Pipe joint apparatus

A pipe joint apparatus, which includes first joint means having a socket, second joint means having a plug detachably connected to said socket, a connecting section for connecting a fixing pipe to one of first and second joint means, and a connecting section for connecting a non-fixing pipe to the other joint means, comprising:

• a first cylindrical member arranged on the side of said connecting section for connecting said non-fixing pipe to said other joint means of first and second joint means, and connected to said other joint means to be detachable from said other joint means;
• a second cylindrical member arranged in said one joint means to be spaced from said first cylindrical member and to be opposite to said first cylindrical member, and connected to said fixing pipe;
• each of said first and second cylindrical members having spherical rotation portions;
• sleeve means having opposite end portions coupled to outer peripheral surfaces of both first and second cylindrical members through the respective spherical rotation portions, and forming a fluid passage enclosing said outer peripheral surfaces of said first and second cylindrical members;
• a first support member supporting said first cylindrical member;
• a second support member spaced from and opposite to said first support member and supporting said second cylindrical member;
• a plurality of coupling shafts disposed about said sleeve means and extending between said first and second support members;
• fixing means for fixing each coupling shaft to one of first and second support members;
• coupling means, providing in a coupling portion between said other support member and said coupling shaft, for coupling said first and second support members to be relatively freely deflected in a direction crossing at a right angle to the axial direction of said coupling shaft, said coupling means being formed in said support members, and said coupling shaft being inserted into a through hole having a hole diameter larger than the outer diameter of said coupling shaft, said coupling shaft comprising a collar having a flange whose diameter is larger than the hole diameter of said through hole, and a spacer holding said support member in which through hole is formed together with said flange;
• a spring member between said first and second support members pressing said first and second support members in a direction away from each other, and applying spring force restricting the relative deflection between said coupling shaft and said first or second support member;
• said spring member being formed of a compression coil spring, and said coupling shaft being inserted into the coil of said spring member;
• and
• a spring receiving portion of said spring member being formed of the flange of said collar.