Pipe fittings

Abstract

To provide a pipe joint which can easily change a pipe-joint connection direction.SOLUTION: A pipe joint 8 (9) has connection ports 8a, 8b (9a, 9b) for connection with a pipe body at both ends. The pipe joint 8 (9) comprises a first connection body 801 (901) and a second connection body 802 (902) which are formed into cylindrical shapes. At mutual connection sides of the first connection body 801 (901) and the second connection body 802 (902), a male screw part 8c (9i) is formed at an external peripheral face of the one-side connection body 801 (902), a connection nut 8d (9j) is idly attached around an external periphery of the other side connection body 802 (901), and the connection bodies are connected to each other by the screwing of the male screw part 8c (9i) and the connection nut 8d (9j). A saw-shaped irregularity 8e (9k) is formed at an end face of the connection nut 8d (9j) along a circumferential direction, and an engagement part 8f (9m) engaged with the irregularity 8e (9k) is arranged at the one-side connection body 801 (902).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a pipe joint.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a drain hose joint that connects a drain outlet of an air conditioner and a drain pipe end located above the drain outlet (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This drain hose joint is composed of a hose and L-shaped connecting members attached to both end openings of the hose. Here, among the two connecting members, in the connecting member on the drain pipe side, a straight connecting member may be used instead of the L-shaped connecting member.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of this invention is to provide a pipe joint capable of easily changing the connection direction in the pipe joint.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The pipe joint according to this invention is composed of the following configuration in order to achieve the above object. That is, The pipe joint according to claim 1 has connection ports for connecting to a pipe body at both ends. This pipe joint comprises a first connecting body and a second connecting body, both cylindrical, with the connection port at one end. Here, the first connecting body and the second connecting body are connected on their respective connecting sides, with a male threaded portion formed on the outer circumference of one of the connecting bodies, and a connecting nut rotatably mounted around the outer circumference of the other connecting body, by screwing the male threaded portion and the connecting nut together. The end face of the connecting nut facing the one connecting body has irregularities formed along the circumferential direction, and the one connecting body is provided with an engaging portion that engages with the irregularities when the connecting nut is screwed onto the male threaded portion, and the irregularities are formed in a sawtooth shape so that the engaging portion that engages with the irregularities prevents the connecting nut from rotating in the loosening direction.

[0006] This pipe joint comprises a first connecting body and a second connecting body, which are connected by screwing a connecting nut, which is rotatably mounted on the other connecting body, into a male threaded portion formed on one connecting body. Therefore, when screwing the connecting nut into the male threaded portion, the relative orientation of the two connection ports can be changed by rotating the first and second connecting bodies relative to each other around their respective connecting axis, thereby easily changing the connection direction of this pipe joint. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The pipe joint according to this invention has the following effects:

[0008] According to the pipe joint described in claim 1, the relative orientation of the two connection ports can be changed by rotating the first and second connecting members relative to each other around the axis of their connecting side, thereby easily changing the connection direction in this pipe joint. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1]This is a perspective view of a drainage structure equipped with drainage path components according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which the second joint is in a parallel position. [Figure 2] Similarly, this is a front view with the second joint in a parallel position. [Figure 3] Similarly, this is a front view with the second joint in a bent position (more specifically, a perpendicular position). [Figure 4] This is a front view of the drainage structure shown in Figure 2, excluding the first and second covering members and the covering member for the curved channel forming member. [Figure 5] This is a front view of the drainage structure shown in Figure 3, excluding the first and second covering members and the covering member for the curved channel forming member. [Figure 6] Similarly, this is a cross-sectional view of the drainage path component when the second joint is in a parallel position, excluding the first and second covering members and the covering member for the curved channel forming member. [Figure 7] Similarly, this is a cross-sectional view of the drainage path component when the second joint is in a bent position (more specifically, an orthogonal position), excluding the first and second covering members and the covering member for the bent channel forming member. [Figure 8] Similarly, this is a front view showing the first cover member assembled to the first joint, with the first cover member broken. [Figure 9] Similarly, this is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 8. [Figure 10] This is also a cross-sectional view of the first joint. [Figure 11] This is also a perspective view of the first joint. [Figure 12] Similarly, this is a perspective view of the drain side component. [Figure 13] Similarly, this is a perspective view of the first main body side member. [Figure 14] Similarly, (a) is a perspective view of the first connecting nut, and (b) is a perspective view from the front. [Figure 15] Similarly, this is a perspective view of one of the divided parts of the first covering member. [Figure 16]Also, it is a perspective view of the other divided body in the first covering member. [Figure 17] Also, it is a front view in which the second covering member is assembled to the second joint in a parallel posture and the second covering member is broken. [Figure 18] Also, it is a front view in which the second covering member is assembled to the second joint in a bent posture (specifically, an orthogonal posture) and the second covering member is broken. [Figure 19] Also, it is a cross-sectional view of the second joint in a parallel posture. [Figure 20] Also, it is a cross-sectional view of the second joint in a bent posture (specifically, an orthogonal posture). [Figure 21] Also, it is a front view of the second main body side member. [Figure 22] Also, it is a front view of the drain pipe side member. [Figure 23] Also, it is a perspective view of the retaining ring. [Figure 24] Also, it is a perspective view of the second connecting nut, where (a) is a perspective view seen from the front side and (b) is a perspective view seen from the back side. [Figure 25] Also, it is a perspective view of one divided body in the covering member for the second main body side member of the second covering member. [Figure 26] Also, it is a perspective view of the other divided body in the covering member for the second main body side member of the second covering member. [Figure 27] Also, it is a perspective view of one divided body in the covering member for the drain pipe side member of the second covering member. [Figure 28] Also, it is a perspective view of the other divided body in the covering member for the drain pipe side member of the second covering member. [Figure 29] Also, it is a cross-sectional view in which a covering member for the bent flow path forming member is assembled to the bent flow path forming member. [Figure 30] Also, it is a perspective view in which an assembling portion is provided in the main body portion of the bent flow path forming member. [Figure 31] Also, it is a plan view in which an assembling portion is provided in the main body portion of the bent flow path forming member. [Figure 32]Similarly, this is a perspective view of the connecting body in the bendable channel forming member. [Figure 33] Similarly, this is a perspective view of the lid in the bendable channel forming member. [Figure 34] Similarly, the mounting body for the bent channel forming member is shown in perspective views, where (a) is a perspective view from the front and (b) is a perspective view from the back. [Figure 35] Similarly, this is a perspective view of the valve body in the bent flow channel forming member. [Figure 36] Similarly, this is a perspective view of one of the divided parts of the covering member for the bendable channel forming member. [Figure 37] Similarly, this is a perspective view of the other divided part of the covering member for the bendable channel forming member. [Figure 38] This is a diagram corresponding to Figure 6 of another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 39] Similarly, this is a diagram equivalent to Figure 7. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out this invention will be described based on the drawings.

[0011] Figures 1 to 37 show one embodiment of the present invention. In the figures, reference numeral 1 indicates an air conditioner. 1a indicates the drain port of the air conditioner 1. 2 indicates a suspension bolt used as a suspension device for suspending the air conditioner 1. 3 indicates a structure or other support. 4 indicates a drain pipe. 4a indicates the drain pipe end, which is the end of the drain pipe 4. 5 indicates a drainage path component. 6 indicates a drainage structure.

