Method of attaching repair device

Abstract

To provide a method of attaching a repair device that can be installed on a fluid pipe without imposing burden on the vicinity of a damaged region of the fluid pipe.SOLUTION: A method of attaching a repair device 2 for a fluid pipe 1 that has at least a housing 5 which is formed of an annular cylindrical body 7 composed of multiple split members 71 split in a circumferential direction, and that has an open region T which is open sideway and a blocked region S which is blocked. The repair device 2 is externally fit to the fluid pipe 1 in a sealing manner. In a circumferential movement and connection process, split members 71 present in the open region T are turned along an external peripheral surface of the fluid pipe 1 to be moved to the blocked region S, then further split members 71 are externally fit to the fluid pipe 1 from the open region T, and the split members 71 which have been moved to the blocked region S and the further split members 71 in are connected in the circumferential direction to form the connected split members 71, 71. This process is repeated until the connected split members 71, 71 become annular to form the annular cylindrical body 7, thus constructing the housing 5.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a repair device for repairing a damaged portion of a fluid pipe by sealingly fitting the damaged portion of the fluid pipe to the outside. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, fluid pipes constituting water pipe bridges or buried underground may develop cracks due to earthquakes, ground vibrations, earth pressure, or deterioration over time, which may cause unexpected leakage accidents. Repair work for this type of leakage point usually uses a repair device consisting of a housing divided into multiple parts in the circumferential direction, and the repair device is fitted hermetically via a packing to cracks in the fluid pipe, or to damaged parts such as macrocell corrosion caused by soil or rebar in concrete, or aged parts caused by dew or salt in exposed piping such as a water pipe bridge, or parts that may be damaged, thereby sealing fluid leakage.

[0003] For example, the repair device shown in Patent Document 1 has a housing formed by connecting two cylindrical bodies made of circumferentially divided parts in series in the axial direction, and is designed to hermetically fit around the damaged area of ​​the fluid pipe, making it possible to seal off fluid leakage from the fluid pipe even if the damaged area of ​​the fluid pipe is formed over a wide area in the axial direction.

[0004] Specifically, a tapered surface is formed on the inner peripheral surface of both ends of each cylindrical body, the diameter of which increases toward the end face of the cylindrical body. An annular elastic member is disposed between the tapered surfaces provided at the connecting ends of the cylindrical bodies, and the elastic member is compressed between the tapered surfaces by the fastening force when the connecting ends of the cylindrical bodies are fastened together in the axial direction, so that the elastic member is pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the fluid pipe. An elastic member is also disposed on the tapered surface of the end opposite the connecting end of the cylindrical body, and a pressing ring (supporting means) is disposed on the axial outside of the elastic member. The pressing ring is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the fluid pipe while connected to the cylindrical body, and the elastic member seals the gap between the tapered surface and the fluid pipe. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Jpn. Jpn. Published Examination No. 46-27163 (Page 1, Figure 1) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in the repair device of Patent Document 1, the connecting ends of the cylindrical bodies are sealed by pressing an elastic member arranged between tapered surfaces provided at the connecting ends of the cylindrical bodies against the outer peripheral surface of the fluid pipe. Therefore, when the repair device is installed on the fluid pipe, the elastic member arranged between the connecting ends of the cylindrical bodies presses the fluid pipe in the inner diameter direction, applying a load to the area near the damaged part of the fluid pipe, which may cause further damage to the fluid pipe.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of such problems, and has an object to provide a repair device that can be installed on a fluid pipe without applying a load to the vicinity of the damaged portion of the fluid pipe. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the repair device of the present invention comprises: A fluid pipe repair device comprising: a housing formed by connecting a plurality of cylindrical bodies in an axial direction, each of which is made of a plurality of divided members divided in a circumferential direction; and support means disposed at both axial ends of the housing, the device hermetically fitting the fluid pipe from its outside, The cylindrical body has an inner diameter that allows the fluid pipe to be loosely fitted therein, and is sealed by a sealing member that is arranged between the end faces of the connecting ends where the cylindrical bodies are connected to each other or on the outer diameter side of the connecting ends, and the support means supports the housing on the fluid pipe with the inner surface of the housing and the outer surface of the fluid pipe spaced apart. According to this feature, the sealing member that seals the inner surface of the housing and the gap between the connecting ends of the cylindrical body does not come into contact with the outer surface of the fluid pipe, so that the repair device can be installed on the fluid pipe without applying load to the area near the damaged part of the fluid pipe.

[0009] A flange is provided at the connecting end of the cylindrical body, The adjacent cylindrical bodies are connected by a connecting ring having a recess that can be fitted onto the opposing flange portion. According to this feature, the recesses of the connecting ring are fitted circumferentially around the opposing flanges of adjacent cylindrical bodies, so that the adjacent cylindrical bodies can be accurately connected with their axes aligned.

[0010] The connecting ring is characterized in that it comprises a plurality of divided bodies divided circumferentially, and a fastening member that connects the divided bodies together circumferentially, and the sealing member is disposed between the recess and the flange portion. According to this feature, the sealing member is clamped between the recess and the flange by the fastening force of the fastening member, so that the connecting operation of adjacent cylindrical bodies and the sealing operation between the connecting ends of the cylindrical bodies can be performed in a single process.

[0011] The cylindrical body is characterized in that a sealing member extending in the axial direction is disposed at a circumferential end of the divided members, and the sealing member contacts an inner peripheral surface of the seal member. According to this feature, the sealing member comes into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the seal member which is pressed radially inward by the fastening force of the fastening member, so that the sealing performance between the seal members is high.

