Flange reinforcement device

Abstract

To provide a flange reinforcement device that nips a pair of flanges along a circumferential direction in a balanced manner and can be assembled readily.SOLUTION: A flange reinforcement device 10 includes a clamp device 20 that includes: a U-shaped clamp device body 21; a fixing member 22 installed between one flange 3 and a holding plate 11; and an abutment surface 23 abutting on an outside surface of the other flange. A fitting bolt 15 is installed to penetrate the fixing member 22 through an engagement part 11a of the holding plate 11 and abut on an outside surface of the one flange 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a flange reinforcing device that clamps and reinforces a pair of opposing flanges. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a flange reinforcing device for clamping and reinforcing a pair of flanges provided inside a pipeline, a device having a plurality of clamping frames for clamping the pair of flanges is known.

[0003] However, no flange reinforcing device has been developed that can clamp a pair of flanges in a well-balanced manner along the circumferential direction and that can be easily assembled. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 63-103086 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2022-8994 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of these points, and aims to provide a flange reinforcing device that can clamp a pair of flanges in a pipeline in a balanced manner along the circumferential direction and can be easily assembled. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present disclosure relates to a flange reinforcement device that extends in the axial direction and is provided in a pipeline that includes a pair of opposing flanges, and that clamps and reinforces the pair of flanges. The flange reinforcement device includes a retaining plate that is arranged axially outward of one of the flanges, extends circumferentially, and has a plurality of engaging portions, and a plurality of clamping devices provided circumferentially on the retaining plate, each clamping device having a U-shaped clamping device body, a fixing member provided on one side of the clamping device body and positioned between the one of the flanges and the retaining plate, and an abutment surface provided on the other side of the clamping device body that abuts against the axial outer surface of the other flange, and a mounting bolt is provided at the engaging portion of the retaining plate and passes through the fixing member to abut against the axial outer surface of the one of the flanges.

[0007] The present disclosure relates to a flange reinforcing device, wherein the retaining plate has a plurality of divided portions that are divided along a circumferential direction.

[0008] The present disclosure is a flange reinforcement device in which, when the clamp device body is installed extending radially outward relative to the pair of flanges, a gap is formed between the clamp device body and the pair of flanges, allowing the clamp device to swing around the mounting bolt.

[0009] The present disclosure is a flange reinforcing device, wherein the clamp device swings around the mounting bolt by an angle of 20° to 60°.

[0010] The present disclosure relates to a flange reinforcing device in which an adapter that fills the gap is inserted between the clamp device body and the pair of flanges. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present disclosure, a pair of flanges can be clamped in a well-balanced manner along the circumferential direction, and the flange reinforcement device can be easily assembled. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a flange reinforcing device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the flange reinforcing device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a side view showing the flange reinforcing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view showing the flange reinforcing device according to the first embodiment, seen from a direction different by 90° from that of FIG. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a plan view showing a clamp device and a pair of flanges. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a plan view showing an adapter disposed in a gap between the clamp device and a pair of flanges. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a side view showing a gap between the clamp device and a pair of flanges. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a side view showing the adapter disposed in the gap between the clamp device and the pair of flanges. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side view showing the assembly operation of the flange reinforcing device. [Figure 8A] FIG. 8A is a plan view showing a holding plate. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a plan view showing another example of the holding plate. [Figure 8C] FIG. 8C is a plan view showing another example of the holding plate. [Figure 8D] FIG. 8D is a plan view showing another example of the holding plate. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a flange reinforcing device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a flange reinforcing device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a side view showing a flange reinforcing device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a side view showing a flange reinforcing device according to a second embodiment, seen from a direction different by 90° from that of FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a side view showing the assembly operation of the flange reinforcing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] <First embodiment> A first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0014] 1 to 8 are diagrams showing a first embodiment according to the present disclosure.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 8, a flange reinforcing device 10 according to a first embodiment is adapted to sandwich and reinforce a pair of flanges 3, 4 provided on a pipeline 30 extending in an axial direction L.

