Extension member for watertightness test device and watertightness test method

Abstract

To reduce the time and effort when conducting watertightness tests on a connection part of pipes.SOLUTION: An extension member for a watertightness test device includes: a band-shaped member 21 which has a curved shape extending along the inner circumferential surface of an annular covering body and is formed of a flexible member; an engaging part 28 which is provided on one side in the longitudinal direction of the band-shaped member 21; a retainer 29 which is provided on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the band-shaped member 21, engages with the engaging part 28 and holds the engaging part 28 in a state of being pulled in the diameter-reducing direction of the band-shaped member 21; and spacer receiving parts 90 which are provided on the one side and the other side in the longitudinal direction of the band-shaped member 21 and receive spacers for maintaining the extended state of the band-shaped member 21.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an extension member and a waterproof test method for a waterproof test device used when performing a waterproof test on a connection part of a pipe.

Background Art

[0002] For example, when connecting a plurality of pipes on-site to form a water channel or the like, it is necessary to confirm on-site whether the waterproof property of the connection part of the pipe satisfies a predetermined requirement. When making this confirmation, a waterproof test device as disclosed in Patent Document 1 is used, for example. The waterproof test device of Patent Document 1 includes a rubber sleeve that covers the connection part of the pipe from the inside, and two flexible band-shaped members arranged in the longitudinal direction of the pipe on the inner peripheral side of the rubber sleeve. During the test, the rubber sleeve is brought into close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the pipe by expanding the flexible band-shaped members in diameter, and a test fluid is injected between the rubber sleeve and the inner peripheral surface of the pipe at a predetermined pressure from a water injection port provided in the rubber sleeve. Based on the subsequent pressure change of the test fluid, it is possible to determine whether the waterproof property satisfies a predetermined requirement.

[0003] The flexible band-shaped member of Patent Document 1 is divided into a plurality of divided members in the circumferential direction and has an assembled hinge for connecting adjacent divided members in the circumferential direction. This makes it possible to fold the flexible band-shaped member.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Incidentally, although it varies depending on the site and the pipes used, connection parts of the pipes will exist, for example, at intervals of about 5 m. And depending on the site, the pipe extension may be several hundred meters or more. In such a case, it is necessary to repeat the watertightness test inside the pipe dozens or even hundreds of times.

[0006] Assuming the case of using the flexible band-shaped member of Patent Document 1, after the watertightness test of one connection part is completed, the flexible band-shaped member is folded and then carried to the next connection part and unfolded there. Since the above-mentioned operations are repeated the above number of times, the labor of the operator increases.

[0007] Also, the flexible band-shaped member needs to have its strength increased so that the rubber sleeve can be brought into close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the pipe even when a high water pressure acts during the watertightness test, that is, so that a high expansion force can be obtained. For this reason, the flexible band-shaped member is generally made of metal such as steel, is thick, and is designed to have a width equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Moreover, when the inner diameter of the pipe is about 1 m or more, it is necessary to increase the diameter of the flexible band-shaped member according to the inner diameter of the pipe. In that case, the weight of each divided member constituting the flexible band-shaped member of Patent Document 1 becomes heavy. When the weight of each divided member is heavy, the force required to rotate each divided member upward around the hinge axis when unfolding from the folded state becomes large, and a large amount of labor is required of the operator, which also becomes a factor increasing the labor of the operator.

[0008] The present disclosure is made in view of such a point, and its object is to reduce the labor when performing the watertightness test of the connection part of the pipe.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, in one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to assume an expansion member of a watertightness test device for pressing an annular covering member of the watertightness test device for testing the watertightness of the connection portion between the first pipe and the second pipe against the inner peripheral surface of the pipe. The expansion member of the watertightness test device includes a belt-like member formed of a flexible member having a curved shape extending along the inner peripheral surface of the annular covering member, an engaging portion provided on one longitudinal side of the belt-like member, and a retaining member provided on the other longitudinal side of the belt-like member, engaging with the engaging portion and holding the engaging portion in a state of being pulled in the diameter-reducing direction of the belt-like member, and spacer receiving portions provided on one longitudinal side and the other longitudinal side of the belt-like member for receiving spacers for holding the expanded state of the belt-like member.

