Elbow type pipe fitting

Abstract

To provide a pipe joint capable of coupling and removing a joint member opening / closing a valve in a narrow environment.SOLUTION: An elbow type pipe joint (10) is equipped with a cylindrical first pipe connecting portion (21) to which another joint (900) can be connected, a cylindrical second pipe connecting portion (22) that has a second center axis (C2) intersecting a first center axis (C1) of the first pipe connecting portion, a hollow valve storage portion (23) that are respective connected to the first pipe connecting portion and the second pipe connecting portion, and has a valve storage space (h3) respectively communicating to a first inner hole (h1) of the first connecting portion and a second inner hole (h2) of the second connecting portion, and a flap valve device (100) that is stored in the valve storage portion, and switches a valve-opening state in which the first inner hole and the second inner hole are communicated and a valve-closing state in which the first inner hole and the second inner hole are intercepted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an elbow-type pipe fitting. [Background technology]

[0002] Various pipe fittings have been proposed for connecting two pipes. These fittings have two components, such as a "plug and socket" or a "male and female pipe fitting," each with an internal valve structure, which transitions from a closed state to an open state when the fittings are connected. For example, the pipe fitting disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a valve structure known as a plunger valve. When the plug and socket are connected, a component within the socket pushes back a cylindrical outer valve component within the plug in the axial direction, thereby releasing the sealing engagement between the outer valve device within the plug and an inner valve component (plunger) disposed within the outer valve component. Furthermore, when the socket is connected, the valve component is pushed back axially by the inner valve component within the plug, releasing the sealing engagement between the valve component and the components surrounding it. The pipe fitting disclosed in Patent Document 2 also has a valve structure known as a plunger valve. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-29933 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-138380 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in pipe fittings with plunger valves such as those described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the valve member (valve element) housed inside switches between an open state and a closed state by axially stroking, so they have no choice but to employ an axially long structure to ensure a predetermined stroke length. This poses a problem in that they cannot be used in environments where the predetermined stroke length cannot be ensured, such as narrow spaces such as the engine compartment of a vehicle. Therefore, there is a demand for pipe fittings that can connect and disconnect coupling members, which involves the opening and closing of the valve, in narrow environments. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve at least part of the above-mentioned problems, and can be realized in the following forms. [Mode 1] An elbow-type pipe fitting, comprising: a cylindrical first pipe connecting portion to which another fitting can be connected; a cylindrical second pipe connecting portion having a second central axis intersecting a first central axis of the first pipe connecting portion; hollow valve accommodating portions connected to the first pipe connecting portion and the second pipe connecting portion, respectively, and having valve accommodating spaces communicating with a first inner hole of the first pipe connecting portion and a second inner hole of the second pipe connecting portion, respectively; and a flap valve device accommodated in the valve accommodating portion, the flap valve device rotating to switch between an open state in which the first inner hole and the second inner hole communicate with each other and a closed state in which the first inner hole and the second inner hole are blocked, the flap valve device having a bottom with an opening formed therein and a cylindrical valve seat member having a central axis parallel to the first central axis, the valve seat member being arranged so that the bottom is in contact with the valve accommodating space; an elastic member that biases the valve body to seal the opening, wherein the valve body has a pressing portion that is exposed to an inner space of the valve seat member that communicates with the first inner bore in the closed state, and that is pressed in a direction parallel to the first central axis by the other coupling that is inserted into the first inner bore and connected to the first pipe connection part, the pressing portion being provided on a side of the valve body that is closer to the rotation axis in the direction parallel to the second central axis, and the opening is formed in the bottom portion so that a third central axis of the opening is parallel to the first central axis and is located farther from the rotation axis than the first central axis in the direction parallel to the second central axis. [Mode 2] An elbow-type pipe fitting comprising: a cylindrical first pipe connecting portion to which another fitting can be connected; a cylindrical second pipe connecting portion having a second central axis intersecting a first central axis of the first pipe connecting portion; hollow valve accommodating portions connected to the first pipe connecting portion and the second pipe connecting portion, respectively, and having valve accommodating spaces communicating with a first inner hole of the first pipe connecting portion and a second inner hole of the second pipe connecting portion, respectively; and a flap valve device accommodated in the valve accommodating portion, the flap valve device rotating to switch between an open state in which the first inner hole and the second inner hole are communicated with each other, and a closed state in which the first inner hole and the second inner hole are blocked, the flap valve device having a bottom portion with an opening formed therein, and a cylindrical second pipe connecting portion having a second central axis intersecting a first central axis of the first pipe connecting portion and a hollow valve accommodating space communicating with a first inner hole of the first pipe connecting portion and a second inner hole of the second pipe connecting portion, respectively. a cylindrical valve seat member with a bottom and a central axis, the valve seat member being arranged so that the bottom is in contact with the valve accommodating space; a valve body configured to be rotatable about a rotation axis perpendicular to both the first central axis and the second central axis, the valve body sealing the opening to achieve the closed valve state and opening the opening to achieve the open valve state; and an elastic member urging the valve body to seal the opening, wherein the valve body has a pressing portion exposed to an inner space of the valve seat member that communicates with the first inner hole in the closed valve state, the pressing portion being pressed in a direction parallel to the first central axis by the other fitting that is inserted into the first inner hole and connected to the first pipe connecting part, the pressing portion is provided on the side of the valve body closer to the rotation axis in a direction parallel to the second central axis, and the valve body further has a main body having an exposed surface that is exposed to the inner space in the closed valve state and a sealing portion that is connected to the exposed surface and seals the opening in the closed valve state, and a rod-shaped protrusion that protrudes from the exposed surface and is connected to the pressing portion at its tip.

