Piping connection structure

Abstract

A pipe connection structure according to an embodiment connects the ends of a first pipe and a second pipe in their extension directions. Each of the first pipe and the second pipe includes a pipe body and a pair of connecting members. The pipe body has an end formed with an inclined end face that is inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the extension direction when viewed from a first radial direction of each pipe. The pair of connecting members are arranged on both sides in the first radial direction at the end of each pipe in its extension direction, and each protrudes outward in the first radial direction from the outer peripheral surface of the pipe body. With the inclined end face of the first pipe and the inclined end face of the second pipe butted against each other, each of the pair of connecting members of the first pipe and each of the pair of connecting members of the second pipe are fastened together by fastening members.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a pipe connection structure. [Background technology]

[0002] In a conventional pipe connection structure for connecting the ends of pipes, flanges provided at the ends of the pipes are butted together and fastened together with a plurality of bolts. Alternatively, the end of one pipe is inserted into the end of the other pipe, and the two pipes are joined by welding, brazing, or the like.

[0003] Incidentally, in devices such as power conversion devices, when high-density component placement is required due to the constraints of the housing size, it is preferable for the piping connection structure to be configured in a compact manner. For example, if the device in question is water-cooled, space is required to place multiple pipes within the housing. In particular, if common flanges or mechanical joints (such as strubbed couplings) are used for the piping connection structure, a relatively large space must be provided so that they do not interfere with surrounding components. This can hinder effective use of the limited space within the housing. Furthermore, when joining the ends of pipes together by welding, brazing, or the like, it can be difficult to perform the joining work within the limited space within the housing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-093850 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-200761 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-146987 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a pipe connection structure that can easily connect pipes to each other while reducing the space required for connecting the pipes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A pipe connection structure according to an embodiment connects the ends of a first pipe and a second pipe in their extension directions. Each of the first pipe and the second pipe includes a pipe body and a pair of connecting members. The pipe body has an end formed with an inclined end face that is inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the extension direction when viewed from a first radial direction of each pipe. The pair of connecting members are arranged on both sides in the first radial direction at the end of each pipe in its extension direction, and each protrudes outward in the first radial direction from the outer peripheral surface of the pipe body. With the inclined end face of the first pipe and the inclined end face of the second pipe butted against each other, each of the pair of connecting members of the first pipe and each of the pair of connecting members of the second pipe are fastened together by fastening members. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a power conversion device including piping to which a piping connection structure according to an embodiment is applied; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a pipe connection structure according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the pipe connection structure according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the pipe connection structure of the embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an inclined end surface formed at the end of a split pipe in the pipe connection structure of the embodiment, viewed from the normal direction. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the pipe connection structure of the embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which split pipes are being connected to each other in the pipe connection structure of the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] 5A and 5B are explanatory diagrams showing forces acting on a connection portion between split pipes in the pipe connection structure of the embodiment. [Figure 9] 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a case where pipes to which the pipe connection structure of the embodiment is applied are arranged in parallel. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a piping configuration in which split pipes are connected to each other by flanges, for comparison with the piping connection structure of the embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is an explanatory diagram of a case where split pipes connected to each other by flanges are arranged in parallel for comparison with the pipe connection structure of the embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, a pipe connection structure according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a power converter including piping to which a piping connection structure according to an embodiment is applied. The power conversion device 1 of the embodiment is provided in, for example, electrical equipment, etc. The power conversion device 1 is a power distribution board, a distribution board, a control board, etc. that constitute a power supply device, a motor drive device, etc.

[0009] 1, the power conversion device 1 includes a housing 3 and a plurality of devices 2 housed in the housing 3. The housing 3 is formed, for example, in the shape of a hollow rectangular parallelepiped box. The housing 3 has an openable and closable door (not shown) on one side thereof.

[0010] Each of the plurality of devices 2 includes various circuit components such as semiconductor elements, conductors, fuses, capacitors, transformers, switches, circuit breakers, and measuring instruments. Each of the plurality of devices 2 is fixed to the housing 3.

[0011] The plurality of devices 2 are connected to a water supply pipe 5 and a drain pipe 6. The water supply pipe 5 enables cooling water to be supplied to the devices 2 from outside the housing 3. Each of the plurality of devices 2 is cooled by the cooling water supplied from the water supply pipe 5. The drain pipe 6 enables cooling water to be discharged from the devices 2 to outside the housing 3.

