Maintenance method of underwater facility

Abstract

To provide a maintenance method of an underwater facility capable of installing a water stop mechanism so as to surround an underwater facility without interfering with obstacles above the underwater facility.SOLUTION: The water stop structure 1-1 is U-shaped and includes a back panel 10-1 and side panels 20-1, 30-1. The side panel 20-1 is rotatably connected to the back panel 10-1. After the water stop structure 1-1 is lowered into a waterway 100 from a position other than above an underwater facility 110, the water stop mechanism 1-1 is moved toward the underwater facility 110 in a state where the side panel 20-1 is rotated open, to be arranged at a position that surrounds the underwater facility 110. The side panel 20-1 is then rotated in the opposite direction to be closed, top edges of the side panels 20-1, 30-1 abut a side wall surface 100b, and bottom edges of the side panels 20-1, 30-1 and the back panel 10-1 abut a water bottom surface 100a. In a dry space where water in an enclosed area S1 surrounded by the water stop structure 1-1, the side wall surface 100b, and the water bottom surface 100a is drained, maintenance of the underwater facility 110 is performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a maintenance method for underwater equipment that allows maintenance of equipment exposed in a predetermined underwater area by making the area waterproof (a dry space without water). [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in sewage treatment plants and the like, a non-stop water supply method has been used to perform maintenance on equipment and the like (hereinafter also referred to as "underwater equipment") located in a waterway through which water constantly flows, in which maintenance is performed without stopping the entire waterway. The non-stop water supply method involves, for example, using a waterstop (a stopper) to block the upstream and downstream portions of the waterway from the underwater equipment, draining the water between them, exposing the underwater equipment, and performing maintenance while bypassing the water in the waterway upstream of the waterway blocked by the waterstop using a temporary pipe to flow into a waterway downstream of the blocked waterway, or bypassing the water in the waterway upstream of the waterway blocked by the waterstop using a temporary submersible pump to flow into a waterway downstream of the blocked waterway, thereby preventing the water supply from being cut off.

[0003] However, with the conventional non-stop water supply method described above, the installation of waterstops and other equipment requires a temporary halt in the flow of water into the waterway, which raises concerns about the impact on water treatment, resulting in installation time constraints.In addition, there is a risk of temporary pipes and submersible pumps becoming clogged or breaking down during the installation period, so a maintenance system for constant monitoring is required.

[0004] A known technique for solving the above problems is a water supply interruption construction method using a water stop box, as shown in Patent Document 1. Figures 5 and 7 of Patent Document 1 disclose that a gate (G), which is underwater equipment, is covered with a water seal tank (11, 32) placed in a waterway, and the water inside is drained using a pump (39) or the like to create a dry space, allowing maintenance of the gate (G). With this water supply interruption construction method, the water seal tank (11, 32) does not block the entire waterway, so the flow of water in the waterway is not interrupted. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-226945 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, if there are obstacles such as various devices for operating the underwater equipment, pipes, or ceilings above the waterway in which the underwater equipment is installed, it is not possible to insert the above-mentioned water seal tank (11, 32) into the waterway from directly above the underwater equipment.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and its purpose is to provide a maintenance method for underwater equipment that can install a water-stopping mechanism to surround the underwater equipment without interfering with any obstacles above the underwater equipment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The water-stopping structure for underwater equipment used in the present invention is a water-stopping structure that surrounds the underwater equipment installed in a waterway and turns the surrounded area into a dry space for maintenance of the underwater equipment.The water-stopping structure is a U-shaped structure having a back plate installed at a predetermined distance from one side wall surface of the waterway and a pair of side plates attached to both left and right sides of the back plate and with their tip edges abutting one side wall surface of the waterway, or a box-shaped structure having a back plate installed at a predetermined distance from one side wall surface of the waterway and a pair of side plates attached to both left and right sides of the back plate and with their tip edges abutting one side wall surface of the waterway, and a bottom plate that covers the bottom surfaces of the back plate and the pair of side plates, and it is preferable that at least one of the pair of side plates is rotatably connected to the back plate. According to this water-stopping structure, even if there is an obstacle above the underwater equipment and the water-stopping structure cannot be inserted into the waterway from above the underwater equipment, the water-stopping structure can be inserted into the waterway from a location where there is no obstacle, and then moved through the waterway to a position facing the underwater equipment with the side panel on the underwater equipment side open, and the open side panel can be closed to easily surround the underwater equipment. In other words, even if there is an obstacle above the underwater equipment, the water-stopping mechanism can be installed to surround the underwater equipment without interfering with the obstacle. Then, by draining the water from the enclosed area, maintenance of the underwater equipment can be performed in the dry space created. The water stop mechanism allows maintenance of underwater facilities without stopping the flow of water in waterways with constant flow, so water can be used even during the construction period when the water stop mechanism is installed and maintenance is performed, and the water stop mechanism can be easily installed, reducing construction costs. Of course, the water stop mechanism can also be used in waterways without flowing water. Waterways include rivers and waterways formed near coasts. The above-mentioned water-stopping mechanism is particularly suitable for use in water treatment facilities such as sewage treatment plants, where maintenance (such as equipment updates, part replacement, inspection, cleaning, repainting, etc.) of underwater equipment (such as sludge extraction valves and inflow gates installed in sewage treatment plants) is required in waterways where water is constantly flowing and the water supply cannot be cut off.