[0012] The sealing member is characterized in that it is divided into parts at different positions in the circumferential direction of the sealing member. According to this feature, the ends of the divided seal members do not overlap with the sealing members in the circumferential direction, so that the sealing performance between the seal members is high. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a repair device attached to a fluid pipe in an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a repair device attached to a fluid pipe. [Diagram 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 1A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main portion showing a structure in the vicinity of a connecting means, and FIG. 1B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main portion at a different position in the circumferential direction of FIG. [Diagram 5] 1A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main portion showing a structure in the vicinity of the support means, and FIG. 1B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main portion at a different position in the circumferential direction of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 4(a) is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of a connection housing in the connection means, and FIG. 4(b) is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of an end housing in the support means. [Figure 7] 4(a) to (e) are diagrams illustrating the structure of a sealing member. [Figure 8] 5(a) to (e) are diagrams illustrating the structure of an elastic member. [Figure 9] 1(a) and (b) are diagrams showing the structure of a packing. [Figure 10] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a cylindrical body is fitted onto a fluid pipe. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which cylindrical bodies are aligned with each other. [Figure 12] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which cylindrical bodies are connected to each other by a connecting means to form a housing. FIG. [Figure 13] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the housing is supported on the fluid pipe by the supporting means. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a case where an obstacle is present around the fluid pipe. [Figure 15] 11(a) to 11(d) are explanatory diagrams showing a procedure for installing a cylindrical body while avoiding obstacles. [Figure 16] 11(a) to 11(d) are explanatory diagrams showing a procedure for configuring a housing while avoiding obstacles. [Figure 17] 13(a) to 13(c) are explanatory views showing a procedure for supporting the housing on the fluid pipe while avoiding obstacles. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a first modified example of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a second modified example of the present invention. [Figure 20]FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a third modified example of the present invention. [Figure 21] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a fourth modified example of the present invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a fifth modified example of the present invention. [Diagram 23] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a sixth modified example of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A repair device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. EXAMPLES

[0015] A repair device according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 17. In the following description, the right side of Fig. 1 corresponds to one axial side, and the left side of Fig. 1 corresponds to the other axial side.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 1, the repair device 2 is fitted tightly around a damaged portion of a fluid pipe 1 to prevent leakage of fluid from the fluid pipe 1 and to repair and reinforce the damaged portion of the fluid pipe 1. The damaged portion of the fluid pipe 1 includes, for example, cracked portions 1a formed continuously or intermittently in the axial or circumferential direction of the fluid pipe 1, and deteriorated portions 1b corroded by aging, dew, salt, etc., and includes portions from which fluid is already leaking or portions at risk of leaking. Here, the cracked portions 1a and deteriorated portions 1b may exist individually or in multiple or mixed forms.

[0017] Here, the fluid pipe 1 of this embodiment is made of steel for water supply constituting a water pipe bridge 1A to be erected over a river or river mouth (not shown) between abutments 3 and 4 arranged at a distance from each other, and is formed in a substantially circular cross section. The fluid pipe according to the present invention may be made of metal such as ductile cast iron or other cast iron, or made of concrete, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polyolefin, or the like. Furthermore, the inner peripheral surface of the fluid pipe may be covered with a mortar layer or, for example, epoxy resin, or the inner peripheral surface of the fluid pipe may be covered with an appropriate material by powder coating. In addition, the fluid in the fluid pipe in this embodiment is water supply, but it is not limited to the water supply in this embodiment, and may be, for example, industrial water, agricultural water, sewage, gas, or a gas-liquid mixture of gas and liquid. The fluid pipe 1 may be buried in the ground in a substantially horizontal direction.

[0018] 1 and 2, the repair device 2 includes a housing 5 and support means 6, 6 that are disposed on both axial ends of the housing 5 and are fixed to the fluid pipe 1. In this embodiment, the housing 5 is configured by connecting two cylindrical bodies 7, 7 in the extension direction (axial direction) of the fluid pipe 1 using a connecting means 8. Note that the housing 5 may be configured by connecting three or more cylindrical bodies 7 in the axial direction.

[0019] As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the cylindrical body 7 is constructed by connecting two divided members 71, 71 in the circumferential direction, each of which has a circular arc shape that curves along the outer circumferential surface of the fluid pipe 1. Specifically, the divided member 71 is made of metal, resin, etc., and flange portions 71a, 71a are formed on both circumferential ends of the divided member 71. The flange portions 71a, 71a of the divided members 71, 71 that face each other in the circumferential direction are fastened by a T-head bolt and nut 9 as a fastening member to construct the cylindrical body 7. A gasket 10 (sealing member) extending in the axial direction is disposed in a recess formed on the facing surfaces of the flange portions 71a, 71a, and the gap between the flange portions 71a, 71a is sealed. The cylindrical body 7 may be constructed of three or more divided members 71.

[0020] The cylindrical body 7 has a substantially symmetrical shape with respect to a virtual line perpendicular to its axial direction, and flanges 72, 73 of substantially the same shape are formed on both axial ends of the cylindrical body 7 so as to protrude annularly toward the outer diameter side. As shown in Fig. 4, inclined surfaces 72a, 73a are formed on the outer peripheral surfaces of the flanges 72, 73 so as to gradually reduce in diameter toward the outer peripheral surface of the main body of the cylindrical body 7. In this embodiment, the flange on one axial side of each cylindrical body 7 is referred to as flange 72, and the flange on the other axial side is referred to as flange 73.

[0021] 1 to 3, the cylindrical body 7 has a through hole 74 formed in the approximate center in the axial direction thereof, which communicates with the outer diameter side and the inner diameter side of the cylindrical body 7, and the through hole 74 is closed by screwing a cap 75 (a lid member) into a female thread portion formed on the inner surface of the through hole 74. In this embodiment, the cylindrical body 7 fits the fluid pipe 1 so that the through hole 74 and the cap 75 screwed thereto are located at the pipe top.

[0022] The connecting means 8 has a connecting housing 81 (connecting ring) having a circumferentially divided structure and a recess 82 opening to the inner diameter side, which is formed in a concave shape in cross section, and a seal member 83 housed in the recess 82 of the connecting housing 81 and having a circumferentially divided structure. The connecting means 8 connects the cylindrical bodies 7, 7 while applying a biasing force in a direction to bring them closer to each other by fitting the recess 82 onto the flanges 72, 73 and pressing the inner diameter side edge of the recess 82 against the inclined surfaces 72a, 73a. The seal member 83 is an elastic member such as resin or rubber, and is compressed between the inner bottom surface of the recess 82 and the outer circumferential surfaces of the flanges 72, 73 by the connecting force of the arc-shaped members 84 constituting the connecting housing 81, thereby sealing the gap between the flanges 72, 73.