[0006] (1) According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an elbow-type pipe fitting comprising: a first cylindrical pipe connection portion to which another fitting can be connected; a second cylindrical pipe connection portion having a second central axis intersecting a first central axis of the first pipe connection portion; hollow valve accommodating portions connected to the first pipe connection portion and the second pipe connection portion, respectively, and having valve accommodating spaces communicating with a first inner bore of the first pipe connection portion and a second inner bore of the second pipe connection portion, and a flap valve device accommodated in the valve accommodating portion, the flap valve device rotating to switch between an open state in which the first inner bore and the second inner bore are connected to each other and a closed state in which the first inner bore and the second inner bore are blocked from each other. This elbow pipe fitting includes a first pipe connection portion and a second pipe connection portion having intersecting central axes (first and second central axes), a valve housing portion, and a flap valve device housed in the valve housing portion and pivoting to switch between an open and closed state. This allows the valve (flap valve device) to be opened and closed even in situations where only limited space is available along the first and second central axes. This allows for the connection and disconnection of fitting components (elbow pipe fittings and other fittings) that involve the opening and closing of the valve, even in confined spaces. Additionally, in the open state, the first inner bore and the second inner bore can be connected over a shorter distance in the valve housing space than in a plunger valve, reducing flow resistance (pressure loss). (2) In the elbow-type pipe fitting of the above embodiment, the flap valve device may include a bottomed, cylindrical valve seat member having a bottom with an opening formed therein and a central axis parallel to the first central axis, the valve seat member being arranged so that the bottom is in contact with the valve accommodating space; a valve body configured to be rotatable around a rotation axis perpendicular to both the first central axis and the second central axis, the valve body realizing the closed valve state by sealing the opening and the open valve state by opening the opening; and an elastic member that biases the valve body to seal the opening. According to this form of elbow-type pipe fitting, the flap valve device has a bottomed cylindrical valve seat member having a bottom with an opening formed therein, a valve body, and an elastic member.Therefore, when no other fitting is connected to the elbow-type pipe fitting, the elastic member biases the valve body to seal the opening, thereby realizing a closed valve state.On the other hand, when another fitting is connected to the elbow-type pipe fitting, the valve body rotates to open the opening, thereby realizing an open valve state. (3) In the elbow-type pipe fitting of the above embodiment, the valve body has a pressing portion exposed to an inner space of the valve seat member that communicates with the first inner hole in the closed valve state, and that is pressed in a direction parallel to the first central axis by the other fitting that is inserted into the first inner hole and connected to the first pipe connection portion, and the pressing portion may be provided on a side of the valve body that is closer to the rotation axis in a direction parallel to the second central axis. In this elbow pipe fitting, the pressing portion is provided on the side of the valve element closer to the axis of rotation about which the valve element rotates in a direction parallel to the second central axis, so that when the pressing portion is pressed by another fitting the same distance along the first central axis, the valve element can be rotated by a larger angle than in a configuration in which the pressing portion is provided on the side farther from the axis of rotation. This allows the flow path cross-sectional area in the valve accommodation space to be increased, further reducing pressure loss. (4) In the elbow-type pipe fitting of the above embodiment, the opening may be formed in the bottom portion so that a third central axis of the opening is parallel to the first central axis and is located farther from the rotation axis than the first central axis along a direction parallel to the second central axis. In this form of elbow-type pipe fitting, the opening is formed in the bottom of the valve seat member so that the third central axis of the opening is parallel to the first central axis and is located farther from the rotation axis along a direction parallel to the second central axis than the first central axis.Therefore, when another fitting is connected to the first pipe connection portion, the central axis of the other fitting is connected to coincide with the first central axis, and in a configuration in which the pressing portion is pressed at a location on the central axis of the other fitting, the pressing portion provided on the side of the valve body closer to the rotation axis in the direction along the second central axis can be pressed with greater accuracy. (5) In the elbow-type pipe fitting of the above configuration, the valve body may further have a main body portion having an exposed surface that is exposed to the inner space in the closed valve state and a sealing portion that is connected to the exposed surface and seals the opening in the closed valve state, and a rod-shaped protrusion that protrudes from the exposed surface and is connected to the pressing portion at its tip. In this type of elbow-type pipe fitting, the valve body has a rod-shaped protrusion that protrudes from the exposed surface and is connected to the pressing portion at its tip, so that when another fitting is connected to the first pipe connection portion, a portion of the valve body other than the pressing portion can be prevented from being pressed. (6) In the elbow pipe fitting of the above aspect, the protruding portion may be disposed parallel to the first center axis in the open state. In this elbow fitting, the protruding portion is arranged parallel to the first central axis in the open state, so that the area of the protruding portion when viewed in the direction of the first central axis can be reduced, thereby reducing the pressure loss of the fluid flowing from the first inner hole into the valve accommodation space. (7) In the elbow pipe joint of the above embodiment, the contact surface of the pressing portion that comes into contact with the other joint may be configured by a curved surface that is a set of involute curves. In this elbow-type pipe fitting, the contact surface of the pressing portion that comes into contact with the other fitting is composed of a curved surface that is a collection of involute curves, so in a configuration in which the contact surface of the other fitting that comes into contact with the pressing portion is a curved surface that is a collection of involute curves or a curved surface that is part of a sphere, excessive displacement of the contact position between the other fitting and the pressing portion can be suppressed, and because the contact portion can be composed of a point or a line, pressing force can be transmitted stably to the valve disc when the other fitting is connected. This allows the valve disc to rotate smoothly and with little force. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of an elbow-type pipe fitting according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of an elbow-type pipe fitting according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of an elbow-type pipe fitting according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of an elbow-type pipe joint. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a detailed configuration of a flap valve device. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a detailed configuration of a flap valve device. [Figure 7] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between a first central axis of the first pipe connecting portion and a third central axis of the opening. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a detailed configuration of a valve body. [Figure 9]FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a detailed configuration of a valve body. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of an elbow-type pipe joint. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] A. Implementation: A1. Overall device configuration: 1 to 3 are perspective views showing the external configuration of an elbow pipe fitting 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The elbow pipe fitting 10 is used to connect two pipes together in a narrow space. Specifically, the elbow pipe fitting 10 is used to connect two pipes together when their central axes do not coincide with each other (i.e., when the pipes intersect at a predetermined angle). In this embodiment, the "predetermined angle" is 90 degrees. Note that this is not limited to 90 degrees and may be any angle other than 0 degrees. In this embodiment, the "two pipes" refer to pipes for circulating a cooling medium, such as pure water, LLC (Long Life Coolant), air, or oil, for adjusting the temperature of a battery module in a battery pack mounted on a vehicle and housing multiple batteries in a case. Note that in this embodiment, one of the two pipes connected to the elbow pipe fitting 10 is a tubular joint, and when connected to the elbow pipe fitting 10, it presses a portion of a flap valve device 100 (described later) included in the elbow pipe fitting 10. 1 and 2, another fitting 900 (hereinafter simply referred to as "fitting 900") corresponding to one of the two pipes is indicated by a dashed line. Fitting 900 is provided inside the battery pack case and connects to an elbow-type fitting 10 attached to the surface of the battery pack case. Note that fitting 900 is omitted from FIGS. 1 to 3 for convenience of illustration. Note that elbow-type fitting 10 is not limited to a pipe for circulating a temperature-regulating medium in the battery pack described above, and may be used to connect pipes (and fittings) used in any location for circulating any type of medium.