[0012] The drainage path component 5 constitutes the drainage path between the drain port 1a of the air conditioner 1 and the end of the drain pipe 4a located above the drain port 1a. In other words, the air conditioner 1 is equipped with a pump that pressurizes the drainage, and the drainage is first lifted to the highest point of the drainage path by the pump, and then descends.

[0013] The drainage path component 5 comprises a cylindrical body 7 whose interior serves as a drainage channel, a first joint 8, and a second joint 9. The first joint 8 has a drainage port side connection port 8a connected to the drainage port 1a and a body end side connection port 8b connected to one end of the body 7, and its axis is bent in a substantially L-shape (in the illustrated embodiment, the orientation 8x of the drainage port side connection port 8a and the orientation 8y of the body end side connection port 8b are perpendicular to each other). The second joint 9 has a body other end side connection port 9a connected to the other end of the body 7 and a drain pipe side connection port 9b connected to the drain pipe end 4a, and is formed to be selectively changeable between a parallel orientation in which the orientation 9x of the body other end side connection port 9a and the orientation 9y of the drain pipe side connection port 9b are parallel to each other, and a bent orientation in which their orientations 9x and 9y intersect (in the illustrated embodiment, an orthogonal orientation in which they are perpendicular to each other). Therefore, the drainage path component 5 has one end of the main body 7 connected to the main body one-end connection port 8b of the first joint 8, and the other end of the main body 7 connected to the main body other-end connection port 9a of the second joint 9, so that the main body 7, the first joint 8 and the second joint 9 are integrated together.

[0014] More specifically, the main body 7 comprises a first pipe 10, a second pipe 11, and a bent flow path forming member 12 positioned above the first joint 8 and connecting the first pipe 10 and the second pipe 11. More specifically, this bent flow path forming member 12 constitutes the apex of the drainage path between the drain port 1a of the air conditioner 1 and the drain pipe end 4a located above the drain port 1a, and its interior forms a bent drainage flow path 12a. The side of the first pipe 10 opposite the bent flow path forming member 12 becomes one end of the main body 7, and the side of the second pipe 11 opposite the bent flow path forming member 12 becomes the other end of the main body 7.

[0015] The first joint 8 is constructed by detachably connecting a cylindrical drain-side member 801 having the drain-side connection port 8a and a cylindrical first main body-side member 802 having the main body-end-side connection port 8b. Here, the first main body-side member 802 has a straight axis. The drain-side member 801 has an axis that is bent in a substantially L-shape, and the drain-side member 801 can be connected to the first main body-side member 802 at any rotational position obtained by rotating the first main body-side member 802 around its axis. By rotating, the orientation 8x of the drain-side connection port 8a can be directed to any orientation obtained by rotating the first main body-side member 802 around its axis.

[0016] Furthermore, in the first joint 8, the drain outlet side member 801 and the first main body side member 802 are connected at their respective connection sides. On one side, the drain outlet side member (in the illustrated embodiment, the drain outlet side member 801) has a first male threaded portion 8c formed on its outer circumference, and on the other side member (in the illustrated embodiment, the first main body side member 802) a first connecting nut 8d is rotatably mounted around its outer circumference. The drain outlet side member 801 and the first main body side member 802 are connected by the screwing of the first male threaded portion 8c and the first connecting nut 8d. Here, on the end face of the first connecting nut 8d facing the drain-side member 801 and the first main body-side member 802 (the drain-side member 801), a first groove 8e is formed along the circumferential direction, and the drain-side member 801 and the first main body-side member 802 (the drain-side member 801) are provided with a first engaging portion 8f that engages with the first groove 8e when the first connecting nut 8d is screwed into the first male thread portion 8c. The first groove 8e is formed in a sawtooth shape (preferably, in each tooth forming the sawtooth groove, the engaged surface in the loosening direction is an upright surface or a steeply inclined surface, and the engaged surface in the opposite direction, the tightening direction, is a gently inclined surface) so that the first engaging portion 8f that engages with the first groove 8e prevents the first connecting nut 8d from rotating in the loosening direction.

[0017] Furthermore, the drain port side member 801 and the first main body side member 802, specifically the other side member (the first main body side member 802), are provided with a first restricting projection 8g that, when the first connecting nut 8d is loosened relative to the first male threaded portion 8c and disengaged from the first male threaded portion 8c, will come into contact with it within one lead in the loosening direction (i.e., within one lead in the axial direction of the first male threaded portion 8c), thereby restricting further movement of the first connecting nut 8d toward the loosening direction (i.e., movement toward the loosening direction of the first male threaded portion 8c toward the loosening direction). The first connecting nut 8d is also provided with a first recess 8h through which the first restricting projection 8g can pass at a predetermined rotational position of the first connecting nut 8d. One lead refers to the distance that one threaded member (in the illustrated embodiment, the first connecting nut 8d) advances in the axial direction of the screw when one rotation of the threaded member occurs.

[0018] The second joint 9 has positioning means 9c for positioning its posture in both the parallel posture and the bent posture (orthogonal posture in the illustrated embodiment). The second joint 9 is constructed by detachably connecting a cylindrical second main body side member 901 having a connection port 9a on the other end of the main body and a cylindrical drain pipe side member 902 having a drain pipe side connection port 9b. Here, both the second main body side member 901 and the drain pipe side member 902 are formed with their axes bent, and the parallel posture and the bent posture (orthogonal posture) are formed by connecting the second main body side member 901 and the drain pipe side member 902 at a rotational position obtained by rotating them relative to each other around the axis of their connecting side. Therefore, the second main body side member 901 and the drain pipe side member 902 are positioned in the parallel position and the bent position (orthogonal position) by having a protrusion 9d on one of the members (in the illustrated embodiment, the drain pipe side member 902) and a recess 9e on the other member (in the illustrated embodiment, the second main body side member 901) that engages with the protrusion 9d. In other words, the positioning means 9c consists of these protrusion 9d and recess 9e.

[0019] Furthermore, in the second joint 9, the second main body side member 901 and the drain pipe side member 902 are provided with an outer cylinder portion 9f on one side (in the illustrated embodiment, the drain pipe side member 902) at the connection side of each other, and an inner cylinder portion 9g which is inserted into the outer cylinder portion 9f is provided on the other side (in the illustrated embodiment, the second main body side member 901). A ring-shaped water-stopping member 9h is fitted to the outer circumference of the inner cylinder portion 9g, and the water-stopping member 9h is in close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder portion 9f. Thus, this water-stopping member 9h prevents the drain pipe side member 902 from moving away from the second main body side member 901 due to its own weight until the engagement between the protruding portion 9d and the recessed portion 9e is disengaged.

[0020] Furthermore, the second main body side member 901 and the drain pipe side member 902 are connected at their respective connection points. On one side of the member (in the illustrated embodiment, the drain pipe side member 902), a second male threaded portion 9i is formed on its outer circumference, and on the other side of the member (in the illustrated embodiment, the second main body side member 901), a second connecting nut 9j is rotatably mounted around its outer circumference. The second main body side member 901 and the drain pipe side member 902 are connected by the screwing of the second male threaded portion 9i and the second connecting nut 9j. Here, on the end face of the second connecting nut 9j facing the drain pipe side member 902 of the second main body side member 901, a second groove 9k is formed along the circumferential direction, and the drain pipe side member 902 of the second main body side member 901 is provided with a second engaging portion 9m that engages with the second groove 9k when the second connecting nut 9j is screwed into the second male thread portion 9i. The second groove 9k is formed in a sawtooth shape (preferably, in each tooth forming the sawtooth groove, the engaged surface in the loosening direction is an upright or steeply inclined surface, and the engaged surface in the opposite direction, the tightening direction, is a gently inclined surface) so that the second engaging portion 9m that engages with the second groove 9k prevents the second connecting nut 9j from rotating in the loosening direction.