[0012] The water supply piping 5 includes, for example, a first water supply pipe 51, a second water supply pipe 52, and an external water supply pipe 53. The first water supply pipe 51 extends in the direction in which the multiple devices 2 are lined up. The first water supply pipe 51 is connected to each of the multiple devices 2 via a connection pipe 54. One end of the second water supply pipe 52 is connected to an end of the first water supply pipe 51 at a connection part J11. The second water supply pipe 52 is bent, for example, in an L-shape. The other end of the second water supply pipe 52 is connected to one end of the external water supply pipe 53 at a connection part J12. The external water supply pipe 53 is introduced into the housing 3 from outside the housing 3 through an opening 3h formed in the housing 3.

[0013] The drainage piping 6 includes, for example, a first drainage pipe 61, a second drainage pipe 62, and an external drainage pipe 63. The first drainage pipe 61 extends in the direction in which the multiple devices 2 are lined up. The first drainage pipe 61 is connected to each of the multiple devices 2 via a connection pipe 64. One end of the second drainage pipe 62 is connected to the end of the first drainage pipe 61 at a connection part J21. The second drainage pipe 62 is bent, for example, in an L-shape. The other end of the second drainage pipe 62 is connected to one end of the external drainage pipe 63 at a connection part J22. The external drainage pipe 63 is introduced into the housing 3 from outside the housing 3 through an opening 3h formed in the housing 3.

[0014] The connection J11 between the first water supply pipe 51 and the second water supply pipe 52, the connection J12 between the second water supply pipe 52 and the external water supply pipe 53, the connection J21 between the first drainage pipe 61 and the second drainage pipe 62, and the connection J22 between the second drainage pipe 62 and the external drainage pipe 63 are arranged inside the housing 3. The connection J12 between the second water supply pipe 52 and the external water supply pipe 53 and the connection J22 between the second drainage pipe 62 and the external drainage pipe 63 are arranged in parallel to each other inside the housing 3.

[0015] Next, the piping connection structure at each of the connection parts J11, J12, J21, and J22 will be described. The piping connection structure between the first water supply pipe 51 and the second water supply pipe 52 at the connection part J11, the piping connection structure between the second water supply pipe 52 and the external water supply pipe 53 at the connection part J12, the piping connection structure between the first drainage pipe 61 and the second drainage pipe 62 at the connection part J21, and the piping connection structure between the second drainage pipe 62 and the external drainage pipe 63 at the connection part J22 are all similar in structure. Each pair of pipes connected by each piping connection structure is sometimes referred to as a "split pipe."

[0016] In the following description, at connections J11, J12, J21, and J22, one divided pipe will be referred to as the first pipe 100A and the other divided pipe will be referred to as the second pipe 100B. For example, at connection J11, the first water supply pipe 51 will be referred to as the first pipe 100A, and the second water supply pipe 52 will be referred to as the second pipe 100B. For example, at connection J12, the second water supply pipe 52 will be referred to as the first pipe 100A, and the external water supply pipe 53 will be referred to as the second pipe 100B. For example, at connection J21, the first drainage pipe 61 will be referred to as the first pipe 100A, and the second drainage pipe 62 will be referred to as the second pipe 100B. For example, at connection J22, the second drainage pipe 62 will be referred to as the first pipe 100A, and the external drainage pipe 63 will be referred to as the second pipe 100B.

[0017] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the pipe connection structure of the embodiment, Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the pipe connection structure of the embodiment, and Fig. 4 is a side view showing the pipe connection structure of the embodiment. 2 to 4, the pipe connection structure Z of the embodiment includes a first pipe 100A, a second pipe 100B, and a fastening member 103 (see FIG. 2). The pipe connection structure Z of the embodiment is applied to a so-called straight pipe section in which the first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B extend in the extension direction (axial direction) Da on the same straight line. Each of the first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B includes a pipe body 101 and a pair of plates (connecting members) 102.

[0018] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the inclined end surface formed on the end of the split pipe in the pipe connection structure of the embodiment, viewed from a direction intersecting the inclined end surface (for example, a normal direction to the inclined end surface). The pipe bodies 101 of the first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B extend in the extension direction Da of the first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B. An inclined end face 104 is formed at the end 101a of each pipe body 101. As shown in FIG. 4, the inclined end face 104 is formed along a plane inclined at a predetermined angle θ with respect to a plane perpendicular to the extension direction Da. The inclined end face 104 is inclined so as to rotate around a diameter D1 along a first radial direction Dr1, which will be described later. As shown in FIG. 5, a seal groove 104m, which accommodates a seal ring 110, which will be described later, is formed around the entire circumference of the inclined end face 104 of at least one of the pipe bodies 101 of the first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B (only one in this embodiment).