[0009] 1 to 3 show three mutually orthogonal axes (X, Y, and Z axes). In this embodiment, the "X-axis direction" is a general term for the +X direction and the -X direction. Similarly, the "Y-axis direction" is a general term for the +Y direction and the -Y direction, and the "Z-axis direction" is a general term for the +Z direction and the -Z direction. The X, Y, and Z axes in FIGS. 4 to 10 are the same as the X, Y, and Z axes in FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0010] 1 to 3, the elbow pipe fitting 10 includes a first pipe connecting portion 21, a second pipe connecting portion 22, a valve accommodating portion 23, a retainer 30, and a flap valve device 100. The first pipe connecting portion 21, the second pipe connecting portion 22, and the valve accommodating portion 23 are integrally formed.

[0011] The first pipe connecting portion 21 has a cylindrical external shape and can be connected to a fitting 900. An inner hole h1 of the first pipe connecting portion 21 (hereinafter referred to as the "first inner hole h1") and a central axis C1 of the first pipe connecting portion 21 (hereinafter referred to as the "first central axis C1") are parallel to the Z axis. A valve accommodating portion 23 is connected to the first pipe connecting portion 21 in the +Z direction. A fitting 900 can be connected to the first pipe connecting portion 21 in the -Z direction. In this embodiment, the fitting 900 is a pipe fitting having a valve device therein, and is connected to a pipe (not shown) at an end opposite to the end connected to the elbow-type pipe fitting 10. As shown in FIG. 3, an engaging member 101 and a sealing member 102 are attached to the first inner hole h1 of the first pipe connecting portion 21.

[0012] The second pipe connecting portion 22 has a cylindrical external shape and can be connected to a pipe (not shown). An inner hole h2 of the second pipe connecting portion 22 (hereinafter referred to as the "second inner hole h2") and a central axis C2 of the second pipe connecting portion 22 (hereinafter referred to as the "second central axis C2") are parallel to the Y axis. A valve accommodating portion 23 is connected to the second pipe connecting portion 22 in the -Y direction. A pipe (not shown) can be connected to the second pipe connecting portion 22 in the +Y direction. The pipe that can be connected to this second pipe connecting portion 22 may be a joint having a valve device therein, or may be a simple pipe simply provided with an inner hole.

[0013] The valve accommodating portion 23 is connected to the first pipe connecting portion 21 and the second pipe connecting portion 22, and has a hollow structure having a valve accommodating space h3 that communicates with the first inner hole h1 and the second inner hole h2.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the elbow pipe fitting 10. FIG. 4 shows a cross-section taken along the IV-IV line in FIG. 1. A flap valve device 100 is accommodated in the valve accommodation space h3. The -Z end of the flap valve device 100 contacts the seal member 102. The engagement member 101 contacts the -Z side of the seal member 102. That is, the seal member 102 is sandwiched between the flap valve device 100 and the engagement member 101 in the Z-axis direction, sealing the gap between the flap valve device 100 and the engagement member 101. Unlike FIGS. 1 to 3, FIG. 4 shows the elbow pipe fitting 10 in a state where the fitting 900 is not connected to the first pipe connection portion 21. In this state, the flap valve device 100 is in a closed state in which the first inner hole h1 and the second inner hole h2 are blocked. The detailed configuration of the flap valve device 100 will be described later. The joint 900 is provided with an annular seal portion 910 and a flap valve 920 in an inner hole 901. The flap valve 920 rotates in the same manner as the flap valve device 100, thereby switching between a closed state in which the opening of the seal portion 910 is sealed and an open state in which the opening of the seal portion 910 is opened. The flap valve 920 is provided with an abutment portion 921 that protrudes parallel to the central axis of the joint 900 in the closed state. The function of the abutment portion 921 will be described later.

