Pipe joint

Abstract

A pipe joint includes: a first fixed end part (4) that is fixed to the tip of a first pipe (50); a second fixed end part (2) that is fixed to the tip of a second pipe (51); and an eccentricity allowable member (3) that accommodates the second fixed end part (2) so as to be movable in a prescribed distance range in a first moving direction intersecting the axial direction of the second pipe (51), and is coupled to the first fixed end part (4). The eccentricity allowable member (3) has an eccentricity accommodation part (3a) that has an inner diameter larger in the radial direction, as compared to the outer circumferential dimension of the second fixed end part (2), and accommodates the second pipe (51) in a manner capable of being prevented from coming off in the axial direction. Accordingly, the first pipe and the second pipe to be connected can be easily connected by the pipe joint even when the first pipe and the second pipe are eccentric and / or angularly offset, to thereby inhibit a bending load from occurring on the first pipe and the second pipe.

Description

Piping Fittings

[0001] The present invention relates to a piping joint that connects opposing first and second pipes.

[0002] Conventionally, as disclosed in JP 2021-190471 A, for example, a method for installing a flanged refrigerant pipe is known, which includes a pressing step in which a sealing member is placed between the flange and the case, and the flange is pressed against the case in a pressing direction using an installation jig, and a part of the refrigerant pipe is inserted into the inside of the case, and a fastening step in which the refrigerant pipe is fastened to the case while the installation jig continues to press the flange against the case.

[0003] Further, for example, as in JP 2020-70911 A, there is known a pipe connection structure in which a first pipe and a second pipe arranged opposite each other with an axial gap therebetween are connected via a connecting member, wherein the connecting member is a cylindrical body including a first retaining portion having a lip portion that is fitted onto the connection end of the first pipe and seals the first pipe, a second retaining portion that is fitted onto the connection end of the second pipe, and a connecting portion that connects the first retaining portion and the second retaining portion, and the outer peripheral surface of the connection end of the first pipe is provided with an annular recess having an inner wall that forms a part of the outer peripheral surface, an outer wall that is arranged opposite the inner wall, a bottom, and an opening, and the first retaining portion is provided to fit into the inner wall and the outer wall, and a slit portion is formed along the outer wall so as to extend from the bottom to the opening.

[0004] However, the piping joint of JP 2021-190471 A requires alignment using a dedicated jig and does not take eccentricity or angular misalignment into account. Therefore, if the flange is attached to the case with eccentricity or angular misalignment, bending loads will be placed on the refrigerant pipe and the unit body. Furthermore, the piping joint of JP 2020-70911 A requires a reinforcing ring to be attached after inserting the pipe into a flexible joint made of rubber or the like. Furthermore, attaching the reinforcing ring before inserting the pipe increases the insertion load on the pipe, which is likely to result in poor assembly. In the piping joint of JP 2020-70911 A, the joint also deforms in accordance with the eccentricity or angular misalignment that occurs in the first and second pipes, and the reaction force generates bending loads on the first and second pipes.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and its purpose is to make it possible to easily connect the first and second pipes to be connected even when they are eccentric and / or angularly misaligned, thereby suppressing the bending load that occurs in the first and second pipes.

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is designed to absorb eccentricity and / or angular misalignment within a piping joint with a simple structure.

[0007] Specifically, a first invention is directed to a piping joint that connects opposing first and second pipes, the piping joint including: a first fixed end portion fixed to the tip of the first pipe; a second fixed end portion fixed to the tip of the second pipe; and an eccentricity allowance member that accommodates the second fixed end portion so that it can move within a predetermined distance range in a first movement direction that intersects the axial direction of the second pipe and is connected to the first fixed end portion, the eccentricity allowance member having an inner diameter that is radially larger than the outer peripheral dimension of the second fixed end portion and having an eccentricity accommodation portion that accommodates the second pipe so that it cannot come loose in the axial direction.

[0008] According to the above configuration, the second fixed end, to which the tip of the second pipe is fixed, is accommodated in the eccentricity accommodation portion of the eccentricity allowance member so as to be movable within a predetermined distance in a first movement direction that intersects the axial direction of the second pipe. Therefore, by absorbing the eccentricity of the second pipe, the first pipe and the second pipe can be easily connected even if they are eccentric in the first movement direction. Hereinafter, the term "first movement direction that intersects the axial direction" means not only a direction perpendicular to the axial direction but also a direction inclined relative to the perpendicular.

[0009] In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a piping joint connecting opposing first and second pipes, the joint including: a first fixed end fixed to a tip of the first pipe; a second fixed end fixed to a tip of the second pipe; an eccentricity allowing member that accommodates the second fixed end so that it can move within a predetermined distance in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the second pipe; and an deflection allowing member that accommodates the first fixed end so that its inclination angle with respect to the axial direction of the first pipe is within a predetermined angle range and is connected to the eccentricity allowing member, wherein the eccentricity allowing member has an inner diameter radially larger than an outer circumferential dimension of the second fixed end, and includes an eccentricity accommodation portion that accommodates the second pipe so as to be prevented from coming off in the axial direction; the deflection allowing member has an inner circumferential surface that is arcuate in cross section and has an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the first fixed end, which has a hemispherical outer circumferential surface, and includes an deflection accommodation portion that accommodates the first pipe so as to be prevented from coming off in the axial direction; and the arcuate inward cross-sectional inner circumferential surface of the first fixed end abuts against the arcuate inward cross-sectional outer circumferential surface of the tip of the eccentricity allowing member.