[0009] In addition to the above configuration, the water-stopping structure of the underwater equipment used in the present invention comprises a pressing means having one end attached to the side panel and the other end attached to the side wall surface of the waterway opposite the side wall surface against which the side panel abuts, or to an obstacle installed at the top of the waterway, and it is preferable that the pressing means has an extension / contraction mechanism that allows extension and contraction between both ends. According to this water-stopping structure, the water-stopping structure can be pressed against the side wall surface and / or bottom surface of the waterway by a pressing means having an expansion and contraction mechanism, thereby allowing the water-stopping mechanism to exert its water-stopping effect more effectively.

[0010] In addition to the above configuration, it is preferable that the water-stopping structure of the underwater equipment used in the present invention has the U-shaped structure and further comprises a bridge member spanning between the pair of side panels, and a pressing means attached to the bridge member for pushing up obstacles installed at the top of the waterway. According to this water stop structure, the water stop structure is pressed against the bottom surface of the waterway by the crossing member and the pressing means, so that the water stop mechanism can exert its water stop action more effectively.

[0011] The present invention relates to a maintenance method for underwater equipment, in which the periphery of underwater equipment installed in a waterway is surrounded by a water-stopping structure, and the surrounded area is used as a dry space for maintenance of the underwater equipment, the underwater equipment being exposed into the waterway from a side wall surface of the waterway, the water-stopping structure having a back plate, a pair of side plates attached to both left and right sides of the back plate, and a bottom plate covering the bottom surfaces of the back plate and the pair of side plates, and at least one of the pair of side plates being a box-shaped structure rotatably connected to the back plate, and the water-stopping structure is arranged so that the underwater equipment is maintained in a dry space except for an upper part thereof. After lowering the water stop mechanism from a low position into the waterway, the side panels of the water stop structure on the underwater equipment side are rotated open and the water stop mechanism is moved toward the underwater equipment to place it in a position where it can enclose the underwater equipment, the open side panels are rotated in the opposite direction to close it, the leading edges of the pair of side panels and the bottom panel are abutted against the side wall surfaces of the waterway, and water is drained from the closed area surrounded by the pair of side panels, bottom panel, and back panel of the water stop structure and the side wall surfaces of the waterway to form a dry space, and the underwater equipment can be maintained in the dry space. According to the present invention, even if there is an obstacle on the top of the underwater equipment exposed in the waterway from the side wall surface of the waterway and the water-stopping structure cannot be inserted into the waterway from the top of the underwater equipment, a water-stopping mechanism can be easily installed to surround the underwater equipment without interfering with the obstacle, thereby forming a dry space and allowing maintenance of the underwater equipment to be performed.

[0012] The present invention also relates to a maintenance method for underwater equipment, in which the periphery of underwater equipment installed in a waterway is surrounded by a waterstop structure, and the surrounded area is used as a dry space for maintenance of the underwater equipment, the underwater equipment being exposed into the waterway from a side wall surface of the waterway or the bottom surface of the waterway, the waterstop structure having a back plate and a pair of side plates attached to both left and right sides of the back plate, and at least one of the pair of side plates being a U-shaped structure rotatably connected to the back plate, and after the waterstop structure is lowered into the waterway from a position other than an upper part of the underwater equipment, The side panel of the water-stopping structure on the underwater equipment side is rotated open, and the water-stopping mechanism is moved toward the underwater equipment to place it in a position that can enclose the underwater equipment, and the open side panel is rotated in the opposite direction to close it, and the leading edges of the pair of side panels are abutted against the side wall surfaces of the waterway, and further the lower edges of the pair of side panels and the back panel are abutted against the bottom surface of the waterway, and water is drained from the closed area surrounded by the pair of side panels and back panel of the water-stopping structure and the side wall surfaces and bottom surface of the waterway to form a dry space, and the underwater equipment can be maintained within the dry space. According to the present invention, even if there is an obstacle on the top of underwater equipment that is exposed in the waterway from the side wall surface or the bottom surface of the waterway, making it impossible to insert a water-stopping structure into the waterway from the top of the underwater equipment, a water-stopping mechanism can be easily installed to surround the underwater equipment without interfering with the obstacle, thereby forming a dry space and allowing maintenance of the underwater equipment.

[0013] In addition to the above features, the present invention is characterized in that, before draining water from the closed area, the water-stopping structure is pressed using a pressing means in a direction that improves the water-stopping properties between the waterway side wall surface and / or the water bottom surface. The direction in which the water-stopping properties are improved refers to the horizontal direction toward the side wall surface of the waterway and / or the vertical direction toward the bottom surface of the waterway. According to the present invention, the water stopping structure is pressed against the side wall surface and / or the bottom surface of the waterway, so that the water stopping effect of the water stopping mechanism can be more effectively exerted. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, even if there is an obstacle above the underwater facility, a water stopping structure can be easily installed to surround the underwater facility without interfering with the obstacle. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a water-stopping structure 1-1. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the water-stopping structure 1-1. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of use of the waterproof structure 1-1. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of use of the waterproof structure 1-1. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of use of the waterproof structure 1-1. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of use of the waterproof structure 1-1. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of use of the waterproof structure 1-1. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of use of the waterproof structure 1-1. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a method of using another installation example of the water stop structure 1-1. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the essential parts for explaining the method of use of another installation example of the water stop structure 1-1. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a method of using another installation example of the water stop structure 1-1. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the essential parts for explaining the method of use of another installation example of the water stop structure 1-1. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a water-stopping structure 1-2. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the water-stopping structure 1-2. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of use of the waterproof structure 1-2. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of use of the waterproof structure 1-2. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of use of the waterproof structure 1-2. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of a main part of a rotation mechanism 50-1. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is an enlarged schematic vertical cross-sectional view of a main part of a waterproof elastic body 17-1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. [First embodiment] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a water stop structure 1-1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the water stop structure 1-1. As shown in these figures, the water stop structure 1-1 has a U-shaped structure including a back panel 10-1 and a pair of side panels 20-1, 30-1 attached to both left and right sides 11-1, 13-1 of the back panel 1-1. Here, the direction from the pair of side panels 20-1, 30-1 facing the back panel 10-1 is referred to as the rear (or rear end side), the direction facing the opposite side of the back panel 10-1 is referred to as the front (or front end side), the direction facing the bottom of Fig. 1 is referred to as the downside (or bottom side), and the direction facing the top is referred to as the upside (or upper side).