[0015] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the retainer 30 has a generally U-shaped shape in a plan view. When the fitting 900 is connected to the first pipe connecting portion 21, the retainer 30 is attached so as to sandwich the first pipe connecting portion 21 and engage with the tip of the fitting 900. A pair of engaging portions 31 shown in Figures 3 and 4 are formed at the tips of both arm portions of the retainer 30, and these pair of engaging portions 31 are inserted into the first inner hole h1 from openings formed in the side surfaces of the first pipe connecting portion 21 and engage with engaging portions (not shown) formed at the tip of the fitting 900. This completes the prevention of the fitting 900 from slipping out of the elbow-type pipe fitting 10.

[0016] A2. Detailed configuration of the flap valve device 100: 5 and 6 are perspective views showing the detailed configuration of the flap valve device 100. In addition to the flap valve device 100, Fig. 5 shows an engagement member 101 and a seal member 102. The engagement member 101 has an annular external shape. As shown in Fig. 5, an engagement groove 103 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the engagement member 101, and the engagement member 101 engages with the -Z direction end of the valve accommodating portion 23 and the +Z direction end of the first pipe connecting portion 21 via this engagement groove 103.

[0017] The flap valve device 100 includes a valve seat member 110, a valve body 150, and an elastic member 130. The valve seat member 110 has a bottom 111 in which an opening 112 is formed, and has a cylindrical external shape with a bottom. In the closed valve state shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6, the opening 112 is sealed by the valve body 150. The bottom 111 is exposed to the valve accommodating space h3 on its outer surface (surface facing the +Z direction) as shown in FIG. 4, and is exposed to the first inner hole h1 on its inner surface (surface facing the -Z direction) as shown in FIG.

[0018] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the first central axis C1 of the first pipe connection portion 21 and the third central axis C3 of the opening 112. FIG. 7 schematically shows a cross section of the first pipe connection portion 21 and the valve seat member 110, and does not include the second pipe connection portion 22, the valve accommodating portion 23, the retainer 30, etc. In addition, in FIG. 7, a thick arrow indicates a locus T1 of the position of the rotation axis when the valve element 150 rotates. The valve element 150 rotates around a rotation axis parallel to the X-axis direction. The valve element 150 also moves in the Z-axis direction depending on the connection state with the fitting 900. Therefore, the rotation axis of the valve element 150 moves along a locus T1 parallel to the Z-axis direction. 7, the opening 112 is formed in the bottom 111 of the valve seat member 110 so that a central axis C3 of the opening 112 (hereinafter referred to as the "third central axis C3") is parallel to the central axis C1 of the first pipe connection portion 21 and is located farther from the rotation axis (trajectory T1) of the valve disc 150 than the first central axis C1 along a direction parallel to the Y-axis direction (a direction parallel to the second central axis C2). The reason for such a positional deviation between the first central axis C1 and the third central axis C3 in the Y-axis direction will be described later. The "central axis C3 of the opening 112" refers to an axis that passes through the center of the opening 112 and coincides with a normal line when the opening 112 is viewed as a plane.

[0019] 4 to 6, the valve seat member 110 has, in addition to the above-mentioned opening 112, an elastic member support portion 113 and a pair of bearing portions 114 on the bottom portion 111. The bottom portion 111, the elastic member support portion 113 and the bearing portions 114 are integrally formed.

[0020] The elastic member support portion 113 is formed on the -Y direction end portion of the +Z direction surface of the bottom portion 111. The elastic member support portion 113 has an external shape of a rectangular pillar protruding from the bottom portion 111 in the +Z direction. The elastic member support portion 113 supports the elastic member 130. In this embodiment, the elastic member 130 is formed of a bent leaf spring. The elastic member support portion 113 fixes one end portion 132 of the leaf spring. In this way, the elastic member support portion 113 causes the one end portion 132 of the elastic member 130 to function as a fixed end.

[0021] The pair of bearings 114 are formed on the +Z-direction surface of the bottom 111 at the −Y-direction end, sandwiching the elastic member support portion 113 in the X-axis direction. The bearings 114 rotatably support the pair of shafts 153 of the valve body 150. However, in this embodiment, in the normal state, the bearings 114 and the shafts 153 are not in contact with each other, and the shafts 153 are located in the +Z direction relative to the bearings 114 and are not in contact with each other. Therefore, in the normal state, the bearings 114 only function to prevent the shafts 153 from being excessively displaced when the valve body 150 rotates. However, even if an abnormal state occurs in which the position of the shafts 153 is located in the −Z direction relative to the intended position due to a design tolerance or assembly error of the seal portion 159 provided in the valve body 150, the bearings 114 can rotatably support the shafts 153 due to the gap between the shafts 153 and the bearings 114 in the normal state.

[0022] 8 and 9 are perspective views showing the detailed configuration of the valve element 150. The valve element 150 is a rotation axis that moves along a trajectory T1 shown in Fig. 7 when connected to the joint 900, and is configured to be rotatable about a rotation axis that is perpendicular to both the first center axis C1 and the second center axis C2. The valve element 150 achieves a closed state by sealing the opening 112 in the bottom portion 111, and achieves an open state by opening the opening 112.

[0023] In addition to the pair of shaft portions 153 described above, the valve body 150 also includes a main body portion 155, a pair of elastic member guide portions 151, a pair of support arms 152, a protruding portion 157, a pressing portion 158, and a sealing portion 159. Note that the sealing portion 159 is omitted in Figures 8 and 9. The sealing portion 159 is shown in Figures 5 and 6 described above.