[0010] According to the above configuration, the second fixed end to which the tip of the second pipe is fixed is accommodated in the eccentricity accommodation portion of the eccentricity allowance member so as to be movable within a predetermined distance in a first movement direction that intersects the axial direction of the second pipe, thereby absorbing eccentricity on the second pipe side, and thus the first and second pipes can be easily connected even if they are eccentric in the first movement direction. Moreover, because the first fixed end to which the tip of the first pipe is fixed is accommodated in the declination accommodation portion of the declination allowance member so as to be declined within a predetermined angle range of the inclination angle with respect to the axial direction of the first pipe, declination on the first pipe side can be absorbed, and the first and second pipes can be easily connected even if they are declined.

[0011] In a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a piping joint for connecting opposing first and second pipes, comprising: a first fixed end portion fixed to a tip of the first pipe; a second fixed end portion fixed to a tip of the second pipe; and an eccentric misalignment allowance member that accommodates the second fixed end portion so that it can move within a predetermined distance range in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the second pipe and accommodates the first fixed end portion so that the inclination angle with respect to the axial direction of the first pipe is within a predetermined angle range, wherein the eccentric misalignment allowance member has an eccentric accommodation portion that has an inner diameter radially larger than the outer circumferential dimension of the second fixed end portion and accommodates the second fixed end portion so as to be prevented from coming off in the axial direction; and an misalignment accommodation portion that has an inner circumferential surface with an arcuate cross section and an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the first fixed end portion which has a hemispherical outer circumferential surface, and accommodates the first pipe so as to be prevented from coming off in the axial direction, and the arcuate cross-sectional inner circumferential surface of the first fixed end portion abuts against the arcuate cross-sectional outer circumferential surface of the eccentric misalignment allowance member.

[0012] According to the above configuration, the second fixed end to which the tip of the second pipe is fixed is accommodated in the eccentric accommodation portion of the eccentricity and misalignment allowance member so as to be movable within a predetermined distance in a first movement direction that intersects the axial direction of the second pipe, thereby absorbing the eccentricity of the second pipe, thereby enabling the first pipe and the second pipe to be easily connected even if they are eccentric in the first movement direction. Moreover, because the first fixed end to which the tip of the first pipe is fixed is accommodated in the misalignment accommodation portion of the eccentricity and misalignment allowance member so as to be able to misalign within a predetermined angle range of the inclination angle with respect to the axial direction of the first pipe, the misalignment of the first pipe can be absorbed, enabling the first pipe and the second pipe to be easily connected even if they are misaligned.

[0013] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect, the eccentric misalignment allowable member includes an outer peripheral part that abuts against the hemispherical outer peripheral surface of the first fixed end, and an inner peripheral part that can be fitted with the outer peripheral part, abuts against the tip of the second fixed end and abuts against the hemispherical inner peripheral surface of the first fixed end, and through which fluid flows on its inner peripheral surface.

[0014] With the above configuration, the eccentric misalignment allowance member is divided into two parts, which makes it easy to connect the first fixed end and the second fixed end by fitting them together. Furthermore, by not dividing the inner circumferential surface of the inner part through which the fluid flows, leakage of the fluid can be suppressed.

[0015] A fifth invention is directed to a piping joint for connecting opposing first and second pipes, the piping joint comprising: a first fixed end portion fixed to the tip of the first pipe and having a first forward flange with an arc-shaped cross section that bulges so that its outer diameter gradually increases towards the end; a second fixed end portion fixed to the tip of the second pipe and having a second forward flange with an arc-shaped cross section that bulges so that its outer diameter gradually increases towards the end; an annular inner member having a first outer peripheral surface with an arc-shaped cross section that conforms to the inner surface of the first forward flange and a second outer peripheral surface with an arc-shaped cross section that conforms to the inner surface of the second forward flange, the inner member penetrating through the centre and having an annular flange on the outer periphery; an outer member having a first half formed with a first cross-sectional arc-shaped inner circumferential surface that fits along the outer surface of the first forward flange and has a through-hole center, and a second half formed with a second cross-sectional arc-shaped inner circumferential surface that fits along the outer surface of the second forward flange and has a through-hole center, the annular collar being housed in a state where the first half and the second half are abutted against each other; wherein the inner member and the outer member are tilted so that the second pipe moves relative to the first pipe in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the first pipe, thereby enabling eccentricity between the first pipe and the second pipe; and wherein the first forward flange moves between the first cross-sectional arc-shaped inner circumferential surface and the first cross-sectional arc-shaped outer circumferential surface, and the second forward flange moves between the second cross-sectional arc-shaped inner circumferential surface and the second cross-sectional arc-shaped outer circumferential surface, thereby connecting the first pipe and the second pipe in a manner that allows for angular deflection.

[0016] According to the above configuration, the first and second pipes can be connected even if they are eccentric because the inner and outer members are tilted and the second pipe moves relative to the first pipe in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the first pipe, and the first forward flange moves between the first cross-sectional arc-shaped inner circumferential surface and the first cross-sectional arc-shaped outer circumferential surface, and the second forward flange moves between the second cross-sectional arc-shaped inner circumferential surface and the second cross-sectional arc-shaped outer circumferential surface, so that the first and second pipes can be connected even if they are angularly misaligned. Therefore, the first and second pipes can be connected using the piping coupling in accordance with the eccentricity and misalignment of the first and second pipes, thereby suppressing bending loads on the first and second pipes.