[0019] 2 to 5, the pair of plates 102 are arranged at the end 101a of the piping body 101 on both sides of the piping body 101 in the radial direction Dr. The pair of plates 102 are arranged on both sides of the piping body 101 in a first radial direction Dr1, which is one of the radial directions Dr of the piping body 101. The inclined end surface 104 of the piping body 101 is inclined from one side of the extension direction Da to the other side with respect to a second radial direction Dr2, which is orthogonal to the first radial direction Dr1, in the radial direction Dr.

[0020] Each plate 102 protrudes from the outer peripheral surface 101f of the piping main body 101 outward in the radial direction Dr of the piping main body 101. Each plate 102 has a flat plate shape parallel to the first radial direction Dr1 and the extension direction Da (a flat plate shape perpendicular to the second radial direction Dr2). As shown in Fig. 4, the plates 102 of each divided pipe are arranged to face each other in the second radial direction Dr2 across the central axis C of the piping main body 101 when viewed from the first radial direction Dr1.

[0021] Each plate 102 has a base 102a on one side in the extension direction Da joined (e.g., welded) to the outer peripheral surface 101f of the piping body 101. Each plate 102 has a tip 102b on the other side in the extension direction Da protruding from the inclined end surface 104 to one side in the extension direction Da. In the extension direction Da, the position of the plate 102 of the first piping 100A relative to the inclined end surface 104 (the amount of protrusion from the inclined end surface 104) is the same as the position of the plate 102 of the second piping 100B relative to the inclined end surface 104 (the amount of protrusion from the inclined end surface 104). All of the plates 102 in the embodiment have the same configuration. Therefore, when welding the plates 102 to the ends of the piping 100A and 100B, welding can be performed using a common jig or other equipment.

[0022] The plates 102 of each split pipe have opposing surfaces 102f that face each other in the second radial direction Dr2. Each opposing surface 102f is formed flat overall along a plane perpendicular to the second radial direction Dr2. Each opposing surface 102f is not limited to a flat surface, but has a finely uneven shape including locking claws 105, which will be described later. Each opposing surface 20f is formed along the central axis C of the piping main body 101 as viewed from the first radial direction Dr1. Each opposing surface 102f is arranged so as to form an acute angle with the inclined end surface 104 of the piping main body 101 as viewed from the first radial direction Dr1. That is, in each plate 102, the opposing surface 102f is formed on the side that forms an acute angle with the inclined end surface 104 of the piping main body 101 as viewed from the first radial direction Dr1.

[0023] A locking claw (protrusion) 105 is formed on each opposing surface 102f. The locking claws 105 extend, for example, along the first radial direction Dr1 (along a direction perpendicular to the extension direction Da). A plurality of locking claws 105 are formed on the opposing surface 102f at equal intervals in the extension direction Da. Each locking claw 105 has a locking surface 105f. The locking surface 105f is formed, for example, to face one side of the extension direction Da (the base 102a). The locking surface 105f is a surface that intersects with the extension direction Da, and is, for example, a flat surface that is inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the extension direction Da.

[0024] Between a pair of locking claws 105 adjacent to each other in the extension direction Da, a recess is formed to align (fit) the locking claws 105 of the opposing surface 102f of the other plate 102 opposing in the second radial direction Dr2. That is, the pair of opposing surfaces 102f facing each other have concave and convex shapes that can fit together.

[0025] 3 and 5, each plate 102 has an insertion hole (through hole) 107 through which a bolt 103a of a fastening member 103 (described later) is inserted. The insertion holes 107 are formed in each plate 102, for example, at two locations spaced apart in the extension direction Da. Each insertion hole 107 penetrates each plate 102 in the second radial direction Dr2.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 2, in the pipe connection structure Z of the embodiment, a first pipe 100A and a second pipe 100B are connected with an inclined end face 104 of the first pipe 100A and an inclined end face 104 of the second pipe 100B abutting against each other. An annular seal ring 110 (see Fig. 3) is sandwiched between the inclined end face 104 of the first pipe 100A and the inclined end face 104 of the second pipe 100B. The seal ring 110 is positioned relative to the inclined end face 104 by being housed in a seal groove 104m formed in one of the inclined end faces 104.