[0024] The main body 155 has a thin, cylindrical exterior shape with one end surface (hereinafter referred to as the "exposed surface 156") formed in a conical shape. In the open state, the exposed surface 156 is the surface against which the coolant flowing in from the first pipe connection portion 21 and traveling in the +Z direction through the first inner hole h1 collides within the valve storage space h3. Because the exposed surface 156 is conical, the coolant that collides with the exposed surface 156 can be directed toward the second inner hole h2. As shown in FIG. 4, in the closed state, the central axis direction (thickness direction) of the main body 155 is parallel to the Z axis. As shown in FIG. 4, in the closed state, the exposed surface 156 is exposed to the inner space SP1 of the valve seat member 110.

[0025] As shown in Fig. 8, the pair of elastic member guide portions 151 are provided a predetermined distance apart from each other in the X-axis direction on the surface opposite to the exposed surface 156, i.e., on surface S1, which is the end surface of the main body portion 155 in the +Z direction. The pair of elastic member guide portions 151 have a substantially quadrangular prism-like external shape and protrude in the +Z direction from surface S1. As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, on surface S1, a folded portion 133 of the elastic member 130 is disposed in region SP2 sandwiched between the pair of elastic member guide portions 151. The length of region SP2 in the X-axis direction is longer than the length of folded portion 133 in the X-axis direction.

[0026] Here, the configuration of the elastic member 130 will be described. As described above, the elastic member 130 is composed of a bent leaf spring, and the end 132 in the -Y direction is fixed by the elastic member support portion 113. In addition to the end 132 described above, the elastic member 130 also includes an intermediate portion 131 connected to the end 132, and a folded portion 133 connected to the intermediate portion 131 and located at the end opposite the end 132. As described above, the end 132 is a fixed end, while the intermediate portion 131 and the folded portion 133 are free. In other words, the intermediate portion 131 and the folded portion 133 are not fixed to the valve body 150 or the valve seat member 110 and can deform and move due to applied stress. The end of the elastic member support portion 113 in the +Z direction substantially coincides with the end of the end 132 in the +Z direction. The +Z direction ends of the elastic member support portion 113 and the end 132 in the +Z direction are located in the +Z direction relative to the plane S1. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the intermediate portion 131, which is connected to the end portion 132 and the folded portion 133, is disposed at an angle so as to be positioned in the -Z direction as it approaches the +Y direction. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, an opening is provided in the intermediate portion 131 to reduce weight and the biasing force. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the folded portion 133 is bent so as to form a slope opposite to the intermediate portion 131, with the boundary being the portion where it contacts the surface S1 of the valve seat member 110 (bottom portion 111). When the valve is switched between the open state and the closed state, the opened folded portion 133 slides on the surface S1 so that the position where it contacts the surface S1 changes. The pair of elastic member guides 151 prevent the folded portion 133 from being displaced excessively in the X-axis direction and moving out of the region SP2 during this movement.

[0027] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the pair of support arms 152 have a thin plate-like appearance that is approximately triangular in plan view. The pair of support arms 152 are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in the X-axis direction. The +Y-direction ends of the pair of support arms 152 are arranged to be continuous with the bottom portion 111, and the -Y-direction ends are spaced apart from the bottom portion 111. The above-mentioned pair of shaft portions 153 are provided at the ends of the pair of support arms 152 that are away from the bottom portion 111. Therefore, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, in an assembled state, the pair of support arms 152 cantilever-support the valve body 150 with the shaft portions 153 supported by the bearing portions 114.

[0028] 8 and 9, protrusion 157 has a rod-like external shape, protrudes from exposed surface 156, and its tip is connected to pressing portion 158. Pressing portion 158 has a curved plate-like external shape. A surface S2 (hereinafter referred to as "contact surface S2") of pressing portion 158 that is on the opposite side in the thickness direction to the surface that is connected to the tip of protrusion 157 comes into contact with joint 900 (abutment portion 921) when joint 900 is connected.

[0029] The contact surface S2 is composed of a curved surface that is a collection of involute curves. In other words, the contact surface S2 is a curved surface whose cross section is an involute curve. An involute curve is a plane curved surface whose normal always touches a fixed circle. The reason why the contact surface S2 is composed of a curved surface whose cross section is an involute curve will be explained later.

[0030] A3. Connection and disconnection of joint parts: Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of the elbow pipe fitting 10. Like Figure 4, Figure 10 shows a cross section taken along the IV-IV cross-sectional line in Figure 1. Figure 10 shows the elbow pipe fitting 10 in a state where the fitting 900 is connected to the first pipe connection portion 21, that is, in a valve-closed state.

[0031] From the open valve state shown in Figure 4, the fitting 900 moves in the +Z direction and is inserted into the first inner hole h1. When the tip of the fitting 900 hits the bottom 111 of the valve seat member 110 as shown in Figure 10, the insertion of the fitting 900 is stopped and the worker attaches the retainer 30 to the first pipe connection portion 21, completing the connection between the elbow-type pipe fitting 10 and the fitting 900.

[0032] During insertion of the fitting 900, the abutting portion 921 of the flap valve 920 included in the fitting 900 comes into contact with the contact surface S2 of the pressing portion 158 of the valve body 150. Thereafter, as the insertion of the fitting 900 progresses, the abutting portion 921 presses the pressing portion 158 in the +Z direction. Here, in this embodiment, the tip surface of the abutting portion 921 of the fitting 900 is also an involute curve, just like the contact surface S2. Therefore, as the abutting portion 921 presses the pressing portion 158, the contact portions between the abutting portion 921 and the pressing portion 158 are displaced at the abutting portion 921 and the seal portion 159. That is, at the contact surface S2, the portion in contact with the abutting portion 921 is displaced in a curved shape along the longitudinal direction of the contact surface S2. As a result, the valve body 150 rotates about the shaft portion 153. At this time, the valve element 150 as a whole is pushed and displaced in the +Z direction by the pressure of the abutment portion 921. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 10, the opening 112 is opened, and the first inner hole h1, the second inner hole h2, and the valve accommodating space h3 communicate with each other via the opening 112.