[0021] Furthermore, the drainpipe-side member 902 of the second main body side member 901 is provided with a second restricting projection 9n that, when the second connecting nut 9j is loosened relative to the second male threaded portion 9i and disengaged from the second male threaded portion 9i, comes into contact with it within one lead in the loosening direction (i.e., within one lead in the loosening direction of the second male threaded portion 9i in the axial direction), thereby restricting further movement of the second connecting nut 9j toward the loosening direction (i.e., movement of the second male threaded portion 9i toward the loosening direction in the axial direction). The second connecting nut 9j is provided with a second recess 9p through which the second restricting projection 9n can pass at a predetermined rotational position of the second connecting nut 9j.

[0022] The curved channel forming member 12 has a first pipe-side connection port 12b to which the first pipe body 10 is connected, and a second pipe-side connection port 12c to which the second pipe body 11 is connected, and its interior becomes a curved drainage channel 12a, which is part of the drainage channel. In other words, the first pipe body 10, which is connected to the drain port 1a (more specifically, connected via the first joint 8), is connected to the first pipe-side connection port 12b so that its interior and the curved drainage channel 12a are in communication. The second pipe body 11, which is connected to the drain pipe end 4a (more specifically, connected via the second joint 9), is connected to the second pipe-side connection port 12c so that its interior and the curved drainage channel 12a are in communication.

[0023] The bent channel forming member 12 is formed such that the angle between the orientation 12x of the first pipe-side connection port 12b and the orientation 12y of the second pipe-side connection port 12c is a right angle or smaller (in the illustrated embodiment, it is a right angle). In other words, the first pipe-side connection port 12b and the second pipe-side connection port 12c are provided such that, with the orientation 12x of the first pipe-side connection port 12b pointing vertically downwards, the orientation 12y of the second pipe-side connection port 12c points horizontally or downwards (in the illustrated embodiment, horizontally).

[0024] Furthermore, the bendable channel forming member 12 includes a bendable channel forming member body 12d having the bendable drainage channel 12a, the first pipe-side connection port 12b, and the second pipe-side connection port 12c, as well as a fixing part 12e that can be fixed to the support 3. Here, the fixing part 12e includes a mounting body 12g, which is separate from the bendable channel forming member body 12d and has a mounting part 12f that is attached to the support 3, and an assembly part 12h that is provided on the bendable channel forming member body 12d and can be assembled to the mounting body 12g. In the illustrated embodiment, the fixing part 12e is provided on the side of the bendable channel forming member 12 opposite to the second pipe-side connection port 12c. The fixing part 12e can be fixed to a bolt member (in the illustrated embodiment, a suspension bolt 2 that suspends the air conditioner 1) which is a support 3 located near the air conditioner 1, and in this fixed state, the first pipe 10 is positioned to extend downward from the bendable channel forming member 12.

[0025] Furthermore, the bendable channel forming member 12 includes a cover 12i. Here, the main body 12d of the bendable channel forming member has an opening 12j that allows the bendable drainage channel 12a to be viewed from the outside. The cover 12i is detachably attached to the main body 12d of the bendable channel forming member so as to close the opening 12j.

[0026] Furthermore, a valve body 13 is provided inside the bendable channel forming member 12 (more specifically, the bendable channel forming member body 12d). The valve body 13 normally closes the bendable drainage channel 12a and opens it when drainage flows in from the first pipe 10. The valve body 13 can be moved in and out through the opening 12j. Specifically, the bendable channel forming member 12 (more specifically, the bendable channel forming member body 12d) comprises a bottom plate 12k and a protruding cylindrical portion 12m that protrudes upward from the bottom plate 12k in a cylindrical shape. The inside of the protruding cylindrical portion 12m is connected to the inlet 12n into which drainage from the first pipe 10 flows. The valve body 13 is provided at the protruding end of the protruding cylindrical portion 12m.

[0027] Furthermore, the drainage path component 5 includes a covering member that covers and houses one of the joints in the first joint 8 and the second joint 9. In the illustrated embodiment, the first joint 8 and the second joint 9 each become one of the joints, and the covering members include a first covering member 14 that covers and houses the first joint 8, and a second covering member 15 that covers and houses the second joint 9. Here, the first joint 8 has a first connected portion 8i formed on its outer surface as a connected portion, and the first covering member 14 has a first connecting portion 14a formed on its inner surface as a connecting portion that connects to the first connected portion 8i, and the first covering member 14 is temporarily held by the first joint 8 by the connection between the first connected portion 8i and the first connecting portion 14a so as not to fall due to its own weight. Similarly, the second joint 9 has a second connected portion 9q formed on its outer surface as a connected portion, and the second cover member 15 has a second connecting portion 15a formed on its inner surface as a connecting portion that connects to the second connected portion 9q. The connection between the second connected portion 9q and the second connecting portion 15a temporarily holds the second cover member 15 to the second joint 9 so that it does not fall due to its own weight. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second connected portions 8i and 9q consist of protrusions, and the first and second connecting portions 14a and 15a consist of recesses that fit into these protrusions and connect to them by friction.

[0028] In detail, the first covering member 14 has a cylindrical shape with its axis bent in a roughly L-shape, covering the first joint 8 so as to house it inside. This first covering member 14 has one or more (two in the illustrated embodiment) divided portions 14b extending along its axial direction, and by closing the divided portions 14b, it is possible to cover the first joint 8 so as to house it inside.

[0029] Here, the first joint 8 has the first connected portion 8i formed on the outer surface of the bent portion of the first joint 8, on the side (both sides in the illustrated embodiment) away from the cross-section obtained by cutting with a plane containing the axis of the first joint 8. The first connecting portion 14a is formed on the inner surface of the bent portion of the first cover member 14, on the side (both sides in the illustrated embodiment) away from the cross-section obtained by cutting with a plane containing the axis of the first cover member 14.

[0030] The second covering member 15 comprises a cylindrical covering member 151 for the second main body side member 901, which has a bent axis and covers the second main body side member 901 so as to house it inside, and a cylindrical covering member 152 for the drain pipe side member 902, which has a bent axis and covers the drain pipe side member 902 so as to house it inside. The covering member 151 for the second main body side member and the covering member 152 for the drain pipe side member each have one or more (two in the illustrated embodiment) divided portions 15b extending along their axial direction, and by closing the divided portions 15b, it is possible to cover the second main body side member 901 and the drain pipe side member 902 so as to house them inside.

[0031] Here, in the second main body side member 901 and the drain pipe side member 902, the second connected portion 9q is formed on the outer surface of the bent portion of that member, on the side (both sides in the illustrated embodiment) away from the cross-section obtained by cutting with a plane containing the axis of that member. In the second main body side member cover member 151 and the drain pipe side member cover member 152, the cover member that covers the one member has the second connecting portion 15a formed on its inner surface (more specifically, on the inner surface of the bent portion of the cover member, on the side (both sides in the illustrated embodiment) away from the cross-section obtained by cutting with a plane containing the axis of the cover member) that connects to the second connected portion 9q. The connection between the second connected portion 9q and the second connecting portion 15a temporarily holds the cover member that covers the one member so that it does not fall due to its own weight. In the illustrated embodiment, the second main body side member 901 and the drain pipe side member 902 each constitute one of the members, and a second coupling portion 9q is provided on both the second main body side member 901 and the drain pipe side member 902, and a second coupling portion 15a is provided on both the cover member 151 for the second main body side member and the cover member 152 for the drain pipe side member.