[0017] The rear panel 10-1 is formed by forming a flat plate into a rectangular shape. A waterproof elastic body 17-1 is attached to the lower side 15-1 of the rear panel 10-1 along the entire length of the lower surface. The waterproof elastic body 17-1 is made of, for example, an elastomer having rubber elasticity.

[0018] Figure 19 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the main part of the waterproof elastic body 17-1. As shown in the figure, the waterproof elastic body 17-1 is configured by providing a cylindrical pressure-contact portion E2 that protrudes downward (outward) near one end of an elastic body main body E1 made of a long, strip-shaped rubber plate. The pressure-contact portion E2 is formed over the entire longitudinal length of the elastic body main body E1. The waterproof elastic bodies 23-1, 25-1, 33-1, 35-1, 23-2, 33-2, and 43-2 described below are also formed with a similar structure.

[0019] 1 and 2, the pair of side panels 20-1, 30-1 have the same shape and dimensions and are formed by forming flat panels into a rectangular shape. Waterproof elastic bodies 23-1, 25-1, 33-1, and 35-1 are attached along the entire length of the leading edge 21-1, 31-1 of each side panel 20-1, 30-1, which is the edge extending in the vertical direction on the side not connected to the back panel 10-1, and the bottom edge 22-1, 32-1 of each side panel 20-1, 30-1. The waterproof elastic bodies 23-1, 25-1, 33-1, and 35-1 are formed of the same structure and material as the waterproof elastic body 17-1.

[0020] The vertically extending sides 27-1 and 37-1 of each of the pair of side panels 20-1 and 30-1 (the side facing the rear panel 10-1) are rotatably attached to the vertically extending left and right sides 11-1 and 13-1 of the rear panel 10-1 by rotation mechanisms 50-1 and 50-1. FIG. 18 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of a main portion of the rotation mechanism 50-1. As shown in the figure, the rotation mechanism 50-1 is configured by pivotally connecting the rear panel 10-1 and the side panel 20-1 (30-1) via multiple hinges attached in the vertical direction. As a result, the water-stopping structure 1-1 is configured such that the side panels 20-1 and 30-1 are opened outward by the rotation mechanisms 50-1 and 50-1 to a position where their surfaces are at least approximately parallel to the surface of the rear panel 10-1, as shown by the dotted lines in FIG. 2. In some cases, the side panels may be opened to an angle smaller or larger than the parallel position. It should be noted that various rotation mechanisms other than hinges may be used as long as they are capable of rotatably attaching the pair of side panels 20-1 and 3-1 to the back panel 10-1.

[0021] The outer surface of the portion (vertical connection edge) where rear panel 10-1 and the pair of side panels 20-1, 30-1 are rotatably connected is covered over its entire vertical length with a waterproof elastic body 55-1. As shown in Fig. 18, waterproof elastic body 55-1 is a long elastic plate (e.g., a rubber plate) with a substantially semicircular (approximately Ω-shaped) cross section, and both side portions thereof are fixed to rear panel 10-1 and side panel 20-1 (and rear panel 10-1 and side panel 30-1) by pressing plates 56-1, thereby forming a waterproof structure in which the entire vertical length of the connection edge portion between rear panel 10-1 and side panel 20-1 (and rear panel 10-1 and side panel 30-1) is covered.

[0022] [Example of use of water-stopping structure 1-1] 3 to 8 are diagrams showing an example of use of the water stop structure 1-1, where (a) in each diagram is a plan view of the main part and (b) in each diagram is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of the main part (schematic cross-sectional portion along AA in FIG. 3(a)). This example shows the use of the water stop structure 1-1 when updating a sludge withdrawal valve 110 installed in a final sedimentation tank of a sewage treatment facility.

