Pipe connection structure and connection member

Abstract

This pipe connection structure comprises: a first connection member that has an insertion-receiving opening part and a first pipe connection part; a second connection member that has an insertion opening part and a second pipe connection part; and a lock mechanism that maintains an insertion state in which the insertion opening part is inserted in the insertion-receiving opening part and that allows relative rotation of the first connection member and the second connection member about an axis. The lock mechanism is provided with an annular lock groove that is provided so as to be continuous in the circumferential direction on an outer peripheral surface of the insertion opening part, a pair of slits that are provided oppositely with respect to a peripheral wall of the insertion-receiving opening part and that extend in the circumferential direction, a pair of pin parts that are disposed so as to sandwich the insertion-receiving opening part and that are inserted into the lock groove through the pair of slits, and suppression parts that are provided to the slits and that suppress movement of the pin parts in the direction of removal from the lock groove by abutting on the pin parts.

Description

Pipe connection structure and connecting member

[0001] The technology of the present disclosure relates to a pipe connection structure and a connecting member.

[0002] As a pipe connection structure for connecting connecting members to which pipes are connected, a groove continuous in the circumferential direction is provided in the insertion port portion of one connecting member, and a pair of slits are provided in the inserted port portion of the other connecting member. A structure is known in which a pair of pin portions are inserted into the groove through the pair of slits to connect the inserted port portion and the insertion port portion (see Japanese Patent No. 4354794 and Japanese Patent No. 6131183).

[0003] By the way, the pipe connection structures disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 4354794 and Japanese Patent No. 6131183 are configured such that when the connecting members are connected to each other, relative rotation between the inserted port portion and the insertion port portion is prevented by a rotation prevention mechanism. In such a pipe connection structure, it is difficult to cancel the torsional force acting on the pipe. For this reason, a pipe connection structure for connecting the connecting members to be relatively rotatable has been studied. However, when the connecting members are configured to be relatively rotatable, if fluid flows through the connected pipes and the inserted port portion and the insertion port portion repeatedly rotate relative to each other in a state where a force in a direction separating the connecting members acts on the connecting members due to the fluid pressure, the friction force generated between the pair of pin portions and the groove bottom causes the distance between the pair of pin portions to expand, that is, there is a possibility that the pin portions move in a direction to come out of the groove.

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a technology capable of maintaining the connection state even when the connecting members rotate relative to each other in a state where a force in a direction separating the connecting members acts on the connecting members in a structure in which the connecting members are connected to be relatively rotatable about an axis.

[0005] A pipe connection structure according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises: a cylindrical first connecting member having an insertion port provided at one end and a first pipe connection portion provided at the other end to which a first pipe is connected; a cylindrical second connecting member having an insertion port provided at one end and inserted into the insertion port, and a second pipe connection portion provided at the other end to which a second pipe is connected; and a locking mechanism that maintains the inserted state in which the insertion port is inserted into the insertion port and allows relative rotation of the first connecting member and the second connecting member about their axes, wherein the locking mechanism comprises: an annular locking groove provided circumferentially and continuously on the outer circumferential surface of the insertion port; a pair of circumferentially extending slits provided opposite the circumferential wall of the insertion port; a pair of pins arranged on either side of the insertion port and inserted into the locking groove through the pair of slits; and a restraining portion provided in the slits that, by contacting the pins, suppresses the movement of the pins in the direction of coming out of the locking groove.

[0006] A connecting member in another embodiment of the present disclosure is a cylindrical connecting member comprising: an insertion opening provided at one end into which an insertion opening to be connected is inserted; a pipe connecting portion provided at the other end into which a pipe is connected; a pair of slits provided opposite the peripheral wall of the insertion opening and extending in the circumferential direction; a pair of pins arranged on either side of the insertion opening and inserted into annular lock grooves provided circumferentially and continuously on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion opening through the pair of slits; and a restraining portion provided in the slits and in contact with the pins to suppress the radial outward movement of the pins from the insertion opening.

[0007] As described above, according to this disclosure, in a structure that connects connecting members so that they can rotate relative to each other around an axis, the connection can be maintained even when the connecting members rotate relative to each other while a force acting on them in a direction that moves them apart from each other is applied.

[0008] This is an exploded perspective view showing the connection state of the first and second connecting members in a pipe connection structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, with the first and second connecting members disassembled. This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the connection state of the first and second connecting members shown in Figure 1. This is a cross-sectional view (section along arrow 3Y-3Y in Figure 2) showing the connection state of the first and second connecting members shown in Figure 2. This is an enlarged view of the part indicated by arrow 3B in Figure 3A. This is a side view showing the connection state of the first and second connecting members shown in Figure 1. This is a perspective view for explaining the operation of connecting the first and second connecting members. This is a cross-sectional view along arrow 6Y-6Y in Figure 5. This is a perspective view showing the connection state of the first and second connecting members, showing the state in which the locking mechanism is not functioning. This is a cross-sectional view along arrow 8Y-8Y in Figure 7. This is a perspective view showing the connection state of the first and second connecting members, showing the state in which the locking mechanism is functioning. This is a side view showing the connection state of the first and second connecting members. This is a cross-sectional view along arrow 11Y-11Y in Figure 7. This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 12Y-12Y of the arrows in Figure 9. This is an enlarged perspective view of the main part showing the state before the insertion opening of the second connecting member is inserted into the insertion opening of the first connecting member. This is an enlarged perspective view of the main part showing the connection state between the first connecting member and the second connecting member. This is an enlarged side view of the main parts of the first connecting member and the second connecting member that constitute a pipe connection structure according to another embodiment. This is a plan view showing the connection state between the first connecting member and the second connecting member shown in Figure 15. This is an enlarged plan view of the main parts of the first connecting member and the second connecting member that constitute a pipe connection structure according to another embodiment. This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main parts of the first connecting member and the second connecting member that constitute a pipe connection structure shown in Figure 15 (cross-sectional view taken along the line 18Y-18Y of the arrows in Figure 15). This is a side view showing the state in which the first connecting member and the second connecting member are connected according to another embodiment. This is a cross-sectional view taken along the axial direction of Figure 19. This is a cross-section taken along the axial direction of Figure 19, and is a cross-sectional view in a direction perpendicular to Figure 20.

[0009] The embodiments for implementing this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Components indicated by the same reference numerals in each drawing are considered to be the same or similar components. In the embodiments described below, descriptions and reference numerals that are repeated may be omitted. Furthermore, the drawings used in the following description are all schematic, and the dimensional relationships and ratios of each element shown in the drawings do not necessarily correspond to reality. Also, the dimensional relationships and ratios of each element do not necessarily correspond between multiple drawings.

[0010] [Pipe connection structure S1] Figures 1 to 14 show a pipe connection structure S1 (hereinafter referred to as "connection structure S1" as appropriate) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] The connection structure S1 of this embodiment is a structure for connecting a first pipe P1 and a second pipe P2. Specifically, the connection structure S1 is a structure that connects the first pipe P1 and the second pipe P2 in such a way that the two pipes can rotate relative to each other around their respective axes. For example, a heat transfer medium flows through the first pipe P1 and the second pipe P2.

[0012] The connection structure S1 comprises a first connecting member 20, a second connecting member 40, a sealing member 60, and a locking mechanism 80.