[0027] FIG. 6 is a side view showing the pipe connection structure of the embodiment. 6, the first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B are connected in a state in which the opposing surfaces 102f of the pair of plates 102 of the first pipe 100A and the opposing surfaces 102f of the pair of plates 102 of the second pipe 100B abut against each other in the second radial direction Dr2. The opposing surfaces 102f of the plates 102 of the first pipe 100A and the opposing surfaces 102f of the plates 102 of the second pipe 100B abut against each other in the extension direction Da, whereby the locking surfaces 105f of the locking claws 105 of the opposing surfaces 102f of the plates 102 of the first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B abut against each other in the extension direction Da. This restricts relative movement of the first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B in directions away from each other in the extension direction Da.

[0028] FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing a state in the middle of connecting the split pipes to each other in the pipe connection structure of the embodiment. When connecting the first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B, first, the first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B are brought close to each other along the extension direction Da. A seal ring 110 is attached in advance to the seal groove 104m on one inclined end face 104 of each divided pipe.

[0029] Next, the seal ring 110 is crushed between the inclined end surface 104 of the first pipe 100A and the inclined end surface 104 of the second pipe 100B, and the inclined end surfaces 104 are brought closer to each other in the extension direction Da. At this time, the elastic force of the seal ring 110 acts to separate the inclined end surfaces 104 in the normal direction. This elastic force acts in a direction that presses the opposing surfaces 102f of the pair of opposing plates 102 against each other.

[0030] Eventually, the inclined end surface 104 of the first pipe 100A and the inclined end surface 104 of the second pipe 100B butt against each other. Furthermore, the opposing surface 102f of the plate 102 of the first pipe 100A and the opposing surface 102f of the plate 102 of the second pipe 100B abut against each other in the second radial direction Dr2. At this time, as shown in FIG. 6 , the plate 102 of the first pipe 100A and the plate 102 of the second pipe 100B are aligned with each other in the extension direction Da. Then, the through-holes 107 of the plate 102 of the first pipe 100A and the through-holes 107 of the plate 102 of the second pipe 100B are coaxially aligned with each other. In this state, each plate 102 of the first pipe 100A and the corresponding plate 102 of the second pipe 100B can be fastened with fastening members 103.

[0031] When the opposing surface 102f of the plate 102 of the first pipe 100A and the opposing surface 102f of the plate 102 of the second pipe 100B are in contact with each other in the second radial direction Dr2, a gap may be formed between the inclined end surface 104 of the first pipe 100A and the inclined end surface 104 of the second pipe 100B. This gap is set to a range that ensures sealing performance by the seal ring 110.

[0032] The fastening member 103 includes, for example, a bolt 103a and a nut 103b. The bolt 103a is inserted into a through-hole 107 that is coaxially connected to each other from one side in the second radial direction Dr2. The nut 103b is screwed onto the tip of the bolt 103a that protrudes from the through-hole 107 to the other side in the second radial direction Dr2. The plate 102 and the fastening member 103 are provided so as to be contained within the width D (diameter) of the piping main body 101 in the second radial direction Dr2 when viewed in the first radial direction Dr1.

[0033] When a bolt 103a is inserted into the insertion hole 107 and a nut 103b is screwed onto the tip of the bolt 103a and then tightened, the opposing surface 102f of the plate 102 of the first pipe 100A and the opposing surface 102f of the plate 102 of the second pipe 100B are fastened together until they butt against each other, thereby integrally connecting the end of the first pipe 100A and the end of the second pipe 100B.

[0034] At this time, the locking claws 105 on the opposing surface 102f of the plate 102 of the first pipe 100A and the locking claws 105 on the opposing surface 102f of the plate 102 of the second pipe 100B engage with each other. As a result, relative movement of the first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B in directions away from each other in the extension direction Da is firmly restrained by the recess-projection fit between the opposing surfaces 102f.

[0035] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing forces acting on the connection portions between the split pipes in the pipe connection structure of the embodiment. In the pipe connection structure Z of the embodiment, the first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B are connected to each other with the opposing surfaces 102f of the plates 102 of the first pipe 100A and the corresponding plates 102 of the second pipe 100B abutting against each other by the fastening members 103. A fastening force F1 by the fastening members 103 acts in the second radial direction Dr2 between the opposing surfaces 102f of the plates 102 of the first pipe 100A and the corresponding surfaces 102f of the plates 102 of the second pipe 100B.