[0023] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 6(a), the connecting housing 81 is composed of three arc-shaped members 84 (segments) equally divided in the circumferential direction. Connection flanges 84a are formed at both circumferential ends of the arc-shaped members 84, and a pair of projections 84b projecting in the circumferential direction are formed on the surface of the connection flange 84a opposite to the surface facing the other connection flange 84a, and are spaced apart in the axial direction (see the view seen from the arrow B in Fig. 6(a)). The head of the T-head bolt 15 (fastening means) that is inserted into the insertion hole 84c of the connection flange 84a and connects the arc-shaped members 84 to each other is in contact with the projection 84b, making it impossible to rotate, facilitating the fastening operation of the T-head bolt 15 and preventing it from loosening (see Fig. 2). In addition, fitted portions 86 into which fitting portions 85a, 85b of the seal segment 85 described later are fitted are recessed in the circumferential direction at both ends of the arc-shaped members 84. The connecting housing 81 may be composed of two or four or more divided bodies.

[0024] 7 shows a seal segment 85 in which the seal member 83 is divided into three in the circumferential direction with lengths substantially equal to those of the arc-shaped member 84. As shown in Figures 7(a) and 7(b), a fitting portion 85a is formed on one end of the seal segment 85, protruding radially outward and toward both sides in the axial direction. This fitting portion 85a is formed at a position closer to the other end than the end face of one end of the seal segment 85, i.e., the end portion on one end of the seal segment 85 forms a protrusion 87 that protrudes circumferentially further than the fitting portion 85a.

[0025] 7(a) and 7(c), a fitting portion 85b that protrudes outwardly and axially is formed on the other side of the seal split body 85. This fitting portion 85b is formed at a position closer to one end than the other end face of the seal split body 85, i.e., the other end of the seal split body 85 forms a recessed portion 88 that is recessed in the circumferential direction further than the fitting portion 85a.

[0026] 7(d), a plurality of bulging portions 85c that bulge outward toward the inner diameter side are formed in the axial direction on the inner peripheral surface of the seal split body 85, and thin-walled portions 85d that are recessed in the axial direction are formed on both axial side surfaces of the seal split body 85. The formation of the thin-walled portions 85d provides a clearance for elastic deformation when the bulging portions 85c are pressed against the flange portions 72, 73, allowing the seal split body 85 to deform elastically in a suitable manner.

[0027] 7(e), a recess 88 provided at the other end of the seal split body 85 can be fitted with a protrusion 87 provided at one end of the seal split body 85, improving the sealing performance between the seal split bodies 85 that are connected in the circumferential direction. Also, the seal split body 85 has fitting portions 85a, 85b, which fit into fitted portion 86 of the arc-shaped member 84 (see FIG. 6(a)), preventing the seal split body 85 from moving in the circumferential direction relative to the arc-shaped member 84.

[0028] 1 to 3, the inner diameter of housing 5 formed by connecting two cylindrical bodies 7, 7 with connecting means 8, specifically the inner diameter of flanges 72, 73 which are the smallest diameter of housing 5, is formed to be larger than the outer diameter of fluid pipe 1, so that housing 5 can fit fluid pipe 1 loosely. Housing 5 is fixed to fluid pipe 1 by support means 6, 6 arranged on both ends of housing 5.

[0029] The support means 6 has an end housing 61 having a circumferentially divided structure with recesses 62a, 62b opening on the inner diameter side, and an elastic member 63 having a circumferentially divided structure housed in the recess 62a of the end housing 61. The support means 6 applies a biasing force in a direction separating the cylindrical bodies 7, 7 from each other by fitting the recess 62b onto the flange portion 72 or the flange portion 73 and pressing the inner diameter side edge of the recess 62b against the inclined surface 72a or the inclined surface 73a (see FIG. 4).

[0030] The elastic member 63 is made of a material such as elastic resin or rubber, and is pressed against the outer circumferential surface of the fluid pipe 1 by the connecting force between the arc-shaped members 64 constituting the end housing 61, sealing the gap between the flange 72 or flange 73 and the fluid pipe 1, and the cylindrical bodies 7, 7 are supported by the fluid pipe 1 by the pressing force of the elastic member 63 against the outer circumferential surface of the fluid pipe 1. In detail, the elastic member 63 is pressed against the outer circumferential surface of the fluid pipe 1 at a position axially outward from the cylindrical body 7 and on the inner diameter side from the cylindrical body 7, so that the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 7 is spaced from the outer circumferential surface of the fluid pipe 1 to the outer diameter side over the entire circumference. Since the support means 6, 6 arranged on both sides in the axial direction have the same configuration, only the support means 6 arranged on one axial side will be described, and the description of the support means 6 arranged on the other axial side will be omitted.

[0031] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6(b), the end housing 61 is composed of three arc-shaped members 64 (segments) equally divided in the circumferential direction. A connection flange 64a is formed at both circumferential ends of the arc-shaped member 64, and a pair of projections 64b projecting in the circumferential direction are formed on the surface of the connection flange 64a opposite to the surface facing the other connection flange 64a, and are spaced apart in the axial direction (see the view seen from the arrow C in Fig. 6(b)). The head of the T-head bolt 16, which is inserted into the insertion hole 64c of the connection flange 64a and connects the arc-shaped members 64 to each other, comes into contact with the projection 64b and cannot rotate, facilitating the fastening operation of the T-head bolt 16 and preventing it from loosening (see Fig. 2). In addition, a fitted portion 66 into which fitting portions 65a, 65b of the elastic divided body 65 described later are fitted is recessed in the circumferential direction at both ends of the arc-shaped member 64. The recess 62a is formed on one axial side of the end housing 61, and the recess 62b is formed on the other axial side of the end housing 61. The end housing 61 may be composed of two or four or more divided bodies.