[0013] As shown in Figures 1 to 3A, the first pipe P1 (shown by a dashed line in the figures) is connected to the first connecting member 20. The second pipe P2 (shown by a dashed line in the figures) is connected to the second connecting member 40. By connecting the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40, the first pipe P1 and the second pipe P2 are connected via the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40. The sealing member 60 has the function of sealing the space between the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40, which are connected to each other. In this embodiment, the sealing member 60 is attached to the second connecting member 40, and therefore will be described as one of the components constituting the second connecting member 40. The locking mechanism 80 has the function of maintaining the connection state between the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40 and allowing relative rotation of the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40 around their axes. The first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40 will be described in detail below.

[0014] [First connecting member 20] As shown in Figures 2 and 3A, the first connecting member 20 has a first cylindrical body 22, an insertion opening portion 26, a first pipe connection portion 28, and a first valve mechanism 30.

[0015] (First cylindrical body 22) As shown in Figures 2 and 3A, the first cylindrical body 22 constitutes the main body portion of the first connecting member 20. An insertion opening 26 is provided at one end of the first cylindrical body 22 in the axial direction. A first pipe connection portion 28 is provided at the other end of the first cylindrical body 22 in the axial direction, to which the first pipe P1 is connected.

[0016] In the following, the axial direction of the first cylindrical body 22 is indicated by arrow X1.

[0017] As shown in Figures 2 and 3A, the first valve body 32 (details will be described later) that constitutes the first valve mechanism 30 is arranged inside the first cylindrical body 22 (also called the internal flow path). Specifically, the first cylindrical body 22 is provided with a first housing section 22A in which the first valve body 32 is housed. The first valve body 32 is housed in this first housing section 22A in a rotatable state. In the axial direction of the first cylindrical body 22, a large-diameter section 27 is provided between the insertion port section 26 and the first pipe connection section 28, and the inside of this large-diameter section 27 constitutes the first housing section 22A.

[0018] Furthermore, a through hole 22B is formed in the large-diameter portion 27 of the first cylindrical body 22, through which the first valve stem 34 (details to be described later) passes, which rotates the first valve body 32 to open and close the internal flow path of the first cylindrical body 22.

[0019] The wall surface 22C constituting the first housing section 22A has seal grooves 22D formed on both sides of the through hole 22B in the axial direction X1 of the first cylindrical body 22. Each of the seal grooves 22D is continuous in the circumferential direction of the first cylindrical body 22. An annular seal member 23 is housed in each seal groove 22D. These seal members 23 are in contact with the surface of the first valve body 32. In this embodiment, an O-ring with a circular cross-sectional shape is used as an example of the seal member 23, but this disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, a seal member with a polygonal cross-sectional shape may be used. An example of a seal member with a square cross-sectional shape is a ball sheet.

[0020] As shown in Figures 2 and 3A, the first cylindrical body 22 in this embodiment is composed of a cylindrical member 37 on the insertion port 26 side and a cylindrical member 38 on the first pipe connection port 28 side. The first cylindrical body 22 is formed by assembling the cylindrical member 38 to the cylindrical member 37. The cylindrical member 37 includes the insertion port 26 and a part of the large diameter portion 27. The cylindrical member 38 includes the first pipe connection port 28 and the remaining part of the large diameter portion 27. Specifically, the cylindrical member 37 includes the peripheral wall of the large diameter portion 27 and a side wall portion 37A that connects the peripheral wall to the base end of the insertion port 26. The cylindrical member 38 also includes a flange portion 38A that protrudes from the base end of the first pipe connection port 28. This flange portion 38A is fitted into the opening of the large diameter portion 27 on the side opposite to the insertion port 26. A groove 38B that is continuous in the circumferential direction is provided on the peripheral edge of the flange portion 38A. An O-ring 38C is housed in this groove 38B. The O-ring 38C is positioned between the bottom surface of the groove 38B in the flange portion 38A and the inner circumferential surface of the large-diameter portion 27, sealing the space between the flange portion 38A and the large-diameter portion 27.

[0021] (Insertion Port 26) As shown in Figures 1 to 3A and Figure 6, the insertion port 26 is provided at one end of the first cylindrical body 22 and is the part into which the insertion port 46 of the second connecting member 40 is inserted. The inner diameter of this insertion port 26 is set to be larger than the inner diameter of the first pipe connection portion 28.

[0022] (First pipe connection part 28) As shown in Figures 1 to 3A and Figure 6, the first pipe connection part 28 is provided at the other end of the first cylindrical body 22 and is the part to which the first pipe P1 is connected. In this embodiment, the first pipe connection part 28 is connected to the first pipe P1 by being pressed into the first pipe P1. If the first pipe P1 is a flexible hose, the part in which the first pipe P1 and the first pipe connection part 28 overlap in the connected state may be tightened from the outside of the first pipe P1 with a band member, for example. By tightening with a band member in this way, the connection between the first pipe P1 and the first pipe connection part 28 can be made stronger.

[0023] (First valve mechanism 30) The first valve mechanism 30 is a mechanism that opens and closes the internal flow path of the first cylindrical body 22, as shown in Figures 2, 3A, and 6. This first valve mechanism 30 comprises a first valve body 32 and an operating part 36.

[0024] As shown in Figures 2 and 3A, the first valve body 32 opens and closes the internal flow path of the first cylindrical body 22. The first valve body 32 is provided with a communication hole 32A. When the axial direction of the communication hole 32A of the first valve body 32 (hereinafter referred to as "axial direction CL1" as appropriate) coincides with the axial direction of the first cylindrical body 22 (see Figure 2), the inside of the insertion port 26 and the inside of the first pipe connection 28 communicate through the inside of the communication hole 32A. This allows fluid to flow inside the first cylindrical body 22. In other words, when the axial direction of the communication hole 32A of the first valve body 32 coincides with the axial direction of the first cylindrical body 22, the internal flow path of the first cylindrical body 22 is completely open. Hereafter, the state in which the axial direction of the communication hole 32A coincides with the axial direction of the first cylindrical body 22 will be referred to as the flow path open state of the first cylindrical body 22. Here, "matching" includes, for example, cases where the axial direction of the communication hole 32A and the axial direction of the first cylindrical body 22 are perfectly aligned, as well as cases where they are tilted by approximately ±5 degrees.

[0025] Furthermore, when the axial direction CL1 of the communication hole 32A of the first valve body 32 and the axial direction of the first cylindrical body 22 are perpendicular (see Figure 3A), the inside of the communication hole 32A does not communicate with the inside of the insertion port portion 26 and the inside of the first pipe connection portion 28. As a result, the fluid flow inside the first cylindrical body 22 is stopped. Hereinafter, the state in which the axial direction of the communication hole 32A and the axial direction of the first cylindrical body 22 are perpendicular is referred to as the flow path occluded state of the first cylindrical body 22. Here, "perpendicular" includes, for example, cases where the axial direction of the communication hole 32A and the axial direction of the first cylindrical body 22 are perfectly perpendicular, as well as cases where they are inclined at approximately 90 degrees ± 5 degrees.