[0032] Furthermore, the drainage path component 5 includes a first covering member 14 and a second covering member 15, as well as a covering member 16 for the curved channel forming member. Thus, the curved channel forming body 17 is constructed by including the covering member 16 for the curved channel forming member 12 in the curved channel forming member 12. That is, the curved channel forming body 17 comprises a curved channel forming member 12 and a covering member 16 for the curved channel forming member that covers and houses the curved channel forming member 12 inside. This covering member 16 for the curved channel forming member is divided into a main body covering portion 16a that covers the main body 12d of the curved channel forming member and a lid covering portion 16b that covers the lid 12i. By removing the lid covering portion 16b from the main body covering portion 16a, the lid 12i can be removed from the main body 12d of the curved channel forming member.

[0033] Furthermore, the bending channel forming device 18 is configured by including the first pipe body 10 and / or the second pipe body 11 in the bending channel forming member 12. That is, the bending channel forming device 18 comprises the bending channel forming member 12, the first pipe body 10 connected to the first pipe body side connection port 12b of the bending channel forming member 12, and / or the second pipe body 11 connected to the second pipe body side connection port 12c. Here, the first pipe body 10 is connected to the first pipe body side connection port 12b of the bending channel forming member 12 so as not to rotate around its axis, and similarly, the second pipe body 11 is connected to the second pipe body side connection port 12c of the bending channel forming member 12 so as not to rotate around its axis.

[0034] Furthermore, the drainage device 19 is constructed by including the first pipe body 10 and the first joint 8 in the bent channel forming member 12. That is, the drainage device 19 comprises the bent channel forming member 12, the first pipe body 10 connected to the first pipe body side connection port 12b of the bent channel forming member 12, and the bent first joint 8 connecting the first pipe body 10 to the drain port 1a of the air conditioner 1. Here, as described above, the first joint 8 is constructed by connecting (more specifically, by connecting in a separable manner) a cylindrical drain port side member 801 having a drain port side connection port 8a connected to the drain port 1a, and a cylindrical pipe body side member (i.e., first main body side member 802) having a pipe body side connection port (i.e., main body one end side connection port 8b) to which the first pipe body 10 is connected. The first pipe body 10 is connected to the first pipe body side connection port 12b of the bent flow path forming member 12 in a way that prevents it from rotating around its axis, and is also connected to the pipe body side connection port (i.e., the main body one-end side connection port 8b) of the first joint 8 (more specifically, the first main body side member 802) in a way that prevents it from rotating around its axis.

[0035] In the drainage structure 6, the fixing portion 12e of the bent channel forming member 12 is fixed to the support 3, the first pipe 10 is connected to the first pipe side connection port 12b facing downwards of the bent channel forming member 12, and the second pipe 11 is connected to the second pipe side connection port 12c facing laterally. In this drainage structure 6, the first pipe 10 is connected to the drain port 1a of the air conditioner 1, and the second pipe 11 is connected to the drain pipe end 4a located above the drain port 1a.

[0036] Furthermore, in this drainage structure 6, the first pipe body 10 and the drain outlet 1a are connected via a first joint 8. The first joint 8 is covered by a first covering member 14, which has a divided portion 14b extending along its axial direction. Similarly, the second pipe body 11 and the drain pipe end 4a are connected via a second joint 9. The second joint 9 is covered by a second covering member 15 (i.e., the second main body side covering member 151 and the drain pipe side covering member 152 mentioned above), which has a divided portion 15b extending along its axial direction. Therefore, adhesive tape or other joining members 20 are wrapped around each covering member (i.e., the first covering member 14 and the second covering member 15) to prevent the divided portions 14b and 15b from opening.

[0037] Furthermore, in this drainage structure 6, the bendable channel forming member 12 is covered by a cover member 16 for the bendable channel forming member. As mentioned above, the bendable channel forming member 12 comprises a bendable channel forming member body 12d having an opening 12j and a lid 12i that closes the opening 12j. Accordingly, the cover member 16 for the bendable channel forming member is divided into a main body cover portion 16a that covers the bendable channel forming member body 12d and a lid cover portion 16b that covers the lid 12i. Here, the main body cover portion 16a comprises two divided parts 16c, 16c that sandwich the first pipe-side connection port 12b, the second pipe-side connection port 12c and the fixing portion 12e (in the illustrated embodiment, in addition, sandwich the opening 12j), and a joining member 20 such as adhesive tape is wrapped around the main body cover portion 16a so that the divided parts 16c, 16c do not separate.

[0038] Incidentally, the first joint 8 is not limited to being used in the drainage path of the air conditioner 1, but can also be understood as a pipe joint having connection ports (drain port side connection port 8a, main body one end side connection port 8b) at both ends for pipes (drain port 1a, first pipe body 10). Similarly, the second joint 9 can also be understood as a pipe joint having connection ports (main body other end side connection port 9a, drain pipe side connection port 9b) at both ends for pipes (second pipe body 11, drain pipe 4). Therefore, this pipe joint (first joint 8 or second joint 9) comprises a cylindrical first connecting body (drain port side member 801 or second main body side member 901) having a connection port (drain port side connection port 8a or main body other end side connection port 9a) at one end, and a cylindrical second connecting body (first main body side member 802 or drain pipe side member 902) having a connection port (main body one end side connection port 8b or drain pipe side connection port 9b) at one end.

[0039] The first and second connecting members are connected at their respective connecting sides. On one of the connecting members (in the illustrated embodiment, the drain outlet side member 801 or the drain pipe side member 902), a male threaded portion (first male threaded portion 8c or second male threaded portion 9i) is formed on its outer circumference. On the other connecting member (in the illustrated embodiment, the first main body side member 802 or the second main body side member 901), a connecting nut (first connecting nut 8d or second connecting nut 9j) is attached so as to be able to rotate freely around its outer circumference. The first and second connecting members are connected by screwing the male threaded portion (first male threaded portion 8c or second male threaded portion 9i) and the connecting nut (first connecting nut 8d or second connecting nut 9j) together.

[0040] Here, the end face of the connecting nut (first connecting nut 8d or second connecting nut 9j) facing the connecting body on one side (drain outlet side member 801 or drain pipe side member 902) has irregularities (first irregularity 8e or second irregularity 9k) along the circumferential direction, and the connecting body on one side (drain outlet side member 801 or drain pipe side member 902) is provided with an engaging portion (first engaging portion 8f or second engaging portion 9m) that engages with the irregularities (first irregularity 8e or second irregularity 9k) when the connecting nut (first connecting nut 8d or second connecting nut 9j) is screwed into the male thread portion (first male thread portion 8c or second male thread portion 9i). Therefore, the protrusions (first protrusion 8e or second protrusion 9k) are formed in a sawtooth shape so that the engaging portion (first engaging portion 8f or second engaging portion 9m) that engages with the protrusions (first protrusion 8e or second protrusion 9k) prevents the connecting nut (first connecting nut 8d or second connecting nut 9j) from rotating in the loosening direction.