[0017] A sixth aspect of the present invention is directed to a piping joint for connecting opposing first and second pipes, the piping joint comprising: a first fixed end portion fixed to the tip of the first pipe and having a first reverse flange with an arc-shaped cross section that gradually increases in outer diameter toward the opposite side of the first pipe; a second fixed end portion fixed to the tip of the second pipe and having a second reverse flange with an arc-shaped cross section that gradually increases in outer diameter toward the opposite side of the second pipe; an annular inner member having a first arc-shaped cross section outer peripheral surface that conforms to the inner surface of the first reverse flange and a second arc-shaped cross section outer peripheral surface that conforms to the inner surface of the second reverse flange, the inner member being perforated at its center and gradually increasing in thickness in the radial direction; and an outer member having a first arc-shaped cross section inner peripheral surface that conforms to the outer surface of the first reverse flange and a second arc-shaped cross section inner peripheral surface that conforms to the outer surface of the second reverse flange, the inner member being perforated at its center and covering the inner member and the first and second reverse flanges. The first pipe and the second pipe can be eccentrically connected by tilting the inner member and the outer member and moving the second pipe relative to the first pipe in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the first pipe, and the first reverse flange moves between the first cross-sectional arc-shaped inner peripheral surface and the first cross-sectional arc-shaped outer peripheral surface, and the second reverse flange moves between the second cross-sectional arc-shaped inner peripheral surface and the second cross-sectional arc-shaped outer peripheral surface, thereby allowing the first pipe and the second pipe to be connected in an eccentric manner.

[0018] According to the above configuration, the first and second pipes can be connected even if they are eccentric by tilting the inner and outer members and moving the second pipe relative to the first pipe in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the first pipe, and the first reverse flange moves between the first cross-sectional arc-shaped inner circumferential surface and the first cross-sectional arc-shaped outer circumferential surface, and the second reverse flange moves between the second cross-sectional arc-shaped inner circumferential surface and the second cross-sectional arc-shaped outer circumferential surface, so that the first and second pipes can be connected even if they are angularly misaligned. Therefore, the first and second pipes can be connected using the pipe coupling in accordance with the eccentricity and misalignment of the first and second pipes, thereby suppressing bending loads on the first and second pipes.

[0019] As described above, according to the present invention, the first and second pipes to be connected can be easily connected even if they are eccentric and / or angularly misaligned, and the bending load occurring in the first and second pipes can be suppressed.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a front view of a piping fitting according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the piping fitting according to the first embodiment of the present invention when not eccentric. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the piping fitting according to the first embodiment of the present invention when eccentric. FIG. 4 is a front view of a piping fitting according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the piping fitting according to the second embodiment of the present invention when not eccentric or declination. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the piping fitting according to the second embodiment of the present invention when eccentric and declination. FIG. 7 is a front view of a piping fitting according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the piping fitting according to the third embodiment of the present invention when not eccentric or declination. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the piping fitting according to the third embodiment of the present invention when not eccentric or declination. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the piping fitting according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the piping fitting according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention when not eccentric or declination. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the piping fitting according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention when eccentric. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the piping fitting according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention when eccentric. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the piping fitting according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention when Fig. 10 is a front view showing a piping joint according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a piping joint according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention when there is no eccentricity or angular deviation.

[0021] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0022] 1 to 3 show a piping fitting 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, which connects opposing cylindrical first and second pipes 50 and 51. The materials of the first and second pipes 50 and 51 are not particularly limited, and in some cases they do not have to be circular in cross section. In this embodiment, the first and second pipes 50 and 51 are cylindrical pipes of approximately the same size, but they may be different in size or cross-sectional shape. The fluid flowing inside the piping fitting 1 may be a liquid or a gas, and its intended use is, but is not particularly limited to, an automotive application.

[0023] Each component of the piping joint 1 is made of synthetic resin, but some components may be made of metal, etc. The piping joint 1 is not limited to synthetic resin. The piping joint 1 includes a first fixed end 4 fixed to the tip of the first pipe 50 and a second fixed end 2 fixed to the tip of the second pipe 51.

[0024] The second fixed end 2 is, for example, an annular member, and is sealed between itself and the outer peripheral surface of the second pipe 51 by a second O-ring 61. The second pipe 51 and the second fixed end 2 may be fixed together by a strainer or fastening member (not shown), or may be bonded in some cases.

[0025] The first fixed end 4 is an annular member having a larger outer diameter than the second fixed end 2, and is sealed between itself and the outer peripheral surface of the first pipe 50 by a first O-ring 62. The first pipe 50 and the first fixed end 4 may also be fixed together by a strainer or fastening member (not shown), or may be bonded together.

[0026] In addition, although the first fixed end 4 is formed of a single member in this embodiment, the first fixed end 4 may be formed of a plurality of members. When formed of a plurality of members, a sealing member such as an O-ring may be disposed between the members as necessary.

[0027] The first fixed end 4 and the second fixed end 2 are in contact with each other so as to be able to move relative to each other in a direction intersecting the axial direction (a perpendicular direction in the illustrated example), and for example, a third O-ring 63 is provided on the second fixed end 2 side to seal the space between the first fixed end 4 and the second fixed end 2.

[0028] The second fixed end 2 is accommodated by an annular eccentricity allowance member 3 so as to be movable within a predetermined distance in a first movement direction intersecting the axial direction of the second pipe 51. Specifically, the eccentricity allowance member 3 has an inner diameter radially larger than the outer periphery of the second fixed end 2 and includes an eccentricity accommodation portion 3a formed by an annular recess that accommodates the second pipe 51 so as to prevent it from slipping out in the axial direction. The radial gap between the inner periphery of the eccentricity accommodation portion 3a and the outer periphery of the second fixed end 2 determines the predetermined distance range of the second fixed end 2. In this embodiment, the first direction is perpendicular to the axial direction, but in some cases, it may be slightly inclined relative to the direction perpendicular to the axial direction. However, a perpendicular orientation makes it easier to connect the first pipe 50 and the second pipe 51.

[0029] The eccentricity allowable member 3 is connected to the first fixed end 4. The connecting method is not particularly limited and may be fitting, fastening, adhesive, etc. This connection results in a connection between the first pipe 50 and the second pipe 51. On the other hand, the second fixed end 2 is not fixed to either the eccentricity allowable member 3 or the first fixed end 4.

