Straight pipe fittings

Abstract

To provide a pipe joint capable of coupling and removing a joint member opening / closing a valve in a narrow environment.SOLUTION: A straight type pipe joint (310) is equipped with a cylindrical joint body (321) that has one end to which another joint (800) can be connected, and the other end to which another piping can be connected, a valve seat portion (311) that is provided in the joint body and is formed with an opening (312) communicating one end and the other end in a joint body, and a flat valve device (400) that is stored in the joint body and rotates to switch a valve-closing state sealing the opening and a valve-opening state opening the opening.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a straight 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 can be realized in the following forms. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a straight-type pipe fitting comprising: a cylindrical fitting body having one end to which another fitting can be connected and another end to which another pipe can be connected; a valve seat provided within the fitting body and having an opening for communicating the one end with the other end within the fitting body; and a flap valve device housed in the fitting body, the flap valve device rotating to switch between a closed state in which the opening is sealed and an open state in which the opening is opened, the flap valve device comprising: a fixed member disposed along an inner wall of the fitting body; a valve element rotatable about a rotation axis provided on the fixed member, the valve element sealing the opening to achieve the closed state and opening the opening to achieve the open state; and an elastic member fixed to the fixed member, the valve element attached to the fixed member to seal the opening. and an elastic member that presses against the valve seat, the opening being formed in the valve seat so that a second central axis of the opening is inclined at an angle of 30 degrees to 60 degrees with respect to a first central axis of the fitting body, the opening being formed in the valve seat so as to have an elliptical external shape when viewed in the direction of the second central axis, the valve element having a main body that seals the opening in the closed valve state and having an elliptical external shape when viewed in the direction of the second central axis in the closed valve state, the valve element having a pressing portion that protrudes from the one end side of the fitting body in the closed valve state and is pressed by the other fitting in a direction parallel to the first central axis, the pressing portion being provided on a side of the valve element that is closer to the rotation axis in a direction along the major axis of the main body, and a contact surface of the pressing portion that comes into contact with the other fitting is constituted by a curved surface that is a collection of involute curves. 。