[0010] According to this configuration, after installing the annular covering member so as to span from the inner peripheral surface of the first pipe to the inner peripheral surface of the second pipe, when the belt-like member is disposed inside the annular covering member and then expanded and the spacer is received by the spacer receiving portion, the belt-like member is held in the expanded state, so that the annular covering member is in close contact with the inner peripheral surfaces of the first pipe and the second pipe. Then, by supplying a test fluid to the space formed between the outer peripheral surface of the annular covering member and the first pipe and the second pipe and measuring the pressure change of the test fluid, the result of the watertightness test can be obtained.

[0011] After performing the watertightness test as described above at one connection portion, when performing the watertightness test at another connection portion, it is necessary to reduce the diameter of the belt-like member in the expanded state. At this time, by engaging and pulling the retaining member provided on the other longitudinal side of the belt-like member with the engaging portion provided on one longitudinal side of the belt-like member, the diameter of the belt-like member is reduced, so that the operation of reducing the diameter of the belt-like member becomes easy. By reducing the diameter of the belt-like member, the operation of transporting the inside of the pipe to another connection portion also becomes easy. When expanding the belt-like member after transporting it to another connection portion, the diameter of the belt-like member can be easily increased by operating the retaining member in the direction opposite to the diameter-reducing direction. According to this configuration, all operations such as the operation of reducing the diameter of the belt-like member, the operation of transporting it, and the operation of increasing the diameter become easy, so that even if it is necessary to repeat the watertightness test dozens of times or more than a hundred times, it is possible to significantly reduce the labor.

[0012] The engaging portion may be provided on the inner side in the radial direction on one side in the longitudinal direction of the belt-like member and arranged to protrude inward in the radial direction. In this case, the holder can be provided on the inner side in the radial direction on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the belt-like member. Thereby, the operation of engaging the engaging portion with the holder can be easily performed, and the operation of operating the holder can also be easily performed.

[0013] The holder may be configured to engage with the engaging portion in a state where one side in the longitudinal direction of the belt-like member is disposed inside the other side in the longitudinal direction of the belt-like member in the radial direction. According to this configuration, the diameter of the belt-like member can be reliably reduced.

[0014] The holder may be provided away from one side from the end portion on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the belt-like member. In this case, a guiding portion for guiding one side in the longitudinal direction of the belt-like member in a direction approaching the holder may be provided between the end portion on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the belt-like member and the holder. According to this configuration, when engaging and pulling the engaging portion with the holder, one side in the longitudinal direction of the belt-like member where the engaging portion is provided is guided in a direction approaching the holder by the guiding portion, so that the diameter of the belt-like member can be smoothly reduced.

[0015] The engaging portion may have, for example, a hook shape. In this case, the holder includes a frame-shaped member formed to be caught by the engaging portion, and may be configured to be switchable between an engaged state where the frame-shaped member is caught by the engaging portion and a non-engaged state where it is detached from the engaging portion. According to this configuration, only when reducing the diameter of the belt-like member, the frame-shaped member of the holder can be engaged with the engaging portion, and when expanding the diameter of the belt-like member, the frame-shaped member of the holder can be prevented from being engaged with the engaging portion, so that the holder does not hinder the expansion of the diameter of the belt-like member.

[0016] Also, a watertight test can be performed using the above-described expansion member.

Effects of the Invention

[0017] As described above, an engaging portion is provided on one longitudinal side of the strip-shaped member extending along the inner peripheral surface of the annular covering, and a holder for holding the engaging portion in a state of being pulled in the diameter-reducing direction of the strip-shaped member is provided on the other side. Therefore, the labor required for performing the watertightness test of the connection portion of the pipe can be reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the following description of the preferred embodiments is merely illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit the present invention, its applications, or its uses.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the use of a waterproof test device 1 to which a water stop structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. This waterproof test device 1 is a device used to confirm on-site whether the waterproofness of the connection part of pipes 101 and 102 satisfies predetermined requirements when a plurality of pipes 101 and 102 are connected on-site to form a waterway or the like. In this embodiment, the case where the first pipe 101 and the second pipe 102 are connected will be described. However, the number of pipes to be connected is not limited to two, and any number of pipes may be used, and the water stoppage of the connection part between any two pipes can be confirmed by the waterproof test device 1. Further, in this embodiment, the case where both the first pipe 101 and the second pipe 102 are circular pipes will be described. However, the present invention can also be applied when the water stoppage of the connection part of pipes other than circular pipes is confirmed by the waterproof test device 1.