[0030] As described above, in this embodiment, the second fixed end 2, to which the tip of the second pipe 51 is fixed, is accommodated in the eccentricity accommodation portion 3a of the eccentricity allowance member 3 so as to be movable within a predetermined distance range in the first movement direction (vertical direction) that intersects the axial direction of the second pipe 51. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 3, by absorbing the eccentricity distance d1 on the second pipe 51 side, which is the difference between the center of the first pipe 50 and the center of the second pipe 51, the first pipe 50 and the second pipe 51 can be easily connected by the piping coupling 1 even if they are eccentric in the first movement direction. For example, the predetermined distance range is -10 mm ≦ d1 ≦ 10 mm.

[0031] Therefore, according to the piping fitting 1 of this embodiment, the second fixed end portion 2 fixed to one of the second pipes 51 is movably accommodated within the eccentricity-accepting member 3, so that the first pipe 50 and the second pipe 51 to be connected can be easily connected even if they are eccentric.

[0032] 4 to 6 show a second embodiment of the present invention, which differs from the first embodiment in that it further includes a deflection allowance member. In the following embodiments, the same parts as those in Figs. 1 to 3 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0033] The piping joint 101 of this embodiment is also a joint that connects opposing first and second pipes 50 and 51, and includes a first fixed end portion 104 that is fixed to the tip of the first pipe 50, and a second fixed end portion 102 that is fixed to the tip of the second pipe 51. The first fixed end portion 104 has a bowl shape with a through hole roughly in the center on the tip side.

[0034] In this embodiment, the eccentricity allowance member 103 also accommodates the second fixed end 102 so that it can move within a predetermined distance in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the second pipe 51. The eccentricity allowance member 103 has an inner diameter radially larger than the outer circumferential dimension of the second fixed end 102 and has an eccentricity accommodation portion 103a including an annular recess that accommodates the second pipe 51 so as to prevent it from coming off in the axial direction. The tip side of the eccentricity allowance member 103 has an outer peripheral surface 103b with an arc-shaped cross section that has an outer diameter corresponding to the arc-shaped inner peripheral surface 104b of the first fixed end 104. Like the eccentricity accommodation portion 3a in the first embodiment, the eccentricity accommodation portion 103a of the eccentricity allowance member 103 can absorb the eccentricity distance d2 on the second pipe 51 side that occurs due to a misalignment between the center 50a of the first pipe 50 and the center 51a' of the second pipe 51.

[0035] A feature of this embodiment is that the piping coupling 101 accommodates the first fixed end 104 so that the inclination angle θ2 with respect to the axial direction of the first pipe 50 (the angle formed between the center of the first fixed end 104 and the center 51a of the second fixed end 102 shown in FIG. 6 ) can be inclined within a predetermined angle range, and includes an inclination allowance member 105 coupled to the eccentricity allowance member 103. Of course, the inclination angle θ2 shown in FIG. 6 may be inclined upward or downward on the page. For example, the predetermined angle range is -30°≦θ2≦30°.

[0036] This declination tolerance member 105 includes an inner peripheral surface 105a having an arc-shaped cross section and an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the first fixed end 104, which has a hemispherical outer peripheral surface 104a, and has a declination accommodation portion 105b between it and the arc-shaped outer peripheral surface 103b of the first fixed end 104, which accommodates the first piping 50 in an axially preventable manner.

[0037] It is desirable that the thickness between the cross-sectionally arcuate inner peripheral surface 104b and the hemispherical outer peripheral surface 104a of the first fixed end 104 be approximately constant. Similarly, it is desirable that the width of the cross-sectionally arcuate slit (constituting the declination accommodation portion 105b) formed between the cross-sectionally arcuate inner peripheral surface 105a of the declination allowance member 105 and the cross-sectionally arcuate outer peripheral surface 103b at the tip of the eccentricity allowance member 103 be maintained at approximately the same width around the entire circumference. The angular range of the inclination angle θ2 can be adjusted by the size of the gap between the inner surface of the slit end and the end of the first fixed end 104.

[0038] An inner peripheral surface 104b having an arcuate cross section of the first fixed end portion 104 abuts against an outer peripheral surface 103b having an arcuate cross section at the tip of the eccentricity allowance member 103. A fourth O-ring 64 is provided to seal the abutting surfaces of the two, but the fourth O-ring 64 may also be provided between the hemispherical outer peripheral surface 104a and the inner peripheral surface 105a having an arcuate cross section.

[0039] In this embodiment, the second fixed end 102 is also sealed from the outer peripheral surface of the second pipe 51 by a second O-ring 61. The first fixed end 104 is also sealed from the outer peripheral surface of the first pipe 50 by a first O-ring 62. Furthermore, a third O-ring 63 is provided on the second fixed end 102 side to seal the gap between the eccentricity allowance member 103 and the second fixed end 102.

[0040] As described above, in this embodiment, the second fixed end 102 to which the tip of the second pipe 51 is fixed is accommodated within the eccentricity accommodation portion 103a of the eccentricity tolerance member 103 so as to be movable within a predetermined distance range in a first movement direction that intersects the axial direction of the second pipe 51. Therefore, by absorbing the eccentricity on the second pipe 51 side, the first pipe 50 and the second pipe 51 can be easily connected even if they are eccentric in the first movement direction.

[0041] Furthermore, the first fixed end 104 to which the tip of the first pipe 50 is fixed is accommodated in the declination accommodation portion 105b of the declination allowance member 105 so that it can be declined within a predetermined angle range of the inclination angle θ2 relative to the axial direction of the first pipe 50. Therefore, the declination on the first pipe 50 side can be absorbed, and the first pipe 50 and the second pipe 51 can be easily connected even if they are declined.