[0016] That is, as shown in Fig. 1, a pipeline 30 extending in an axial direction L includes a pipe 1 having a flange 3 at one end and a pipe 2 having a flange 4 at another end, and a flangeless butterfly valve 5 is attached between the flange 3 of the pipe 1 and the flange 4 of the pipe 2. The butterfly valve 5 is driven by a drive unit 5a to open and close.

[0017] Generally, the flanges 3, 4 of such a pipeline 30 have a resistance of, for example, 10 kg / cm 2 It has standards that allow it to handle even a flow of pressurized water of a certain level.

[0018] However, if pressurized water exceeding the above standard flows through the pipeline 30, water leakage may occur between the flanges 3 and 4.

[0019] The flange reinforcing device 10 according to this embodiment clamps a pair of flanges 3, 4 from the outside in the axial direction to reinforce the flanges 3, 4, and can withstand a load of, for example, 20 kg / cm 2 This is intended to provide additional protection for the pipeline 30 so that it can withstand water pressure of that level.

[0020] Such a flange reinforcement device 10 is arranged outward in the axial direction L of one of the flanges 3 (above the flange 3 in Figures 1, 3 and 4) and includes a retaining plate 11 extending in the circumferential direction, and a plurality of clamping devices 20, for example six clamping devices 20, provided along the circumferential direction on the retaining plate 11.

[0021] Of these, the holding plate 11 has a plurality of divided portions, for example, two divided portions 11A and 11B, which are divided along the circumferential direction.

[0022] The divided parts 11A, 11B are connected to each other by connecting bolts 12, and are capable of swinging relative to each other via the connecting bolts 12.

[0023] Each clamp device 20 also has a U-shaped clamp device body 21 provided radially outward from a pair of flanges 3, 4, a fixing member 22 provided on one side of the clamp device body 21 (upper side in Figures 1, 3 and 4), and an abutment surface 23 formed on the other side of the clamp device body 21 (lower side in Figures 1, 3 and 4).

[0024] Of these, the fixing member 22 provided on one side of the clamp device main body 21 is located between the holding plate 11 and one of the flanges 3. The fixing member 22 has an internal thread 22a with which the mounting bolt 15, which will be described later, is engaged.

[0025] Further, the contact surface 23 provided on the other side of the clamp device body 21 contacts the outer surface of the other flange 4 in the axial direction L, and has the function of pressing the other flange 4 against the one flange 3 side.

[0026] An attachment bolt 15 is inserted from above into the holding plate 11 and each clamp device 20 configured as described above. The attachment bolt 15 is then passed through the fixing member 22 of the clamp device 20 while engaging with the internal thread 22a of the fixing member 22. The lower end 15a of the attachment bolt 15 is then brought into contact with the outer surface in the axial direction L of one of the flanges 3, and at the same time, the contact surface 23 of the clamp device 20 is brought into contact with the outer surface in the axial direction of the flange 4.

[0027] In this manner, the pair of flanges 3, 4 are clamped from the outside by the clamp device 20. This makes it possible to enhance protection of the pair of flanges 3, 4.

[0028] In this embodiment, "upper", "lower", "upper side" and "lower side" refer to "upper", "lower", "upper side" and "lower side" when the flange reinforcement device 10 is positioned as shown in Figures 1, 3 and 4.

[0029] In addition, the outer surface in the axial direction L of the flange 3 refers to, for example, the outer (upper) surface in the axial direction L of one of the flanges 3, and the outer side in the axial direction L of the flange 4 refers to, for example, the outer (lower) surface in the axial direction L of the other flange 4 (see Figures 1, 3 and 4).

[0030] Next, a further description will be given of the holding plate 11. As described above, the holding plate 11 has two divided portions 11A and 11B that are divided along the circumferential direction and are connected to each other by a connecting bolt 12. As shown in Figures 8A to 8D, each divided portion 11A and 11B of the holding plate 11 has a semicircular shape and is provided at a pair of ends with insertion holes 12a into which the connecting bolts 12 are inserted.