[0021] The first pipe 101 and the second pipe 102 may be, for example, pipes made of concrete, pipes made of resin, or pipes made of metal. Also, the first pipe 101 and the second pipe 102 may be existing pipes that have already been installed and are in use, or new pipes.

[0022] The watertightness test device 1 includes an annular covering 10, a first expansion member 20, a second expansion member 30, a fluid supply unit 40, a pipe 50, a supply and discharge device 60, and a measuring instrument 70. The annular covering 10 is formed so as to extend from the inner peripheral surface of the first pipe 101 to the inner peripheral surface of the second pipe 102, and is composed of a rubber member forming an annulus along both inner peripheral surfaces, having water impermeability. The outer peripheral length of the annular covering 10 corresponds to the inner peripheral lengths of the first pipe 101 and the second pipe 102 for which the watertightness test is to be performed. If the first pipe 101 and the second pipe 102 have a small diameter, the outer peripheral length of the annular covering 10 is shortened accordingly, and if the first pipe 101 and the second pipe 102 have a large diameter, the outer peripheral length of the annular covering 10 is lengthened accordingly. The same applies to the peripheral lengths of the first expansion member 20 and the second expansion member 30.

[0023] FIG. 2 shows cross-sections of the annular covering 10, the first expansion member 20, the second expansion member 30, the first pipe 101, and the second pipe 102. In this FIG. 2, a gap S is formed between the first pipe 101 and the second pipe 102, but this gap S may not be formed. The width direction of the annular covering 10 is the left-right direction in FIG. 2, corresponding to the direction in which the first pipe 101 and the second pipe 102 are arranged (the pipe axis direction). The thickness direction of the annular covering 10 is the up-down direction in FIG. 2.

[0024] On the outer peripheral surface of the annular covering 10 (the lower surface in FIG. 2), a plurality of first protrusion portions 11 are formed on the side of the first pipe 101. The plurality of first protrusion portions 11 are arranged at intervals in the width direction of the annular covering 10. Each first protrusion portion 11 extends continuously over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction of the annular covering 10. On the side of the second pipe 102 on the outer peripheral surface of the annular covering 10, a plurality of second protrusion portions 12 are formed in the same manner as the first protrusion portions 11. The plurality of second protrusion portions 12 are arranged at intervals in the width direction of the annular covering 10. Each second protrusion portion 12 extends continuously over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction of the annular covering 10. The first protrusion portions 11 and the second protrusion portions 12 contact the inner peripheral surface of the first pipe 101 and the inner peripheral surface of the second pipe 102, respectively. The first protrusion portions 11 and the second protrusion portions 12 may be formed as necessary and may be omitted.

[0025] At the end of the annular covering 10 on the side of the first tube 101, a first lip-shaped portion 13 is formed. The first lip-shaped portion 13 protrudes in a direction approaching the inner peripheral surface of the first tube 101 and extends continuously over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction of the annular covering 10. At the end of the annular covering 10 on the side of the second tube 102, a second lip-shaped portion 14 is formed. The second lip-shaped portion 14 protrudes in a direction approaching the inner peripheral surface of the second tube 102 and extends continuously over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction of the annular covering 10.

[0026] On the inner peripheral surface (the upper surface in FIG. 2) of the annular covering 10, a first concave portion 15 is formed on the side of the first tube 101. The first concave portion 15 is continuously formed over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction of the annular covering 10, and a first expansion member 20 is adapted to fit into the first concave portion 15.

[0027] A second concave portion 16 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the annular covering 10 on the side of the second tube 102. The second concave portion 16 is continuously formed over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction of the annular covering 10, and a second expansion member 30 is adapted to fit into the second concave portion 16.