[0042] Therefore, according to the piping fitting 101 of this embodiment, the second fixed end portion 102 fixed to the tip of one of the second pipes 51 is movably accommodated within the eccentricity-accepting member 103, so that the first pipe 50 and the second pipe 51 to be connected can be easily connected even if they are eccentric.

[0043] Furthermore, by accommodating the other first pipe 50 in the deflection angle allowing member 105 so that the first pipe 50 and the second pipe 51 to be connected can be easily connected even when they are deflected at an angle.

[0044] (Embodiment 3) Figures 7 to 9 show a piping joint 201 according to embodiment 3 of the present invention, which differs from embodiment 2 above in that the eccentricity allowance member and the deflection angle allowance member are configured as a single eccentricity and deflection angle allowance member 203.

[0045] In this embodiment as well, the piping joint 201 is a joint that connects the opposing first pipe 50 and second pipe 51 .

[0046] The piping joint 201 has a first fixed end 204 fixed to the tip of the first pipe 50 and a second fixed end 202 fixed to the tip of the second pipe 51. As in the second embodiment, the first fixed end 204 has a bowl shape with a through hole roughly in the center of the tip side.

[0047] In this embodiment, the first pipe 50 is fixed to the first fixed end 204 by a first strainer 206, and the second pipe 51 is fixed to the second fixed end 202 by a second strainer 207. The first strainer 206 and the second strainer 207 are made of, for example, metal annular members, but their material and shape are not particularly limited, and they may be fixed with fastening members. The first pipe 50 and the second pipe 51 may be provided with through holes or the like at appropriate positions for the strainers and fastening members.

[0048] In this embodiment, the piping joint 201 accommodates the second fixed end 202 so that it can move within a predetermined distance range in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the second piping 51, and has an eccentricity / eccentricity tolerance member 203 that accommodates the first fixed end 204 so that the inclination angle θ3 relative to the axial direction of the first piping 50 can be eccentrically adjusted within a predetermined angle range.

[0049] The eccentric misalignment tolerance member 203 has an inner diameter radially larger than the outer circumferential dimension of the second fixed end portion 202, and is provided with an eccentric accommodation portion 203a formed by an annular recess that accommodates the second fixed end portion 202 so as to prevent it from coming loose in the axial direction.

[0050] Furthermore, the inner surface of the eccentric misalignment allowance member 203 on the first piping 50 side has an inner diameter that is radially larger than the dimension of the arc-shaped outer periphery 204a of the first fixed end portion 204. The inner surface of the second piping 51 side has an outer diameter that is smaller than the dimension of the arc-shaped inner circumferential surface 204b of the first fixed end portion 204. As a result, the eccentric misalignment allowance member 203 is provided with a misalignment accommodation portion 203b that has an arc-shaped cross section that accommodates the first piping 50 so as to be prevented from slipping out in the axial direction, is continuous in the circumferential direction, and has an inner diameter that gradually narrows toward the first piping 50 side.

[0051] The eccentric misalignment allowance member 203 includes two matable parts: an outer peripheral part 203c that abuts against the hemispherical outer peripheral surface 204a of the first fixed end 204 and has an arc-shaped cross section; and an inner peripheral part 203d that abuts against the tip of the second fixed end 202 and against the hemispherical inner peripheral surface 204b of the first fixed end 204 and has a center-side inner peripheral surface 203e through which a fluid flows.

[0052] In this embodiment, the second fixed end 202, to which the tip of the second pipe 51 is fixed, is accommodated within the eccentric accommodation portion 203a of the eccentricity deflection allowance member 203 so as to be movable within a predetermined distance range in a first movement direction (vertical direction) that intersects the axial direction of the second pipe 51. Therefore, by absorbing the eccentric distance d3 on the second pipe 51 side that occurs due to a misalignment between the center 50a of the first pipe 50 and the center 51a'' of the second pipe 51, the first pipe 50 and the second pipe 51 can be easily connected even if they are eccentric in the first movement direction.

[0053] Moreover, the first fixed end 204 to which the tip of the first pipe 50 is fixed is accommodated in the deflection accommodation portion 203b of the eccentric deflection allowance member 203 so that the deflection angle can be within a predetermined angle range of the inclination angle θ3 with respect to the axial direction of the first pipe 50. Therefore, the deflection angle on the first pipe 50 side can be absorbed, and the first pipe 50 and the second pipe 51 can be easily connected even if they are deflected at an angle. In this embodiment as well, the predetermined angle range is, for example, -30°≦θ3≦30°.

[0054] In this embodiment, the eccentric misalignment allowance member 203 is divided into two parts, so that the first fixed end portion 204 and the second fixed end portion 202 can be easily fitted together and connected.

[0055] Therefore, according to the piping fitting 201 of this embodiment, the fixed end portion fixed to the tip of one of the pipes is movably accommodated within the eccentric accommodation portion 203a, so that the first pipe 50 and the second pipe 51 to be connected can be easily connected even if they are eccentric.

[0056] Furthermore, by accommodating the other first pipe 50 in the angle accommodation portion 203b so that the angle can be changed, the first pipe 50 and the second pipe 51 to be connected can be easily connected even when the first pipe 50 and the second pipe 51 are at an angle.

[0057] (Embodiment 4) Figures 10 to 14 show a piping joint 301 according to embodiment 4 of the present invention, which differs from the previous embodiments in that the components on the first piping 50 side and the second piping 51 side are generally symmetrical left to right and top to bottom.

[0058] The piping joint 301 of this embodiment also connects opposing first and second pipes 50 and 51, and is provided with a first fixed end 302 that is fixed to the tip of the first pipe 50 and has a first forward flange 303 with an arc-shaped cross section that gradually expands so that the outer diameter increases toward the end.

