Bypass pipe connector and bypass pipe installation method

Abstract

To provide a bypass pipe connector that can shorten the time required for safety bypass installation work and simplify the work process. [Solution] A bypass pipe connector 1 is attached to two predetermined perforations formed in a gas pipe and connects the ends of a bypass pipe to form a bypass path, comprising a main valve 5 attached to the perforation, and a bypass valve connected to the main valve and the end of the bypass pipe, wherein the main valve 5 comprises a tip unit 10 having a cylindrical nipple 11 with one end attached to the perforation and a cam lock adapter 13 attached directly to the other end of the cylindrical nipple 11 or via a bushing 12, and a main valve unit 20 having a cam lock 22 into which the cam lock adapter 13 is inserted, and a main valve body 21a connected to the cam lock 22 and opening and closing the gas flow path in the main valve 5.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a bypass pipe connector for connecting bypass pipes to both sides of a replacement part, and is applied to replacement work of gas pipes and the like.

Background Art

[0002] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of safety bypass installation work performed during replacement work of a main gas pipe. Perforations are formed with a special tool on both sides of the replacement target part 100a shown by the shaded part in the figure in the gas pipe 100 to be worked on. The upstream original valve 110 is attached to the perforation part on the upstream side, and the upstream bypass valve 111 is attached to this upstream original valve 110. Similarly, the downstream original valve 120 is attached to the perforation part on the downstream side, and the downstream bypass valve 121 is attached to this downstream original valve 120. Further, one end of the pressure-resistant hose 130 is connected to the upstream bypass valve 111, and the other end is connected to the downstream bypass valve 121. Then, by opening the upstream original valve 110, the upstream bypass valve 111, the downstream original valve 120, and the downstream bypass valve 121, the gas flowing through the gas pipe 100 is branched to the pressure-resistant hose 130, and the gas pressure passing through the replacement target part 100a is reduced.

[0003] Next, the worker perforates a part on the downstream side of a predetermined length with respect to the upstream original valve 110 and a part on the upstream side of a predetermined length with respect to the downstream original valve 120 in the gas pipe 100, respectively, and inserts dedicated shutoff tools 140 and 141 from the perforation on the downstream original valve 120 side to shut off the gas on the downstream side. Next, dedicated shutoff tools 150 and 151 are inserted into the gas pipe 100 from the perforation of the upstream original valve 110 to shut it off. After inserting the dedicated shutoff tools 140, 141, 150, and 151 into the gas pipe 100 to shut off the gas, the replacement target part 100a is cut and replaced with a new pipe.

[0004] Conventionally, one such technology is the one described in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 describes a bypass construction method in which branch joints are attached to two planned connection points in the main pipe, joint members with valves and pressure measuring ports are connected to each of the branch joints, and bypass pipes are connected between the joint members to form a bypass path that is not connected to the inside of the main pipe. Then, with both valves open, the presence or absence of airtight leaks in the bypass path is inspected. If the inspection result is that there are no airtight leaks, the planned connection points to which the branch joints are attached are drilled one by one from one side to the other to complete the connection between the inside of the main pipe and the bypass path. On the other hand, if the inspection result is that there are airtight leaks, the presence or absence of airtight leaks is individually inspected at three locations: between one planned connection point and one valve, between that valve and the other valve, and between the other valve and the other planned connection point, based on the individual opening and closing operations of the valves and the use of the pressure measuring ports. After taking measures to address the airtight leaks found in the inspection and achieving a state where there are no airtight leaks, the subsequent connection work is performed. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3129849 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] Incidentally, the maximum diameter of the hole to be drilled in a gas pipe is determined by the gas company's safety standards according to the diameter of the gas pipe being replaced. Figure 11 is a table showing the maximum drilling diameter corresponding to the gas pipe diameter (nominal diameter). As shown in Figure 11, there are multiple sizes of gas pipes to be worked on, and therefore multiple types of drilling diameters. For this reason, it is necessary to prepare multiple types of main valves to accommodate multiple types of drilling diameters. Furthermore, since there are many types of gas pipes, such as steel pipes, cast iron pipes, and PE pipes, the main valve to be handled will also vary depending on the type of pipe.