[0028] In a portion of the annular covering 10 closer to the center in the width direction than the first concave portion 15, a first bulging portion 10a bulging inward of the annular covering 10 is formed. Also, in a portion of the annular covering 10 closer to the center in the width direction than the second concave portion 16, a second bulging portion 10b bulging inward of the annular covering 10 is formed. Further, in a portion of the annular covering 10 closer to the center in the width direction than the first bulging portion 10a, a third bulging portion 10c bulging outward of the annular covering 10 is formed. Furthermore, in a portion of the annular covering 10 closer to the center in the width direction than the second bulging portion 10b, a fourth bulging portion 10d bulging outward of the annular covering 10 is formed. The first bulging portion 10a, the second bulging portion 10b, the third bulging portion 10c, and the fourth bulging portion 10d are continuous over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction of the annular covering 10.

[0029] The annular covering 10 is provided with a reinforcing member 17. The reinforcing member 17 may be provided as needed, and the range in which the reinforcing member 17 is provided can also be set to an arbitrary range.

[0030] A fluid supply portion 40 is provided at the central portion in the width direction of the annular covering 10. The fluid supply portion 40 is a portion for supplying a test fluid from the outside to a space R formed between the outer peripheral surface of the annular covering 10 and the first pipe 101 and the second pipe 102. The test fluid is, for example, water, but is not limited to water, and various fluids can be used as the test fluid.

[0031] The pipe 50 shown in FIG. 1 is connected to the fluid supply portion 40 and is also connected to a supply / discharge device 60. The supply / discharge device 60 incorporates a pump (not shown) for feeding water as a test fluid to the pipe 50. When an operator performs a predetermined operation, the pump operates to feed water to the pipe 50. The pressure of the water can be adjusted arbitrarily. Further, a measuring instrument 70 is connected to the pipe 50, and the pressure of the test fluid in the pipe 50 can be constantly measured. The operator can grasp the pressure change of the test fluid by looking at the display of the measuring instrument 70. After the test, the test fluid can be discharged from the space R by the supply / discharge device 60.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a front view of the first expansion member 20 in a reduced diameter state, that is, a view seen along the pipe axis direction at the time of installation. FIG. 4 is a front view of the first expansion member 20 with the curved members 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d separated. The first expansion member 20 is a member for pressing the annular covering 10 of the watertightness test device 1 against the inner peripheral surface of the first pipe 101. The second expansion member 30 is configured in the same manner as the first expansion member 20 and is a member for pressing the annular covering 10 against the inner peripheral surface of the second pipe 102. Hereinafter, the structure of the first expansion member 20 will be described in detail.

[0033] The first extension member 20 includes a strip-shaped member 21 having a curved shape extending along the inner circumferential surface of the annular covering 10 and being composed of a flexible member. The circumferential direction of the strip-shaped member 21 is the longitudinal direction of the strip-shaped member 21. Also, the width direction of the strip-shaped member 21 is a direction that coincides with the pipe axis direction during installation. Further, since the strip-shaped member 21 has a curved shape extending along the inner circumferential surface of the annular covering 10, the outer side and the inner side of the curved shape can be defined. The outer side of the curved shape is the side that contacts the inner circumferential surface of the annular covering 10, and the inner side of the curved shape is the opposite side (the side that does not contact the inner circumferential surface of the annular covering 10).

[0034] The strip-shaped member 21 of this embodiment is composed of a plurality of curved members. Specifically, it is composed of four curved members, namely, a first curved member 21a, a second curved member 21b, a third curved member 21c, and a fourth curved member 21d. Note that the strip-shaped member 21 may be composed of one curved member, or may be composed of two or three curved members, or may be composed of five or more curved members.

[0035] The first curved member 21a, the second curved member 21b, the third curved member 21c, and the fourth curved member 21d are connected in the circumferential direction to form one strip-shaped member 21 having a shape close to a circle. The corresponding end portions in the longitudinal direction (circumferential direction) of the first curved member 21a and the second curved member 21b are connected by a first connecting portion 22. The corresponding end portions in the longitudinal direction (circumferential direction) of the second curved member 21b and the third curved member 21c are connected by a second connecting portion 23. The corresponding end portions in the longitudinal direction (circumferential direction) of the third curved member 21c and the fourth curved member 21d are connected by a third connecting portion 24. That is, the first extension member 20 includes the first connecting portion 22, the second connecting portion 23, and the third connecting portion 24. The first connecting portion 22, the second connecting portion 23, and the third connecting portion 24 are not particularly limited, but can be configured in the same manner as the diameter change structure 26 described later, for example. Also, the strip-shaped member 21 includes a handle 25 that protrudes toward the inner side of the curved shape.