[0059] The piping joint 301 also includes a second fixed end 304 that is fixed to the tip of the second pipe 51 and has a second forward flange 305 that has an arc-shaped cross section and expands so that the outer diameter gradually increases toward the end. The connection between the first fixed end 302 and the first pipe 50 and the connection between the second fixed end 304 and the second pipe 51 can be achieved by welding, screws, adhesive bonding, etc., and the shapes of the tips of the first pipe 50 and the second pipe 51 can be modified accordingly.

[0060] Piping fitting 301 also includes annular inner member 306 having first cross-sectional arc-shaped outer peripheral surface 306a that conforms to inner surface 303a of first forward flange 303, and second cross-sectional arc-shaped outer peripheral surface 306b that conforms to inner surface 305a of second forward flange 305, the inner member 306 being penetrating through the center and having annular flange 306c on the outer periphery.

[0061] 11 , a center 306d of the first cross-sectional arc-shaped outer peripheral surface 306a and a center 306e of the second cross-sectional arc-shaped outer peripheral surface 306b of the inner member 306 are disposed at positions spaced apart from each other on a central axis 306f of the inner member 306. The center 306d of the first cross-sectional arc-shaped outer peripheral surface 306a is disposed outside the second cross-sectional arc-shaped outer peripheral surface 306b, and the center 306e of the second cross-sectional arc-shaped outer peripheral surface 306b is disposed outside the first cross-sectional arc-shaped outer peripheral surface 306a, and half of the distance L1 between the center 306d of the first cross-sectional arc-shaped outer peripheral surface 306a and the center 306e of the second cross-sectional arc-shaped outer peripheral surface 306b is shorter than the radius R1 of the first cross-sectional arc-shaped outer peripheral surface 306a and the radius R2 of the second forward flange 305 (L1 ÷ 2 < R1, R2). That is, when L1÷2=R1, R2, the first cross-sectional arc-shaped outer peripheral surface 306a and the second cross-sectional arc-shaped outer peripheral surface 306b are positioned on the same spherical surface, and it is not possible to accommodate the eccentricity of the first pipe 50 and the second pipe 51. On the other hand, when L1÷2>R1, R2, it is possible to accommodate the eccentricity and / or angular misalignment of the first pipe 50 and the second pipe 51, as when L1÷2<R1, R2, but the piping joint 301 becomes unnecessarily large.

[0062] Piping coupling 301 also includes first half 308 having first cross-sectional arc-shaped inner circumferential surface 308a that fits along the outer surface of first forward flange 303 and has a through-hole center, and second half 309 having second cross-sectional arc-shaped inner circumferential surface 309a that fits along the outer surface of second forward flange 305 and has a through-hole center, and is equipped with outer member 307 having flange portion accommodating recess 307a that accommodates annular flange 306c when first half 308 and second half 309 are abutted against each other. First cross-sectional arc-shaped inner circumferential surface 308a and second cross-sectional arc-shaped inner circumferential surface 309a have the same central axis. The first half 308 and the second half 309 are fastened together, for example, with a bolt and nut 310, but are not limited to this and may be joined together by snap-fitting, adhesion, or screwing of male and female threads provided on the contact surfaces of each other.

[0063] O-ring grooves 306g for accommodating O-rings 361, 362 are formed in first cross-sectional arc-shaped outer peripheral surface 306a and second cross-sectional arc-shaped outer peripheral surface 306b of inner member 306. O-ring grooves 306g are positioned within a range that allows them to always come into contact with O-rings 361, 362 within the operating ranges of inner surface 303a of first forward flange 303 and inner surface 305a of second forward flange 305. O-ring grooves 306g may also be provided on the inner surfaces 303a of first forward flange 303 and 305a of second forward flange 305.

[0064] By configuring as described above, as shown in Figure 12, the piping joint 301 allows the inner member 306 and the outer member 307 to tilt, thereby moving the second pipe 51 a distance d4 relative to the first pipe 50 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the first pipe 50, thereby making the first pipe 50 and the second pipe 51 eccentric.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 13 , in piping coupling 301, first forward flange 303 moves between first cross-sectional arc-shaped inner circumferential surface 308 a and first cross-sectional arc-shaped outer circumferential surface 306 a, and second forward flange 305 moves between second cross-sectional arc-shaped inner circumferential surface 309 a and second cross-sectional arc-shaped outer circumferential surface 306 b, thereby allowing first piping 50 and second piping 51 to deflect.

[0066] Although detailed description will be omitted, the piping joint 301 can also connect the first pipe 50 and the second pipe 51 even when they are eccentric and at an angle, as shown in FIG.

[0067] Therefore, the first and second pipes 50, 51 can be connected using the pipe fitting 301 in accordance with the eccentricity and angular misalignment of the first and second pipes 50, 51, thereby preventing bending loads from being applied to the first and second pipes 50, 51.

[0068] Furthermore, even if a compressive load is generated in the direction that brings the first pipe 50 and the second pipe 52 closer together due to a heavy object such as a heat exchanger, the compression state of the O-rings 361, 362 provided on the inner member 306 is constant by the first forward flange 303 and the second forward flange 305, which also have inner surfaces with an arc-shaped cross section, and stable sealing performance is ensured.

[0069] 15 and 16 show a piping joint 401 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, which differs from the fourth embodiment in that the diameters of the flanges 403 and 405 expand in opposite directions.

[0070] The piping joint 401 of this embodiment also connects opposing first and second pipes 50 and 51, and is provided with a first fixed end 402 that is fixed to the tip of the first pipe 50 and has a first reverse flange 403 with an arc-shaped cross section that bulges so that the outer diameter gradually increases toward the side opposite the end.