[0026] Furthermore, a fitting groove 32B is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the first valve body 32, extending in the same direction as the axial CL1 of the communication hole 32A. The tip 34A of the first valve stem 34, which passes through the through hole 22B, is fitted into this fitting groove 32B. When a rotational force acts on the first valve stem 34, the rotational force is transmitted to the fitting groove 32B via the tip 34A. When a rotational force is transmitted to the first valve body 32, the first valve body 32 rotates within the first housing 22A. For this reason, when the flow path of the first cylindrical body 22 is open, the fitting groove 32B faces the same direction as the axial X1 of the first cylindrical body 22, and when the flow path of the first cylindrical body 22 is closed, the fitting groove 32B faces a direction perpendicular to the axial X1 of the first cylindrical body 22.

[0027] The operating unit 36 ​​controls the opening and closing of the internal flow path of the first cylindrical body 22 by the first valve body 32. This operating unit 36 ​​is provided on the outer circumference of the first cylindrical body 22. Specifically, the operating unit 36 ​​is fixed to the other end of the first valve stem 34. In this embodiment, the operating unit 36 ​​is, for example, an operating handle. By gripping and turning this operating handle, the first valve body 32 rotates together with the first valve stem 34 within the first housing 22A.

[0028] In this embodiment, when the flow path of the first cylindrical body 22 is blocked, if the protrusion 36A provided on the operating part 36 is rotated clockwise around the first valve stem 34 as the central axis, the protrusion 36A will come into contact with the stopper 22E provided on the outer circumferential surface of the first cylindrical body 22 at the position where the flow path of the first cylindrical body 22 is blocked, and rotation will be prevented. On the other hand, when the flow path of the first cylindrical body 22 is blocked, if the protrusion 36A provided on the operating part 36 is rotated counterclockwise around the first valve stem 34 as the central axis, the protrusion 36A will come into contact with the stopper 22F provided on the outer circumferential surface of the first cylindrical body 22 at the position where the flow path of the first cylindrical body 22 is open, and rotation will be prevented.

[0029] [Second connecting member 40] As shown in Figures 2 and 3A, the second connecting member 40 includes a second cylindrical body 42, an insertion port 46, a second pipe connection portion 48, a second valve mechanism 50, and a sealing member 60.

[0030] (Second cylindrical body 42) As shown in Figures 2 and 3A, the second cylindrical body 42 constitutes the main body portion of the second connecting member 40. An insertion opening 46 is provided at one end of the second cylindrical body 42 in the axial direction. A second pipe connection portion 48 is provided at the other end of the second cylindrical body 42 in the axial direction, to which the second pipe P2 is connected.

[0031] In the following, the axial direction of the second cylindrical body 42 is indicated by arrow X2.

[0032] As shown in Figures 2 and 3A, a second valve body 52, which constitutes the second valve mechanism 50, is installed inside the second cylindrical body 42 (also called the internal flow path). Specifically, a second housing section 42A is provided inside the second cylindrical body 42 to house the second valve body 52. ​​The second valve body 52 is housed in this second housing section 42A in a rotatable state. In the axial direction of the second cylindrical body 42, a large-diameter section 47 is provided between the insertion port 46 and the second pipe connection section 48, and the inside of this large-diameter section 47 constitutes the second housing section 42A.

[0033] Furthermore, a through hole 42B is formed in the large-diameter portion 47 of the second cylindrical body 42, through which a second valve stem 54 (details to be described later) passes, which rotates the second valve body 52 to open and close the internal flow path of the second cylindrical body 42.

[0034] The wall surface 42C constituting the second housing section 42A has seal grooves 42D formed on both sides of the through hole 42B in the axial direction X2 of the second cylindrical body 42. Each of the seal grooves 42D is continuous in the circumferential direction of the second cylindrical body 42. An annular seal member 43 is housed in each seal groove 42D. These seal members 43 are in contact with the surface of the second valve body 52. ​​In this embodiment, as an example, an O-ring with a circular cross-sectional shape is used as the seal member 43, but this disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, a seal member with a polygonal cross-sectional shape may be used. An example of a seal member with a square cross-sectional shape is a ball sheet.

[0035] As shown in Figures 2 and 3A, the second cylindrical body 42 in this embodiment is composed of a cylindrical member 57 on the insertion port 46 side and a cylindrical member 58 on the second pipe connection port 48 side. The second cylindrical body 42 is formed by assembling the cylindrical member 58 to the cylindrical member 57. The cylindrical member 57 includes the insertion port 46 and a part of the large diameter portion 47. The cylindrical member 58 includes the second pipe connection port 48 and the remaining part of the large diameter portion 47. Specifically, the cylindrical member 57 includes the peripheral wall of the large diameter portion 47 and a side wall portion 57A that connects the peripheral wall to the base end of the insertion port 46. The cylindrical member 58 also includes a flange portion 58A that protrudes from the base end of the second pipe connection port 48. This flange portion 58A is fitted into the opening of the large diameter portion 47 on the side opposite to the insertion port 46. A groove 58B that is continuous in the circumferential direction is provided on the peripheral edge of the flange portion 58A. An O-ring 58C is housed in this groove 58B. The O-ring 58C is positioned between the bottom surface of the groove 58B in the flange portion 58A and the inner circumferential surface of the large-diameter portion 47, sealing the space between the flange portion 58A and the large-diameter portion 47.

[0036] (Insertion Port 46) As shown in Figures 2 and 3A, the insertion port 46 is provided at one end of the second cylindrical body 42 and is the portion that is inserted into the insertion port 26. The inner diameter of this insertion port 46 is set to be the same size as the inner diameter of the second pipe connection portion 48. Here, "same" includes, for example, cases where the inner diameter of the insertion port 46 and the inner diameter of the second pipe connection portion 48 are exactly the same size, as well as cases where the inner diameter of the second pipe connection portion 48 is within ±5% of the inner diameter of the insertion port 46.

[0037] An annular accommodating groove 46A is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the insertion opening 46, and is continuous in the circumferential direction of the insertion opening 46. The sealing member 60 is housed in this accommodating groove 46A.

[0038] (Second pipe connection part 48) As shown in Figures 2 and 3A, the second pipe connection part 48 is provided at the other end of the second cylindrical body 42 and is the part to which the second pipe P2 is connected. In this embodiment, the second pipe connection part 48 is a flange portion that is connected to a flange portion attached to the end of the second pipe P2, and the second pipe P2 and the second pipe connection part 48 are connected by fastening the flange portion of the second pipe P2 and the second pipe connection part 48 together, for example with a bolt.

[0039] (Second valve mechanism 50) The second valve mechanism 50 is a mechanism that opens and closes the internal flow path of the second cylindrical body 42, as shown in Figures 2 and 3A. This second valve mechanism 50 comprises a second valve body 52 and an operating part 56.

[0040] As shown in Figures 2 and 3A, the second valve body 52 opens and closes the internal flow path of the second cylindrical body 42. The second valve body 52 is provided with a communication hole 52A. When the axial direction of the communication hole 52A of the second valve body 52 (hereinafter referred to as "axial direction CL2" as appropriate) coincides with the axial direction of the second cylindrical body 42, the inside of the insertion port 46 and the inside of the second pipe connection 48 communicate through the inside of the communication hole 52A. This allows fluid to flow inside the second cylindrical body 42. That is, when the axial direction of the communication hole 52A of the second valve body 52 coincides with the axial direction of the second cylindrical body 42 (see Figure 2), the internal flow path of the second cylindrical body 42 is completely open. Hereafter, the state in which the axial direction of the communication hole 52A coincides with the axial direction of the second cylindrical body 42 will be referred to as the flow path open state of the second cylindrical body 42. Here, "matching" includes, for example, cases where the axial direction of the communication hole 52A and the axial direction of the second cylindrical body 42 are perfectly aligned, as well as cases where they are tilted by approximately ±5 degrees.