[0006] (1) According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a straight-type pipe fitting comprising: a cylindrical fitting body having one end to which another fitting can be connected and another end to which another pipe can be connected; a valve seat provided within the fitting body and having an opening for connecting the one end to the other end within the fitting body; and a flap valve device housed in the fitting body that rotates to switch between a closed state in which the opening is sealed and an open state in which the opening is opened. This type of straight-type pipe fitting includes a flap valve device inside the fitting body that rotates 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 a narrow space is available along the central axis of the fitting body. This allows the coupling and uncoupling of the fitting components (straight-type pipe fitting and fitting) that involves the valve opening and closing to be achieved in a confined environment. Additionally, because the valve is opened and closed by a flap valve device, flow path resistance (pressure loss) can be reduced compared to a plunger valve. Furthermore, because the valve is opened and closed by a flap valve device, the configuration can be made more compact compared to a plunger valve, which requires a structure that extends axially within the fitting. (2) In the straight-type pipe fitting of the above configuration, the flap valve device may include a fixed member arranged along the inner wall of the fitting body, a valve body configured to be rotatable around a rotation axis provided on the fixed member, and the valve body realizing the closed state by sealing the opening and the open state by opening the opening, and an elastic member fixed to the fixed member, and the elastic member biasing the valve body to seal the opening. In this form of straight-type pipe fitting, the flap valve device has a valve body and an elastic member, so that when no other fittings are connected to the straight-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 straight-type pipe fitting, the valve body rotates to open the opening, thereby realizing an open valve state. (3) In the straight-type pipe fitting of the above aspect, the opening may be formed in the valve seat portion so that a second center axis of the opening is inclined at an angle of 30 degrees to 60 degrees with respect to a first center axis of the fitting body. In this straight-type pipe fitting, the opening is formed in the valve seat portion so that the second central axis of the opening is inclined at an angle of 30 to 60 degrees relative to the first central axis of the fitting body. Therefore, when the valve element is pushed along the first central axis by the same distance, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path inside the fitting body can be increased, and pressure loss can be reduced, compared to when the second central axis is parallel to the first central axis. Furthermore, since the inclination angle is 30 to 60 degrees, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path inside the fitting body in the open state can be increased compared to a configuration with a relatively small inclination angle. On the other hand, compared to a configuration with a relatively large inclination angle, the force required to transition to the open state when connecting to another fitting can be reduced. Furthermore, compared to a configuration with a relatively large inclination angle, the load applied to the elastic member is smaller in both the open and closed states, thereby reducing damage to the elastic member. (4) In the straight-type pipe fitting of the above embodiment, the opening may be formed in the valve seat portion so as to have an elliptical external shape when viewed in the direction of the second central axis, and the valve body may have a main body portion that seals the opening in the closed valve state, and has a main body portion that has an elliptical external shape when viewed in the direction of the second central axis when in the closed valve state. In this straight-type pipe fitting, the opening is formed in the valve seat so as to have an elliptical appearance when viewed in the direction of the second central axis, so that the opening area can be made larger in an opening having a second central axis that is inclined relative to the first central axis compared to a case where the opening is perfectly circular. This further reduces pressure loss. Furthermore, the valve disc has a main body that has an elliptical appearance when viewed in the direction of the second central axis in the closed state, so that the opening can be reliably sealed. (5) In the straight-type pipe fitting of the above configuration, the valve element has a pressing portion that protrudes from the one end side of the fitting body in the closed valve state and is pressed in a direction parallel to the first center axis by the other fitting, and the pressing portion may be provided on the side of the valve element that is closer to the rotation axis in a direction along the long axis of the main body. In this straight-type pipe fitting, the pressing portion is located on the side of the valve element closer to the rotation axis in the direction along the major axis of the elliptical main body when viewed in the direction of 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 located farther from the rotation axis. This allows for a larger flow path cross-sectional area within the fitting body and further reduces pressure loss. (6) In the straight-type pipe fitting of the above embodiment, the opening may be formed in the valve seat portion so that, when viewed in the direction of the second center axis, the center of the opening is located farther from the rotation axis in the direction along the major axis than the intersection of the opening and the first center axis. In this form of straight-type pipe fitting, the opening is formed in the valve seat portion so that, when viewed in the direction of the second central axis, the center of the opening is located farther from the rotation axis in the direction along the long axis than the intersection of the opening and the first central axis.Therefore, when another fitting is connected to the fitting body, the central axis of the other fitting is connected to coincide with the first central axis, and in a configuration in which the pressing part is pressed at a location on the central axis of the other fitting, the pressing part provided on the side of the valve body closer to the rotation axis in the direction along the long axis can be pressed with greater accuracy. (7) In the straight-type pipe fitting of the above configuration, the main body portion may have an exposed surface that is exposed on the one end side in the closed valve state, and the valve body may have a rod-shaped protrusion that protrudes from the exposed surface and is connected to the pressing portion at its tip. In this form of straight-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 fitting body, a portion of the valve body other than the pressing portion can be prevented from being pressed. (8) In the straight pipe joint of the above aspect, the protruding portion may be disposed parallel to the first center axis in the closed valve state. In this straight-type pipe fitting, the protrusion is disposed parallel to the first central axis in the closed state, so that the force applied to the pressing portion is reliably transmitted to the main body when connecting another fitting, allowing the closed state to be released smoothly with little force. (9) In the straight 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 straight-type pipe fitting, the contact surface of the pressing part that comes into contact with the fitting is configured as a curved surface that is a collection of involute curves, which prevents excessive displacement of the contact position between the fitting and the pressing part, and because the contact part can be configured as a point or a line, the pressing force can be transmitted stably to the valve disc when the 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 a straight-type pipe joint according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a straight-type pipe joint according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a straight-type pipe joint according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a joint body. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a joint body. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of a straight-type pipe joint. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a detailed configuration of a flap valve device. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a detailed configuration of a flap valve device. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a detailed configuration of a valve body. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a detailed configuration of a valve body. [Figure 11] 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the effect of the second central axis being inclined with respect to the first central axis. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of a straight-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 a straight pipe fitting 310 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that FIGS. 1 to 3 show a state in which an L-shaped pipe 323 is connected to the straight pipe fitting 310. Three mutually orthogonal axes (X, Y, and Z axes) are depicted in FIGS. 1 to 3. In this embodiment, the "X-axis direction" collectively refers to the +X direction and the -X direction. Similarly, the "Y-axis direction" collectively refers to the +Y direction and the -Y direction, and the "Z-axis direction" collectively refers to the +Z direction and the -Z direction. Note that the X, Y, and Z axes in FIGS. 4 to 12 are the same as the X, Y, and Z axes in FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0009] The straight-type pipe fitting 310 is used to connect two pipes together in a narrow space. Specifically, it is used to connect two pipes together when their central axes do not coincide with each other (i.e., when they 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. In this embodiment, of the two pipes connected to the straight-type pipe fitting 310, one pipe 323 is connected to the straight-type pipe fitting 310 from the -X direction. The other pipe is connected to the straight-type pipe fitting 310 from the +Z direction. Note that the other pipe is not shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. The other pipe is a tubular joint that, when connected to the straight pipe joint 310, presses a part of a flap valve device 400 (described later) of the straight pipe joint 310. In this embodiment, the straight pipe joint 310 is provided inside the case of the battery pack and connects to the other pipe attached to the surface of the case of the battery pack. The straight pipe joint 310 may also be used to connect pipes (and joints) for circulating a temperature-regulating medium in the battery pack described above.

