In this embodiment, the elastic layer 5 undergoes shear deformation along the arc-shaped surface of the rigid layer 4 in a side view. Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the elastic part 2 is easily elastically deformed so as to bend in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the elastic part 2 (flow path 1a) (the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 10). Therefore, the pipe joint 1 of this embodiment is beneficial when used in a state where the elastic part 2 is bent and deformed in this way.

[0038] In this embodiment, the rigid layer 4 disposed at a position farther from the bending center P has a larger radius r. As a result, each elastic layer 5 is more easily sheared and deformed smoothly along the arc-shaped surface of the rigid layer 4, and as a result, the elastic part 2 can be bent and deformed more smoothly.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0039] 1 Pipe joint 1a flow path 2 elastic part 3 connecting part 4 rigid layer body 5 elastic layer 6 inner peripheral elastic layer 7 outer peripheral elastic layer 8 elongation restricting member 9 pipe

Claims

1. A pipe joint having an elastic portion in the form of a straight cylindrical body that extends through a flow path and is formed of an elastic material, having cylindrical connecting portions made of metal disposed at both ends of the elastic portion with the elastic portion interposed therebetween, the elastic portion and each of the connecting portions being integrated by vulcanization adhesion, the flow path communicating with each of the connecting portions, and each of the connecting portions being inserted into a pipe or equipment to be connected and used in a connected state, wherein a plurality of rigid layer bodies that annularly surround the outer peripheral side of the flow path are embedded in the elastic portion at intervals in the extending direction of the flow path, and the elastic portion and each of the rigid layer bodies constitute the peripheral wall of the flow path. A pipe joint characterized by this.

2. The pipe joint according to claim 1, wherein each of the rigid layer bodies is embedded in the elastic portion in a state where its inner peripheral surface does not expose to the flow path.

3. The pipe joint according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the rigid layer bodies is embedded in the elastic portion in a state where its outer peripheral surface does not expose to the outside of the elastic portion.

4. The pipe joint according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each of the rigid layer bodies has a shape that protrudes in an arc shape on one side in the extending direction of the flow path in a side view.

5. having an elongation restricting member that restricts the elongation of the elastic portion in the extending direction of the flow path, the connecting end portion of each of the connecting portions with the elastic portion having an outer diameter at the same level as that of the elastic portion, and in each of the connecting portions, the connecting end portion having a flange shape with a larger diameter than other portions, wherein the elongation restricting member is a cylindrical body that engages with each of the connecting end portions and is externally fitted to the elastic portion, and this cylindrical body is formed by a plurality of divided bodies along a dividing line extending in the axial direction of the elastic portion. The pipe joint according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The pipe joint according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each of the rigid layer bodies is made of metal.

7. The pipe joint according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each of the rigid layer bodies is made of resin.

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