[0041] Furthermore, the other connecting body (first main body side member 802 or second main body side member 901) is provided with a restricting projection (first restricting projection 8g or second restricting projection 9n) that restricts the further loosening of the connecting nut (first connecting nut 8d or second connecting nut 9j) (i.e., further loosening of the male thread portion in the axial direction of the male thread portion) after the connecting nut (first connecting nut 8d or second connecting nut 9j) is loosened relative to the male thread portion (first male thread portion 8c or second male thread portion 9i) and contacts the male thread portion (first male thread portion 8c or second male thread portion 9i) after the screwing is released from the male thread portion (first male thread portion 8c or second male thread portion 9i). Furthermore, the connecting nuts (first connecting nut 8d or second connecting nut 9j) are provided with recesses (first recess 8h or second recess 9p) through which the regulating protrusions (first regulating protrusion 8g or second regulating protrusion 9n) can pass at predetermined rotational positions of the connecting nuts (first connecting nut 8d or second connecting nut 9j).

[0042] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the second joint 9 can be understood as a pipe joint having connection ports (connection port 9a on the other end of the main body, and connection port 9b on the drain pipe side) at both ends for connection to the pipe body (second pipe body 11, drain pipe 4). The pipe joint device is composed of this pipe joint (second joint 9) and a covering member (second covering member 15) that covers and houses the pipe joint (second joint 9) inside. In other words, the pipe joint device comprises the pipe joint (second joint 9) and the covering member (second covering member 15). In detail, the pipe joint (second joint 9) comprises a cylindrical first connecting body (second main body side member 901) having a connection port (connection port 9a on the other end of the main body) at one end, and a cylindrical second connecting body (drain pipe side member 902) having a connection port (drain pipe side connection port 9b) at one end, with the other ends of the first connecting body (second main body side member 901) and the second connecting body (drain pipe side member 902) connected to each other. Both the first connecting body (second main body side member 901) and the second connecting body (drain pipe side member 902) are formed with their axes bent, and by connecting the first connecting body (second main body side member 901) and the second connecting body (drain pipe side member 902) at a rotational position rotated relative to each other around the axis of their connecting side, the relative orientation of both connection ports (connection port 9a on the other end of the main body and drain pipe side connection port 9b) can be changed.

[0043] On the other hand, the covering member (second covering member 15) consists of a first covering body (covering member for the second main body side member 151) with a bent axis that covers the first connecting body (second main body side member 901) so as to house it inside, and a second covering body (covering member for the drain pipe side member 152) with a bent axis that covers the second connecting body (drain pipe side member 902) so as to house it inside. Each covering body has one or more divided parts (divided parts 15b) extending along its axial direction, and by closing these divided parts (divided parts 15b), it is possible to cover the first connecting body (second main body side member 901) and the second connecting body (drain pipe side member 902) so as to house them inside.

[0044] Here, one of the connecting members (in the illustrated embodiment, each connecting member) between the first connecting member (second main body side member 901) and the second connecting member (drain pipe side member 902) has a connected portion (second connected portion 9q) formed on its outer surface. Furthermore, in the first cover (cover member 151 for the second main body side member) and the second cover (cover member 152 for the drain pipe side member), the cover (cover member 151 for the second main body side member, cover member 152 for the drain pipe side member) that covers one of the connecting members (second main body side member 901, drain pipe side member 902) has a connecting part (second connecting part 15a) formed on its inner surface that connects to the connected part (second connected part 9q), and the connecting part (second connecting part 15a) connects to the connected part (second connected part 9q), thereby temporarily holding the cover (cover member 151 for the second main body side member, cover member 152 for the drain pipe side member) that covers one of the connecting members (second main body side member 901, drain pipe side member 902) so that it does not fall due to its own weight.

[0045] Specifically, the first pipe body 10 is composed of a pipe body 10a and a cylindrical covering material 10b that covers the pipe body 10a, and similarly, the second pipe body 11 is composed of a pipe body 11a and a cylindrical covering material 11b that covers the pipe body 11a. Here, the pipe bodies 10a and 11a are made of synthetic resin, for example, and the covering materials 10b and 11b are made of thermal insulation material. At least the second pipe body 11 is flexible. In the illustrated embodiment, the first pipe body 10 and the second pipe body 11 are flexible, and the second pipe body 11 is formed to have a shorter axial length than the first pipe body 10.

[0046] As described above, the first joint 8 connects the drain-side member 801 and the first main body-side member 802 via a first connecting nut 8d. More specifically, a U-shaped retaining ring 8j (same shape as the retaining ring 9r described later) is attached to the outer circumference of the first main body-side member 802. The first connecting nut 8d is a cap nut for plumbing, and the first connecting nut 8d is prevented from coming off the outer circumference of the first main body-side member 802 by the retaining ring 8j and is tightened to the first male threaded portion 8c. At this time, the tip of the first main body-side member 802 is inserted into the drain-side member 801, and a ring-shaped water-stopping member 8k fitted to the outer circumference of the inserted tip is in close contact with the inner circumference of the drain-side member 801.

[0047] Furthermore, in this first joint 8, the drain port side connection port 8a has a large diameter portion 8m and a small diameter portion 8n to correspond to the different diameters of the drain port 1a. In the illustrated embodiment, the diameter of the drain port 1a is large, and the drain port 1a fits into the large diameter portion 8m of the drain port side connection port 8a. The main body one end side connection port 8b is composed of an inner cylindrical portion 8p, an intermediate cylindrical portion 8q, and an outer cylindrical portion 8r arranged concentrically. The pipe body 10a of the first pipe body 10 is inserted between the inner cylindrical portion 8p and the intermediate cylindrical portion 8q, and the covering material 10b of the first pipe body 10 is inserted between the intermediate cylindrical portion 8q and the outer cylindrical portion 8r, and fixed to the main body one end side connection port 8b by means of adhesive, for example.

[0048] As described above, the second joint 9 connects the second main body side member 901 and the drain pipe side member 902 via a second connecting nut 9j. More specifically, a U-shaped retaining ring 9r is attached to the outer circumference of the second main body side member 901. The second connecting nut 9j is a cap nut for plumbing, and the second connecting nut 9j is secured by the retaining ring 9r to prevent it from coming off the outer circumference of the second main body side member 901 and is tightened to the second male threaded portion 9i. At this time, the tip portion of the second main body side member 901 (i.e., the inner cylinder portion 9g mentioned above) is inserted into the drain pipe side member 902 (more specifically, the outer cylinder portion 9f mentioned above), and a ring-shaped water-stopping member 9h fitted to the outer circumference of the inserted tip portion is in close contact with the inner surface of the drain pipe side member 902 (more specifically, the outer cylinder portion 9f mentioned above).

[0049] Furthermore, as mentioned above, both the second main body side member 901 and the drain pipe side member 902 are formed with a bent axis, but in the illustrated embodiment, this bend is 45° from a straight state. Therefore, the parallel and orthogonal positions mentioned above are formed by connecting the second main body side member 901 and the drain pipe side member 902 at a rotational position in which their axes are located on the same plane and rotated 180° relative to the axis of their connecting side.

[0050] Furthermore, regarding the aforementioned protruding portion 9d and recessed portion 9e in the second joint 9, the protruding portion 9d is formed to protrude from the tip surface of the drain pipe side member 902 facing the second main body side member 901. The recessed portion 9e is formed to recess from the surface of the retaining ring 9r provided on the second main body side member 901 facing the drain pipe side member 902.