[0031] Each of the divided portions 11A, 11B is provided with a notch 11a (engagement portion with the mounting bolt 15) that opens radially outward and into which the above-mentioned mounting bolt 15 is inserted (see FIG. 8A).

[0032] However, instead of providing each divided portion 11A, 11B with a notch 11a that opens radially outward, each divided portion 11A, 11B may be provided with a notch 11b that opens radially inward and into which a mounting bolt 15 is inserted (see FIG. 8B).

[0033] Alternatively, each of the divided portions 11A, 11B may be provided with a notch 11c that opens radially outward, and this notch 11c may have an L-shape (see FIG. 8C).

[0034] In FIG. 8C, the mounting bolt 15 inserted into each divided portion 11A, 11B has an L-shaped notch 11c, so that the mounting bolt 15 inserted into the notch 11c of the divided portions 11A, 11B is unlikely to come out of the notch 11c.

[0035] Alternatively, each of the divided portions 11A, 11B may be provided with a through hole 11d into which the mounting bolt 15 is inserted.

[0036] As described above, each clamp device 20 has a clamp device body 21 provided radially outward from the pair of flanges 3, 4, and axially holds the pair of flanges 3, 4. When the clamp device body 21 of each clamp device 20 is installed so as to extend radially outward from the pair of flanges 3, 4 (see solid lines in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B), a gap 32 is formed between the clamp device body 21 and the pair of flanges 3, 4.

[0037] As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, by providing a gap 32 between the clamp device main body 21 and the pair of flanges 3, 4, the clamp device 20 having the clamp device main body 21 and the fixing member 22 can swing around the mounting bolt 15 within the range shown by the dashed lines in Figures 5A and 6B over an angle α (see Figures 5A to 6B).

[0038] In this way, since the clamp device 20 can swing around the mounting bolt 15, when assembling the flange reinforcement device 10 on-site, even if an obstacle is present near the clamp device 20, the clamp device 20 can be swung around the mounting bolt 15 (see dashed lines in Figs. 5A and 6A). This allows the clamp device 20 to be easily assembled on-site without interfering with the obstacle (see solid lines in Figs. 5A and 6A).

[0039] In Figures 5A and 6A, the clamp device 20 can be rotated by an angle α ranging from 20° to 60°, so that the clamp device 20 can be rotated over a wide range on site to avoid obstacles present over a wide range, thereby enabling the flange reinforcement device 10 to be assembled on site.

[0040] After assembling the flange reinforcement device 10, an adapter 33 may be inserted from above or below into the gap 32 between the clamp device body 21 and the pair of flanges 3, 4 to fill the gap 32 so that the clamp device 20 does not rotate around the mounting bolt 15. By inserting the adapter 33 into the gap 32 between the clamp device body 21 and the pair of flanges 3, 4 in this manner, it is possible to prevent the clamp device body 21 from swinging and to precisely adjust the installation direction of the clamp device 20 relative to the pair of flanges 3, 4 so that it faces, for example, radially outward (see FIGS. 5B and 6B).

[0041] In this embodiment, an adapter 33 is inserted into the gap 32 between the clamp device body 21 and both of the pair of flanges 3, 4 (see Figs. 5B and 6B). However, it is also possible to insert the adapter 33 into the gap 32 between the clamp device body 21 and, for example, one of the flanges 3, and not insert an adapter into the gap 32 between the clamp device body 21 and the other flange 4.

[0042] Next, the operation of this embodiment having the above configuration will be described.

[0043] First, as shown in Figure 1, a flange 3 provided at an end of a pipe 1 and a flange 4 provided at an end of a pipe 2 are joined by a joining bolt 7 and a nut 8 via a flangeless butterfly valve 5. In this case, the flange 3 of the pipe 1 and the flange 4 of the pipe 2 are joined by passing the joining bolt 7 through the flanges 3, 4 and tightening the joining bolt 7 with a nut 8.