[0010] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the straight-type pipe fitting 310 includes a fitting body 321 and a flange 322. FIGS. 4 and 5 are perspective views showing the external configuration of the fitting body 321. The fitting body 321 has a cylindrical external shape with a first center axis C1 parallel to the Z axis. The straight-type pipe fitting 310 has openings at one end in the +Z direction and the other end in the -Z direction. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the fitting body 321 has a valve seat portion 311 with an opening 312 formed therein. Note that FIGS. 1 to 5 show a state in which the opening 312 is sealed by a valve element 450 of a flap valve device 400 (described later) (closed valve state). As shown in FIG. 4, the fitting body 321 has a flange mounting portion 324 that is a groove along the circumferential direction. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a flange 322 is attached to the flange mounting portion 324. The flange 322 has multiple engagement portions 325. Engagement portion 325 engages with another fitting when the other fitting is connected to straight-type pipe fitting 310. As shown in Fig. 4, a plurality of claws 326 and seal member 302 are provided on the circumference of fitting body 321 in the -Z direction. The plurality of claws 326 engage with pipe 323 when pipe 323 is connected. Seal member 302 is sandwiched between pipe 323 and fitting body 321, and seals the gap between the pipe and fitting body 321.

[0011] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of the straight-type pipe fitting 310. FIG. 6 shows a cross section taken along the VI-VI cross-sectional line in FIG. 1. In FIG. 6, a portion of another fitting 800 connected to the straight-type pipe fitting 310 is indicated by a dashed line. A flap valve device 400 is housed inside the fitting body 321. The flap valve device 400 seals the opening 312 when another fitting 800 is not connected. The detailed configuration of the flap valve device 400 will be described later. A seal portion 459 is sandwiched between the flap valve device 400 and the fitting body 321. The seal portion 459 seals the gap between the flap valve device 400 and the fitting body 321. The opening 312 is an opening that communicates with both ends of the fitting body 321 in the Z-axis direction. The opening 312 is an opening that is inclined so that it is positioned in the -Z direction as it approaches the -Y direction. In other words, the second center axis C2 of the opening 312 is inclined with respect to the first center axis C1 of the fitting body 321. Specifically, the second center axis C2 is inclined 45 degrees with respect to the first center axis C1. The inclination angle is not limited to 45 degrees and may be any angle between 30 and 60 degrees. The reason why the second center axis C2 is inclined with respect to the first center axis C1 will be described later. The opening 312 is elliptical with its major axes along the -Y and -Z directions when viewed in the direction of the second center axis C2. The opening 312 is formed in the valve seat portion 311 so that, when viewed in the direction of the second center axis C2, the center P1 of the opening 312 is located farther from the rotation axis of the valve disc 450 in the direction along the major axis than the intersection P2 between the opening 312 and the first center axis C1. The deviation between the center P1 and the intersection P2 will be described later.

[0012] The joint 800 is provided with an annular seal portion 810 and a flap valve 820 in the inner hole 801. The flap valve 820 rotates in the same manner as the flap valve device 400, thereby switching between a closed state in which the opening of the seal portion 810 is sealed and an open state in which the opening of the seal portion 810 is opened. The flap valve 820 is provided with an abutment portion 821 that protrudes parallel to the central axis of the joint 800 in the closed state. The function of the abutment portion 821 will be described later.

[0013] A2. Detailed configuration of the flap valve device 400: 7 and 8 are perspective views showing the detailed configuration of the flap valve device 400. The flap valve device 400 includes a fixed member 410, a valve body 450, and an elastic member 430.