[0036] When the first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B are brought closer to each other along the extension direction Da, the inclined end surface 104 of the first pipe 100A and the inclined end surface 104 of the second pipe 100B approach each other in the normal direction. A normal force F2 acts between these inclined end surfaces 104, crushing the seal ring 110. At this time, the plate 102 of the first pipe 100A and the plate 102 of the second pipe 100B are butted against each other due to a second radial component Dr2 of the reaction force of force F2 (the elastic force of the seal ring 110). This action causes the opposing surfaces 20f to fit together, maintaining a force F3 that holds the first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B close to each other in the extension direction Da. In other words, the first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B can be easily temporarily held in a close state. Therefore, the work of connecting the first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B can be easily performed.

[0037] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a case where pipes to which the pipe connection structure of the embodiment is applied are arranged in parallel. In the pipe connection structure Z, a pair of plates 102 for connecting the first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B is provided on both sides of the pipe main body 101 in the first radial direction Dr1. The fastening operation using fastening members 103 for connecting the plate 102 of the first pipe 100A and the plate 102 of the second pipe 100B can be performed on both sides of the pipe main body 101 in the first radial direction Dr1. Therefore, it is not necessary to secure working space for connecting the first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B on both sides of the first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B in the second radial direction Dr2. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9 , the connection part J12 and the connection part J22 arranged in parallel within the housing 3 can be arranged close to each other.

[0038] Fig. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a pipe in which split pipes are flange-connected to each other for comparison with the pipe connection structure of the embodiment. Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a case in which split pipes in which split pipes are flange-connected to each other are arranged in parallel for comparison with the pipe connection structure of the embodiment. 10, a pipe connection structure 200 in which a disk-shaped flange 201 extending outward in the radial direction Dr is provided at each end of the pipes 200A and 200B to connect the pipes 200A and 200B has the following problem: When the connection portion J101 and the connection portion J102 of the pipes 200A and 200B are arranged in parallel, it is necessary to ensure a gap S2 so that the flange 201 of the connection portion J101 and the flange 201 of the connection portion J102 do not interfere with each other. 11, when the connection portion J101 and the connection portion J102 are arranged in parallel inside the housing 3 of the power conversion device 1, a large gap S2 must be secured between one connection portion J101 and the other connection portion J102, thereby narrowing the space inside the housing 3. Furthermore, if the watertight welding between the flange 201 and the piping is insufficient, there is a risk of water leakage at the welded portion.

[0039] In contrast, as shown in Fig. 9, in the piping connection structure Z of the embodiment, the connection portion J12 and the connection portion J22 are arranged in parallel along the second radial direction Dr2, thereby preventing interference between the pair of plates 102. As a result, the distance S1 between the connection portion J12 and the connection portion J22 can be made smaller than the distance S2, as shown in Figs. 1 and 9. Furthermore, the piping connection structure of the embodiment does not require watertight welding, thereby reducing the risk of water leakage.

[0040] According to at least one embodiment described above, the first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B each have an inclined end face 104 inclined about a diameter D1 along a first radial direction Dr1 at the end 101a of the pipe main body 101 in the extension direction Da. The first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B are connected by butting the inclined end faces 104 together. The first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B each have a pair of plates 102 that protrude outward from the pipe main body 101 in the first radial direction Dr1 on both sides of the end 101a of the pipe main body 101 in the first radial direction Dr1. The plates 102 of the first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B are fastened together by fastening members 103 in a second radial direction Dr2 that is perpendicular to the first radial direction Dr1. As a result, at least a portion of the fastening force applied to the plates 102 of the first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B is used to butt the inclined end faces 104 together. Because the plates 102 of the first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B protrude in the first radial direction Dr1, the protrusion of the plates 102 in the second radial direction Dr2 is suppressed. This makes it possible to easily connect the pipes 100A and 100B while reducing the space required to connect the pipes 100A and 100B.

[0041] Furthermore, when viewed from the first radial direction Dr1, the plate 102 and the fastening member 103 are arranged to fit within the width D of the piping main body 101 in the second radial direction Dr2. This prevents the plate 102 and the fastening member 103 from protruding in the second radial direction Dr2 of the piping main body 101. Therefore, when pipes to which the piping connection structure Z is applied are arranged in parallel in the second radial direction Dr2, the interval S1 between the connection portions J12 and J22 can be narrowed.

[0042] The plate 102 of the first piping 100A and the plate 102 of the second piping 100B are flat plates perpendicular to the second radial direction Dr2. Bolts 103a are inserted into insertion holes 107 formed in each plate 102, and nuts 103b are screwed onto the tips of the bolts 103a and tightened. This allows the plate 102 of the first piping 100A and the plate 102 of the second piping 100B to be easily and reliably fastened together while they are butted against each other in the second radial direction Dr2.