[0032] 8 shows an elastic divided body 65 in which the elastic member 63 is divided into three in the circumferential direction with lengths substantially equal to those of the arc-shaped member 64. As shown in Fig. 8(a) and Fig. 8(b), a fitting portion 65a that protrudes outwardly and to one axial direction is formed on one end side of the elastic divided body 65. This fitting portion 65a is formed at a position closer to the other end side than the end face on one end side of the elastic divided body 65, i.e., the end portion on one end side of the elastic divided body 65 forms a convex portion 67 that protrudes in the circumferential direction beyond the fitting portion 65a.

[0033] 8(a) and 8(c), a fitting portion 65b that protrudes toward the outer diameter side and toward one axial side is formed on the other side of the elastic divided body 65. This fitting portion 65b is formed at a position toward one end side from the other end face of the elastic divided body 65, that is, the other end portion of the elastic divided body 65 forms a recessed portion 68 that is recessed in the circumferential direction from the fitting portion 65a.

[0034] 8(d), the elastic divided body 65 has bifurcated bulging portions 65c, 65d on its inner peripheral surface and side peripheral surface, which bulge in the inner diameter direction and in the axial direction, and protruding portions 65e, 65f are formed in parallel with the bulging portions 65c, 65d, respectively. When the support means 6 is assembled, the bulging portion 65c and the protruding portion 65e are pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the fluid pipe 1, the bulging portion 65d and the protruding portion 65f are pressed against the axial end surface of the flange portion 72, and the bulging portions 65c, 65d are pressed against each other (see FIG. 5). The elastic divided body 65 also has a fitting portion 65g formed on its outer diameter side, which can be fitted into the recess 62a of the end housing 61.

[0035] 8(e), a recess 68 provided at the other end of the elastic divided body 65 can be fitted with a protrusion 67 provided at one end of the elastic divided body 65, improving the sealing performance between the elastic divided bodies 65 that are connected in the circumferential direction. The elastic divided body 65 also has fitting portions 65a, 65b that fit into a fitted portion 66 of the arc-shaped member 64 (see FIG. 6(a)), preventing the elastic divided body 65 from moving in the circumferential direction relative to the arc-shaped member 64.

[0036] Next, the shape of the packing 10 will be described. As shown in Fig. 9, the packing 10 is made of an elastic member such as rubber, and includes a straight section 11 extending in the axial direction and having a generally circular cross section, a first arm 12 extending in the inner diameter direction from both ends of the straight section 11, a second arm 13 extending from the inner diameter side end of the first arm 12 in a direction away from the straight section 11, and a third arm 14 extending in the outer diameter direction from the end of the second arm 13 (only the other axial side is shown here).

[0037] As shown in Fig. 4(a), the packing 10 has the third piece 14 protruding outward in the axial direction from the flanges 72, 73 on the connecting means 8 side and protruding in the outer diameter direction, and the third pieces 14, 14 of the packings 10, 10 arranged on the tubular bodies 7, 7 connected in the axial direction are in close contact with each other in the axial direction, and the outer diameter side ends of the third pieces 14, 14 are in close contact with the inner diameter side of the seal member 83. Also, as shown in Fig. 5(a), the packing 10 has the third piece 14 protruding outward in the axial direction from the flanges 72 on the supporting means 6 side and protruding in the outer diameter direction, and the axial end is in close contact with the elastic member 63. Therefore, the gap between the packing 10 and the seal member 83 and the gap between the packing 10 and the elastic member 63 are sealed. However, the third arms 14, 14 of the gaskets 10, 10 do not necessarily have to be in close contact with each other in the axial direction, and the side end of the third arm 14 may be in close contact with the side of the flange portion 72 or the flange portion 73 to provide a seal.

[0038] Next, the assembly procedure of the repair device 2 will be described with reference to Figs. 10 to 13. As shown in Fig. 10, first, the divided members 71, 71 are connected in the circumferential direction to attach the cylindrical bodies 7, 7 to the fluid pipe 1 at a position separated from the damaged portion of the fluid pipe (cracked portion 1a and aged portion 1b) and sandwiched in the pipe axial direction. As described above, the cylindrical bodies 7, 7 are formed to have a larger diameter than the outer diameter of the fluid pipe 1, so that they are loosely fitted in the fluid pipe 1. At this time, since the divided members 71, 71 can be connected in the circumferential direction at a position separated from the damaged portion of the fluid pipe, the complexity of the work can be avoided even if there is a leakage of the fluid. In particular, if there is a leakage of the fluid, it is preferable to perform the work while discharging the fluid by using a cap 75 having a hole through which the fluid can be discharged while being screwed into the through hole 74.

[0039] Next, as shown in FIG. 11, the cylindrical bodies 7, 7 are moved in the axial direction so as to cover the damaged parts (cracked part 1a and aged part 1b) of the fluid pipe, and alignment is performed. Since the cylindrical bodies 7, 7 are loosely fitted in the fluid pipe 1 in this way, the cylindrical bodies 7, 7 can be moved freely in the axial direction to align them. If there is leakage of fluid from the cracked part 1a or the aged part 1b, the caps 75, 75 of the cylindrical bodies 7, 7 may be loosened as described above, or the caps 75, 75 may be removed and the through holes 74, 74 may be opened to discharge the fluid to the outside. In addition, at this time, as described above, the dividing surfaces of the flange parts 71a, 71a of the divided members 71, 71 (circumferential ends of the divided members 71, 71) may be at the same position in the circumferential direction or at different positions in the circumferential direction.

[0040] 12, the connecting means 8 is assembled to connect the cylindrical bodies 7, 7 to each other in the axial direction to form the housing 5. As a result, the cylindrical bodies 7, 7 are connected in a state in which they are drawn closer to each other, and the connection ends of the cylindrical bodies 7, 7 are sealed.

[0041] 13, the support means 6, 6 are assembled and the housing 5 is fixed to the fluid pipe 1, thereby completing the assembly work of the repair device 2. In the repair device 2 assembled in this manner, the internal space of the repair device 2 may be filled with a filler. In this case, the caps 75, 75 are removed, the through holes 74, 74 are opened, and while the air in the internal space of the repair device 2 is evacuated from one of the through holes 74, the filler can be filled into the internal space of the repair device 2 through the other through hole 74. Not only when two cylindrical bodies 7, 7 are connected, but also when three or more cylindrical bodies 7, 7, ... are connected, filling can be performed using one through hole 74.