[0007] In a simple replacement job, the main valve installation work can be done in just two locations, on either side of the replacement point, as shown in Figure 10. However, if there are branches in the gas pipe, the main valve installation work will need to be done in 2 to 5 locations. For example, depending on the diameter of the five gas pipes, it may be necessary to plan in advance to prepare up to 5 different types of main valves.

[0008] Traditionally, four to five main valves were prepared for each bore diameter, and the combination of these valves was chosen depending on the work being done. For example, if the work involved replacing the main 200A line and the branch lines (100A and 50A), two 50A valves, one 25A valve, and one 32A valve would be prepared. Workers would select the necessary main valves from the workbench, prepare them in advance by combining them with the bypass valves, and then proceed with the replacement work.

[0009] However, in the past, valves were assembled by selecting from several types of main valves, which meant that unless the person was skilled, it would take time to interpret the drawings and select the main valve, resulting in a considerable amount of time being spent just on the preparation of the construction work.

[0010] Furthermore, with relatively old gas pipes, sewer pipes, water pipes, etc., may have been placed on top of them over time. Taking this situation into consideration, the construction plan is determined before proceeding, including the location and extent of excavation, the drilling location for the gas pipe, and the selection of the main valve. However, in the past, if the actual diameter of the gas pipe differed from the drawings or expectations, the prepared main valve or bypass valve could not be used for installation, and in the worst case, the entire plan had to be redone.

[0011] For example, suppose the actual diameter of the gas pipe differs from the diameter shown in the drawing. In this case, it becomes necessary to select a new main valve. This requires separating the main valve and bypass valve that have already been assembled and combining them with the newly selected main valve. Moreover, since the main valve and bypass valve are connected by a screw-in mechanism, two pipe wrenches are required for removal and installation, making it a time-consuming and not a simple task. Furthermore, because the bypass valve is attached to the main valve by a screw-in mechanism, there were cases where the lever of the bypass valve would come into contact with the sewer or water pipe above the gas pipe, preventing it from being screwed in.

[0012] The present invention aims to solve these problems and provide a bypass pipe connector and bypass pipe construction method that can shorten the time required for safety bypass installation work on gas pipes and simplify the work. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] To achieve the above objective, the present invention comprises the following configuration.

[0014] (1) A bypass pipe connector that is attached to two predetermined holes formed in a gas pipe and connects the ends of a bypass pipe to form a bypass path, A main valve is attached to the aforementioned hole and opens and closes the bypass passage, The system includes a main valve and a bypass valve connected to the end of the bypass pipe, which opens and closes the bypass path, The aforementioned main valve is A tip unit having a cylindrical tip member with screw threads formed at both ends and one end attached to two predetermined holes, and a cylindrical adapter attached to the other end of the tip member either directly or via a conversion member that changes the outer diameter of the tip member, A bypass pipe connector comprising: an adapter connection part having a cylindrical part into which the adapter is inserted and a holding part within the cylindrical part that switches the adapter between a holding state and a release state, and which is detachably connected to the tip unit; and a valve unit having a valve part connected to the adapter connection part that opens and closes the gas flow path in the main valve.

[0015] According to (1), a tip unit having a nipple that can be attached to a hole in a gas pipe can be inserted into a valve unit having a valve, thereby allowing the two to be detachably connected. This makes it possible to prepare a bypass pipe connector with a tip unit corresponding to the gas pipe being worked on, as well as different types of tip units, which can be stored in a work case and carried to the site of replacement work. If the bypass pipe connector prepared in advance cannot be used at the actual site, the tip unit can be removed and another tip unit inserted, allowing for quick and easy replacement. Furthermore, conventionally, the two were connected by screwing the tip unit into the valve unit, which required the use of two wrenches, such as pipe wrenches, to tighten the connections. In contrast, according to (1), the tip unit and the valve unit are connected by inserting the adapter of the tip unit into the adapter connection part, eliminating the need for the tools previously used to connect the two. In this way, a bypass pipe connector can be provided that shortens the time required for safety bypass installation work on gas pipes and simplifies the work.