[0043] Furthermore, the plate 102 of the first pipe 100A and the plate 102 of the second pipe 100B are arranged to face each other across the central axis C of the pipe body 101 when viewed from the first radial direction Dr1. In the extension direction (axial direction) Da of the first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B, the position of the plate 102 of the first pipe 100A relative to the inclined end face 104 is the same as the position of the plate 102 of the second pipe 100B relative to the inclined end face 104. This ensures that the mounting manner of the plate 102 of the first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B is the same. This facilitates the manufacture of the pipes 100A and 100B.

[0044] Furthermore, the plate 102 of the first pipe 100A and the plate 102 of the second pipe 100B have opposing surfaces 102f that face each other in the second radial direction Dr2. The opposing surfaces 102f of the plates 102 of the first pipe 100A and the opposing surfaces 102f of the plates 102 of the second pipe 100B have concave and convex shapes that fit together. This prevents the first pipe 100A and the second pipe 100B from moving relative to each other in the extension direction Da, thereby increasing the connection strength between the pipes 100A and 100B.

[0045] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are intended to be included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims.

[0046] For example, when viewed from the first radial direction Dr1, the opposing surface 102f of each plate 102 may be formed on the side that forms an obtuse angle with the inclined end surface 104. In this case, part of the fastening force that fastens the plates 102 together is added to the force that brings the inclined end surfaces 104 closer together, increasing the surface pressure between the inclined end surfaces 104 and ensuring the sealing performance of the seal ring 110. The connecting member connecting the pipes 100A and 100B is not limited to the plate 102 fastened in the second radial direction Dr2, but may be a member fastened in a direction intersecting the second radial direction Dr2. Only one connecting member in the first radial direction Dr1 may be directly fastened with a fastening member, and the other connecting member may be configured with a hook, hinge, or the like and fastened in a driven manner. The uneven shape of the opposing surfaces 102f of each plate 102 may have a curved shape such as a wave shape instead of the multiple locking claws 105 and the recesses between adjacent claws. The uneven shape of the opposing surfaces 102f of each plate 102 may be any shape that restricts relative axial movement of the split pipes by fitting together. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 100A...first pipe, 100B...second pipe, 101...pipe body, 101a...end, 101f...outer circumferential surface, 102...plate (connecting member), 102f...opposing surface, 103...fastening member, 103a...bolt, 103b...nut, 104...inclined end surface, 105...locking claw, 105f...locking surface, 107...insertion hole, 110...seal ring, C...center axis, D...width, D1...diameter, Da...extension direction (axial direction), Dr...radial direction, Dr1...first radial direction, Dr2...second radial direction, Z...piping connection structure

Claims

1. A pipe connection structure that connects end portions of a first pipe and a second pipe in an extension direction, Each of the first pipe and the second pipe includes: A pipe body having an end portion formed with an inclined end surface inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the extension direction when viewed from a first radial direction of each pipe; A pair of connecting members are arranged on both sides in the first radial direction at the end of each pipe in the extension direction, and each protrudes outward in the first radial direction from the outer peripheral surface of the pipe main body, With the inclined end surface of the first pipe and the inclined end surface of the second pipe butted against each other, each of the pair of connecting members of the first pipe and each of the pair of connecting members of the second pipe are fastened together by fastening members in a second radial direction perpendicular to the first radial direction. Piping connection structure.

2. The connecting member and the fastening member are arranged to fit within a width of the piping main body in the second radial direction when viewed from the first radial direction. The pipe connection structure according to claim 1 .

3. Each of the connecting members has a flat plate shape perpendicular to the second radial direction, Each of the connecting members has a through hole formed therethrough in the second radial direction, The fastening member includes a bolt inserted into the through hole and a nut screwed onto a tip end of the bolt. The pipe connection structure according to claim 2 .

4. The connecting member of the first pipe and the connecting member of the second pipe are arranged to face each other across a central axis of the pipe body when viewed from the first radial direction, In the extension direction, a position of the first pipe relative to the inclined end surface of the connecting member and a position of the second pipe relative to the inclined end surface of the connecting member are the same. The pipe connection structure according to claim 3.

5. The connecting member of the first pipe and the connecting member of the second pipe have opposing surfaces that face each other in the second radial direction and are abutted against each other when fastened by the fastening member, The opposing surface of the connecting member of the first pipe and the opposing surface of the connecting member of the second pipe have concave and convex shapes that fit together. The pipe connection structure according to claim 3 or 4.

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