[0051] Furthermore, in this second joint 9, the connection port 9a on the other end of the main body is composed of an inner cylindrical portion 9s, an intermediate cylindrical portion 9t, and an outer cylindrical portion 9u, which are arranged concentrically. The main body 11a of the second pipe body 11 is inserted between the inner cylindrical portion 9s and the intermediate cylindrical portion 9t, and the covering material 11b of the second pipe body 11 is inserted between the intermediate cylindrical portion 9t and the outer cylindrical portion 9u, and is fixed to the connection port 9a on the other end of the main body by means of adhesive, for example. The drain pipe side connection port 9b has a large diameter portion 9v and a small diameter portion 9w to accommodate different diameters of the drain pipe 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the diameter of the drain pipe 4 is large, and the drain pipe 4 (more specifically, the drain pipe end portion 4a) fits into the large diameter portion 9v of the drain pipe side connection port 9b.

[0052] The bendable channel forming member 12 comprises the bendable channel forming member body 12d, the fixing part 12e, and the cover 12i. The bendable channel forming member body 12d has a separate cylindrical connecting body 12p having a second pipe-side connecting port 12c, and the connecting body 12p is connected to the main body portion 12q, excluding the connecting body 12p, via a connecting nut 12r (identical in shape to the first connecting nut 8d mentioned above). In detail, the main body portion 12q has a main body cylindrical portion 12s and an extended cylindrical portion 12t extending laterally from the main body cylindrical portion 12s, and a male screw portion 12u is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the extended cylindrical portion 12t. The connecting nut 12r is rotatably mounted around the outer circumference of the connecting body 12p, and the connecting body 12p is connected to the main body portion 12q by screwing the male screw portion 12u and the connecting nut 12r together. More specifically, a U-shaped retaining ring 12v (identical in shape to the retaining ring 9r mentioned above) is attached to the outer circumference of the connecting body 12p. The connecting nut 12r is a cap nut for plumbing, and the connecting nut 12r is secured by the retaining ring 12v to the outer circumference of the connecting body 12p and tightened to the male threaded portion 12u. At this time, the tip portion of the connecting body 12p is inserted into the extension tube portion 12t, and the ring-shaped water-stopping member 12w fitted to the outer circumference of the inserted tip portion is in close contact with the inner circumference of the extension tube portion 12t.

[0053] Furthermore, the main body 12d of the bent channel forming member (more specifically, the main body cylindrical portion 12s) has a first pipe-side connection port 12b formed so as to protrude downward from the bottom plate 12k. This first pipe-side connection port 12b is composed of an inner cylindrical portion 120a, an intermediate cylindrical portion 120b, and an outer cylindrical portion 120c, which are arranged concentrically. The pipe body 10a of the first pipe 10 is inserted between the inner cylindrical portion 120a and the intermediate cylindrical portion 120b, and the covering material 10b of the first pipe 10 is inserted between the intermediate cylindrical portion 120b and the outer cylindrical portion 120c, and fixed to this first pipe-side connection port 12b by means of adhesive, for example. The inside of the inner cylindrical portion 120a becomes the inlet 12n into which drainage from the first pipe 10 flows. Similarly, the second pipe body side connection port 12c is composed of an inner cylindrical portion 120d, an intermediate cylindrical portion 120e, and an outer cylindrical portion 120f, which are arranged concentrically. The pipe body 11a of the second pipe body 11 is inserted between the inner cylindrical portion 120d and the intermediate cylindrical portion 120e, and the covering material 11b of the second pipe body 11 is inserted between the intermediate cylindrical portion 120e and the outer cylindrical portion 120f, and is fixed to this second pipe body side connection port 12c by means of adhesive, for example.

[0054] Furthermore, the protruding cylindrical portion 12m provided on the main body 12d of the bent flow path forming member (more specifically, the main cylindrical portion 12s) has multiple ribs 120g, 120g arranged radially so as to connect its protruding end to its center, and a through hole 120h is made in the center where these ribs 120g, 120g converge. Thus, the drainage enters the inside through these ribs 120g, 120g. The valve body 13 is then attached to the through hole 120h. In detail, the valve body 13 consists of a disc-shaped valve body 13a and a mounting projection 13b that protrudes from the center of the valve body 13a. The valve body 13a is placed on the protruding end of the protruding cylindrical portion 12m, and the mounting projection 13b is inserted into the through hole 120h and locked in place.

[0055] Furthermore, the opening 12j of the bent channel forming member body 12d (more specifically, the main body cylindrical portion 12s) is located above the bottom plate 12k and is provided to open upward. The cover 12i that closes this opening 12j is attached so as to fit inside the bent channel forming member body 12d (more specifically, the main body cylindrical portion 12s). This cover 12i is positioned opposite the valve body 13. A ring-shaped water-sealing member 120i is fitted to the outer circumference of the cover 12i, and the water-sealing member 120i is in close contact with the circumferential surface of the opening 12j.

[0056] As described above, the fixing portion 12e of the bendable channel forming member 12 comprises a mounting body 12g having a mounting portion 12f and an assembly portion 12h. In the mounting body 12g, the mounting portion 12f is composed of a receiving portion 120j that receives the support 3 and two holding portions 120k, 120k that extend from the front surface of the receiving portion 120j and are curved to embrace the support 3. In addition to the mounting portion 12f, the mounting body 12g also has an assembly portion 120m that is formed protruding from the rear surface of the receiving portion 120j. On the other hand, the assembly portion 12h has a leg portion 120n that protrudes laterally from the main body 12d of the bendable channel forming member (more specifically, the main body cylindrical portion 12s) and an arm portion 120p that extends vertically from the tip of the leg portion 120n. An attachment hole 120q is provided in the arm portion 120p. Therefore, the assembly part 12h is attached to the mounting body 12g by inserting the assembly part 120m into the mounting hole 120q and locking it in place.

[0057] The first covering member 14 is made of thermal insulation material. This first covering member 14 has the aforementioned divided portions 14b on the inwardly curved side and the outwardly curved side, and comprises two divided bodies 14c, 14c separated by these divided portions 14b, 14b. The first covering member 14 has the aforementioned first connecting portion 14a formed on each divided body 14c. In addition, the first covering member 14 is provided with a groove 14d that goes around the circumference at each end, and the aforementioned joining member 20 is wrapped around the portion of this groove 14d.

[0058] The second covering member 15 is made of thermal insulation material. In this second covering member 15, the covering member 151 for the second main body side member and the covering member 152 for the drain pipe side member have the aforementioned divided portion 15b on the inwardly curved side and the outwardly curved side, and are comprised of two divided bodies 15c, 15c separated by these divided portions 15b, 15b. The second covering member 15 has the aforementioned second connecting portion 15a formed on each divided body 15c of the covering member 151 for the second main body side member and the covering member 152 for the drain pipe side member. In addition, the covering member 151 for the second main body side member and the covering member 152 for the drain pipe side member are provided with a groove 15d that goes all the way around at the end, and the aforementioned joining member 20 is wrapped around the portion of this groove 15d.

[0059] The cover member 16 for the bendable channel forming member is made of a heat insulating material. As described above, this cover member 16 for the bendable channel forming member is divided into a main cover portion 16a and a lid cover portion 16b, and these main cover portion 16a and lid cover portion 16b are assembled by fitting them together. The main cover portion 16a is provided with the aforementioned divided parts 16c, 16c, and the main cover portion 16a has a groove 16d that goes all the way around at the end on the side that sandwiches the first pipe-side connection port 12b and at the end on the side that sandwiches the second pipe-side connection port 12c, and the aforementioned joining member 20 is wrapped around this groove 16d.