[0023] Figure 3(a) shows the vicinity of a sludge withdrawal valve 110 installed in the final sedimentation tank. Specifically, Figure 3(a) shows a valve device installation base 101 placed above a waterway 100 through which sludge collected in the final sedimentation tank of a sewage treatment facility flows, crossing the waterway 100 at predetermined intervals. A valve device 103 is placed on the valve device installation base 101, and a sludge withdrawal valve 110 is installed in the waterway 100 below the valve device installation base 101. The sludge withdrawal valve 110 is configured by connecting an inner cylinder 111 at its top, an outer cylinder 113 at its bottom, and a withdrawal pipe 115 at the bottom of the outer cylinder 113. The inner cylinder 111 is movable up and down relative to the outer cylinder 113, and has a sludge withdrawal port 112 consisting of an upward-facing trumpet-shaped nozzle at its top. The inner cylinder 111 is moved up and down via an inner cylinder lifting device (not shown) by rotating the handle 105 of the valve opening and closing machine 103. This moves the position of the sludge withdrawal port 112 up and down, thereby adjusting the flow rate of sludge withdrawn from the sludge withdrawal port 112 to the withdrawal pipe 115. The portion of the waterway 100 between the valve opening and closing machine installation bases 101 is an open channel 117, and the water surface is exposed.

[0024] When performing maintenance (for example, updating) on ​​the sludge withdrawal valve 110, the sludge withdrawal valve 110 is fully closed in advance by operating the handle 105 of the target sludge withdrawal valve 110. Next, it is necessary to insert the water stop mechanism 1-1 shown in Figure 1 into the water channel 100 to surround the sludge withdrawal valve 110, but because the valve opening / closing device support base 101 is installed above the sludge withdrawal valve 110, this acts as an obstacle and makes it impossible to insert the water stop mechanism 1-1 from directly above the sludge withdrawal valve 110.

[0025] For this purpose, as shown in FIG. 4(a), the water stop mechanism 1-1 is inserted into the waterway 100 from the open channel 117 on the side of the sludge withdrawal valve 110 to be maintained.

[0026] Next, as shown in FIG. 5(a), the side panel 20-1 on the side of the right sludge withdrawal valve 110 to be maintained is opened.

[0027] 6(a) and 6(b), the water stop mechanism 1-1 is moved within the waterway 100 to a position surrounding the sludge withdrawal valve 110 that is the maintenance target. If there is a flow of sludge within the waterway 100, it is preferable to open both the side panel 20-1 and the other side panel 30-1, as this will make the water stop structure 1-1 parallel to the flow and greatly reduce movement resistance (the same applies to the following examples).

[0028] 7(a) and 7(b), the open side panel 20-1 is moved back to its original position and closed. At this time, the waterproof elastic bodies 17-1, 25-1, and 35-1 on the bottom of the water-stopping structure 1-1 shown in FIG. 1 are brought into contact with the water bottom surface 100a of the waterway 100, and the waterproof elastic bodies 23-1 and 33-1 on each of the side panels 20-1 and 30-1 of the water-stopping structure 1-1 are brought into contact with one side wall surface 100b of the waterway 100. This forms a closed area S1 surrounded by the pair of side panels 20-1 and 30-1 of the water-stopping structure 1-1, the back panel 10-1, and the water bottom surface 100a and side wall surfaces 100b of the waterway 100.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b), a drainage pump P is inserted into the water in the closed area S1, and the water in the closed area S1 is drained into an external water channel 100, thereby forming a dry space.

[0030] Next, workers enter the closed area S1, which has become a dry space, and perform maintenance on the sludge withdrawal valve 110. The maintenance includes replacing the sludge withdrawal valve 110, replacing parts, inspection, cleaning, repainting, and the like.

[0031] When maintenance of the sludge extraction valve 110 is completed, the workers leave the closed area S1, then the closed area S1 is filled with surrounding wastewater using a pump P or the like, and the water stop structure 1-1 is removed by the reverse process of the above. That is, one of the closed side panels 20-1 is opened (see Figure 6), the water stop structure 1-1 is moved within the waterway 100 to the position of the open channel 117 (see Figure 5), the open side panel 20-1 is closed (see Figure 4), and the water stop structure 1-1 is removed from the open channel 117 (see Figure 3).

[0032] As described above, by using the water stop structure 1-1, even if an obstacle such as the valve opening / closing device installation base 101 exists above the sludge withdrawal valve 110, which is a submersible facility, preventing the water stop structure 1-1 from being inserted into the waterway 100 from above the sludge withdrawal valve 110, the water stop structure 1-1 can be inserted into the waterway 100 from a location free of the obstacle, and with the side panel 20-1 on the sludge withdrawal valve 110 side of the water stop structure 1-1 open toward the sludge withdrawal valve 110, the water stop structure 1-1 can be moved within the waterway 100 to a position facing the sludge withdrawal valve 110 without interfering with the obstacle, and the open side panel 20-1 can be closed to easily enclose the sludge withdrawal valve 110. Then, by draining the water from the enclosed enclosed area S1, maintenance of the sludge withdrawal valve 110 can be performed in the dry space created. Furthermore, the water stop mechanism 1-1 can be easily installed, reducing construction costs.

[0033] By using the water stop mechanism 1-1, the desired sludge withdrawal valve 110 can be maintained without stopping the flow of water in the waterway 100, while other sludge withdrawal valves 110 can be used as usual.

[0034] [Another installation example of watertight structure 1-1] 9 and 10 show how, when the water-stopping structure 1-1 is installed to surround underwater equipment such as the sludge withdrawal valve 110, the bottom edges 15-1, 22-1, and 32-1 of the water-stopping structure 1-1, i.e., the waterproofing elastic bodies 17-1, 25-1, and 35-1, are pressed firmly against the bottom surface 100a of the waterway 100, and how the tip edges 21-1 and 31-1 of the side panels 20-1 and 30-1, i.e., the waterproofing elastic bodies 23-1 and 33-1, are pressed firmly against the side wall surface 100b of the waterway 100. Fig. 9 is a perspective view illustrating how to use the water-stopping structure 1-1, and Fig. 10 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the main parts for illustrating how to use the water-stopping structure 1-1. Fig. 10 corresponds to Fig. 7(b).