[0033] At this time, the flap valve 920 of the fitting 900 also rotates, opening the opening of the seal portion 910, and the inner hole of the fitting 900 and the first inner hole h1 are connected. At this time, a cooling medium flow path connecting the first inner hole h1, the valve housing space h3, and the inner hole h2 is formed through a gap formed in the opening 112 in the +Y direction from the valve disc 150. This flow path is the shortest path connecting the first inner hole h1 and the second inner hole h2. This reduces pressure loss. Note that, as shown in FIG. 10 , the valve disc 150 rotates and moves in the +Z direction compared to the closed state shown in FIG. 4 . As a result, a cooling medium flow path connecting the first inner hole h1, the valve housing space h3, and the inner hole h2 is also formed through a gap formed in the opening 112 in the -Y direction from the valve disc 150. This flow path passes between the valve element 150 and the elastic member support portion 113, and then goes around the side of the elastic member 130 or passes through the opening of the elastic member 130 toward the second inner hole h2. Here, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 10, in the valve accommodating portion 23, the inner walls 231 at the +Z direction end and the -Y direction end are formed as inclined surfaces with the -Z direction and the +Y direction as their approximate normal directions. In other words, the inner walls of the valve accommodating portion 23 are formed so as to be chamfered. As a result, in the open valve state shown in FIG. 10, the flow path passing through the elastic member 130 side can be made compact, and by shortening this flow path, pressure loss can be reduced.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 10 , the pressing portion 158 is provided on a side of the valve disc 150 that is closer to the rotation axis (trajectory T1) in a direction parallel to the second center axis C2 and the Y axis when viewed in the +Z direction. The "side closer to the rotation axis in a direction parallel to the second center axis C2 and the Y axis" refers to the side closer to the rotation axis when the valve disc 150 is divided into two parts in a direction parallel to the Y axis direction. Because the pressing portion 158 is provided on the side of the valve disc 150 that is closer to the rotation axis when viewed in the +Z direction, the valve disc 150 is pressed in the +Z direction by the joint 900 on the side closer to the rotation axis. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the pressing portion 158 is provided on the side farther from the rotation axis, the valve disc 150 can rotate by a larger angle when pressed in the +Z direction by the joint 900 (abutment portion 921) for the same length along the first center axis C1. This increases the cross-sectional area of the flow path of the cooling medium in the vicinity of the valve element 150 within the valve accommodating space h3, thereby further reducing pressure loss.

[0035] In this embodiment, the installation manner of the protruding portion 157 and the pressing portion 158 is adjusted so that the above-mentioned pressing portion 158 is provided closer to the rotation axis in a direction parallel to the second central axis C2 and the Y axis. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 4, the protruding portion 157 is formed so as to extend in the -Y direction and the -Z direction from the center of the valve body 150 (exposed surface 156) in the closed valve state. Therefore, the pressing portion 158 (contact surface S2) provided at the tip of the protruding portion 157 is located closer to the rotation axis in a direction parallel to the second central axis C2 and the Y axis when viewed in the +Z direction.

[0036] Furthermore, to ensure that the valve element 150 is pushed in the +Z direction by the joint 900 on the side closer to the rotation axis, the "positional deviation in the Y-axis direction between the first central axis C1 of the first inner bore h1 and the third central axis C3 of the opening 112" described with reference to FIG. 7 is formed. Specifically, the opening 112 is formed in the bottom portion 111 of the valve seat member 110 so that the third central axis C3 of the opening 112 is located farther from the rotation axis along a direction parallel to the second central axis C2 and the Y-axis. Therefore, the central axis of the valve element 150 that seals the opening 112 is located farther from the rotation axis (trajectory T1) along the Y-axis direction than the first central axis C1 in the closed state. On the other hand, the joint 900 is inserted into the first inner bore h1 so that its central axis coincides with the first central axis C1 of the first inner bore h1. Therefore, in the valve closed state, the pressing portion 158 is pressed in the +Z direction by the joint 900 on the side of the valve body 150 closer to the rotation axis.

[0037] Because the contact surface S2 of the pressing portion 158 of the valve disc 150 is a curved surface that is a collection of involute curves, when the contact surface S2 comes into contact with the abutting portion 921 and is pressed in the +Z direction, the contact portion moves along the curved surface, thereby realizing rotation of the valve disc 150. Furthermore, excessive displacement of the position of the contact portion in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction can be prevented, allowing smooth rotation of the valve disc 150. In this embodiment, the surface of the abutting portion 921 of the fitting 900 that comes into contact with the contact surface S2 is also a curved surface that is a collection of involute curves. Since the longitudinal direction of the curved surface and the longitudinal direction of the contact surface S2 are aligned in the Y-axis direction when viewed in the Z-axis direction, the contact portion between the pressing portion 158 and the abutting portion 921 is linear. Therefore, a greater pressure can be applied to the valve disc 150 than in a configuration where the contact is made on a surface. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10 , in the open state, the protrusion 157 is aligned parallel to the first center axis C1. In other words, protrusion 157 is disposed so that its central axis is parallel to first central axis C1 of first inner hole h1. This reduces the area of protrusion 157 as viewed in the Z-axis direction. This reduces the pressure loss of the coolant that flows through first inner hole h1 in the +Z direction and into valve housing space h3.