[0041] Furthermore, when the axial direction CL2 of the communication hole 52A of the second valve body 52 and the axial direction of the second cylinder 42 are perpendicular (see Figure 3A), the inside of the communication hole 52A does not communicate with the inside of the insertion port 46 and the inside of the second pipe connection 48. As a result, the fluid flow inside the second cylinder 42 is stopped. Hereinafter, the state in which the axial direction of the communication hole 52A and the axial direction of the second cylinder 42 are perpendicular is referred to as the flow path occluded state of the second cylinder 42. Here, "perpendicular" includes, for example, cases where the axial direction of the communication hole 52A and the axial direction of the second cylinder 42 are perfectly perpendicular, as well as cases where they are inclined at approximately 90 degrees ± 5 degrees.

[0042] Furthermore, a fitting groove 52B is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the second valve body 52, extending in the same direction as the axial direction CL2 of the communication hole 52A. The tip 54A of the second valve stem 54, which passes through the through hole 42B, is fitted into this fitting groove 52B. When a rotational force acts on the second valve stem 54, the rotational force is transmitted to the fitting groove 52B via the tip 54A. When a rotational force is transmitted to the second valve body 52, the second valve body 52 rotates within the second housing 42A. Therefore, when the flow path of the second cylindrical body 42 is open, the fitting groove 52B faces the same direction as the axial direction X2 of the second cylindrical body 42, and when the flow path of the second cylindrical body 42 is closed, the fitting groove 52B faces a direction perpendicular to the axial direction X2 of the second cylindrical body 42.

[0043] The operating unit 56 controls the opening and closing of the internal flow path of the second cylindrical body 42 by the second valve body 52. ​​This operating unit 56 is provided on the outer circumference of the second cylindrical body 42. Specifically, the operating unit 56 is fixed to the other end of the second valve stem 54. In this embodiment, the operating unit 56 is, for example, an operating handle. By gripping and turning this operating handle, the second valve body 52 rotates together with the second valve stem 54 within the second housing 42A.

[0044] In addition, in the present embodiment, when the convex portion 56A provided on the operation portion 56 is rotated counterclockwise (counterclockwise) around the axis with the second valve rod 54 as the central axis in the flow path closing state of the second cylindrical body 42, the convex portion 56A abuts against the stopper 42F provided on the outer peripheral surface of the second cylindrical body 42 at a position where the flow path of the second cylindrical body 42 is in an open state, and the rotation is blocked. On the other hand, in the flow path open state of the second cylindrical body 42, when the convex portion 56A provided on the operation portion 56 is rotated clockwise (clockwise) around the axis with the second valve rod 54 as the central axis, the convex portion 56A abuts against the stopper 42E provided on the outer peripheral surface of the second cylindrical body 42 at a position where the flow path of the second cylindrical body 42 is in a closed state, and the rotation is blocked.

[0045] (Sealing member 60) The sealing member 60 is a member that is disposed between the insertion port portion 46 and the insertion-receiving port portion 26 and seals between the insertion port portion 46 and the insertion-receiving port portion 26. Specifically, the sealing member 60 is formed in an annular shape, and seals between the insertion port portion 46 and the insertion-receiving port portion 26 by having its inner peripheral portion contact the outer peripheral surface of the insertion port portion 46 and its outer peripheral portion contact the inner peripheral surface of the insertion-receiving port portion 26. As an example, the sealing member 60 of the present embodiment uses an O-ring having a circular cross-sectional shape. Further, the outer peripheral surface of the insertion port portion 46 includes the bottom surface of the accommodation groove 46A in which the sealing member 60 is accommodated.

[0046] Also, in the present embodiment, the sealing member 60 is attached to the outer periphery of the insertion port portion 46. In other words, the sealing member 60 is accommodated in the accommodation groove 46A provided on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion port portion 46. By accommodating the sealing member 60 in the accommodation groove 46A in this way, the movement of the sealing member 60 in the axial direction X2 when the insertion port portion 46 is inserted into the insertion-receiving port portion 26 can be restricted.

[0047] Since the first connection member 20 includes the insertion-receiving port portion 26 and the second connection member 40 includes the insertion port portion 46, the first connection member 20 may be regarded as the female member, or the second connection member 40 may be regarded as the male member.

[0048] [Locking mechanism 80] The locking mechanism 80 is a mechanism that maintains the insertion state in which the insertion port portion 46 is inserted into the insertion-receiving port portion 26 and allows relative rotation around the axis of the first connection member 20 and the second connection member 40.

[0049] As shown in Figures 6, 8, 11, and 12, the locking mechanism 80 includes a locking groove 88 having a hooking portion 82, a pair of slits 84, a locking member 86 having a pin portion 86A, and a restraining portion 89.

[0050] As shown in Figure 6, the lock groove 88 is an annular groove provided continuously in the circumferential direction on the outer surface of the insertion opening 46 of the second cylindrical body 42, on the side of the second pipe connection 48 that is closer to the area where the seal member 60 is placed. Here, the area where the seal member 60 is placed is the area on the outer surface of the insertion opening 46 where the seal member 60 is placed, and in this embodiment, this corresponds to the area where the housing groove 46A is provided. The lock groove 88 has a hook portion 82 formed by the groove wall on the side opposite to the second pipe connection 48.

[0051] As shown in Figures 11 to 14, the pair of slits 84 are provided on the circumferential wall of the insertion opening 26, on the side of the first pipe connection 28 that is further away from the area where the sealing member 60 is placed. The pair of slits 84 are also provided facing each other, and each extends in the circumferential direction.

[0052] As shown in Figure 11, the locking member 86 is mounted on the outer circumference of the insertion opening 26 so as to be movable between a first position and a second position radially inward from the first position. The first position of the locking member 86 is the position shown in Figures 11 and 13. The second position of the locking member 86 is the position shown in Figures 12 and 14.

[0053] The locking member 86 also has a pair of pin portions 86A that are inserted into a pair of slits 84, and a connecting portion 86B that connects one end of the pair of pin portions 86A.

[0054] In the locking member 86, as shown in Figures 11 and 13, in the first position, the pair of pin portions 86A are not inserted into the locking groove 88, and the pair of pin portions 86A do not catch on their respective hooking portions 82.

[0055] In the locking member 86, as shown in Figures 12 and 14, when the pair of pin portions 86A are inserted into the locking groove 88 in the second position, the distance between the pair of pin portions 86A becomes narrower than in the first position, and the pair of pin portions 86A each catch on the hooking portion 82 of the locking groove 88. This maintains the inserted state in which the insertion opening portion 46 is inserted into the insertion opening portion 26.

[0056] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12, when the locking member 86 is in the second position, a gap G is formed between the connecting portion 86B and the outer circumferential surface of the insertion opening portion 26. It is preferable that this gap G be set to a size that allows a tool or a worker's finger to be inserted.

[0057] Furthermore, the other end of each pin portion 86A, which is located opposite the connecting portion 86B, is bent.