[0035] To firmly press the water stop structure 1-1 installed in the waterway 100 against the bottom surface 100a of the waterway 100, first, as shown in FIG. 9, both ends of the crossover member 61 are fixed to the upper ends of the side panels 20-1 and 30-1 near the ends opposite the back panel 10-1, so that the crossover member 61 spans between the pair of side panels 20-1 and 30-1. The crossover member 61 is formed of a rod-shaped member having a predetermined rigidity, such as an angle. Next, jack members (jack bases) 63 and 65 are attached facing upward as pressing members to the center of the crossover member 61 and the center of the upper edge of the back panel 10-1. At this time, as shown in FIG. 10, the jack members 63 and 65 are positioned between the water stop structure 1-1 and the valve opening / closing device installation base 101, which is an obstacle above it. The jack members 63 and 65 have built-in extension / retraction mechanisms that allow their length to be extended or retracted by rotating rotation operating parts 64 and 66. Then, by rotating the rotary operating parts 64, 66, the jack members 63, 65 are extended, and their upper ends push up the base 101 for installing the valve opening and closing device, and as a reaction, the water-stopping structure 1-1 (each waterproof elastic body 17-1, 25-1, 35-1) is pressed firmly against the bottom surface 100a of the waterway 100.

[0036] As shown by the dotted line in Figure 10, a jack member 67 is installed between the back panel 10-1 of the water-stopping structure 1-1 and the side wall surface 100c of the waterway 100, and by rotating the rotation operating part 68, this jack member 67 is extended and presses against the side wall surface 100c, and as a reaction, the water-stopping structure 1-1 (waterproofing elastic body 23-1, 33-1) is pressed firmly against the side wall surface 100b of the waterway 100.

[0037] This improves the adhesion of the water stop structure 1-1 to the water bottom surface 100a and the side wall surface 100b of the water channel 100, and further strengthens the water stop effect of the water stop mechanism 1-1. When the water in the closed area S1 of the water stop structure 1-1 is drained to create a dry space, water will try to infiltrate the dry space with great force, but the jack members 63, 65, 67 can reliably prevent this infiltration.

[0038] In the above example, the jack members 63, 65, and 67 are installed on the top and sides of the water-stopping structure 1-1, respectively. However, in some cases, one or more jack members may be installed only on the top or only on the sides. Furthermore, the locations where the jack members 63, 65, and 67 are installed are not limited to the above locations, and they may be installed in various other locations. Furthermore, the location where the crossing member 61 is installed is not limited to the above location, and it may be installed in various other locations as long as it spans between the two side panels 20-1 and 30-1.

[0039] In addition, in this water-stopping structure 1-1, both side panels 20-1, 30-1 can be opened and closed freely, so that, for example, after completing maintenance on one sludge withdrawal valve 110 by opening and closing one side panel 20-1 as described above, it is easy to perform maintenance on the adjacent sludge withdrawal valve 110 by moving it laterally within the waterway 100 and opening and closing the opposite side panel 30-1 (the same applies to the water-stopping structure 1-2 described below).

[0040] [Another installation example of watertight structure 1-1] 11 and 12 show another method of firmly pressing the bottom edges 15-1, 22-1, and 32-1 of the water stop structure 1-1, i.e., the waterproofing elastic bodies 17-1, 25-1, and 35-1, against the bottom surface 100a of the waterway 100 when the water stop structure 1-1 is installed to surround the periphery of underwater equipment such as the sludge withdrawal valve 110, and also firmly pressing the tip edges 21-1 and 31-1 of the side panels 20-1 and 30-1, i.e., the waterproofing elastic bodies 23-1 and 33-1, against the side wall surface 100b of the waterway 100. Fig. 11 is a perspective view illustrating how to use the water stop structure 1-1, and Fig. 12 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the main parts illustrating how to use the water stop structure 1-1. Fig. 12 corresponds to Fig. 7(b).

[0041] In this example, jack members (jack bases) 69, 71 are used as a pair of pressing means, one end of which is attached to the left and right side panels 20-1, 30-1. The jack members 69, 71 each have plate-shaped mounting members 73, 74, 75, 76 at both ends, which are connected by rod-shaped jack member bodies 77, 79. The mounting members 73, 74, 75, 76 are rotatably connected to the jack member bodies 77, 79 by universal joints or the like. The jack member bodies 77, 79 incorporate an extension mechanism, and extend and retract by rotating the rotation operating parts 77a, 79a, which are components of the extension mechanism.

[0042] As described above, the jack members 69, 71 have the mounting members 73, 75 on one end thereof fixed to the outer surfaces of the left and right side panels 20-1, 30-1, and the mounting members 74, 76 on the other end thereof fixed to the side wall surface 100c of the waterway 100, as shown in Figure 12.

[0043] Then, by rotating the rotary operating parts 77a, 79a, the jack members 69, 71 are extended and the water-stopping structure 1-1 (each waterproofing elastic body 17-1, 23-1, 25-1, 33-1, 35-1) is pressed firmly against the bottom surface 100a and side wall surface 100b of the waterway 100, thereby improving adhesion and strengthening the water-stopping effect of the water-stopping mechanism 1-1.