[0036] The first extension member 20 is provided with a diameter change structure 26 that enables the diameter of the belt-shaped member 21 to be reduced and increased. FIGS. 5 to 12 are diagrams showing the diameter change structure 26, and the diameter change structure 26 includes a fixed block 27, an engaging portion 28, and a toggle clamp (an example of a holder) 29. Note that the holder may be configured by an instrument other than the toggle clamp 29.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 6, 8, etc., the fixed block 27 is fixed to the inner side in the radial direction of the end portion on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the belt-shaped member 21, that is, the end portion on the first curved member 21a side in the fourth curved member 21d, and is made of a high-rigidity and high-strength steel material or the like. The fixed block 27 extends in the width direction of the fourth curved member 21d and is provided at a position separated from one side from the end portion on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the belt-shaped member 21. As a result, the fixed block 27 is arranged at a position separated by a predetermined distance from the end portion on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the fourth curved member 21d to one side.

[0038] The engaging portion 28 is fixed to the inner surface in the radial direction of the second block 92. In this embodiment, two engaging portions 28 are fixed to the inner surface in the radial direction of the second block 92 while being separated from each other in the width direction of the belt-shaped member 21. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of engaging portions 28 may be one, or may be three or more.

[0039] Since the second block 92 is a member provided on the inner side in the radial direction on one side in the longitudinal direction of the belt-shaped member 21, each engaging portion 28 fixed to the second block 92 is also provided on the inner side in the radial direction on one side in the longitudinal direction of the belt-shaped member 21. Each engaging portion 28 is arranged so as to protrude radially inward from the inner surface in the radial direction of the second block 92 and has a hook shape protruding radially inward. Specifically, the base portion of each engaging portion 28 is fixed to the inner surface in the radial direction of the second block 92. A recessed portion 28a is formed on the side opposite to the toggle clamp 29 at the tip portion of each engaging portion 28 relative to the base portion. Each engaging portion 28 is made of, for example, a high-rigidity and high-strength plate material or the like.

[0040] The toggle clamp 29 is fixed to the radially inner surface of the fixed block 27. Since the fixed block 27 is provided away from one side from the end portion on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the belt-like member 21, the toggle clamp 29 will also be provided away from one side from the end portion on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the belt-like member 21. Further, since the fixed block 27 is provided on the radially inner side of the belt-like member 21, the toggle clamp 29 will also be provided on the radially inner side of the belt-like member 21.

[0041] The toggle clamp 29 has a base portion 29a, a lever 29b, and a frame-like member 29c. The base portion 29a is a portion fixed to the fixed block 27. A first support shaft 29d extending in the width direction of the belt-like member 21 is provided on the side of the base portion 29a close to the engaging portion 28. The proximal end portion of the lever 29b is supported via the first support shaft 29d so as to be swingable around the axis of the first support shaft 29d with respect to the base portion 29a.

[0042] A second support shaft 29e extending in the width direction of the belt-like member 21 is provided on the side of the lever 29b far from the engaging portion 28. The first support shaft 29d and the second support shaft 29e are parallel to each other. The proximal end portion of the frame-like member 29c is supported via the second support shaft 29e so as to be swingable around the axis of the second support shaft 29e with respect to the lever 29b. The frame-like member 29c is formed so as to be caught by the engaging portion 28 and has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view. The proximal end portion of this frame-like member 29c is fixed to the second support shaft 29e. Therefore, the frame-like member 29c can swing in the direction of approaching and separating from the first curved member 21a around its proximal end portion. As shown in FIG. 5, by swinging the frame-like member 29c in the direction of approaching the inner surface of the first curved member 21a and hooking it on the recessed portion 28a of the engaging portion 28, it becomes an engaged state. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, by swinging the frame-like member 29c in the direction of separating from the inner surface of the first curved member 21a and detaching it from the recessed portion 28a of the engaging portion 28, it becomes a non-engaged state. That is, the toggle clamp 29 is configured to be switchable between an engaged state in which the frame-like member 29c is hooked on the engaging portion 28 and a non-engaged state in which it is detached from the engaging portion 28.