[0014] The fixing member 410 is a rectangular plate-shaped member extending in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 8 , engagement grooves 411 are formed on both ends of the fixing member 410 in the X-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 5 , the fixing member 410 is disposed inside the joint body 321 by engaging the engagement grooves 411 with grooves provided along the inner wall of the joint body 321. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , the fixing member 410 includes an elastic member fixing portion 412. The elastic member fixing portion 412 is provided on the surface of the fixing member 410 facing the -Y direction and fixes the elastic member 430. In this embodiment, the elastic member 430 is formed of a bent leaf spring. The elastic member fixing portion 412 fixes one end of the leaf spring. As a result, the elastic member fixing portion 412 causes one end of the elastic member 430 to function as a fixed end.

[0015] The fixing member 410 includes a pair of bearings 414 in addition to the engagement groove 411 and the elastic member fixing portion 412. The pair of bearings 414 are formed at both ends in the X-axis direction at the end of the fixing member 410 in the +Z direction. The bearings 414 rotatably support a pair of shafts 453 of the valve body 450. In this embodiment, the bearings 414 are provided with a gap, i.e., play, that allows the shafts 453 to move in the +Z direction and the -Y direction. The play is provided so that the shafts 453 can move in a direction parallel to the second central axis C2 of the opening 312. The movement of the valve body 450 along the play will be described later.

[0016] 9 and 10 are perspective views showing the detailed configuration of valve element 450. Valve element 450 is configured to be rotatable about a rotation axis parallel to the X-axis direction when connected to joint 800. Valve element 450 achieves a closed state by sealing opening 312 of valve seat portion 311, and achieves an open state by opening opening 312.

[0017] The valve body 450 includes a main body 455 , a pair of elastic member guides 451 , a protrusion 457 , a pressing portion 458 , and a support portion 452 , in addition to the pair of shaft portions 453 described above.

[0018] The main body 455 has a thin, cylindrical exterior shape. In the closed state, the main body 455 has a second central axis C2 that coincides with the opening 312. When viewed in the direction of the second central axis C2, the main body 455 has an elliptical exterior shape that seals the opening 312. As described above, the second central axis C2 is inclined with respect to the first central axis C1. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the effect of the second central axis C2 being inclined with respect to the first central axis C1. The left side of FIG. 11 schematically shows the fitting body 310 and the main body 455 of this embodiment. The dashed line on the left side of FIG. 11 indicates the position of the main body 455 in the closed state. The solid line on the left side of FIG. 11 indicates the position of the main body 455 in the open state, where the end of the main body 455 in the -Y direction and +Z direction is pushed a distance d1 from the +Z direction in a direction parallel to the first central axis C1. The right side of FIG. 11 shows a schematic representation of a pipe 600 and a valve 650 as a comparative example. The pipe 600 is a straight pipe having a central axis C10. An opening 620 having a central axis C20 parallel to the central axis C10 is provided within the pipe 600. The valve 650 has a central axis C20 parallel to the central axis C10 and is configured to be rotatable about a rotation axis parallel to the X-axis direction. By rotating, the valve 650 switches between a closed state in which the opening 620 is sealed and an open state in which the opening 620 is opened. The dashed line on the right side of FIG. 11 indicates the position of the valve 650 in the closed state. The solid line on the right side of FIG. 11 indicates the position of the valve 650 in the open state, where the end of the valve 650 in the -Y direction and +Z direction is pushed a distance d1 from the +Z direction in a direction parallel to the central axis C10 and the central axis C20. 11, even when the main body 455 and the valve 650 are pushed the same distance d1, the inclination of the second center axis C2 relative to the first center axis C1 in this embodiment makes it possible to increase the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path near the main body 455 in the open state as viewed in the direction of the first center axis C1 compared to the comparative example. This further reduces the pressure loss of the coolant flowing inside the fitting body 310. For this reason, in this embodiment, the second center axis C2 is inclined relative to the first center axis C1.

[0019] Furthermore, the angle of inclination is preferably 30 to 60 degrees. If the angle is small (for example, less than 30 degrees), the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path in the open state will be small. On the other hand, if the angle is large (for example, more than 60 degrees), the force transmitted from the +Z direction when connecting to another joint will escape in the X-axis or Y-axis direction, increasing the force required to press the main body portion 455. Furthermore, in both the closed and open states, the force applied to the elastic member 430 will be greater than when the angle is small, which may cause damage to the elastic member 430. For this reason, the angle of inclination is preferably 30 to 60 degrees.