[0044] The location where the mounting members 74, 76 are attached is not limited to the side wall surface 100c of the water passage 100, but may also be the underside of the valve opening and closing device installation base 101, which is an obstacle.

[0045] Second Embodiment Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a water-stopping structure 1-2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 14 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the water-stopping structure 1-2. In the water-stopping structure 1-2 shown in Figs. 13 and 14, parts that are the same as or equivalent to those in the water-stopping structure 1-1 according to the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 2 are given the same reference numerals (except for the reference numeral "-2"), and detailed descriptions of these parts will be omitted. Note that matters other than those described below are the same as those in the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

[0046] The differences between this water-stopping structure 1-2 and the above-mentioned water-stopping structure 1-1 are that in addition to the back panel 10-2 and a pair of side panels 20-2, 30-2, a bottom panel 40-2 is provided to cover the bottom surfaces of the back panel 20-2 and the pair of side panels 20-2, 30-2, that the waterproof elastic bodies 17-1, 25-1, 35-1 attached to the back panel 10-1 and side panels 20-1, 30-1 in the first embodiment are not attached, and that a waterproof elastic body 43-2 is attached to the tip edge 41-2 of the bottom panel 40-2.

[0047] That is, the waterproof structure 1-2 is configured as a box-shaped structure (a box-shaped structure with open front and top) having a back panel 10-2, a pair of side panels 20-2, 30-2 attached to both left and right sides 11-2, 13-2 of the back panel 10-2, and a bottom panel 40-2 covering the bottom surfaces of the back panel 10-2 and the pair of side panels 20-2, 30-2.

[0048] The bottom panel 40-2 is formed by forming a flat plate into a rectangular shape. The edge of the bottom panel 40-2 facing the back panel 10-2 (rear side) is connected at a right angle to the bottom edge 15-2 of the back panel 10-2. A waterproof elastic body 43-2 is attached to the tip edge 41-2 of the bottom panel 40-2 along its entire length. The waterproof elastic body 43-2 has the same structure as the waterproof elastic body 17-1 described in FIG. 19 above.

[0049] 14, the side panels 20-2 and 30-2 are rotatably attached to the back panel 10-2 by rotation mechanisms 50-2 and 50-2, and are therefore joined to or separated from the left and right sides of the bottom panel 40-2. The left and right sides of the bottom panel 40-2 and the lower sides 22-2 and 32-2 of the side panels 20-2 and 30-2 are configured to be in direct contact with each other, or an elastic body (not shown) is attached between the two, so that they are watertight (closely attached) when joined.

[0050] [Example of use of water-stopping structure 1-2] Next, we will explain an example of using the water-stopping structure 1-2 for maintenance of an inflow gate (underwater equipment) of a primary sedimentation tank in a sewage treatment facility. Figure 15(a) is a plan view of the main part showing the area around the inflow gate 210 of the primary sedimentation tank, and Figure 15(b) is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view (BB schematic cross-sectional view) of the main part of Figure 15(a).

[0051] As shown in Figure 15, each of the first, second, and third system primary sedimentation tanks 250A, 250B, and 250C of a sewage treatment facility is provided with an inlet 251 through which sewage flows in from a waterway (inlet waterway) 260, and each inlet 251 is provided with an inlet gate 210 that opens and closes the inlet. The inlet gate 210 is comprised of an inlet gate body 211 that opens and closes the inlet 251, a lifting rod 212 whose lower end is fixed to the inlet gate body 211, and a gate lifting mechanism 213 that is installed on the upper part of the lifting rod 212 and drives the inlet gate body 211 and the lifting rod 212 up and down. The gate lifting mechanism 213 is installed on a lifting mechanism installation base 217 installed on the waterway 260, and in this example, the lifting mechanism installation base 217 becomes an obstacle.

[0052] When the handle 231A of the gate lifting mechanism 213 is rotated, the lifting rod 212 and the inflow gate body 211 are lowered from the position shown in the figure, and wastewater flows into the primary sedimentation tank 250A through the inlet 251, where it is treated.

[0053] Next, a method for updating the inflow gate 210 (particularly the inflow gate body 211 and the lifting rod 212) using the water-stopping structure 1-2 will be described with reference to Figures 16 and 17. In this example, the case of updating the inflow gate 210 of the first system primary sedimentation tank 250A will be described.

[0054] When performing maintenance (for example, updating) on ​​the inflow gate 210 of the first-system primary sedimentation tank 250A while the second-system and third-system primary sedimentation tanks 250B and 250C are in normal operation, first drain the water from the first-system primary sedimentation tank 250A downstream of the inflow gate 210. Next, it is necessary to insert the water stop mechanism 1-2 shown in Fig. 13 into the waterway 260 to surround the inflow gate main body 211, but because the lifting mechanism installation base 217 is installed above the inflow gate main body 211, this acts as an obstacle and makes it impossible to insert the water stop mechanism 1-2 from directly above the inflow gate main body 211.

[0055] For this reason, as shown in the water stop mechanism 1-2(A) in FIG. 16(a), the water stop mechanism 1-2(A) is inserted into the waterway 260 from an open channel 261 on the side of the inflow gate 210 to be maintained.