[0044] In this manner, the flange 3 of the pipe 1 and the flange 4 of the pipe 2 are joined via the flangeless butterfly valve 5 to form the pipeline 30 in advance.

[0045] Next, the operation of clamping and reinforcing the pair of flanges 3, 4 by the flange reinforcing device 10 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0046] First, the divided parts 11A, 11B of the retaining plate 11 are disposed outward in the axial direction L of one of the flanges 3, and the divided parts 11A, 11B are firmly fixed to each other by a pair of connecting bolts 12. In this case, one connecting bolt 12 is removed, and the other connecting bolt 12 is loosened. In this manner, the divided parts 11A, 11B are connected so as to be able to swing freely around the other connecting bolt 12, and the divided parts 11A, 11B are disposed outward in the axial direction of one of the flanges 3. Thereafter, the one connecting bolt 12 and the other connecting bolt 12 are tightened, thereby allowing the retaining plate 11 consisting of the pair of divided parts 11A, 11B to be installed outward in the axial direction L of the one of the flanges 3.

[0047] Next, the clamp device 20 is attached to the radially outer side of the pair of flanges 3, 4.

[0048] At this time, the fixing member 22 of the clamp device 20 is disposed between one flange 3 and the holding plate 11, and the contact surface 23 of the clamp device 20 is brought into contact with the outer surface in the axial direction L of the other flange 4.

[0049] In this case, the mounting bolt 15 is pre-inserted into the fixing member 22 of the clamp device 20, and when the clamp device 20 is inserted radially outwardly of the pair of flanges 3, 4, the mounting bolt 15 is inserted into the notch 11a of the retaining plate 11 from an opening provided radially outwardly, as shown in, for example, FIG. 8A.

[0050] 7, the mounting bolt 15 is tightened to the fixing member 22 by a tightening tool (not shown). In this manner, the lower end 15a of the mounting bolt 15 is brought into contact with the axial direction L outer surface of one of the flanges 3 (the upper surface of the flange 3), and at the same time, the contact surface 23 of the clamp device 20 is brought into contact with the axial direction L outer surface of the flange 4 (the lower surface of the flange 4).

[0051] In this manner, the pair of flanges 3, 4 can be clamped in the axial direction L by the clamp device 20, thereby enhancing protection of the pair of flanges 3, 4.

[0052] Next, the nuts 16 attached to the mounting bolts 15 are tightened to clamp the holding plate 11 between the fixing members 22 of the clamp device 20 and the nuts 16. By tightening the nuts 16 in this manner, the clamp device 20 can be firmly fixed to the holding plate 11. In this manner, the flange reinforcing device 10 that clamps and protects the pair of flanges 3, 4 is obtained.

[0053] As described above, according to this embodiment, the pair of flanges 3, 4 can be clamped along the axial direction L by the clamp devices 20, and thus the pair of flanges 3, 4 can be protected in a balanced manner. In addition, the holding plate 11 is provided with a total of six notches 11a, 11b, 11c or through holes 11d corresponding to the six clamp devices 20. In this embodiment, the mounting bolts 15 are inserted into the notches 11a, 11b, 11c or through holes 11d. As a result, the six clamp devices 20 can be accurately positioned and arranged at desired positions along the circumferential direction radially outward of the pair of flanges 3, 4, and the pair of flanges 3, 4 can be clamped along the circumferential direction by the multiple clamp devices 20 accurately positioned along the circumferential direction radially outward of the pair of flanges 3, 4 in a balanced manner.

[0054] Furthermore, by providing a gap 32 between the clamp device main body 21 and the pair of flanges 3, 4, the clamp device 20 can be swung around the mounting bolt 15. Therefore, even if an obstacle is present near the clamp device 20 when assembling the flange reinforcement device 10 on-site, the clamp device 20 can be easily installed without interfering with the obstacle by swung around the mounting bolt 15 (see Figs. 5A and 6A).

[0055] Also, an adapter 33 may be inserted from above or below into the gap 32 between the clamp device body 21 and the pair of flanges 3, 4 to prevent the clamp device body 21 from swinging. In this case, the installation direction of the clamp device 20 can be adjusted so as to face radially outward with respect to the pair of flanges 3, 4 (see Figs. 5B and 6B).