[0043] As shown in Fig. 5, with the frame member 29c of the toggle clamp 29 engaged with the engaging portion 28, the lever 29b is pushed in the direction of arrow D and swung around the first support shaft 29d, whereby the engaging portion 28 is pulled in the direction of diameter reduction of the belt-like member 21 (right direction in Fig. 5). At this time, one side in the longitudinal direction of the belt-like member 21 is arranged on the radially inner side of the other side in the longitudinal direction of the belt-like member 21, that is, a state in which one side in the longitudinal direction of the belt-like member 21 and the other side in the longitudinal direction of the belt-like member 21 overlap in the thickness direction is set. When the lever 29b is strongly pushed in the direction of arrow D in this state, the lever 29b remains approaching the first curved member 21a by a so-called toggle mechanism. Thereby, the toggle clamp 29 can hold the engaging portion 28 in a state of being pulled in the direction of diameter reduction of the belt-like member 21.

[0044] Further, the first extension member 20 is provided on one side and the other side in the longitudinal direction of the belt-like member 21, respectively, and includes a spacer receiving portion 90 for receiving a spacer 80 (shown in Fig. 6) for holding the expanded state of the belt-like member 21. The spacer 80 is also made of a high-rigidity and high-strength steel material or the like.

[0045] The spacer receiving portion 90 includes a first block 91 and a second block 92. The second block 91 is configured in the same manner as the fixed block 27 and is fixed inside the other side in the longitudinal direction of the belt-like member 21, that is, near the end on the side of the fourth curved member 21d in the first curved member 21a.

[0046] The first block 91 is provided with a guide portion 94. The guide portion 94 is in the form of a plate extending from the radially inner surface of the first block 91 to the fixed block 27, and is located between the end of the other side in the longitudinal direction of the belt-like member 21 and the toggle clamp 29. This guide portion 94 is a member for guiding one side in the longitudinal direction of the belt-like member 21 in the direction approaching the toggle clamp 29. In the present embodiment, the guide portion 94 is in the form of a plate, but is not limited thereto and may be in the form of a block. Further, since the first block 91 and the fixed block 27 can be connected by the guide portion 94, the rigidity in the vicinity of the first block 91 and the fixed block 27 can be increased.

[0047] On the inner surface of the fourth bent member 21d, a second block 92 is fixed to its end portion, and a third block 93 is fixed to a portion longitudinally away from the second block 92. A connecting plate 95 is fixed to the third block 93. The connecting plate 95 is a member that connects the third block 93 and the second block 92. By connecting the third block 93 and the second block 92 with the connecting plate 95, the rigidity in the vicinity of the third block 93 and the second block 92 can be increased.

[0048] With the belt-like member 21 in an expanded diameter state, the arms of a hydraulic expander (not shown) are applied to the third block 93 and the fixed block 27, and a force is applied in a direction in which the third block 93 and the fixed block 27 move away from each other. As a result, the belt-like member 21 can be further expanded to press the annular covering 10 against the inner peripheral surface of the first pipe 101. At the stage when a predetermined pressing force is obtained, by installing the spacer 80 between the first block 91 and the second block 92, the expanded state of the belt-like member 21 is maintained. The second expansion member 30 can also be reduced in diameter and expanded in the same manner. In this way, a watertight test can be performed using the expansion members 20 and 30.

[0049] (Operation and Effect of the Embodiment) According to this embodiment, after the annular covering 10 is installed so as to extend from the inner peripheral surface of the first pipe 101 to the inner peripheral surface of the second pipe 102, when the belt-like member 21 is disposed inside the annular covering 10 and then expanded and the spacer 80 is received by the spacer receiving portion 90, the belt-like member 21 is held in an expanded state, so that the annular covering 10 is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the first pipe 101. Similarly, the annular covering 10 is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the second pipe 102 by the second expansion member 30.

[0050] Then, a test fluid is supplied to the space R formed between the outer peripheral surface of the annular covering 10 and the first pipe 101 and the second pipe 102, and by measuring the pressure change of the test fluid, the result of the watertightness test can be obtained.