[0056] Next, as shown by arrow X1 in Figure 16(a), the side panel 30-2 on the side of the inflow gate 210 to be maintained is opened. Next, as shown by arrow X2 in Figure 16(a), the water stop mechanism 1-2(A) is moved within the waterway 260 to the position of the water stop mechanism 1-2(B) that surrounds the inflow gate body 211 to be maintained.

[0057] Next, as shown by arrow X3 in Figure 16(a), the open side panel 30-2 is moved back to its original position and closed. Then, the waterproof elastic bodies 23-2, 33-2, 43-2 of both side panels 20-2, 30-2 and bottom panel 40-2 of water-stopping structure 1-2(a) are abutted against one side wall surface 260b of water channel 260, and then, as shown in Figure 16(b), the jack members 69, 71 and the hanging member 80 are installed on water-stopping mechanism 1-2(a). Figure 17 is an enlarged view of the main parts of Figure 16(b).

[0058] 17, the jack members 69, 71 have the same configuration as those shown in Figures 11 and 12, but the jack member 71 at the back of the page is not shown. One end of these jack members 69, 71 is fixed to the outer surfaces of the left and right side panels 20-2, 30-2, and the other end is fixed to the other side wall surface 260c of the water channel 260.

[0059] On the other hand, a hanging member 80 including a hanging metal fitting 81 such as a chain and fasteners 83, 85 for fastening the hanging metal fitting 81 is installed on the upper part of the water stopping structure 1-2.

[0060] The water-stopping structure 1-2 is suspended by the suspension member 80 and simultaneously pressed by the jack members 69 and 71, so that the waterproofing elastic bodies 23-2, 33-2, and 43-2 of the water-stopping structure 1-2 are pressed against the side wall surface 260b of the water channel 260. This forms a closed area S2 surrounded by the pair of side panels 20-2 and 30-2, the back panel 10-2, the bottom panel 40-2 of the water-stopping structure 1-2, and the side wall surface 260b of the water channel 260.

[0061] The water in the closed area S2 is then drained using a drainage pump (not shown) to form a dry space. Next, a worker enters the closed area S2, which has now become a dry space, and performs maintenance on the inflow gate body 211 and the lifting rod 212.

[0062] When maintenance of the inflow gate body 211 and the lifting rod 212 is completed, the workers leave the closed area S2, and then the closed area S2 is filled with surrounding water using a drainage pump (not shown) or the like, and the waterstop structure 1-2 is removed by the reverse process of the above. That is, one of the closed side panels 30-2 is opened, and the waterstop structure 1-2(B) is moved within the waterway 260 to the position of the open culvert 260 (the position of the waterstop mechanism 1-2(A)). The open side panel 30-2 is then closed, and the waterstop structure 1-2 is removed from the open culvert 261.

[0063] As described above, by using the water stop structure 1-2, even if there is an obstacle such as the lifting mechanism installation base 217 above the inflow gate body 211 and the lifting rod 212, which are underwater facilities, and the water stop structure 1-2 cannot be inserted into the waterway 260 from above the inflow gate 210, the inflow gate body 211 and the lifting rod 212 can be easily enclosed without interfering with the obstacle. Then, by draining the water from the enclosed closed area S2, maintenance of the inflow gate body 211 and the lifting rod 212 can be performed in the dry space formed. Furthermore, the water stop mechanism 1-2 can be easily installed, thereby reducing construction costs.

[0064] By using the above-mentioned water stopping mechanism 1-2, the flow of water in the waterway 260, which is constantly flowing, can be stopped, and the primary sedimentation tanks 250B and 250C other than the first-system primary sedimentation tank 250A, which has the inflow gate 210 undergoing maintenance, can be used as usual even during the maintenance work period for the first-system primary sedimentation tank 250A.

[0065] Other Embodiments In the above-mentioned examples of use of the water-stopping structures 1-1 and 1-2, the water-stopping structures 1-1 and 1-2 were pressed or suspended in the desired direction using jack members 63, 65, and 67, jack members 69 and 71, and suspending member 80, but in some cases, some or all of these members may be omitted.

[0066] The waterproofing elastic bodies 17-1, 23-1, 25-1, 33-1, 35-1, 23-2, 33-2, 43-2, 55-1, and 55-2 used in the above-described waterproof structures 1-1 and 1-2 may also be omitted as appropriate in some cases.

[0067] The water stop structure 1-1 shown in Figure 1 above may be used for maintenance of the inflow gate 210 of the primary sedimentation tank shown in Figure 15. In this case, the lower edge of the water stop structure 1-1 is abutted against the bottom surface of the water channel 260. On the other hand, the water stop structure 1-2 shown in Figure 13 has a bottom plate 40-2, so it cannot be used for maintenance of the sludge withdrawal valve 110 shown in Figure 3. In other words, the U-shaped water stop structure 1-1 can be used for maintenance of underwater equipment exposed to the side wall surface or bottom surface of the water channel, and the box-shaped water stop structure 1-2 can be used for maintenance of underwater equipment exposed to the side wall surface of the water channel.

[0068] The water stop structures 1-1 and 1-2 may be used for maintenance of various underwater facilities other than those described above (e.g., pipes, steel sheet piles, etc.). The underwater facilities are not limited to those installed in sewage treatment facilities, but may also include various underwater facilities used in other facilities. The underwater facilities may be exposed and protrude from the side wall surface or the bottom surface of a waterway, or may be exposed without protruding. In some cases, the water stop structures 1-1 and 1-2 of the present invention can be used even when there are no obstacles above the underwater facilities to be maintained. In addition, in the above water stop structures 1-1 and 1-2, both side panels 20-1 and 30-1 (20-2 and 30-2) are openable and closable, but only one of the side panels may be openable and closable.