[0058] Furthermore, on the outer circumferential surface of the insertion opening 26, recesses 85 are provided in the middle of a pair of slits 84, in which each bent portion 86C of the pair of pin portions 86A of the locking member 86 fits in the first position. Specifically, when the locking member 86 is in the first position, each bent portion 86C fits into the respective recess 85, thus preventing the locking member 86 from falling out during transport, etc. On the other hand, when the locking member 86 is pushed from the first position to the second position, the distance between the pair of pin portions 86A widens, and each bent portion 86C moves over its respective recess 85. Once each bent portion 86C moves over its respective recess 85, the pair of pin portions 86A return to their original state, and the distance between the pair of pin portions 86A narrows. Then, each of the pair of pin portions 86A is inserted into the lock groove 88, and the insertion state in which the insertion opening 46 is inserted into the insertion opening 26 is maintained. In other words, the locking mechanism 80 maintains the state in which the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40 are connected.

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the locking member 86 is in the second position and the first valve body 32 opens the internal flow path of the first cylindrical body 22 by operating the operating part 36, as shown in Figures 12 and 14, a part of the operating part 36 contacts the locking member 86, thereby preventing the locking member 86 from moving to the first position. Specifically, when the locking member 86 is in the second position and the flow path of the first cylindrical body 22 is open, a part of the operating part 36 protrudes onto the connecting part 86B of the locking member 86 when viewed from the axial direction of the first valve stem 34, thereby preventing the locking member 86 from unintentionally moving from the second position to the first position.

[0060] The restraining portion 89 is provided in each slit 84, as shown in Figures 3A and 3B. The restraining portion 89 restrains the movement of the pin portion 86A in the direction of disengaging from the lock groove 88 by contacting the pin portion 86A. Specifically, the restraining portion 89 is an inclined portion provided on the wall surface on the tip side of the insertion opening portion 26 of the slit 84. This inclined portion is inclined from the radially inner side to the outer side of the insertion opening portion 26 and from one end side to the other end side of the first connecting member 20 (in Figure 3B, it is inclined towards the upper right).

[0061] In this embodiment, the entire wall surface on the tip side of the insertion opening 26 of the slit 84 is inclined. That is, the entire wall surface on the tip side of the insertion opening 26 of the slit 84 is inclined with respect to the radial direction. However, this disclosure is not limited to this configuration, and a restraining portion 89 may be provided on a part of the wall surface on the tip side of the insertion opening 26 of the slit 84.

[0062] As shown in Figure 3B, the restraining portion 89 is preferably inclined at an angle θ with respect to the radial direction of the insertion opening portion 26. The angle θ is preferably, for example, 6 degrees or more and 40 degrees or less.

[0063] Furthermore, the wall surface of the slit 84 opposite to the side on which the suppression portion 89 is provided may be inclined parallel to the suppression portion 89, or it may extend along the radial direction of the insertion opening portion 26 without being inclined. In other words, the orientation of the wall surface of the slit 84 opposite to the side on which the suppression portion 89 is provided is not limited.

[0064] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be explained. In the connection structure S1 of this embodiment, as shown in Figures 5 to 8, the insertion opening 46 of the second connecting member 40, to which the second pipe P2 is connected, is inserted into the insertion opening 26 of the first connecting member 20, to which the first pipe P1 is connected, in the first connecting member 28. Then, as shown in Figures 9 to 14, the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40 are connected by activating the locking mechanism 80 in the inserted state with the insertion opening 46 inserted into the insertion opening 26. Specifically, by moving the locking member 86 from the first position to the second position in the inserted state with the insertion opening 46 inserted into the insertion opening 26, the pair of pins 86A of the locking member 86 are inserted into the locking groove 88 through the pair of slits 84, and the inserted state is maintained. That is, the connection state between the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40 is maintained.

[0065] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, when the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40 are connected, the annular sealing member 60 seals the space between the insertion opening 46 and the insertion opening 26. Therefore, by operating the first valve mechanism 30 of the first connecting member 20 and the second valve mechanism 50 of the second connecting member 40, respectively, the internal passages of the first cylindrical body 22 and the second cylindrical body 42 are opened, respectively, allowing the inside of the first pipe P1 and the inside of the second pipe P2 to communicate via the internal passages of the first cylindrical body 22 and the second cylindrical body 42.

[0066] In the above connection structure S1, the locking mechanism 80 maintains the inserted state in which the insertion opening 46 is inserted into the insertion opening 26, and also allows relative rotation of the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40 around their axes. Therefore, even if an excessive torsional force is acting on at least one of the pipes, the first pipe P1 connected to the first connecting member 20 and the second pipe P2 connected to the second connecting member 40, the excessive torsional force acting on at least one of the pipes, the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40, can be mitigated by allowing relative rotation of the connected pipes, the first and second connecting members 40, around their axes.

[0067] Furthermore, in the connection structure S1, the inner circumference of the annular sealing member 60 contacts the outer circumference of the insertion opening 46, and the outer circumference of the sealing member 60 contacts the inner circumference of the insertion opening 26, thereby sealing the space between the insertion opening 46 and the insertion opening 26. As a result, even if the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40 are rotated relative to each other around an axis while in the connected state, the sealing effect of the sealing member 60 can be maintained.

[0068] Thus, in the above-described connection structure S1, by rotating the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40 relative to each other around an axis, the excessive torsional force acting on at least one of the first pipe P1 and the second pipe P2 can be mitigated, and the sealing effect of the sealing member 60 can be maintained even when the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40 are rotated relative to each other around an axis. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which, for example, a mechanism that allows relative rotation is incorporated into each connecting member, the structure of the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40 can be simplified.

[0069] Furthermore, in connection structure S1, a structure (axial seal structure) is used in which the inner circumference of the annular seal member 60 contacts the outer circumference of the insertion opening 46, and the outer circumference of the seal member 60 contacts the inner circumference of the insertion opening 26. By using this structure, in connection structure S1, the contact pressure between the seal member 60 and the insertion opening 26 approaches uniformity in the circumferential direction of the seal member 60, and the contact pressure between the seal member 60 and the insertion opening 46 approaches uniformity in the circumferential direction of the seal member. As a result, in connection structure S1, the sealing performance is improved compared to, for example, a structure in which the sealing surfaces of the connecting members are pressed together (surface seal structure).

[0070] Thus, according to the connection structure S1 of this embodiment, it is possible to simplify the structure of the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40 while improving the sealing performance between the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40.

[0071] In the connection structure S1, when fluid is flowed with the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40 connected, a force acts on the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40 in a direction that moves them apart from each other, for example, in the direction of pulling the insertion opening 46 out of the insertion opening 26. When the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40 rotate relative to each other around an axis while such a force is acting, the frictional force between the pin portion 86A and the lock groove 88 causes the gap between the pair of pin portions 86A to widen. That is, the pin portion 86A tries to move in the direction of coming out of the lock groove 88, but the movement of the pin portion 86A in the direction of coming out of the lock groove 88 is suppressed when the pin portion 86A comes into contact with the restraining portion 89 of the lock mechanism 80. Specifically, when the pin portion 86A comes into contact with the inclined portion acting as the restraining portion 89, for example, a part of the force in the direction of pulling the insertion opening 46 out of the insertion opening 26 is converted into a force directed radially outward to inward. In other words, because the component force of the force pulling the insertion opening 46 out from the insertion opening 26 is directed from the radially outer to the inner direction, it is possible to suppress the movement of the pin portion 86A in the direction of coming out of the lock groove 88. In Figure 3B, the force indicated by arrow FC is the force that presses the pin portion 86A against the restraining portion 89 when a force is applied in the direction of pulling the insertion opening 46 out from the insertion opening 26, and the force indicated by arrow FD is the component force of arrow FC, and is the force that keeps the pin portion 86A inside the lock groove 88.