[0038] The elbow pipe fitting 10 of the embodiment described above includes the first pipe connection portion 21 and the second pipe connection portion 22 having intersecting central axes (first central axis C1 and second central axis C2), the valve housing portion 23, and the flap valve device 100 housed in the valve housing portion 23 and pivoting to switch between an open and closed valve state. Therefore, the valve (the flap valve device 100) can be opened and closed even in a situation where only a narrow space is available along the first central axis C1 and the second central axis C2. Therefore, the coupling and uncoupling of the coupling components (the elbow pipe fitting 10 and the coupling 900) that involves the opening and closing of the valve can be achieved in a narrow environment. Additionally, in the open valve state, the first inner bore h1 and the second inner bore h2 can be connected over a shorter distance in the valve housing space h3 than in a plunger valve, thereby reducing flow path resistance (pressure loss).

[0039] Furthermore, the flap valve device 100 has a bottomed cylindrical valve seat member 110 having a bottom 111 with an opening 112 formed therein, a valve body 150, and an elastic member 130. Therefore, when the fitting 900 is not connected to the elbow-type pipe fitting 10, the elastic member 130 urges the valve body 150 to seal the opening 112, thereby realizing a closed valve state. On the other hand, when the fitting 900 is connected to the elbow-type pipe fitting 10, the valve body 150 rotates to open the opening 112, thereby realizing an open valve state.

[0040] Furthermore, since the pressing portion 158 is provided on the side of the valve element 150 closer to the axis of rotation about which the valve element 150 rotates in a direction parallel to the second central axis C2, the valve element 150 can be rotated by a larger angle when the pressing portion 158 is pressed by the joint 900 for the same length along the first central axis C1, compared to a configuration in which the pressing portion 158 is provided on the side farther from the axis of rotation. This allows the flow path cross-sectional area in the valve accommodation space h3 to be increased, further reducing pressure loss.

[0041] Furthermore, the opening 112 is formed in the bottom 111 of the valve seat member 110 so that the third central axis C3 of the opening 112 is parallel to the first central axis C1 and is located farther from the rotation axis along a direction parallel to the second central axis C2 than the first central axis C1.Therefore, when the fitting 900 is connected to the first pipe connection portion 21, the central axis of the fitting 900 is connected so that it coincides with the first central axis C1, and in a configuration in which the pressing portion 158 is pressed at a portion on the central axis of the fitting 900 (abutment portion 921), the pressing portion 158 provided on the side of the valve body 150 closer to the rotation axis in the direction along the second central axis C2 can be pressed with greater accuracy.

[0042] Furthermore, the valve body 150 has a rod-shaped protrusion 157 that protrudes from the exposed surface 156 and is connected to the pressing portion 158 at its tip, so that when the fitting 900 is connected to the first pipe connection portion 21, a portion of the valve body 150 other than the pressing portion 158 can be prevented from being pressed.

[0043] Furthermore, since the protruding portion 157 is disposed parallel to the first central axis C1 in the open state, the area of the protruding portion 157 when viewed in the direction of the first central axis C1 can be reduced, thereby reducing the pressure loss of the fluid when it flows from the first inner hole h1 into the valve housing space h3.

[0044] Furthermore, the contact surface S2 of the pressing portion 158 that comes into contact with the joint 900 is configured as a curved surface that is a collection of involute curves, which makes it possible to prevent excessive displacement of the contact position between the joint 900 and the pressing portion 158, and also because the contact portion can be configured as a line, it is possible to stably transmit the pressing force to the valve element 150 when the joint 900 is connected. This makes it possible to rotate the valve element 150 smoothly and also allows the valve element 150 to be rotated with a small force.

[0045] B. Other Embodiments: (B1) In the above embodiment, the first pipe connection portion 21, the second pipe connection portion 22, and the valve accommodating portion 23 were integrally formed, but at least some of these may be configured to be separate from each other.

[0046] (B2) In the above embodiment, the elastic member 130 is composed of a leaf spring, but it is not limited to a leaf spring and may be composed of any type of elastic member capable of biasing the valve body 150, such as a coil spring or a cylindrical member made of elastomer.

[0047] (B3) In the above embodiment, the valve seat member 110 may be omitted. Specifically, for example, the valve accommodating portion 23 may have a structure in which a plate-shaped partition wall that crosses the valve accommodating space h3 is provided therein, and an opening is provided in the partition wall, and the opening is sealed or opened by the valve element 150. Even with such a configuration, the same effects as those of the elbow pipe fitting 10 of the embodiment can be achieved.

[0048] (B4) In the above embodiment, at least one of the contact surface S2 and the tip surface of the abutting portion 921 may be a curved surface that is a portion of a sphere, instead of a curved surface that is a set of involute curves. Also, at least one of the contact surface S2 and the tip surface of the abutting portion 921 may be a flat surface. Even in this configuration, the abutting portion 921 can press the pressing portion 158 in the +Z direction, and the pressing portion 158 can receive force from the joint 900. Instead of the joint 900, the pipe connected to the first center axis C1 may be, for example, a pipe having a rod-shaped protruding portion that protrudes in the +Z direction at its tip. In this configuration, when the pipe is connected to the first center axis C1, the protruding portion of the pipe presses the pressing portion 158 in the +Z direction, thereby opening the valve.