[0042] As described above, the inner diameter of the cylindrical bodies 7, 7 is formed larger than the outer diameter of the fluid pipe 1, so that the fluid pipe 1 can be loosely fitted therein, and is sealed by the seal member 83 arranged on the outer diameter side of the flanges 72, 73 that connect the cylindrical bodies 7, 7 to each other. The housing 5 is supported by the fluid pipe 1 by the support means 6, 6 at a position axially outward from the damaged portion of the fluid pipe 1. At this time, the inner peripheral surface of the housing 5 and the outer peripheral surface of the fluid pipe 1 are spaced apart in the circumferential direction. According to this, the seal member 83 that seals the gap between the flanges 72, 73 of the cylindrical bodies 7, 7 does not contact the outer surface of the fluid pipe 1, and the housing 5 is supported by the fluid pipe 1 by the support means 6, 6 at a position axially outward from the damaged portion of the fluid pipe 1. Therefore, the housing 5 can be fitted onto the fluid pipe 1 with the inner peripheral surface of the housing 5 and the outer peripheral surface of the fluid pipe 1 spaced apart, and the repair device 2 can be installed without applying a load to the damaged portion of the fluid pipe 1.

[0043] Moreover, adjacent cylindrical bodies 7, 7 are connected by a connecting housing 81 having a recess 82 that can be fitted onto the opposing flanges 72, 73. Specifically, the recess 82 of the connecting housing 81 is fitted onto the opposing flanges 72, 73 in the circumferential direction, so that the adjacent cylindrical bodies 7, 7 can be accurately connected with their axes aligned.

[0044] Furthermore, the connecting housing 81 includes arc-shaped members 84 divided into a plurality of segments in the circumferential direction, and T-head bolts 15 as fastening members that connect the arc-shaped members 84 together in the circumferential direction, and the seal member 83 is disposed between the recess 82 and the flanges 72, 73 of the connecting housing 81. With this, the seal member 83 is sandwiched between the recess 82 and the flanges 72, 73 of the connecting housing 81 by the fastening force of the T-head bolts 15, so that the connecting operation of adjacent cylindrical bodies 7, 7 and the sealing operation between the flanges 72, 73 provided at the connecting ends of the cylindrical bodies can be performed in a single process.

[0045] Furthermore, an axially extending packing 10 is disposed between the opposing flange portions 71a, 71a of the two divided members 71, 71 constituting the cylindrical body 7, sealing the gap between the flange portions 71a, 71a, and the third piece 14 of the packing 10 contacts the inner circumferential surface (bulging portion 85c) of the seal member 83 of the connecting means 8. As a result, the seal member 83 is pressed against the third piece 14 of the packing 10 by the fastening force of the T-head bolt 15, so that the sealability between the seal member 83 and the packing 10 is high.

[0046] The cylindrical body 7 is composed of two divided members 71, 71, the connecting means 8 is composed of three arc-shaped members 84 and a seal divided body 85, and the circumferential ends of the divided members 71, 71 are arranged at different positions in the circumferential direction from the circumferential end of the seal divided body 85 (see especially Figs. 2 and 16). That is, the divided ends of the packing 10 and the seal divided body 85 do not overlap with each other in the circumferential direction, so that the sealing performance between the packing 10 and the seal member 83 is high. The supporting means 6 is composed of three arc-shaped members 64 and an elastic divided body 65, and the circumferential ends of the divided members 71, 71 are arranged at different positions in the circumferential direction from the circumferential end of the elastic divided body 65 (see especially Figs. 2 and 17). That is, the divided ends of the packing 10 and the elastic divided body 65 do not overlap with each other in the circumferential direction, so that the sealing performance between the packing 10 and the elastic member 63 is high.

[0047] The flanges 72, 73 are formed with inclined surfaces 72a, 73a extending from their outer circumferential surfaces toward the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 7 so as to gradually reduce in diameter. The inner diameter side edge of the recess 82 of the connecting housing 81 is pressed against the inclined surfaces 72a, 73a of the flanges 72, 73 formed at the connecting ends of the cylindrical bodies 7, 7, thereby connecting the cylindrical bodies 7, 7 so as to approach each other. The inner diameter side edge of the recess 62b, 62b of the support means 6, 6 is pressed against the inclined surfaces 72a, 73a of the flanges 72, 73 formed at both axial ends of the housing 5, thereby separating the cylindrical bodies 7, 7 from each other. In this manner, when the housing 5 is fixed to the fluid pipe 1, a pulling force acts on both ends of each cylindrical body 7 in the axial direction, thereby improving the sealing performance between the elastic member 63 and the cylindrical body 7 and allowing the cylindrical bodies 7 to be linearly connected to each other in the axial direction. For example, it is possible to prevent the connecting ends of the cylindrical bodies 7 from dropping due to their own weight and causing the cylindrical bodies 7 to be bent in an approximately V-shape.

[0048] Moreover, the cylindrical body 7 has a symmetrical shape with respect to a line perpendicular to the axial direction. Specifically, the flanges 72 and 73 formed on both axial ends of the cylindrical body 7 have the same shape, so that the housing 5 can be configured regardless of the orientation of the cylindrical bodies 7 and 7.