[0072] As described above, with the connection structure S1 of this embodiment, the restraining portion 89 prevents the pin portion 86A from moving out of the lock groove 88. Therefore, even if the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40 rotate relative to each other around an axis while a force acting on them to move away from each other is applied, the connection state of the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40 can be maintained.

[0073] Furthermore, in the connection structure S1 of this embodiment, since the sealing member 60 is attached to the outer circumference of the insertion opening 46 of the second cylindrical body 42, the sealing member 60 can be attached to the outer circumference of the insertion opening 46 by a simple operation of passing the insertion opening 46 inside the annular sealing member 60.

[0074] Furthermore, in the connection structure S1 of this embodiment, an annular accommodating groove 46A is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the insertion opening 46, and the sealing member 60 is housed in this accommodating groove 46A. Therefore, in the connection structure S1, the insertion opening 46 is passed inside the annular sealing member 60, and the sealing member 60 is housed in the accommodating groove 46A, making it easy to position the sealing member 60 relative to the insertion opening 46.

[0075] Furthermore, in the connection structure S1 of this embodiment, when the locking member 86 is moved from the first position to the second position, the pair of pin portions 86A each catch on the hooking portions 82 of the locking groove 88, and the inserted state in which the insertion opening portion 46 is inserted into the insertion opening portion 26 is maintained. That is, the connection state between the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40 is maintained. Also, when the locking member 86 is moved from the second position to the first position, the pair of pin portions 86A do not catch on the hooking portions 82 of the locking groove 88, so it becomes possible to pull the insertion opening portion 46 out of the insertion opening portion 26. That is, it becomes possible to release the connection state between the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40. Thus, in the above connection structure S1, the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40 can be connected or released by a simple operation of moving the locking member 86 between the first position and the second position.

[0076] Furthermore, in the connection structure S1 of this embodiment, when the locking member 86 is in the second position, the pair of pin portions 86A each enter the locking groove 88, thereby maintaining the inserted state in which the insertion opening portion 46 is inserted into the insertion opening portion 26. Here, the pair of pin portions 86A that have entered the locking groove 88 move along the locking groove 88 while being guided by the groove walls on both sides of the locking groove 88 during the relative rotation of the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40 around their axes. This makes it possible to suppress rattle when the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40 are rotated relative to each other around their axes.

[0077] Furthermore, in the connection structure S1 of this embodiment, a gap is formed between the connecting portion 86B and the outer circumferential surface of the insertion opening portion 26 when the locking member 86 is in the second position. Here, by inserting a finger or tool into the gap G between the connecting portion 86B and the outer circumferential surface of the insertion opening portion 26 and lifting the connecting portion 86B relative to the outer circumferential surface of the insertion opening portion 26, the locking member 86 can be easily moved from the second position to the first position.

[0078] Furthermore, in the connection structure S1 of this embodiment, when the locking member 86 is in the first position, each bent portion 86C of the pair of pin portions 86A is housed in the recess 85 of the insertion opening portion 26, making it easy to determine that the locking member 86 is in the first position. It also prevents the locking member 86 from being moved from the first position to the second position due to erroneous operation.

[0079] Furthermore, in the connection structure S1 of this embodiment, when the insertion port 46 is inserted into the insertion port 26, and the locking member 86 is in the second position and the first valve body 32 is opened to open the internal flow path of the first cylindrical body 22 by the operation of the operating part 36 (flow path open state), a part of the operating part 36 comes into contact with the locking member 86, thereby preventing the locking member 86 from moving from the second position to the first position. In this way, in the connection structure S1, since the locking member 86 cannot be moved from the second position to the first position when the flow path of the first cylindrical body 22 is open, it is possible to prevent the operation of pulling the insertion port 46 out of the insertion port 26 when the flow path of the first cylindrical body 22 is open. This prevents the connection between the first connecting member 20 and the second connecting member 40 from being released due to erroneous operation of the locking member 86.

[0080] (Other Embodiments) In the embodiments described above, a locking member 86 is attached to the first connecting member 20, but the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, a locking member may also be attached to the second connecting member. Specifically, as shown in Figures 15 to 18, a locking member 86 may be attached to the first connecting member 220 and a locking member 286 may be attached to the second connecting member 240. As shown in Figure 18, a locking groove 288 is provided on the tip side of the slit 84 of the insertion opening 26 of the first connecting member 220, which is continuous in the circumferential direction. In addition, a concentric annular rib is provided on the radially outer side of the insertion opening 46 of the second connecting member 240, and the tip of the insertion opening 26 is inserted between the insertion opening 46 and the annular rib. A pair of slits 284 are formed in the annular rib. Each of the pair of slits 284 is provided with a restraining portion 289. The restraining portion 289 is an inclined portion provided on the wall surface of the slit 284 on the tip side of the annular rib. This inclined portion slopes radially from the inside to the outside of the annular rib and from one end to the other of the second connecting member. The pair of pin portions 286A of the locking member 286 are inserted into the pair of slits 284. The locking member 286 has a connecting portion 286B that connects one end of the pair of pin portions 286A and a bent portion 286C that is bent at the other end. Furthermore, recesses 285 are provided on the outer circumference of the annular rib into which the bent portion 286C fits. The operation of this locking member 286 is the same as the operation of the locking member 86. In addition, the plate 237 of the first connecting member 220 is shaped so that the locking member 86 cannot be operated until the first valve body 32 completely closes the flow path. Similarly, the plate 257 of the second connecting member 240 is shaped so that the locking member 286 cannot be operated until the second valve body 52 completely closes the flow path. With this configuration, when at least one of the first valve body 32 and the second valve body 52 is in an open state, the insertion opening 46 is prevented from being pulled out of the insertion opening 26, thereby suppressing water leakage when the insertion opening 46 is pulled out of the insertion opening 26.

[0081] In the embodiment described above, the first pipe P1 is connected to the first pipe connection 28 and the second pipe P2 is connected to the second pipe connection 48, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the structure of the first pipe connection 28 and the structure of the second pipe connection 48 may be swapped so that the second pipe P2 is connected to the first pipe connection 28 and the first pipe P1 is connected to the second pipe connection 48. Furthermore, the structure of the first pipe connection 28 can be any structure as long as it can be connected to the target pipe. The second pipe connection 48 can also be any structure as long as it can be connected to the target pipe, similar to the first pipe connection 28.

[0082] In the above-described embodiment, the sealing member 60 is mounted individually on the outer circumference of the insertion opening 46, but the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, multiple sealing members 60 may be mounted on the outer circumference of the insertion opening 46. In this case, multiple accommodating grooves 46A may be provided on the outer surface of the insertion opening 46, and the sealing members 60 may be placed in each of the multiple accommodating grooves 46A.