[0071] The piping joint 401 is fixed to the tip of the second pipe 51 and includes a second fixed end 404 having a second reverse flange 405 with an arc-shaped cross section that expands so that the outer diameter gradually increases toward the side opposite the end. The connection between the first fixed end 402 and the first pipe 50 and the connection between the second fixed end 404 and the second pipe 51 can be achieved by welding, screws, adhesive bonding, etc., and it is preferable to modify the tip shapes of the first pipe 50 and the second pipe 51 accordingly.

[0072] The piping fitting 401 also includes an annular inner member 406 having a first cross-sectional arc-shaped outer peripheral surface 406a that is recessed along the inner surface of the first reverse flange 403, and a second cross-sectional arc-shaped outer peripheral surface 406b that is recessed along the inner surface of the second reverse flange 405, the inner member 406 being penetrating through the center and gradually increasing in thickness in the radial direction.

[0073] The piping joint 401 also includes an outer member 407 that has a first arc-shaped inner circumferential surface 408a in cross section that conforms to the outer surface of the first reverse flange 403, and a second arc-shaped inner circumferential surface 409a in cross section that conforms to the outer surface of the second reverse flange 405, penetrates the center, and covers the inner member 406, the first reverse flange 403, and the second reverse flange 405. In this embodiment, the first arc-shaped inner circumferential surface 408a in cross section and the second arc-shaped inner circumferential surface 409a are also on the same axis.

[0074] The first cross-sectional arc-shaped outer peripheral surface 406a and the second cross-sectional arc-shaped outer peripheral surface 406b of the inner member 406 are each formed with an O-ring receiving groove 406g for receiving an O-ring 461, 462. The O-ring receiving groove 406g is positioned within a range that allows it to always come into contact with the O-rings 461, 462 within the operating range of the inner surface 403a of the first reverse flange 403 and the inner surface 405a of the second reverse flange 405. The O-ring receiving groove 406g may also be provided on the inner surface 403a of the first reverse flange 403 and the inner surface 405a of the second reverse flange 405.

[0075] Although not shown in the figures, in this embodiment too, by configuring as described above, the piping joint 401 is capable of tilting the inner member 406 and the outer member 407 to move the second piping 51 relative to the first piping 50 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the first piping 50, thereby making the first piping 50 and the second piping 51 eccentric.

[0076] In addition, the piping joint 401 is capable of deflecting the angle between the first piping 50 and the second piping 51 by the first reverse flange 403 moving between the first cross-sectional arc-shaped inner surface 408a and the first cross-sectional arc-shaped outer surface 406a, and the second reverse flange 405 moving between the second cross-sectional arc-shaped inner surface 409a and the second cross-sectional arc-shaped outer surface 406b.

[0077] Therefore, the first and second pipes 50, 51 can be connected using the pipe fitting 401 in accordance with the eccentricity and angular misalignment of the first and second pipes 50, 51, thereby preventing bending loads from being applied to the first and second pipes 50, 51.

[0078] In this embodiment, even if a compressive load is generated in the direction of bringing the first pipe 50 and the second pipe 52 closer together due to a heavy object such as a heat exchanger, the compression state of the O-rings 461, 462 provided on the inner member 406 is constant due to the first reverse flange 403 and the second reverse flange 405, which also have an inner circumferential surface with an arc-shaped cross section, and stable sealing performance is ensured.

[0079] The above-described embodiments are essentially preferred examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, its applications, or uses.

[0080] For example, in the above embodiment, an O-ring is used as the sealing member, but this is not limitative and the sealing member may be a ball seat used in a ball valve or the like.

[0081] 1 Pipe joint 2 Second fixed end 3 Eccentricity allowance member 3a Eccentricity accommodation portion 4 First fixed end 50 First pipe 50a Center 51 Second pipe 51a',51a'' Center 61 Second O-ring 62 First O-ring 63 Third O-ring 64 Fourth O-ring 101 Piping joint 102 Second fixed end portion 103 Eccentricity allowing member 103a Eccentricity accommodating portion 103b Cross-sectionally arcuate outer peripheral surface 104 First fixed end portion 104a Hemispherical outer peripheral surface 104b Cross-sectionally arcuate inner peripheral surface 105 Deflection allowing member 105a Cross-sectionally arcuate inner peripheral surface 105b Deflection accommodating portion 201 Piping joint 202 Second fixed end portion 203 Eccentricity / deflection allowing member 203a Eccentricity accommodating portion 203b Deflection accommodating portion 203c Outer peripheral side part 203d Inner peripheral side part 203e Center side inner peripheral surface 204 First fixed end portion 204a Cross-sectionally arcuate outer peripheral surface 204b Cross-sectional arc-shaped inner circumference 206 First strainer 207 Second strainer 301 Piping joint 302 First fixed end 303 First forward flange 303a Inner surface 304 Second fixed end 305 Second forward flange 305a Inner surface 306 Inner member 306a First cross-sectional arc-shaped outer peripheral surface 306b Second cross-sectional arc-shaped outer peripheral surface 306c Flange 306d Center 306e Center 306f Central axis 306g O-ring accommodating groove 307 Outer member 307a Flange accommodating recess 308 First half 308a First cross-sectional arc-shaped inner peripheral surface 309 Second half 309a Second cross-sectional arc-shaped inner peripheral surface 310 Bolt and nut 361,362 O-ring 401 Piping joint 402 First fixed end 403 First reverse flange 403a Inner surface 404 Second fixed end 405 Second reverse flange 405a Inner surface 406 Inner member 406a First cross-sectional arc-shaped outer peripheral surface 406b Second cross-sectional arc-shaped outer peripheral surface 406g O-ring accommodating groove 407 Outer member 408a First cross-sectional arc-shaped inner peripheral surface 409a Second cross-sectional arc-shaped inner peripheral surface 461, 462 O-ring,

Claims

1. A piping joint that connects opposing first and second pipes, comprising: a first fixed end portion fixed to the tip of the first pipe; a second fixed end portion fixed to the tip of the second pipe; and an eccentricity-accepting member that accommodates the second fixed end portion so that it can move within a predetermined distance in a first movement direction that intersects the axial direction of the second pipe and is connected to the first fixed end portion, wherein the eccentricity-accepting member has an inner diameter that is radially larger than the outer circumferential dimension of the second fixed end portion, and has an eccentricity-accommodating portion that accommodates the second pipe portion so that it cannot come loose in the axial direction.