[0049] The support means 6 has an annular end housing 61 and an annular elastic member 63 disposed on the inner diameter side of the end housing 61 and sealing between the end housing 61 and the fluid pipe 1, and the elastic member 63 is pressed against the outer circumferential surface of the fluid pipe 1 at a position on the inner diameter side of the cylindrical body 7. According to this, since the elastic member 63 is interposed between the end housing 61 and the fluid pipe 1, it is possible to prevent the outer circumferential surface of the fluid pipe 1 from being gouged out, as compared with a form in which the housing 5 is supported on the fluid pipe 1 by a hard member such as a bolt or a press ring. Furthermore, since the housing 5 is supported on the fluid pipe 1 by using the elastic member 63 that seals both axial ends of the housing 5, it is not necessary to separately prepare a member for supporting the housing 5 on the fluid pipe 1, and the number of parts can be reduced. Furthermore, with the elastic member 63 fitted in the recess 62a of the end housing 61 being pressed against the outer circumferential surface of the fluid pipe 1, the flange portion 72 of the cylindrical body 7 is loosely fitted in the recess 62b in the radial direction. More specifically, the inner circumferential surface of the flange portion 72 of the cylindrical body 7 fitted into the recess 62b is separated over the entire circumference from the outer circumferential surface of the fluid pipe 1. Therefore, the cylindrical body 7 does not apply a load in the inner diameter direction to the fluid pipe 1, and damage to the fluid pipe 1 can be avoided.

[0050] In particular, in the case of the water pipe bridge 1A of this embodiment, an air valve is installed as shown in FIG. 1, and the air vent is designed to be inclined upward toward the air valve. In addition, for example, the weight of each fluid pipe 1 may cause the fluid pipes 1 to be connected in a non-linear manner, such as when the axis of each fluid pipe 1 is shifted or the pipe is connected in a bent manner. However, since the inner peripheral surface of the housing 5 and the outer peripheral surface of the fluid pipe 1 are spaced apart, even if the fluid pipes 1 are connected in a non-linear manner, they do not come into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the housing 5, and the application of a load to the fluid pipe 1 is suppressed. In addition, even if a convex portion such as a weld bead is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the fluid pipe 1, it does not come into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the housing 5, and the application of a load to the fluid pipe 1 is suppressed. Furthermore, since the housing 5 is supported by the elastic member 63 of the support means 6, and the inner peripheral surface of the end housing 61 is also spaced apart from the outer peripheral surface of the fluid pipe 1, even if the fluid pipes 1 are connected in a non-linear manner, they do not come into direct contact with the inner peripheral surface of the end housing 61, and impact can be absorbed.

[0051] Moreover, the cylindrical body 7 includes a through hole 74 penetrating in the radial direction, and a cap 75 capable of opening and closing the through hole 74. With this, by operating the cap 75 to remove or loosen the through hole 74 and opening the through hole 74, the air or liquid present between the fluid pipe 1 and the housing 5 can be discharged to the outside, thereby preventing the internal space of the repair device 2 from becoming high pressure. Also, while the air in the internal space of the repair device 2 is discharged from one of the through holes 74, the filler can be filled into the internal space of the repair device 2 through the other through hole 74.

[0052] In this embodiment, the support means 6 is composed of an end housing 61 and an elastic member 63, and an example is given of a form in which the housing 5 is supported on the fluid pipe 1 by the elastic force of the elastic member 63. However, this is not limited to this, and for example, a bolt may be provided separately from the elastic member 63, and the bolt may be inserted into the outer peripheral surface of the fluid pipe 1 to support the housing 5 on the fluid pipe 1.

[0053] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cylindrical bodies 7, 7 are connected to each other by the connecting means 8, but the cylindrical bodies 7, 7 may be connected to each other in the axial direction using bolts and nuts extending in the axial direction.

[0054] In addition, in this embodiment, the cylindrical body 7 has an axially symmetrical shape, but the cylindrical body may have an axially asymmetrical shape. For example, the flanges formed on both ends of the cylindrical body may be formed in different shapes, or the cylindrical body may have a flange only on one axial end and no flange on the other end. For example, the flanges may be intermittently provided on the outer diameter side in the circumferential or axial direction.

[0055] Next, a procedure for installing the repair device 2 in a case where an obstacle 18 is present around the fluid pipe 1 and the working space for installing the repair device 2 is limited will be described with reference to Figs.

[0056] As shown in Fig. 14, a water pipe bridge 1A is often arranged along the extension direction of a structure such as a road, railway, or bridge, and for example, an obstacle 18 such as concrete may be placed that covers one side of the water pipe bridge 1A and the nearby area above it (hereinafter referred to as the blocked area S) in an inverted L-shape in cross section. In such a case, a scaffolding 17 is set up near the water pipe bridge 1A, and the repair device 2 is installed from the open area on the other side of the water pipe bridge 1A (hereinafter referred to as the open area T).

[0057] As shown in FIG. 15(a), first, one of the divided members 71 is fitted from the open area T side on the other lateral side to the fluid pipe 1 constituting the water pipe bridge 1A. Then, the divided member 71 is rotated along the outer circumferential surface of the fluid pipe 1 and moved to the closed area S side. Next, as shown in FIG. 15(b), the other divided member 71 is fitted from the open area T side to the fluid pipe 1. At this time, the flange parts 71a, 71a of the divided members 71, 71 arranged on the open area T side of the fluid pipe 1 are temporarily assembled by attaching the T-head bolt and nut 9 from the open area T side of the fluid pipe 1, and in this state, the divided members 71, 71 are rotated, the other flange parts 71a, 71a are arranged on the closed area S side, and the T-head bolt and nut 9 are temporarily assembled from the open area T side of the fluid pipe 1. This prevents the temporarily assembled divided members 71, 71 from falling off the fluid pipe 1.

[0058] Then, as shown in FIG. 15(c), the divided members 71, 71 are rotated while the T-head bolts and nuts 9 on both radial sides are tightened from the open area T side of the fluid pipe 1 to form the cylindrical body 7. In this way, the T-head bolts and nuts 9 arranged on the closed area S side can be tightened by tightening the cylindrical body 7 while rotating it. Another cylindrical body 7 is also formed by the same process as above. Then, as shown in FIG. 15(d), the cylindrical body 7 is rotated so that the through hole 74 is arranged upward. The cylindrical body 7 is formed so that its inner diameter is larger than the outer diameter of the fluid pipe 1, so that it can be freely rotated. In this state, the upper part of the cylindrical body 7 is placed on the upper part of the fluid pipe 1. Also, for example, the insertion direction of the T-head bolt / nut 9 may be reversed to fully tighten the T-head bolt / nut 9 located on the blocked area S side, and then the split members 71, 71 may be rotated to fully tighten the T-head bolt / nut 9 located on the open area T side.