[0020] 10, the pair of elastic member guide portions 451 are provided on surface S1, which is the end surface of main body portion 455 in the -Z direction, and are spaced a predetermined distance from each other in the X-axis direction. Elastic member guide portion 451 has a substantially rectangular prism-like external shape and protrudes in the -Z direction from surface S1. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, on surface S1, folded portion 433 of elastic member 430 is disposed in region SP1 sandwiched between the pair of elastic member guide portions 451. The length of region SP1 in the X-axis direction is longer than the length of folded portion 433 in the X-axis direction.

[0021] The configuration of the elastic member 430 will now be described. As described above, the elastic member 430 is composed of a bent leaf spring, and the end in the +Y direction is fixed by the elastic member fixing portion 412. In addition to the end, the elastic member 430 includes an intermediate portion 431 connected to the end, and a folded portion 433 connected to the intermediate portion 431 and located at the end opposite the end. As described above, the end is a fixed end, while the intermediate portion 431 and the folded portion 433 are open. That is, the intermediate portion 431 and the folded portion 433 are not fixed to the valve body 450 and can deform and move due to applied stress. As shown in FIG. 6, the intermediate portion 431 is obliquely disposed so that it is positioned in the -Z direction as it approaches the -Y direction. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, an opening is provided in the intermediate portion 431 to reduce weight and the biasing force. 6 and 8, folded portion 433 is bent so as to form a slope opposite to intermediate portion 431 at the boundary where it contacts surface S1 of main body portion 455. When the open valve state and the closed valve state are switched, folded portion 433 slides along surface S1 so that the position where it contacts surface S1 changes. During this movement, the pair of elastic member guide portions 451 prevent folded portion 433 from being excessively displaced in the X-axis direction and moving out of region SP1.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, support portion 452 is provided between shaft portion 453 and main body portion 455, and connects main body portion 455 to the vicinity of the center of shaft portion 453 in the X-axis direction.

[0023] 7 to 10, protrusion 457 has a rod-like external shape. Protrusion 457 protrudes from exposed surface 456, which is the surface of main body 455 in the +Z direction, and its tip is connected to pressing portion 458. Pressing portion 458 has a curved plate-like external shape. In pressing portion 458, surface S2 (hereinafter referred to as "contact surface S2"), which is on the opposite side in the thickness direction from the surface connected to the tip of protrusion 457, comes into contact with joint 800 (abutment portion 821) when joint 800 is connected.

[0024] 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.

[0025] A3. Connection and disconnection of joint parts: Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of the straight-type pipe fitting 310. Like Figure 6, Figure 12 shows a cross section taken along the VI-VI cross-sectional line in Figure 1. Figure 12 shows the straight-type pipe fitting 310 in an open state, in other words, in a state where the fitting 800 is connected to the fitting main body 321.

[0026] From the closed valve state shown in Figure 6, the straight pipe fitting 310 moves in the +Z direction and is inserted into the fitting 800, and when the tip of the fitting body 321 hits the seal portion 810 of the fitting 800, as shown in Figure 12, the connection between the fitting 800 and the straight pipe fitting 310 is completed.

[0027] During insertion of the straight-type pipe fitting 310, the abutting portion 821 of the flap valve 820 included in the fitting 800 comes into contact with the contact surface S2 of the pressing portion 458 of the valve body 450. Thereafter, as the insertion of the straight-type pipe fitting 310 progresses, the abutting portion 821 presses the pressing portion 458 in a direction parallel to the first center axis C1 of the fitting main body 321, i.e., in the -Z direction. Here, in this embodiment, the tip surface of the abutting portion 821 of the fitting 800 is also configured as a curved surface that is a collection of involute curves, just like the contact surface S2. Therefore, as the abutting portion 821 presses the pressing portion 458, the contact portions between the abutting portion 821 and the pressing portion 458 are displaced at the abutting portion 821 and the pressing portion 458, respectively. That is, at the contact surface S2, the portion in contact with the abutting portion 821 is displaced in a curved manner along the longitudinal direction of the contact surface S2. This causes valve element 450 to rotate around shaft portion 453. At this time, valve element 450 as a whole is pushed and displaced in the −Z direction by the pressure of abutment portion 821. Therefore, opening 312 is opened as shown in FIG. 12 , and openings in the +Z direction and −Z direction of joint body 321 communicate via opening 312.

