Expansion joint and compression system

An expansion joint which connects pipes to each other and is capable of expanding and contracting, comprising:

• an end pipe on one side and an end pipe on the other side;
• a connecting pipe which connects the end pipe on one side and the end pipe on the other side so as to be capable of coming close to each other and separating from each other;
• thrust-absorbing means having a pressure chamber which can expand and contract in a direction along the axis connecting the end pipe on one side and the end pipe on the other side and into which a fluid pressure different from a pressure in the pipes can be introduced, the pressure chamber having a pressure-receiving section on one axial end, which is fixed to the end pipe on one side and faces in a direction from the end pipe on the other side to the end pipe on one side, and a pressure-receiving section opposing the pressure-receiving section at the one axial end, which is fixed to the end pipe on the one side and faces in a direction from the end pipe on one side to the end pipe on the other side;
• and
• wherein the pressure-receiving section on the one axial end is an annular member, which is fixed in an axial range of an outer peripheral surface of the end pipe on one side, and the opposing pressure-receiving section is an annular member, which is fixed to an extension section extending toward the pipe end on the other side from an outer peripheral surface of the end pipe on the one side and is disposed over an annular fixing plate on the end pipe on the other side.