[0059] Next, as shown in FIG. 16(a), with the connecting ends of the cylindrical bodies 7, 7 brought close to each other in the axial direction, the arc-shaped member 84 is fitted onto the flanges 72, 73 of the cylindrical bodies 7, 7 from the open area T side of the fluid pipe 1, and is moved circumferentially along the flanges 72, 73 toward the closed area S side of the fluid pipe 1, while another arc-shaped member 84 is fitted onto the flanges 72, 73 from the open area T side of the fluid pipe 1. Then, as shown in FIG. 16(b), the connection flanges 84a, 84a of the arc-shaped members 84, 84 are finally tightened and connected to each other by the T-head bolt 15 from the open area T side of the fluid pipe 1. At this time, the seal division body 85 is fitted into the arc-shaped member 84, making assembly easy. In addition, the T-head bolt 15 arranged on the closed area S side is already finally tightened.

[0060] Next, as shown in Fig. 16(c), the connected arc-shaped members 84, 84 are moved in the circumferential direction toward the closed region S side of the fluid pipe 1, and another arc-shaped member 84 is fitted onto the flanges 72, 73 from the open region T side of the fluid pipe 1. Then, as shown in Fig. 16(d), the connection flanges 84a, 84a of the arc-shaped member 84 and the connection flanges 84a, 84a at both ends of the connected arc-shaped members 84, 84 are connected by T-head bolts 15 to form a connecting means 8, and the cylindrical bodies 7, 7 are connected in the axial direction to form the housing 5. At this time, the connecting ends of the arc-shaped members 84 (the connecting ends of the seal segments 85) are shifted in the circumferential direction from the connecting ends of the segments 71, 71 (the positions of the packings 10), so that the sealing performance is improved. Also, for example, the arc-shaped members 84, 84, 84 may be temporarily assembled with the T-head bolts 15, and after the connecting means 8 is constructed, the T-head bolts 15 may be finally tightened.

[0061] Next, as shown in FIG. 17(a), the arc-shaped member 64 is fitted from the open area T side of the fluid pipe 1 to the flanges 72, 73 formed on both ends of the housing 5, and is moved circumferentially along the flanges 72, 73 toward the closed area S side of the fluid pipe 1, while another arc-shaped member 64 is fitted from the open area T side of the fluid pipe 1 to the flanges 72, 73. Then, as shown in FIG. 17(b), the connection flanges 64a, 64a of the arc-shaped members 64, 64 are finally tightened and connected to each other by the T-head bolt 16 from the open area T side of the fluid pipe 1. At this time, the elastic division body 65 is fitted to the arc-shaped member 64, making assembly easy. In addition, the T-head bolt 16 arranged on the closed area S side is already finally tightened.

[0062] Next, as shown in FIG. 17(c), the connected arc-shaped members 64, 64 are moved in the circumferential direction toward the closed area S side of the fluid pipe 1, and another arc-shaped member 64 is fitted onto the flanges 72, 73 from the open area T side of the fluid pipe 1. Then, the connection flanges 64a, 64a of the arc-shaped members 64 and the connection flanges 64a, 64a at both ends of the connected arc-shaped members 64, 64 are connected by T-head bolts 16 to form the support means 6, and the repair device 2 is installed so as to be fitted onto the fluid pipe 1. At this time, the connection ends of the arc-shaped members 64 (the connection ends of the elastic divided bodies 65) are shifted in the circumferential direction from the connection ends of the divided members 71, 71 (the positions of the packings 10), so that the sealing performance is improved. For example, the arc-shaped members 64, 64, 64 may be temporarily assembled by the T-head bolts 16, and the support means 6 may be formed, and then the T-head bolts 16 may be fully tightened.

[0063] In this way, the divided members 71, 71 of the cylindrical body 7, the arc-shaped members 84, 84 of the connecting means 8, and the arc-shaped members 64, 64 of the supporting means 6 are gradually connected and assembled while rotating them in the circumferential direction, so that even when the working space is limited, the repair device 2 can be installed on the fluid pipe 1. This method can also be used when the working space is not limited, for example when there is a lot of fluid leakage, while the worker prevents the fluid from splashing out with the arc-shaped members 84, 84 and the arc-shaped members 64, 64.

[0064] Next, a first modified example of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 18. Incidentally, here, the supporting means 600 arranged on one axial side of the housing 5 will be described.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 18, the support means 600 of the present modified example 1 has an end housing 610 and an elastic member 630. The elastic member 630 extends from a fitting portion 650g that fits into the recess 620a of the end housing 610 at an incline toward the inner diameter side and the housing 5 side (not shown), and a gap is formed in the axial direction between the fitting portion 650g and the wall portion 610a on one axial side of the end housing 610. When the support means 600 is attached to the end portion on one axial side of the housing 5, the inner diameter side tip 650c of the elastic member 630 contacts the housing 5 and the fluid pipe 1. In addition, when the inner diameter side tip 650c of the elastic member 630 contacts the housing 5 and the fluid pipe 1, the elastic member 630 elastically deforms into the gap between the elastic member 630 and the wall portion 610a, thereby improving the sealing performance. In this way, the shape of the elastic member of the support means can be freely changed.

[0066] Next, a second modified example of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 19. Incidentally, although a connecting housing 810 will be described here as an example, the present invention can also be applied to an end housing of a supporting means.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 19, the connecting housing 810 of the present modified example 2 is composed of three arc-shaped members 840a, 840b, and 840c that are divided approximately equally in the circumferential direction. At the ends of the arc-shaped members 840a and 840b, holes 840d penetrating in the axial direction are formed at corresponding positions, and the shafts of the bolts and nuts 30 are inserted into the holes 840d. The arc-shaped members 840a and 840b are connected to be rotatable around the shafts of the bolts and nuts 30. The arc-shaped members 840c are connected to both ends of the arc-shaped members 840a and 840b. This simplifies the work of assembling the connecting housing 810 by connecting the arc-shaped members 840a, 840b, and 840c in the circumferential direction of the connecting ends of the cylindrical bodies 7 and 7.