[0060] Next, the effects and benefits of the drainage path component 5 and drainage structure 6, etc., which are configured as described above, will be explained. The drainage path component 5 constitutes a drainage path from the drain port 1a of the air conditioner 1 to the drain pipe end 4a located above the drain port 1a, and comprises a cylindrical body 7, a first joint 8 to which one end of the body 7 is connected, and a second joint 9 to which the other end of the body 7 is connected. Here, the first joint 8 is bent in a substantially L-shape (in the illustrated embodiment, the direction 8x of the drain port side connection port 8a connected to the drain port 1a and the direction 8y of the body one-end side connection port 8b to which one end of the body 7 is connected are perpendicular to each other). Furthermore, the second joint 9 can be selectively changed between a parallel orientation, where the orientation 9x of the main body other end connection port 9a to which the other end of the main body 7 is connected, and the orientation 9y of the drain pipe side connection port 9b to which the drain pipe end 4a is connected, and a bent orientation (orthogonal orientation in the illustrated embodiment) where their orientations 9x and 9y intersect. In this way, by making the second joint 9 changeable between a parallel orientation and a bent orientation (orthogonal orientation), the connection direction of the second joint 9 can be easily changed, and by selecting either the parallel orientation or the bent orientation (orthogonal orientation), it is possible to easily adapt to the conditions of the location where the drainage path component 5 is placed.

[0061] The first joint 8 is constructed by connecting a drain port side member 801, whose axis is formed in a substantially L-shape, with a first main body side member 802, whose axis is formed in a straight line. The drain port side member 801 can be connected to the first main body side member 802 at any position by rotating it around the axis of the first main body side member 802. Therefore, by rotating the drain port side member 801 and changing the orientation 8x of the drain port side connection port 8a on the drain port side member 801, the drain port side connection port 8a can be easily directed toward the drain port 1a of the air conditioner 1.

[0062] The second joint 9 is constructed by connecting a second main body side member 901 and a drain pipe side member 902. The second main body side member 901 and the drain pipe side member 902 are positioned in the parallel position and the bent position (orthogonal position in the illustrated embodiment) by the engagement of a protrusion 9d and a recess 9e. A water-stopping member 9h is interposed between the second main body side member 901 and the drain pipe side member 902, and the water-stopping member 9h prevents the drain pipe side member 902 from moving away from the second main body side member 901 due to its own weight until the engagement between the protrusion 9d and the recess 9e is released. In this way, the water-stopping member 9h maintains the engagement between the protruding portion 9d and the recessed portion 9e, thereby maintaining the parallel or bent (orthogonal) position of the second joint 9, and facilitating the assembly of the second joint 9 (the assembly of the second main body side member 901 and the drain pipe side member 902, specifically the assembly including screwing the second connecting nut 9j into the second male threaded portion 9i).

[0063] The main body 7 comprises a first pipe 10, a second pipe 11, and a curved channel forming member 12 connecting the first pipe 10 and the second pipe 11. By providing an opening 12j and a cover 12i in the curved channel forming member 12 located midway through the main body 7 (and thus midway through the drainage path), the internal curved drainage channel 12a can be inspected.

[0064] Furthermore, a valve body 13 is provided inside the bent flow path forming member 12, and the valve body 13 can be replaced by inserting and removing it through the opening 12j. In addition, by providing the valve body 13 at the protruding end of the protruding cylindrical portion 12m that protrudes upward from the bottom plate 12k, impurities such as dust contained in the wastewater settle on the bottom plate 12k, preventing these impurities from adhering to the valve body 13 and allowing the movement of the valve body 13 to be maintained for a longer period.

[0065] Furthermore, the bent channel forming member 12 constitutes the apex of the drainage path and has a first pipe-side connection port 12b to which the first pipe body 10 connected to the drain port 1a of the air conditioner 1 is connected, and a second pipe-side connection port 12c to which the second pipe body 11 connected to the drain pipe end 4a located above the drain port 1a is connected. When the orientation 12x of the first pipe-side connection port 12b is vertically downward, the orientation 12y of the second pipe-side connection port 12c is horizontal or lower (horizontal in the illustrated embodiment). By using the bent channel forming member 12 at the apex of the drainage path, the orientation of the second pipe body 11 relative to the first pipe body 10 can be changed, thereby suppressing the bending of the pipe body itself. In addition, the bent channel forming member 12 is equipped with a fixing part 12e that can be fixed to the support 3, and the bent channel forming member 12 itself is supported by fixing the fixing part 12e to the support 3. In other words, by using the bent channel forming member 12 at the apex of the drainage path, the bending of the pipe itself can be suppressed, and by providing a fixing part 12e on the bent channel forming member 12, the bent channel forming member 12, that is, the apex of the drainage path, can be easily supported.

[0066] The fixing portion 12e is provided on the side of the bent flow path forming member 12 opposite to the second pipe body side connection port 12c. This ensures that the support 3 does not interfere with the arrangement of the second pipe body 11 connected to the second pipe body side connection port 12c, or the drain pipe 4 to which the second pipe body 11 is connected.

[0067] Furthermore, the fixing part 12e includes a mounting body 12g having a mounting portion 12f that is attached to the support 3, and an assembly portion 12h provided on the main body 12d of the bendable channel forming member 12d that can be assembled to the mounting body 12g. This allows the fixing part 12e to be fixed to the support 3 by first attaching the mounting portion 12f (mounting body 12g) to the support 3, and then assembling the assembly portion 12h provided on the main body 12d of the bendable channel forming member 12d to the mounting body 12g. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, by pressing the assembly portion 12h (specifically the arm portion 120p) against the mounting body 12g (specifically the part to be assembled 120m), the part to be assembled 120m enters the mounting hole 120q provided on the arm portion 120p, and the assembly portion 12h is assembled to the mounting body 12g, thus making assembly easier.

[0068] Furthermore, the first tube 10 and the second tube 11 are flexible, and the second tube 11 is formed with a shorter axial length than the first tube 10. Because the second tube 11 is formed shorter, it is less prone to warping.

[0069] Furthermore, a pipe joint (for example, a first joint 8 or a second joint 9) comprises a first connecting body (a drain outlet side member 801 or a second main body side member 901) and a second connecting body (a first main body side member 802 or a drain pipe side member 902), and these connecting bodies are connected by screwing a connecting nut (a first connecting nut 8d or a second connecting nut 9j) that is rotatably mounted on the other connecting body (in the illustrated embodiment, a first main body side member 802 or a second main body side member 901) into a male threaded portion (a first male threaded portion 8c or a second male threaded portion 9i) formed on one connecting body (in the illustrated embodiment, a drain outlet side member 801 or a drain pipe side member 902). Therefore, when screwing a connecting nut (first connecting nut 8d or second connecting nut 9j) onto a male threaded portion (first male threaded portion 8c or second male threaded portion 9i), the relative orientation of both connection ports (drain port side connection port 8a and main body one end side connection port 8b, or main body other end side connection port 9a and drain pipe side connection port 9b) can be changed by rotating the first and second connecting bodies relative to each other around their respective connecting axis. This makes it possible to easily change the connection direction in this pipe joint.