2. A piping joint connecting opposing first and second pipes, comprising: a first fixed end fixed to the tip of the first pipe; a second fixed end fixed to the tip of the second pipe; an eccentricity allowing member that accommodates the second fixed end so that it can move within a predetermined distance in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the second pipe; and an eccentricity allowing member that accommodates the first fixed end so that the inclination angle relative to the axial direction of the first pipe is within a predetermined angle range and is connected to the eccentricity allowing member, wherein the eccentricity allowing member has an inner diameter larger in the radial direction than the outer circumferential dimension of the second fixed end and has an eccentricity accommodating portion that accommodates the second pipe so as to prevent it from coming off in the axial direction; and the eccentricity allowing member has an inner circumferential surface that is arcuate in cross section and has an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the first fixed end which has a hemispherical outer circumferential surface, and has an eccentricity accommodating portion that accommodates the first pipe so as to prevent it from coming off in the axial direction. A piping joint, characterized in that the inner peripheral surface of the first fixed end, which has an arcuate cross section, abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the tip of the eccentricity allowing member, which has an arcuate cross section.

3. A piping joint connecting opposing first and second pipes, comprising: a first fixed end fixed to the tip of the first pipe; a second fixed end fixed to the tip of the second pipe; and an eccentricity / eccentricity allowance member that accommodates the second fixed end so that it can move within a predetermined distance in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the second pipe and accommodates the first fixed end so that the inclination angle relative to the axial direction of the first pipe is within a predetermined angle range, wherein the eccentricity / eccentricity allowance member has an eccentric accommodation section that has an inner diameter radially larger than the outer periphery dimension of the second fixed end and accommodates the second fixed end so as to be prevented from coming off in the axial direction; and an eccentricity accommodation section that has an inner periphery with an arc-shaped cross section and an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the first fixed end, which has a hemispherical outer periphery, and accommodates the first pipe so as to be prevented from coming off in the axial direction, wherein the arc-shaped cross-sectional inner periphery of the first fixed end abuts against the arc-shaped cross-sectional outer periphery of the eccentricity / eccentricity allowance member.

4. A piping joint as described in claim 3, characterized in that the eccentric misalignment allowance member includes an outer peripheral part that abuts against the hemispherical outer peripheral surface of the first fixed end, and an inner peripheral part that can be fitted with the outer peripheral part, abuts against the tip of the second fixed end and abuts against the hemispherical inner peripheral surface of the first fixed end, and through which fluid flows on its inner peripheral surface.

5. A piping joint for connecting opposing first and second pipes, comprising: a first fixed end portion fixed to the tip of the first pipe and having a first forward flange with an arc-shaped cross section that expands so that its outer diameter gradually increases toward the end; a second fixed end portion fixed to the tip of the second pipe and having a second forward flange with an arc-shaped cross section that expands so that its outer diameter gradually increases toward the end; an annular inner member having a first outer peripheral surface with an arc-shaped cross section that conforms to the inner surface of the first forward flange and a second outer peripheral surface with an arc-shaped cross section that conforms to the inner surface of the second forward flange, with a through-hole at the center and an annular flange on the outer periphery; and an outer member having a first half formed with a first arc-shaped inner circumferential surface that fits along the outer surface of a first forward flange and has a through center, and a second half formed with a second arc-shaped inner circumferential surface that fits along the outer surface of a second forward flange and has a through center, the annular collar being housed in a state where the first half and the second half are abutted against each other; wherein the inner member and the outer member are tilted so that the second pipe can be moved relative to the first pipe in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the first pipe, thereby eccentrically connecting the first pipe and the second pipe; and wherein the first forward flange moves between the first arc-shaped inner circumferential surface and the first arc-shaped outer circumferential surface, and the second forward flange moves between the second arc-shaped inner circumferential surface and the second arc-shaped outer circumferential surface, thereby connecting the first pipe and the second pipe in an angularly eccentric manner.

6. A piping joint for connecting opposing first and second pipes, comprising: a first fixed end portion fixed to the tip of the first pipe and having a first reverse flange with an arc-shaped cross section that gradually increases in outer diameter toward the opposite side of the first pipe; a second fixed end portion fixed to the tip of the second pipe and having a second reverse flange with an arc-shaped cross section that gradually increases in outer diameter toward the opposite side of the second pipe; an annular inner member having a first arc-shaped cross section outer peripheral surface that conforms to the inner surface of the first reverse flange and a second arc-shaped cross section outer peripheral surface that conforms to the inner surface of the second reverse flange, which is penetrating through the center and gradually increases in thickness in the radial direction; and an outer member having a first arc-shaped cross section inner peripheral surface that conforms to the outer surface of the first reverse flange and a second arc-shaped cross section inner peripheral surface that conforms to the outer surface of the second reverse flange, which is penetrating through the center and covers the inner member and the first and second reverse flanges. a first reverse flange that moves between the first cross-sectional arc-shaped inner peripheral surface and the first cross-sectional arc-shaped outer peripheral surface, and a second reverse flange that moves between the second cross-sectional arc-shaped inner peripheral surface and the second cross-sectional arc-shaped outer peripheral surface, thereby connecting the first pipe and the second pipe in a manner that allows the pipe to be tilted.

Images