[0028] At this time, in fitting 800, flap valve 820 also rotates to open the opening of seal portion 810, and inner hole 801 of fitting 800 communicates with the opening in the +Z direction of fitting body 321. A flow path connecting the interior of fitting body 321 and fitting 800 is formed in opening 312, passing through a gap generated in the -Y direction from valve body 450.

[0029] 12 indicates the locus T1 of the position of the rotation axis when the valve disc 450 rotates. As described above, the bearing portion 414 is provided with play to allow the shaft portion 453 to move in a direction parallel to the second central axis C2 of the opening 312. Therefore, when the joint 800 is connected, the valve disc 450 rotates about a rotation axis parallel to the X-axis direction, and the rotation axis of the valve disc 450 moves in the +Y direction and the -Z direction along the play. As a result, the rotation axis of the valve disc 450 moves to describe the locus T1 parallel to the second central axis C2.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 12 , the pressing portion 458 is provided on a side of the valve element 450 that is closer to the rotation axis (trajectory T1) in the direction along the major axis of the elliptical main body portion 455, as viewed in the direction of the second center axis C2. The phrase "the side closer to the rotation axis in the direction along the major axis of the main body portion 455" refers to the side closer to the rotation axis when the valve element 450 is divided into two parts in the direction along the major axis of the main body portion 455. Because the pressing portion 458 is provided on the side of the valve element 450 that is closer to the rotation axis, as viewed in the direction of the second center axis C2, the valve element 450 is pushed in the −Z direction by the joint 800 on the side closer to the rotation axis. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the pressing portion 458 is provided on the side farther from the rotation axis, the valve element 450 can rotate by a larger angle when pushed in the −Z direction by the joint 800 (the abutting portion 821) by the same length along the first center axis C1. This increases the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the cooling medium near the valve body 450, thereby further reducing pressure loss.

[0031] 6, the protrusion 457 is arranged parallel to the first central axis C1 of the joint body 321 in the closed valve state. Therefore, when the joint body 321 and the joint 800 are connected in a direction parallel to the first central axis C1, the force applied to the pressing portion 458 is reliably transmitted to the main body 455, so that the closed valve state can be smoothly released.

[0032] In addition, in order to have the valve element 450 pressed in the -Z direction by the joint 800 on the side closer to the rotation axis, the opening 312 is formed in the valve seat portion 311 so that, when viewed in the direction of the second central axis C2, the center P1 of the opening 312 is located farther from the rotation axis (trajectory T1) in the direction along the major axis than the intersection P2 of the opening 312 and the first central axis C1. Furthermore, in the closed state, the center of the main body portion 455 that seals the opening 312 is also located farther from the rotation axis (trajectory T1) in the direction along the major axis than the intersection P2 of the opening 312 and the first central axis C1, when viewed in the direction of the second central axis C2. On the other hand, the joint 800 is connected so that its central axis coincides with the first central axis C1 of the joint main body 321. Therefore, in the closed state, the pressing portion 458 is pressed in the -Z direction by the joint 800 on the side of the valve element 450 closer to the rotation axis.

[0033] Because the contact surface S2 of the pressing portion 458 of the valve element 450 is a curved surface that is a collection of involute curves, when it comes into contact with the abutting portion 821 and is pressed in the -Z direction, the contact portion moves along the curved surface, thereby realizing rotation of the valve element 450. Furthermore, excessive displacement of the position of the contact portion in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction can be suppressed, allowing smooth rotation of the valve element 450. In this embodiment, the surface of the abutting portion 821 of the fitting 800 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 this 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 458 and the abutting portion 821 is a point or line. Therefore, a greater pressure can be applied to the valve element 450 than with a configuration in which contact occurs across a surface.

[0034] The straight-type pipe fitting 310 of the embodiment described above includes a flap valve device 400 that rotates inside the fitting body 321 to switch between an open state and a closed state. Therefore, the valve (flap valve device 400) can be opened and closed even in a situation where only a narrow space can be secured along the first center axis C1. This allows the coupling and uncoupling of the fitting components (the straight-type pipe fitting 310 and the fitting 800), which involves the valve opening and closing, to be achieved in a narrow environment. Additionally, because the valve is opened and closed using the flap valve device 400, flow path resistance (pressure loss) can be reduced compared to a plunger valve. Furthermore, because the valve is opened and closed using the flap valve device 400, the configuration can be made more compact compared to a plunger valve, which requires a structure that extends in the axial direction.