[0049] (B5) The elbow pipe fitting 10 of the above embodiment is merely one example and can be modified in various ways. For example, the pressing portion 158 may be provided on the valve element 150, on a side farther from the rotation axis in a direction parallel to the second center axis C2 (Y-axis), or in a central position. The protruding portion 157 may also be omitted from the valve element 150. In such a configuration, for example, the exposed surface 156 may be configured as a curved surface that is a collection of involute curves, and the exposed surface 156 may be configured to be pressed by the fitting 900. In such a configuration, the exposed surface 156, the pressing portion 158, and the contact surface S2 may coincide with each other. The pressing portion 158 may also be configured to intersect the first center axis C1 rather than being parallel to it in the open state. The protruding portion 157 may also be configured to intersect the first center axis C1 in the open state.

[0050] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be realized in various configurations without departing from the spirit thereof. For example, the technical features in each embodiment corresponding to the technical features in the form described in the Summary of the Invention section can be appropriately replaced or combined to solve some or all of the above-described problems or achieve some or all of the above-described effects. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0051] 10... elbow type pipe fitting, 21... first pipe connection portion, 22... second pipe connection portion, 23... valve accommodating portion, 30... retainer, 31... engaging portion, 100... flap valve device, 101... engaging member, 102... sealing member, 103... engaging groove, 110... valve seat member, 111... bottom portion, 112... opening, 113... elastic member support portion, 114... bearing portion, 130... elastic member, 131... middle portion, 132... end portion, 133... folded portion, 150... valve body, 151... elastic member guide portion, 152... support Arm portion, 153...shaft portion, 155...main body portion, 156...exposed surface, 157...protrusion portion, 158...pressure portion, 159...seal portion, 211...engagement portion, 231...inner wall, 900...joint, 901...inner hole, 910...seal portion, 920...flap valve, 921...butt portion, C1...first central axis, C2...second central axis, C3...third central axis, S1...surface, S2...contact surface, SP1...inner space, SP2...area, T1...locus, h1...first inner hole, h2...second inner hole, h3...valve accommodating space

Claims

1. An elbow-type pipe fitting, a cylindrical first pipe connection portion to which another joint can be connected; a cylindrical second pipe connection portion having a second central axis intersecting the first central axis of the first pipe connection portion; a hollow valve accommodating portion connected to the first pipe connecting portion and the second pipe connecting portion, respectively, and having a valve accommodating space communicating with a first inner hole of the first pipe connecting portion and a second inner hole of the second pipe connecting portion, respectively; a flap valve device accommodated in the valve accommodating portion, the flap valve device rotating to switch between an open state in which the first inner hole and the second inner hole are in communication with each other and a closed state in which the first inner hole and the second inner hole are blocked from each other; Equipped with The flap valve device is a cylindrical valve seat member having a bottom with an opening formed therein and a central axis parallel to the first central axis, the valve seat member being disposed so that the bottom is in contact with the valve accommodating space; a valve element configured to be rotatable about a rotation axis perpendicular to both the first central axis and the second central axis, the valve element realizing the closed state by sealing the opening and the open state by opening the opening; an elastic member that biases the valve body so as to seal the opening; and the valve body has a pressing portion exposed to an inner space of the valve seat member that communicates with the first inner hole in the valve closed state, the pressing portion being pressed in a direction parallel to the first central axis by the other fitting that is inserted into the first inner hole and connected to the first pipe connecting portion, the pressing portion is provided on a side of the valve body that is closer to the rotation axis in a direction parallel to the second central axis, An elbow-type pipe fitting, wherein the opening is formed in the bottom portion so that a third central axis of the opening is parallel to the first central axis and is located farther from the rotation axis than the first central axis along a direction parallel to the second central axis.

2. An elbow-type pipe fitting, a cylindrical first pipe connection portion to which another joint can be connected; a cylindrical second pipe connection portion having a second central axis intersecting the first central axis of the first pipe connection portion; a hollow valve accommodating portion connected to the first pipe connecting portion and the second pipe connecting portion, respectively, and having a valve accommodating space communicating with a first inner hole of the first pipe connecting portion and a second inner hole of the second pipe connecting portion, respectively; a flap valve device accommodated in the valve accommodating portion, the flap valve device rotating to switch between an open state in which the first inner hole and the second inner hole are in communication with each other and a closed state in which the first inner hole and the second inner hole are blocked from each other; Equipped with The flap valve device is a cylindrical valve seat member having a bottom with an opening formed therein and a central axis parallel to the first central axis, the valve seat member being disposed so that the bottom is in contact with the valve accommodating space; a valve element configured to be rotatable about a rotation axis perpendicular to both the first central axis and the second central axis, the valve element realizing the closed state by sealing the opening and the open state by opening the opening; an elastic member that biases the valve body so as to seal the opening; and the valve body has a pressing portion exposed to an inner space of the valve seat member that communicates with the first inner hole in the valve closed state, the pressing portion being pressed in a direction parallel to the first central axis by the other fitting that is inserted into the first inner hole and connected to the first pipe connecting portion, the pressing portion is provided on a side of the valve body that is closer to the rotation axis in a direction parallel to the second central axis, The valve body is a main body portion having an exposed surface exposed to the internal space in the valve closed state and a seal portion connected to the exposed surface and sealing the opening in the valve closed state; a rod-shaped protruding portion protruding from the exposed surface and connected to the pressing portion at a tip thereof; The elbow-type pipe fitting further comprises:

3. The elbow-type pipe joint according to claim 2, The protrusion is disposed parallel to the first central axis in the open valve state.

4. The elbow pipe fitting according to any one of claims 1 to 3, An elbow-type pipe joint, wherein the contact surface of the pressing portion that comes into contact with the other joint is configured by a curved surface that is a collection of involute curves.

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