[0083] In the embodiments described above, a ball valve mechanism is used as the first valve mechanism 30, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a needle valve mechanism or a butterfly valve mechanism may be used as the first valve mechanism 30. Similarly, for the second valve mechanism 50, a needle valve mechanism or a butterfly valve mechanism may be used instead of a ball valve mechanism, just as with the first valve mechanism 30.

[0084] In the embodiments described above, the first connecting member 20 has a configuration comprising a first cylindrical body 22, an insertion opening 26, a first pipe connection portion 28, and a first valve mechanism 30, but the disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, as shown in Figures 19 to 21, the first connecting member 320 may have a configuration comprising a first cylindrical body 322, an insertion opening 326, and a first pipe connection portion 328, but without the first valve mechanism 30. Note that the first connecting member 320 is formed by integrally forming the first cylindrical body 322, the insertion opening 326, and the first pipe connection portion 328. Furthermore, the second connecting member 40 has a configuration comprising a second cylindrical body 42, an insertion opening 46, a second pipe connection portion 48, a second valve mechanism 50, and a sealing member 60, but the disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, as shown in Figures 19 to 21, the second connecting member 340 may have a second cylindrical body 342, an insertion opening 346, and a second pipe connection part 348, but may not have a second valve mechanism 50. The second connecting member 340 is formed by integrally forming the second cylindrical body 342, the insertion opening 346, and the second pipe connection part 348. Alternatively, the first connecting member 20 of the above-described embodiment may be connected to the second connecting member 340, or the second connecting member 40 of the above-described embodiment may be connected to the first connecting member 320. In the configuration shown in Figures 19 to 21, the sealing member 60 is housed in a groove formed in the first connecting member 320.

[0085] Although embodiments of this disclosure have been described above with reference to examples, these embodiments are merely examples and can be modified in various ways without departing from the gist of the disclosure. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the scope of rights of this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments.

[0086] The following additional information is disclosed regarding the embodiments described above.

[0087] (Note 1) A pipe connection structure comprising: a cylindrical first connecting member having an insertion port at one end and a first pipe connection portion at the other end to which a first pipe is connected; a cylindrical second connecting member having an insertion port at one end that is inserted into the insertion port and a second pipe connection portion at the other end to which a second pipe is connected; and a locking mechanism that maintains the inserted state in which the insertion port is inserted into the insertion port and allows relative rotation of the first connecting member and the second connecting member around their axes, wherein the locking mechanism comprises: an annular locking groove provided continuously in the circumferential direction on the outer circumferential surface of the insertion port; a pair of circumferentially extending slits provided opposite the circumferential wall of the insertion port; a pair of pin portions arranged on either side of the insertion port and inserted into the locking groove through the pair of slits; and a restraining portion provided in the slits that, by contacting the pin portions, suppresses the movement of the pin portions in the direction of coming out of the locking groove.

[0088] In the pipe connection structure described in Appendix 1, the insertion port of the second connecting member, to which the second pipe is connected, is inserted into the insertion port of the first connecting member, to which the first pipe is connected, and the locking mechanism is activated in this inserted state to connect the first connecting member and the second connecting member.

[0089] In the above-described pipe connection structure, the locking mechanism maintains the inserted state in which the insertion port is inserted into the insertion port, while also allowing relative rotation of the first connecting member and the second connecting member around their respective axes. Therefore, even if an excessive torsional force is acting on at least one of the pipes, the first pipe connected to the first connecting member and the second pipe connected to the second connecting member, the excessive torsional force acting on at least one of the pipes can be mitigated by allowing the connected first and second connecting members to rotate relative to each other around their axes.

[0090] Furthermore, in the above-described pipe connection structure, the locking mechanism functions by inserting a pair of pins into the lock grooves of the insertion port through a pair of slits in the insertion port. When fluid is flowed through the first and second connecting members in this state, a force acts on the first and second connecting members in a direction away from each other, for example, in a direction that pulls the insertion port out from the insertion port. When the first and second connecting members rotate relative to each other around their axis while such a force is acting, the frictional force between the pins and the lock grooves causes the gap between the pair of pins to widen. That is, the pins try to move in a direction that will cause them to come out of the lock grooves, but the movement of the pins in the direction that will cause them to come out of the lock grooves is suppressed by the restraining part provided by the locking mechanism. In this way, in the above-described pipe connection structure, since the movement of the pins in the direction that will cause them to come out of the lock grooves is suppressed by the restraining part, the connection state of the first and second connecting members can be maintained even when the first and second connecting members rotate relative to each other around their axis while a force acting in a direction away from each other is acting on them.

[0091] (Note 2) The pipe connection structure according to Note 1, wherein the wall surface on the tip side of the insertion opening of the slit is provided with an inclined portion that acts as a restraining portion, which slopes radially from the inside to the outside and from one end to the other end of the first connecting member.

[0092] In the pipe connection structure described in Appendix 2, when the pin portion comes into contact with an inclined portion provided on the wall surface on the tip side of the insertion opening of the slit, which slopes radially from the inside to the outside and from one end to the other of the first connecting member, for example, a portion of the force pulling the insertion opening out of the insertion opening is converted into a force directed radially from the outside to the inside. That is, because the component of the force pulling the insertion opening out of the insertion opening is directed radially from the outside to the inside, it is possible to suppress the movement of the pin portion in the direction of coming out of the lock groove.

[0093] (Note 3) A pipe connection structure according to Note 1 or Note 2, comprising a locking member having a pair of pin portions, which is mounted on the outer circumference of the insertion opening so as to be movable between a first position and a second position radially inward from the first position, wherein in the first position the pair of pin portions are positioned within a pair of slits, and in the second position the pair of pin portions are inserted through a pair of slits into the lock grooves to maintain the inserted state.

[0094] In the pipe connection structure described in Appendix 3, when the locking member is in the second position, the pair of pins are inserted into the locking grooves, thereby maintaining the inserted state in which the insertion opening is inserted into the insertion opening. Here, the pair of pins that have entered the locking grooves move along the locking grooves, guided by the groove walls on both sides of the locking grooves, when the first connecting member and the second connecting member rotate relative to each other around their axes. This makes it possible to suppress rattle when the first connecting member and the second connecting member rotate relative to each other around their axes.

[0095] (Note 4) The pipe connection structure according to Note 3, wherein the locking member has a connecting portion that connects one end of a pair of pin portions, and when in the second position, a gap is formed between the connecting portion and the outer surface of the insertion opening portion.

[0096] In the pipe connection structure described in Appendix 4, a gap is formed between the connecting portion and the outer surface of the insertion portion when the locking member is in the second position. By inserting a finger or tool into the gap between the connecting portion and the outer surface of the insertion portion and lifting the connecting portion relative to the outer surface of the insertion portion, the locking member can be easily moved from the second position to the first position.

[0097] (Note 5) The pipe connection structure according to Note 4, wherein the other end of each of the pair of pin portions is bent, and recesses are provided on the outer surface of the insertion opening portion in the middle of the pair of slits, in which the bent portions of the pair of pin portions are accommodated at the first position.

[0098] In the pipe connection structure described in Appendix 5, when the locking member is in the first position, each bent portion of the pair of pins is housed in the recess of the insertion opening, making it easy to determine that the locking member is in the first position. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the locking member from being moved from the first position to the second position due to accidental operation.