[0068] Next, a third modified example of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 20. Although the connecting means will be described as an example here, the present invention can also be applied to the supporting means.

[0069] 20(a), the connecting housing 811 of the third modified example is composed of three arc-shaped members 841a, 841b, and 841c. The arc-shaped member 841a is an arc that divides the connecting housing 811 in half, and the arc-shaped members 841b and 841c are substantially the same shape, and each arc has a central angle of approximately 90 degrees. In other words, the arc-shaped member 841a and the arc-shaped members 841b and 841c have different circumferential lengths, and have a circumferential length that is approximately twice as long.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 20(b), the seal member 831 of the third modified example is composed of three seal division bodies 851a, 851b, and 851c, which are fitted to the arc-shaped members 841a, 841b, and 841c. The seal division body 851a is an arc-shaped member obtained by dividing the seal member 83 in half, and has a length substantially equal to that of the arc-shaped member 841a. The seal division bodies 851b and 851c are substantially identical in shape, each of which has an arc shape with a central angle of approximately 90 degrees, and has a length substantially equal to that of the arc-shaped members 841b and 841c. That is, the seal division body 851a and the seal division bodies 851b and 851c have different circumferential lengths, and have a circumferential length that is approximately twice that of the seal division body 851a. In this way, the lengths of the arc-shaped member constituting the connecting housing and the seal division bodies constituting the seal member can be freely changed.

[0071] Next, a fourth modified example of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 21. Incidentally, although the connecting means will be exemplified here, the same can also be applied to the supporting means.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 21(a), the connecting housing 812 of the present modified example 4 is composed of three arc-shaped members 842a, 842b, and 842c, which are divided into three parts in the circumferential direction and have substantially the same shape. As shown in FIG. 21(b), the seal member 832 of the present modified example 4 is composed of two seal division bodies 852a and 852b. The circumferential length of the seal division body 852a is approximately 2 / 3 of the entire seal member 832, and the circumferential length of the seal division body 852b is approximately 1 / 3 of the entire seal member 832. The seal division body 852a is fitted into the two arc-shaped members 842a and 842b, and the seal division body 852b is fitted into the remaining arc-shaped member 842c. In this way, the number of divisions of the connecting housing and the seal members may be different. Furthermore, even if the number of divisions of the connecting housing and the seal member are the same, the circumferential length of the arc-shaped member (division body) that constitutes the connecting housing and the circumferential length of the seal division body that constitutes the seal member may be different.

[0073] Next, a fifth modified example of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 22. A flange 721 of a cylindrical body 700 in the fifth modified example has a convex portion 701 that protrudes from an axial end face of the flange 721 toward the opposing cylindrical body 700' in a circular shape and is formed in the circumferential direction. A circular recess 702 into which the convex portion 701 is loosely fitted is formed in the flange 731 of the cylindrical body 700' and a circular seal member 833 is fitted in the recess 702. When the flanges 721 and 731 of the cylindrical bodies 700 and 700' are connected by a connecting housing 813, the convex portion 701 is loosely fitted in the recess 702 and the seal member 833 is compressed between the convex portion 701 and the recess 702. In this manner, the seal member 833 may be disposed between the end faces of the flanges 721 and 731. Also, for example, a packing that is annular in front view and plate-shaped in side view may be interposed between the end faces of the cylindrical bodies 7, 7 in the embodiment that does not have the convex portion 701 and the concave portion 702 to provide a seal. In this modification, the seal member 833 or the above-mentioned packing may be disposed so as to come into contact with the fluid pipe within a range that does not affect the fluid pipe.

[0074] Next, a sixth modified example of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 23. Cylindrical bodies 710, 710' in this sixth modified example are connected by connecting means 800 while being spaced apart in the axial direction. A seal member 834 of connecting means 800 has a larger volume than the seal member 83 of the embodiment, and is capable of sealing the space between the end faces of the connecting ends of cylindrical bodies 710, 710'.

[0075] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and the present invention also includes modifications and additions that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention.

[0076] For example, in the above embodiment, the housing 5 is formed by connecting multiple cylindrical bodies 7, 7 of the same shape in the axial direction, but these cylindrical bodies are not necessarily limited to having the same shape and may, for example, have different axial lengths. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1 Fluid tube 1A Aqueduct Bridge 1a Cracked area (damaged area) 1b Deteriorated part (damaged part) 2 Repair equipment 5. Cabinet 6 Support means 7 Cylindrical body 8 Connection means 10 Packing (sealing material) 15 T-head bolt (fastening member) 63 Elastic Members 71 Partition 72,73 Flange 81 Connection housing (connection ring) 82 Recess 83 Sealing material 84 Arc-shaped member (divided body) 85 Seal division body 600 Support means 630 Elastic members 700,700' Cylindrical body 710,700' Cylindrical body 721,731 Flange 800 Connection means 810~813 Connection housing (connection ring) 831~834 Sealing material

Claims

1. A method for installing a repair device for a fluid pipe, the repair device being fitted in a sealed manner onto a fluid pipe having a casing made of a ring-shaped tubular body made of a plurality of divided members divided in a circumferential direction and a fluid pipe having an open area that is open to a side and a closed area, the method comprising the steps of: A method for installing a repair device, characterized in that a split member in the open area is rotated along the outer peripheral surface of the fluid pipe to move it to the closed area, and then a new split member is fitted from the open area onto the fluid pipe, and the split member that was moved to the closed area and the new split member are circumferentially connected to generate a connected split member, this circumferential movement connecting process being repeated until the connected split member becomes annular, thereby forming the annular cylindrical body and forming the housing.

2. The housing is configured by connecting a plurality of the cylindrical bodies in the axial direction, The circumferential movement connecting step configures one of the cylindrical bodies, The method for installing a repair device as described in claim 1, characterized in that the housing is constructed by repeating the circumferential movement connecting process to construct another one of the cylindrical bodies, and then connecting the one cylindrical body and the other cylindrical body in the axial direction through an axial connecting process.

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