[0056] <Second embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0057] 9 to 13 are diagrams showing a second embodiment according to the present disclosure.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 9 to 13, a flange reinforcing device 10 according to the second embodiment is adapted to sandwich and reinforce a pair of flanges 3, 4 provided on a pipeline 30 extending in an axial direction L.

[0059] That is, as shown in FIG. 9, a pipeline 30 extending in an axial direction L includes a pipe 1 having a flange 3 at one end thereof, and a pipe 2 having a flange 4 at the other end thereof.

[0060] Generally, the flanges 3, 4 of such a pipeline 30 have a resistance of, for example, 10 kg / cm 2 It has standards that allow it to handle even a flow of pressurized water of a certain level.

[0061] However, if pressurized water exceeding the above standard flows through the pipeline 30, water leakage may occur between the flanges 3 and 4.

[0062] The flange reinforcing device 10 according to this embodiment clamps a pair of flanges 3, 4 from the outside in the axial direction to reinforce the flanges 3, 4, and can withstand a load of, for example, 20 kg / cm 2 This is intended to provide additional protection for the pipeline 30 so that it can withstand water pressure of that level.

[0063] Such a flange reinforcement device 10 is arranged outward in the axial direction L of one of the flanges 3 (above the flange 3 in Figures 1, 3 and 4) and comprises a retaining plate 11 extending in the circumferential direction, and a plurality of clamping devices 20, for example six clamping devices 20, provided along the circumferential direction on the retaining plate 11.

[0064] Of these, the holding plate 11 has a plurality of divided portions, for example, two divided portions 11A and 11B, which are divided along the circumferential direction.

[0065] The divided parts 11A, 11B are connected to each other by connecting bolts 12, and are capable of swinging relative to each other via the connecting bolts 12.

[0066] Each clamp device 20 also has a U-shaped clamp device body 21 provided radially outward from a pair of flanges 3, 4, a fixing member 22 provided on one side of the clamp device body 21 (upper side in Figures 9, 11 and 12), and an abutment surface 23 formed on the other side of the clamp device body 21 (lower side in Figures 1, 3 and 4).

[0067] Of these, the fixing member 22 provided on one side of the clamp device main body 21 is located between the holding plate 11 and one of the flanges 3. The fixing member 22 has an internal thread 22a with which the mounting bolt 15, which will be described later, is engaged.

[0068] Also, the abutment surface 23 provided on the other side of the clamp device body 21 abuts against the outer surface of the other flange 4 in the axial direction L, and has the function of pressing the other flange 4 against the one flange 3 side.

[0069] An attachment bolt 15 is inserted from above into the holding plate 11 and each clamp device 20 configured as described above. The attachment bolt 15 is then passed through the fixing member 22 of the clamp device 20 while engaging with the internal threads 22a of the fixing member 22. The lower end of the attachment bolt 15 is then brought into contact with the outer surface in the axial direction L of one of the flanges 3, and at the same time, the contact surface 23 of the clamp device 20 is brought into contact with the outer surface in the axial direction of the flange 4.

[0070] In this manner, the pair of flanges 3, 4 are clamped from the outside by the clamp device 20. This makes it possible to enhance protection of the pair of flanges 3, 4.

[0071] In this embodiment, "upper", "lower", "upper side" and "lower side" refer to "upper", "lower", "upper side" and "lower side" when the flange reinforcement device 10 is positioned as shown in Figures 9, 11 and 12.

[0072] In addition, the outer surface in the axial direction L of the flange 3 refers to, for example, the outer (upper) surface in the axial direction L of one flange 3, and the outer surface in the axial direction L of the flange 4 refers to the outer (lower) surface in the axial direction L of the other flange 4 (see Figures 9, 11 and 12).