[0099] (Note 6) The pipe connection structure according to any one of Notes 1 to 5, further comprising an annular sealing member disposed between the insertion port and the insertion port, the inner circumference of which contacts the outer surface of the insertion port and the outer circumference of which contacts the inner surface of the insertion port, thereby sealing the space between the insertion port and the insertion port.

[0100] In the pipe connection structure described in Appendix 6, when the locking mechanism is activated and the first connecting member and the second connecting member are connected, the annular sealing member seals the space between the insertion port and the port to be inserted. In this pipe connection structure, the inner circumference of the annular sealing member contacts the outer surface of the insertion port, and the outer circumference of the sealing member contacts the inner surface of the port to be inserted, thereby sealing the space between the insertion port and the port to be inserted. As a result, even if the first connecting member and the second connecting member are rotated relative to each other around an axis in the connected state, the sealing effect of the sealing member can be maintained.

[0101] (Note 7) The pipe connection structure according to Note 6, wherein an annular receiving groove is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the insertion opening portion, which is continuous in the circumferential direction on the tip side of the insertion opening portion beyond the lock groove, and the sealing member is housed in the receiving groove.

[0102] In the pipe connection structure described in Appendix 7, the insertion opening is passed inside the annular sealing member, and the sealing member is housed in the receiving groove, making it easy to position the sealing member relative to the insertion opening.

[0103] (Note 8) The piping connection structure according to any one of Notes 1 to 7, wherein the first connecting member further comprises a first valve mechanism capable of opening and closing an internal flow path, and the second connecting member further comprises a second valve mechanism capable of opening and closing an internal flow path.

[0104] In the piping connection structure described in Appendix 8, with the locking mechanism activated to connect the first and second connecting members, the first valve mechanism of the first connecting member and the second valve mechanism of the second connecting member are operated, respectively, to open their respective internal passages. This allows the inside of the first pipe and the inside of the second pipe to communicate via the internal passages of the first and second connecting members. Here, since the first connecting member is equipped with a first valve mechanism and the second connecting member is equipped with a second valve mechanism, fluid leakage can be suppressed when connecting or disconnecting the first and second connecting members.

[0105] (Note 9) A cylindrical connecting member comprising: an insertion opening provided at one end into which an insertion opening to be connected is inserted; a pipe connecting portion provided at the other end into which a pipe is connected; a pair of slits provided opposite the peripheral wall of the insertion opening and extending in the circumferential direction; a pair of pins arranged on either side of the insertion opening and inserted into an annular lock groove provided continuously in the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion opening through the pair of slits; and a restraining portion provided in the slits and in contact with the pins to suppress the radial outward movement of the pins of the insertion opening.

[0106] In the connecting member described in Appendix 9, the pipe is connected to the pipe connection section, and the insertion section of the object to be connected is inserted into the insertion section. A portion of the longitudinal direction of a pair of pin sections is positioned radially inward of the insertion section through a pair of slits, and is inserted into annular lock grooves that are continuously provided circumferentially on the outer surface of the insertion section. This maintains the inserted state in which the insertion section is inserted into the insertion section, and also allows relative rotation of the connecting member and the object to be connected around their axes. In this way, with the above connecting member, by rotating the connecting member and the object to which the pipes are connected relative to each other around their axes, excessive torsional forces acting on at least one of the pipes can be mitigated. When fluid is flowed with the connecting member and the object to be connected connected, a force acts on the connecting member and the object to be connected in a direction that moves them apart from each other, for example, in the direction that pulls the insertion section out of the insertion section. When the connecting member and the object to be connected rotate relative to each other around their axes while such forces are acting, the frictional force between the pin sections and the lock grooves causes the gap between the pair of pin sections to widen. In other words, the pin portion attempts to move radially outward from the insertion opening, or in other words, to move out of the locking groove. However, the pin portion comes into contact with the restraining portion, which prevents it from moving out of the locking groove. Thus, in the connecting member, the restraining portion prevents the pin portion from moving out of the locking groove. Therefore, even if the connecting member and the object to be connected rotate relative to each other around an axis while a force acting on them to move them apart, the connection between the connecting member and the object to be connected can be maintained.

[0107] Furthermore, the disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-220298, filed on 16 December 2024, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0108] All documents, patent applications, and technical standards described herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual document, patent application, and technical standard were specifically and individually noted to be incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. A pipe connection structure comprising: a cylindrical first connecting member having an insertion port at one end and a first pipe connection portion at the other end to which a first pipe is connected; a cylindrical second connecting member having an insertion port at one end that is inserted into the insertion port and a second pipe connection portion at the other end to which a second pipe is connected; and a locking mechanism that maintains the inserted state in which the insertion port is inserted into the insertion port and allows relative rotation of the first connecting member and the second connecting member around their axes, wherein the locking mechanism comprises: an annular locking groove provided continuously in the circumferential direction on the outer circumferential surface of the insertion port; a pair of circumferentially extending slits provided opposite the circumferential wall of the insertion port; a pair of pin portions arranged on either side of the insertion port and inserted into the locking groove through the pair of slits; and a restraining portion provided in the slits that, by contacting the pin portions, suppresses the movement of the pin portions in the direction of coming out of the locking groove.

2. The pipe connection structure according to claim 1, wherein the wall surface on the tip side of the insertion opening of the slit is provided with an inclined portion that acts as a restraining portion, which slopes radially from the inside to the outside and from one end to the other end of the first connecting member.

3. A locking member having a pair of pin portions, which is mounted on the outer circumference of the insertion opening so as to be movable between a first position and a second position radially inward from the first position, wherein in the first position the pair of pin portions are positioned within a pair of slits, and in the second position the pair of pin portions are inserted through a pair of slits into the locking grooves to maintain the inserted state.

4. The pipe connection structure according to claim 3, wherein the locking member has a connecting portion that connects one end of a pair of pin portions, and when positioned in the second position, a gap is formed between the connecting portion and the outer surface of the insertion opening portion.

5. The pipe connection structure according to claim 4, wherein the other end of each of the pair of pin portions is bent, and the outer circumferential surface of the insertion opening portion is provided with recesses in the middle of the pair of slits, in which the bent portions of the pair of pin portions are accommodated at the first position.

6. The pipe connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising an annular sealing member disposed between the insertion port and the insertion port, wherein the inner circumference of the sealing member contacts the outer circumferential surface of the insertion port and the outer circumference of the sealing member contacts the inner circumferential surface of the insertion port.

7. The piping connection structure according to claim 6, wherein an annular receiving groove is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the insertion opening portion, which is continuous in the circumferential direction on the tip side of the insertion opening portion beyond the lock groove, and the sealing member is housed in the receiving groove.

8. The piping connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first connecting member further comprises a first valve mechanism capable of opening and closing an internal flow path, and the second connecting member further comprises a second valve mechanism capable of opening and closing an internal flow path.

9. A cylindrical connecting member comprising: an insertion opening provided at one end into which an insertion opening to be connected is inserted; a pipe connecting portion provided at the other end into which a pipe is connected; a pair of slits provided opposite the peripheral wall of the insertion opening and extending in the circumferential direction; a pair of pin portions arranged on either side of the insertion opening and inserted into an annular lock groove provided continuously in the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion opening through the pair of slits; and a restraining portion provided in the slit and in contact with the pin portions to suppress the radial outward movement of the pin portions of the insertion opening.

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