[0070] Furthermore, the other connecting member (first main body member 802 or second main body member 901) is provided with a restricting projection (first restricting projection 8g or second restricting projection 9n) that restricts the movement of the connecting nut (first connecting nut 8d or second connecting nut 9j) toward the loosening side. This avoids unnecessary retraction of the connecting nut (first connecting nut 8d or second connecting nut 9j) and allows for quick screwing of the connecting nut into the male threaded portion (first male threaded portion 8c or second male threaded portion 9i). The connecting nut (first connecting nut 8d or second connecting nut 9j) is provided with a recess (first recess 8h or second recess 9p) through which the restricting projection (first restricting projection 8g or second restricting projection 9n) can pass at a predetermined rotational position of the connecting nut. By retracting the connecting nut so that the restricting projection passes through the recess, the retaining ring (retaining ring 8j or retaining ring 9r) can be attached or detached. Furthermore, in the second connecting nut 9j, by retracting the connecting nut 9j so that the regulating projection 9n passes through the recess 9p, the positional relationship between the protruding portion 9d, which is the positioning means 9c, and the recessed portion 9e can be visually confirmed.

[0071] Furthermore, the pipe joint (for example, the second joint 9) comprises a first connecting body (second main body side member 901) and a second connecting body (drain pipe side member 902), and these connecting bodies are formed with their axes bent, and by rotating these connecting bodies relative to each other around their connecting side axes, the relative orientation of both connection ports (connection port 9a on the other end of the main body and connection port 9b on the drain pipe side) can be changed, thereby easily changing the connection direction in this pipe joint.

[0072] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various other modifications are possible. For example, in the drainage path component 5, the main body 7 does not have to include the first pipe body 10, the second pipe body 11, and the bent flow path forming member 12, but may consist of a single pipe body 7a (more specifically, a flexible pipe body) as shown in Figures 38 and 39.

[0073] Furthermore, the first pipe 10 connected to the first pipe-side connection port 12b of the bent channel forming member 12 is connected to the drain port 1a via the first joint 8, but it may also be connected directly without going through the first joint 8. Similarly, the second pipe 11 connected to the second pipe-side connection port 12c of the bent channel forming member 12 is connected to the drain pipe end 4a via the second joint 9, but it may also be connected directly without going through the second joint 9.

[0074] Furthermore, the fixing portion 12e includes a mounting body 12g having a mounting portion 12f that is attached to the support 3, and an assembly portion 12h that can be assembled to the mounting body 12g. However, the mounting body 12g may be directly attached to the main body 12d of the bent channel forming member without the assembly portion 12h.

[0075] Furthermore, instead of using the suspension bolts 2 that suspend the air conditioner 1 as the support body 3, a dedicated bolt member (suspension bolt) for suspending the bent flow path forming member 12 may be used. Also, the support body 3 is not limited to a bolt member, but may be a support body provided on the air conditioner 1, or other structures, etc.

[0076] Furthermore, although the second tube 11 is formed with a shorter axial length than the first tube 10, this is not the only option; they may be the same length, or the first tube 10 may be formed with a shorter axial length.

[0077] Furthermore, the first joint 8 and the second joint 9 are covered by the first covering member 14 and the second covering member 15, respectively, but one or both of these first covering members 14 and the second covering member 15 may be omitted. Similarly, the bendable channel forming member 12 is covered by a covering member 16 for the bendable channel forming member, but this covering member 16 for the bendable channel forming member may be omitted.

[0078] Furthermore, the first joint 8 is provided with a first connected portion 8i, and the first covering member 14 is provided with a first connecting portion 14a, but these first connected portion 8i and first connecting portion 14a are not required. Similarly, the second joint 9 (second main body side member 901 and drain pipe side member 902) is provided with a second connected portion 9q, and the second covering member 15 (covering member for second main body side member 151 and covering member for drain pipe side member 152) is provided with a second connecting portion 15a, but these second connected portion 9q and second connecting portion 15a are not required, and the second connected portion 9q and second connecting portion 15a may be provided on only one of the following: the second main body side member 901 and the covering member for second main body side member 151, or the drain pipe side member 902 and the covering member for drain pipe side member 152.

[0079] Furthermore, while the joint member 20 is wrapped around the grooves 14d and 15d of the first cover member 14 and the second cover member 15, this joint member 20 is not limited to the grooves 14d and 15d, but may be wrapped around the entire surface, for example. Similarly, in the cover member 16 for the bending channel forming member, the joint member 20 is not limited to the groove 16d, but may be wrapped around the entire surface, for example.

[0080] Incidentally, the invention relating to the pipe joint device described below can be understood from the second joint 9 (pipe joint) and the second covering member 15 (covering member) described above. <Additional Claim> A pipe joint device comprising a pipe joint having connection ports for connecting to a pipe body at both ends, and a covering member that covers and houses the pipe joint inside, The pipe joint comprises a first connecting body and a second connecting body, both cylindrical, with the connection port at one end, and the other ends of the first connecting body and the second connecting body are connected to each other. Both the first and second connecting members are formed with their axes bent, and by connecting the first and second connecting members at a rotational position where they are rotated relative to each other around the axis of their connecting side, the relative orientation of the connection port can be changed. The covering member comprises a first cylindrical covering body with a bent axis that covers the first connecting body to house it, and a second cylindrical covering body with a bent axis that covers the second connecting body to house it, and each covering body has one or more divided sections extending along its axial direction, and by closing these divided sections, it is possible to cover the first connecting body and the second connecting body to house them. One of the connecting members, the first connecting member and the second connecting member, has a connecting portion formed on its outer surface. A pipe joint device comprising a first cover and a second cover, wherein the cover covering one of the connecting members has a connecting portion formed on its inner surface, and the cover covering the one connecting member is temporarily held on the one connecting member by the connection between the connecting portion and the connecting portion, so as not to fall due to its own weight. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0081] 8. First joint (pipe joint) 801 Drain outlet side member (first connecting body) 802 First main body side member (second connecting body) 8a Drain outlet side connection port (connection port) 8b Main unit one-end connection port (connection port) 8c First male thread section (male thread section) 8d First connecting nut (connecting nut) 8e 1st unevenness (unevenness) 8f First engaging part (engaging part) 9. Second joint (pipe joint) 901 Second main body side member (first connecting body) 902 Drain pipe side member (second connecting body) 9a Connection port on the other end of the main unit (connection port) 9b Drain pipe side connection port (connection port) 9i Second male thread section (male thread section) 9j Second connecting nut (connecting nut) 9k 2nd unevenness (unevenness) 9m 2nd engaging part (engaging part)

Claims

1. A pipe joint having connection ports for pipes at both ends, It comprises a first connecting body and a second connecting body, both cylindrical, with the aforementioned connecting port at one end. The first and second connecting members are connected by screwing the male thread portion and the connecting nut together. On the connecting side, one of the connecting members has a male threaded portion formed on its outer circumference, and the other connecting member has a connecting nut that is rotatable around its outer circumference. The end face of the connecting nut facing the connecting body on one side has irregularities formed along the circumferential direction, and the connecting body on one side is provided with an engaging portion that engages with the irregularities when the connecting nut is screwed into the male threaded portion, and the irregularities are formed in a sawtooth shape so that the engaging portion that engages with the irregularities prevents the connecting nut from rotating in the loosening direction. Both the first and second connecting members are formed with their axes bent, and by connecting the first and second connecting members at a rotational position where they are rotated relative to each other around the axis of their connecting side, the relative orientation of the connection port can be changed. A pipe joint, wherein the other connecting body is provided with a restricting projection that prevents the connecting nut from moving further towards the loosening side by moving within one lead after the connecting nut has been loosened relative to the male threaded portion and disengaged from the male threaded portion.

2. The pipe joint according to claim 1, wherein the connecting nut is provided with a recess through which the restricting projection can pass at a predetermined rotational position of the connecting nut.

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