[0073] Next, the holding plate 11 will be described in more detail. As described above, the holding plate 11 has two divided parts 11A and 11B that are divided along the circumferential direction and are connected to each other by a connecting bolt 12. Each divided part 11A and 11B of the holding plate 11 has a semicircular shape and is provided at a pair of ends with an insertion hole 12a into which the connecting bolt 12 is inserted. Otherwise, the configuration of the divided parts 11A and 11B of the holding plate 11 is substantially the same as the structure shown in the first embodiment (see Figs. 8A to 8D).

[0074] As described above, each clamp device 20 is provided radially outward from the pair of flanges 3, 4 and sandwiches the pair of flanges 3, 4. Similarly to the first embodiment, when the clamp device body 21 of each clamp device 20 is installed so as to extend radially outward from the pair of flanges 3, 4, a gap 32 is formed between the clamp device body 21 and the pair of flanges 3, 4 (see Figs. 5A and 6A).

[0075] Furthermore, after assembling the flange reinforcement device 10 in the same manner as in the first embodiment, an adapter 33 may be inserted from above or below into the gap 32 between the clamp device body 21 and the pair of flanges 3, 4 to fill the gap 32 so that the clamp device 20 does not rotate around the mounting bolt 15. By inserting the adapter 33 into the gap 32 between the clamp device body 21 and the pair of flanges 3, 4 in this manner, it is possible to prevent the clamp device body 21 from swinging and to precisely adjust the installation direction of the clamp device 20 relative to the pair of flanges 3, 4 so that it faces, for example, radially outward (see FIGS. 5B and 6B).

[0076] Next, the operation of this embodiment having the above configuration will be described.

[0077] First, as shown in Fig. 9, a flange 3 provided at an end of a pipe 1 and a flange 4 provided at an end of a pipe 2 are joined with a fastening bolt 7 and a nut 8. In this case, the flange 3 of the pipe 1 and the flange 4 of the pipe 2 are joined by inserting the fastening bolt 7 into the flanges 3, 4 and tightening the fastening bolt 7 with a nut 8.

[0078] In this manner, the flange 3 of the pipe 1 and the flange 4 of the pipe 2 are joined together to form the pipeline 30 in advance.

[0079] Next, the operation of clamping and reinforcing the pair of flanges 3, 4 by the flange reinforcing device 10 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0080] First, the divided parts 11A, 11B of the retaining plate 11 are disposed outward in the axial direction L of one of the flanges 3, and the divided parts 11A, 11B are firmly fixed to each other by a pair of connecting bolts 12. In this case, one connecting bolt 12 is removed, and the other connecting bolt 12 is loosened. In this manner, the divided parts 11A, 11B are connected so as to be able to swing freely around the other connecting bolt 12, and the divided parts 11A, 11B are disposed outward in the axial direction of one of the flanges 3. Thereafter, the one connecting bolt 12 and the other connecting bolt 12 are tightened, thereby allowing the retaining plate 11 consisting of the pair of divided parts 11A, 11B to be installed outward in the axial direction L of the one of the flanges 3.

[0081] Next, the clamp device 20 is attached to the radially outer side of the pair of flanges 3, 4.

[0082] At this time, the fixing member 22 of the clamp device 20 is disposed between one flange 3 and the holding plate 11, and the contact surface 23 of the clamp device 20 is brought into contact with the outer surface in the axial direction L of the other flange 4.

[0083] In this case, the mounting bolt 15 is pre-inserted into the fixing member 22 of the clamp device 20, and when the clamp device 20 is inserted radially outwardly of the pair of flanges 3, 4, the mounting bolt 15 is inserted into the notch 11a of the retaining plate 11 from an opening provided radially outwardly, as shown in, for example, FIG. 8A.

[0084] 13, the mounting bolt 15 is tightened to the fixing member 22 by a tightening tool (not shown). In this manner, the lower end 15a of the mounting bolt 15 is brought into contact with the axial direction L outer surface of one of the flanges 3 (the upper surface of the flange 3), and at the same time, the contact surface 23 of the clamp device 20 is brought into contact with the axial direction L outer surface of the flange 4 (the lower surface of the flange 4).