[0051] After performing the waterproof test on one of the plurality of connection parts as described above, when performing the waterproof test on a connection part different from that connection part, it is necessary to reduce the diameter of the belt-like member 21 in the expanded state. When reducing the diameter of the belt-like member 21, after overlapping one longitudinal side of the belt-like member 21 and the other longitudinal side of the belt-like member 21 in the thickness direction, after engaging the frame-shaped member 29c of the toggle clamp 29 with the engaging portion 28, by simply performing an operation of pushing the lever 29b in the direction of arrow D (shown in FIG. 5), the diameter of the belt-like member 21 can be reduced and the belt-like member 21 can be held in a state where its diameter is reduced, so that the work of reducing the diameter of the belt-like member 21 becomes easy.

[0052] By reducing the diameter of the belt-like member 21, the work of transporting the inside of the pipe to another connection part also becomes easy. When transporting the belt-like member 21, the belt-like member 21 may be rolled, or it may be transported in a suspended state using a cart or the like (not shown).

[0053] After transporting the belt-like member 21 to another connection part and expanding it, when expanding it, after swinging the lever 29b of the toggle clamp 29 in the direction opposite to the direction of arrow D, the frame-shaped member 29c is swung to disengage it from the engaging portion 28.

[0054] Therefore, since all the operations of reducing the diameter of the belt-like member 21, transporting it, and expanding its diameter become easy, even if it is necessary to repeat the waterproof test dozens of times or more than a hundred times, it is possible to greatly reduce the labor.

[0055] The above-described embodiment is merely an example in all respects and should not be construed in a limiting manner. Furthermore, all modifications and changes belonging to the equivalent scope of the claims are within the scope of the present invention. The number of portions that enable the reduction and expansion of the diameter of the belt-like member 21 can be any number.

Industrial Applicability

[0056] As described above, the expansion member of the waterproof test device according to the present invention can be used, for example, when connecting a plurality of pipes on-site to form a water channel or the like.

Explanation of Signs

[0057] 1 Watertightness test device 10 Annular covering 20 First extension member 21 Strip member 28 Engagement part 29 Toggle clamp (holder) 29c Frame-shaped member 80 Spacer 90 Spacer receiving part

Claims

1. An expansion member of a watertightness test device for pressing an annular covering member of a watertightness test device for testing the watertightness of a connection portion between a first pipe and a second pipe against the inner peripheral surface of the pipe, A strip member formed of a flexible member having a curved shape extending along the inner peripheral surface of the annular covering member, An engaging portion provided on one side in the longitudinal direction of the strip member, A holder provided on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the strip member, engaging with the engaging portion and holding the engaging portion in a state of being pulled in the diameter-reducing direction of the strip member, Spacer receiving portions provided on one side and the other side in the longitudinal direction of the strip member respectively for receiving spacers for maintaining the expanded state of the strip member. An expansion member of a watertightness test device.

2. In the expansion member of the watertightness test device according to Claim 1, The engaging portion is provided on the inner side in the radial direction on one side in the longitudinal direction of the strip member and is arranged to protrude inward in the radial direction, The holder is provided on the inner side in the radial direction on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the strip member. An expansion member of a watertightness test device.

3. In the expansion member of the watertightness test device according to Claim 2, The holder is configured to engage with the engaging portion in a state where one side in the longitudinal direction of the strip member is arranged inside the other side in the longitudinal direction of the strip member in the radial direction. An expansion member of a watertightness test device.

4. In the expansion member of the watertightness test device according to Claim 3, The holder is provided away from one side from the end portion on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the strip member, Between the end portion on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the strip member and the holder, a guiding portion for guiding one side in the longitudinal direction of the strip member in a direction approaching the holder is provided. An expansion member of a watertightness test device.

5. In the expansion member of the watertightness test device according to Claim 3, The engaging portion has a hook shape, The holder includes a frame-shaped member formed to be hooked on the engaging portion, and is configured to be switchable between an engaged state where the frame-shaped member is hooked on the engaging portion and a non-engaged state where it is detached from the engaging portion. An expansion member of a watertightness test device.

6. A method of performing a watertightness test using the expansion member of the watertightness test device according to any one of Claims 1 to 5.

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