[0069] As described above, the water-stopping structures 1-1 and 1-2 have at least one of the pair of side panels rotatably attached to the back panel, so that they can be easily installed to surround the underwater equipment even if there is an obstacle above the underwater equipment.

[0070] In addition, the jack members 69, 71, which are pressing means, have an extension mechanism (rotation operating parts 77a, 79a) that expands and contracts between both ends to press the water-stopping structures 1-1, 1-2 against the side wall surfaces and / or bottom surface of the waterway, so that the water-stopping structures 1-1, 1-2 are pressed firmly against the side wall surfaces and / or bottom surface of the waterway, allowing the water-stopping mechanisms 1-1, 1-2 to exert their water-stopping effect more effectively.

[0071] Furthermore, the water-stopping structure 1-1 is pressed against the bottom surface 100a (and further against the side wall surface 100b) of the waterway 100 by the crossover member 61 and the jack member (jack base) 63, which is a pressing means (and further by the jack members 65, 67), so that the water-stopping effect of the water-stopping mechanism 1-1 can be exerted more effectively.

[0072] Although the present invention has been described above as an embodiment, it is not limited to the above embodiment and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims and the technical concept described in the specification and drawings. Furthermore, any shape, structure, or material not directly described in the specification and drawings is within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention as long as it achieves the functions and effects of the present invention. Furthermore, the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings can be combined with each other as long as there is no contradiction in their purpose, configuration, etc. Furthermore, even a portion of the contents described above and shown in the drawings can be considered as independent embodiments, and the present invention is not limited to a single embodiment combining the above description and drawings. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1-1,1-2 Watertight structure 10-1,10-2 Back plate 20-1,20-2 Side plate 30-1,30-2 Side plate 40-2 Bottom plate 61 Transit member 63, 65, 67 Jack member (pressure member) 64, 66, 68 Rotation operation unit (extension mechanism) 69, 71 Jack member (pressing means) 77a, 79a Rotation operation unit (extension mechanism) 80 Hanging member 100 Waterways 100a underwater surface 100b, 100c side wall 101 Valve opening and closing mechanism installation base (obstacle) 110 Sludge extraction valve (submersible equipment) S1,S2 closed area 210 Inflow gate (underwater facility) 211 Inlet gate body 212 Lifting rod 213 Gate lifting mechanism 217 Lifting mechanism installation base (obstacle) 260 Waterways 260b,260c side wall surface

Claims

1. A maintenance method for underwater equipment, in which the periphery of underwater equipment installed in a waterway is surrounded by a water-stopping structure, and the surrounded area is used as a dry space for maintenance of the underwater equipment, the underwater facility is exposed from a side wall surface of the waterway into the waterway, The water-stopping structure has a box-shaped structure including a back panel, a pair of side panels attached to both left and right sides of the back panel, and a bottom panel covering the bottom surfaces of the back panel and the pair of side panels, and at least one of the pair of side panels is rotatably connected to the back panel, After the water stop structure is lowered into the waterway from a position other than the upper part of the underwater equipment, a side panel of the water stop structure on the underwater equipment side is rotated and opened, and the water stop mechanism is moved toward the underwater equipment side to place the water stop mechanism in a position where it can surround the underwater equipment; The open side panel is rotated in the opposite direction to close it. The tip edges of the pair of side plates and the bottom plate are brought into contact with the side wall surfaces of the water channel, A dry space is formed by draining water from a closed area surrounded by a pair of side plates, a bottom plate, a back plate of the water-stopping structure and the side wall surfaces of the water channel, A maintenance method for underwater equipment, characterized in that the underwater equipment is maintained in the dry space.

2. A maintenance method for underwater equipment, in which the periphery of underwater equipment installed in a waterway is surrounded by a water-stopping structure, and the surrounded area is used as a dry space for maintenance of the underwater equipment, The underwater facility is exposed in the waterway from a side wall surface or a bottom surface of the waterway, The water-stopping structure has a back panel and a pair of side panels attached to both left and right sides of the back panel, and at least one of the pair of side panels is rotatably connected to the back panel in a U-shaped structure, After the water stop structure is lowered into the waterway from a position other than the upper part of the underwater equipment, a side panel of the water stop structure on the underwater equipment side is rotated and opened, and the water stop mechanism is moved toward the underwater equipment side to place the water stop mechanism in a position where it can surround the underwater equipment; The open side panel is rotated in the opposite direction to close it. The tip edges of the pair of side plates are abutted against the side wall surfaces of the water channel, Furthermore, the pair of side panels and the lower sides of the back panel are abutted against the bottom surface of the waterway, A dry space is formed by draining water from a closed area surrounded by a pair of side panels and a back panel of the water-stopping structure and the side wall surface and bottom surface of the water channel, A maintenance method for underwater equipment, characterized in that the underwater equipment is maintained in the dry space.

3. Before draining the water from the enclosed area, A maintenance method for underwater equipment as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the water-stopping structure is pressed using a pressing means in a direction that improves the water-stopping property between the water-stopping structure and the side wall surface and / or bottom surface of the waterway.

Images