[0085] In this manner, the pair of flanges 3, 4 can be clamped in the axial direction L by the clamp device 20, thereby enhancing protection of the pair of flanges 3, 4.

[0086] Next, the nuts 16 attached to the mounting bolts 15 are tightened to clamp the holding plate 11 between the fixing members 22 of the clamp device 20 and the nuts 16. By tightening the nuts 16 in this manner, the clamp device 20 can be firmly fixed to the holding plate 11. In this manner, the flange reinforcing device 10 that clamps and protects the pair of flanges 3, 4 is obtained.

[0087] As described above, according to this embodiment, the pair of flanges 3, 4 can be clamped along the axial direction L by the clamp devices 20, and thus the pair of flanges 3, 4 can be protected in a balanced manner. In addition, the holding plate 11 is provided with a total of six notches 11a, 11b, 11c or through holes 11d corresponding to the six clamp devices 20. In this embodiment, the mounting bolts 15 are inserted into the notches 11a, 11b, 11c or through holes 11d. As a result, the six clamp devices 20 can be accurately positioned and arranged at desired positions along the circumferential direction radially outward of the pair of flanges 3, 4, and the pair of flanges 3, 4 can be clamped along the circumferential direction by the multiple clamp devices 20 accurately positioned along the circumferential direction radially outward of the pair of flanges 3, 4 in a balanced manner.

[0088] Furthermore, by providing a gap 32 between the clamp device main body 21 and the pair of flanges 3, 4, the clamp device 20 can be swung around the mounting bolt 15. Therefore, even if an obstacle is present near the clamp device 20 when assembling the flange reinforcement device 10 on-site, the clamp device 20 can be easily installed without interfering with the obstacle by swung around the mounting bolt 15 (see Figs. 5A and 6A).

[0089] Also, an adapter 33 may be inserted from above or below into the gap 32 between the clamp device body 21 and the pair of flanges 3, 4 to prevent the clamp device body 21 from swinging. In this case, the installation direction of the clamp device 20 can be adjusted so as to face radially outward with respect to the pair of flanges 3, 4 (see Figs. 5B and 6B). [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 1 Piping 2 Piping 3 One flange 4 The other flange 5 Flangeless butterfly valve 10 Flange reinforcement device 11 Retaining plate 11A Split part 11B Split part 12 Connecting bolt 15 Mounting bolts 15a bottom end 16 Nut 20 Clamping device 21 Clamp device body 22 Fixing member 23 Contact surface 30 conduit 32 Gap 33 Adapter

Claims

1. A flange reinforcing device that is provided in a pipeline that extends in an axial direction and includes a pair of opposing flanges and that clamps and reinforces the pair of flanges, a retaining plate disposed axially outward of one of the flanges, extending in a circumferential direction and having a plurality of engaging portions; a plurality of clamp devices provided around the holding plate in a circumferential direction; Each clamp device has a U-shaped clamp device body, a fixing member provided on one side of the clamp device body and positioned between the one flange and the holding plate, and an abutment surface provided on the other side of the clamp device body and abutting against an axial outer surface of the other flange, a flange reinforcing device, the flange reinforcing device comprising a mounting bolt provided at an engaging portion of the retaining plate, the mounting bolt passing through the fixing member and contacting an axial outer surface of the one of the flanges;

2. The flange reinforcing device according to claim 1 , wherein the holding plate has a plurality of divided portions that are divided along a circumferential direction.

3. 2. A flange reinforcement device as described in claim 1, wherein when the clamp device body is installed extending radially outward relative to the pair of flanges, a gap is formed between the clamp device body and the pair of flanges, allowing the clamp device to swing around the mounting bolt.

4. 4. The flange reinforcement device of claim 3, wherein the clamp device pivots about the mounting bolt through an angle of between 20 degrees and 60 degrees.

5. 5. The flange reinforcing device according to claim 3, further comprising an adapter inserted between said clamp device body and said pair of flanges to fill said gap.

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