[0035] Furthermore, since the flap valve device 400 has a valve body 450 and an elastic member 430, when no other fitting 800 is connected to the straight-type pipe fitting 310, the elastic member 310 urges the valve body 450 to seal the opening, thereby realizing a closed valve state; on the other hand, when another fitting 800 is connected to the straight-type pipe fitting 310, the valve body rotates to open the opening, thereby realizing an open valve state.

[0036] Furthermore, since the opening 312 is formed in the valve seat portion 311 so as to have a second central axis C2 inclined relative to the first central axis C1 of the fitting body 321, when the valve element 450 is pushed along the first central axis C1 by the same distance, the cross-sectional flow path area inside the fitting body 321 can be increased, thereby reducing pressure loss, compared to when the second central axis C2 of the opening 312 is parallel to the first central axis C1. Furthermore, since the inclination angle is 30 to 60 degrees, the cross-sectional flow path area inside the fitting body 321 in the open state can be increased compared to when a configuration with a relatively small inclination angle is used. On the other hand, compared to when a configuration with a relatively large inclination angle is used, the force required to transition to the open state when connected to another fitting 800 can be reduced. Furthermore, compared to when a configuration with a relatively large inclination angle is used, the load applied to the elastic member 430 is smaller in both the open and closed states, thereby reducing damage to the elastic member 430.

[0037] Furthermore, since the opening 312 is formed in the valve seat 311 so as to have an elliptical external shape when viewed in the direction of the second central axis C2, the opening area of ​​the opening 312 having the second central axis C2 tilted relative to the first central axis C1 can be made larger than when the opening 312 is circular. This further reduces pressure loss. Furthermore, since the valve element 450 has a main body 455 with an elliptical external shape when viewed in the direction of the second central axis C2 in the closed state, the opening 312 can be reliably sealed.

[0038] Furthermore, as viewed in the direction of the second center axis C2, the pressing portion 458 is provided on the side of the valve element 450 closer to the rotation axis in the direction along the major axis of the elliptical main body 455. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the pressing portion 458 is provided on the side farther from the rotation axis, when the pressing portion 458 is pressed by the fitting 800 by the same length along the first center axis C1, the valve element 450 can be rotated by a larger angle. This increases the flow path cross-sectional area inside the fitting main body 321, thereby further reducing pressure loss.

[0039] Furthermore, when viewed in the direction of the second center axis C2, the opening 312 is formed in the valve seat portion 311 so that the second center axis C2 is located farther from the rotation axis than the first center axis C1 in the direction along the long axis of the opening 312.Therefore, when another fitting 800 is connected to the fitting body 321, the fitting 800 is connected so that its center axis coincides with the first center axis C1, and in a configuration in which the pressing portion 458 is pressed at a portion on the center axis of the fitting 800 (abutment portion 921), the pressing portion 458 provided on the side of the valve body 450 closer to the rotation axis in the direction along the long axis can be pressed with greater accuracy.

[0040] Furthermore, the valve body 450 has a rod-shaped protrusion 457 that protrudes from the exposed surface 456 and is connected to the pressing portion 458 at its tip, so that when the fitting 800 is connected to the fitting main body 321, a portion of the valve body 450 other than the pressing portion 458 can be prevented from being pressed.

[0041] Furthermore, since the protrusion 457 is disposed parallel to the first central axis C1 in the closed valve state, when connecting the joint 800, the force applied to the pressing portion 458 is reliably transmitted to the main body 455. This allows the closed valve state to be released smoothly with a small force.

[0042] Furthermore, the contact surface S2 of the pressing portion 458 that comes into contact with the joint 800 is configured as a curved surface that is a collection of involute curves, so that excessive displacement of the contact position between the joint 800 and the pressing portion 458 can be suppressed, and since the contact portion can be configured as a line, the pressing force can be stably transmitted to the valve element 450 when the joint 800 is connected. This allows the valve element 450 to rotate smoothly and can be rotated with a small force.

[0043] B. Other Embodiments: (B1) In the above embodiment, the elastic member 430 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 450, such as a coil spring or a cylindrical member formed of elastomer.

[0044] (B2) In the above embodiment, at least one of the contact surface S2 and the tip surface of the abutting portion 821 may be a curved surface that is a portion of a sphere, instead of a curved surface that is a set of involute curves. Furthermore, at least one of the contact surface S2 and the tip surface of the abutting portion 821 may be a flat surface. Even in this configuration, the abutting portion 821 can press the pressing portion 458 in the −Z direction, and the pressing portion 458 can receive force from the fitting 800. Instead of the fitting 800, the pipe connected to the fitting main body 321 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 fitting main body 321, the protruding portion of the pipe presses the pressing portion 458 in the −Z direction, thereby opening the valve.

[0045] (B3) The straight-type pipe fitting 310 of the above embodiment is merely one example and can be modified in various ways. For example, the pressing portion 458 may be provided on the valve element 450, on a side farther from the rotation axis in the direction along the major axis of the elliptical main body 455, or in a central position. Furthermore, the protruding portion 457 may be omitted from the valve element 450. In such a configuration, for example, the exposed surface 456 may be configured as a curved surface that is a collection of involute curves, and the exposed surface 456 may be configured to be pressed by the fitting 800. In such a configuration, the exposed surface 456, the pressing portion 458, and the contact surface S2 may coincide with each other. Furthermore, the pressing portion 458 may be configured to intersect the first center axis C1 rather than being parallel to it in the closed valve state. Furthermore, the protruding portion 457 may be configured to intersect the first center axis C1 in the open valve state.

[0046] 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 the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each aspect 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]

[0047] 302...Sealing member, 310...Straight type pipe joint, 311...Valve seat portion, 312...Opening, 321...Joint body, 322...Flange, 323...Pipe, 324...Flange mounting portion, 325...Engagement portion, 326...Claw portion, 400...Flap valve device, 410...Fixing member, 411...Engagement groove, 412...Elastic member fixing portion, 414...Bearing portion, 430...Elastic member, 431...Intermediate portion, 433...Folding Return portion, 450...valve body, 451...elastic member guide portion, 452...support portion, 453...shaft portion, 455...main body portion, 456...exposed surface, 457...protruding portion, 458...pressing portion, 459...sealing portion, 800...joint, 801...inner hole, 810...sealing portion, 820...flap valve, 821...abutting portion, C1...first central axis, C2...second central axis, S1...surface, S2...contact surface, SP1...area, T1...locus

Claims

1. A straight pipe fitting, a cylindrical joint body having one end to which another joint can be connected and another end to which another pipe can be connected; a valve seat portion provided inside the joint body and having an opening formed therein for communicating the one end and the other end inside the joint body; a flap valve device housed in the joint body, the flap valve device rotating to switch between a closed state in which the opening is sealed and an open state in which the opening is opened; Equipped with The flap valve device is a fixing member disposed along an inner wall of the joint body; a valve element configured to be rotatable around a rotation axis provided on the fixed member, the valve element realizing the closed state by sealing the opening and the open state by opening the opening; an elastic member fixed to the fixed member, the elastic member biasing the valve body so as to seal the opening, The opening is formed in the valve seat portion such that a second central axis of the opening is inclined at an angle of 30 degrees to 60 degrees with respect to a first central axis of the joint body, the opening is formed in the valve seat portion so as to have an elliptical external shape when viewed in the second central axis direction, the valve body has a main body portion that seals the opening in the valve closed state, the main body portion having an elliptical external shape when viewed in the second central axis direction in the valve closed state, the valve body has a pressing portion that protrudes toward the one end side of the joint body in the closed valve state and is pressed by the other joint in a direction parallel to the first central axis, the pressing portion is provided on the valve body on a side closer to the rotation axis in a direction along the long axis of the main body, A straight-type pipe joint, wherein a 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.

2. The straight pipe joint according to claim 1, a straight-type pipe fitting, wherein the opening is formed in the valve seat portion so that, when viewed in the direction of the second central axis, the center of the opening is located farther from the rotation axis in the direction along the major axis than the intersection of the opening and the first central axis.

3. 3. The straight pipe joint according to claim 2, the main body portion has an exposed surface that is exposed on the one end side in the closed valve state, The valve body is a straight-type pipe joint, and has a rod-shaped protrusion that protrudes from the exposed surface and is connected to the pressing portion at its tip.

4. The straight pipe joint according to claim 3, The protrusion is disposed parallel to the first central axis in the closed valve state.

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