[0016] (2) In (1), The adapter has a constricted portion that curves inward, The adapter connection portion comprises a cylindrical portion into which the adapter is inserted, and a lever portion whose one end is rotatably attached to the cylindrical portion and whose other end is swingable. The lever portion has a cam portion at one end that, in conjunction with the rotation of the lever portion, partially protrudes and retracts from the inner surface of the cylindrical portion. A bypass pipe connector in which a cam lock mechanism is formed by the adapter and the adapter connection part.

[0017] According to (2), by inserting an adapter into the adapter connection part and operating the lever part, it becomes possible to easily connect the tip unit to the valve unit.

[0018] (3) In (1) and (2), A bypass pipe connector in which the original valve and the bypass valve are connected by a cam lock mechanism.

[0019] (3) According to (3), since the bypass valve is inserted into the original valve and the original valve and the bypass valve are connected by a cam lock mechanism, it is not necessary to rotate the bypass valve when attaching or detaching the bypass valve to / from the original valve. Therefore, when, for example, a water pipe is laid around the gas pipe, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the extended parts constituting the bypass valve will hit the water pipe. Also, it becomes possible to easily and quickly perform the work of connecting the bypass valve to the original valve after first attaching the original valve to the gas pipe.

[0020] (4) A method for installing a bypass pipe using the bypass pipe connector according to (1) to (3), A preparation step of preparing in advance a tip unit corresponding to the diameter of the gas pipe based on information about the gas pipe to be constructed, a plurality of types of spare tip units corresponding to the diameters of a plurality of types of gas pipes other than the said gas pipe, and a valve unit to which the tip unit is attached; A drilling step of drilling the gas pipe at the construction site of the bypass pipe; When the gas pipe in the drilling step is the same as the diameter of the gas pipe based on the information, attaching the original valve formed by attaching the tip unit corresponding to the diameter of the gas pipe to the valve unit to the drilling; when it is different from the diameter of the gas pipe based on the information, selecting a tip unit corresponding to the gas pipe from among the spare tip units and attaching the original valve formed by attaching it to the valve unit to the drilling. An original valve attachment step; A bypass valve connection step of connecting a bypass valve to the valve unit; A construction method including a bypass pipe connection step of connecting a bypass pipe to the bypass valve.

[0021] According to (4), before the replacement work of the gas pipe, for example, a base valve formed by attaching a tip unit based on information about the gas pipe to be constructed to a valve unit, and a plurality of types of spare tip units are prepared in advance, and the base valve and the tip unit are taken to the construction site. Here, during the construction, when piercing the gas pipe, the diameter of the piercing can be confirmed. If it is as expected, the prepared base valve is used. If it is not as expected, since the tip unit and the valve unit can be easily attached and detached, the tip unit can be replaced while piercing the gas pipe. Here, in the replacement of the conventional tip unit, since the tip unit was connected to the valve unit by screwing the tip unit into the valve unit, an operation such as loosening and tightening using two pipe wrenches was required, which took time. On the other hand, according to (4), since the tip unit and the valve unit are connected by inserting the adapter of the tip unit into the adapter connection part, the replacement work can be made easier than the conventional screwing type, and the tools used for connecting the two are no longer required. Thus, it is possible to provide a construction method of a bypass pipe that can shorten the time required for the security bypass installation work for the gas pipe and simplify the work.

Effects of the Invention

[0022] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a bypass pipe connector that can shorten the time required for the security bypass installation work for the gas pipe and simplify the work.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] It is a side view schematically showing the appearance of the bypass pipe connector 1 in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a side view showing a state in which the tip unit 10 and the base valve unit 20 are combined. [Figure 3]This is a side view showing the tip unit 10 and the main valve unit 20 separated. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the tip unit 10 and the main valve unit 20 disassembled into individual parts. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the components of the tip unit 10. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of several types of tip units 10. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view showing the exterior of the Camlock 22. [Figure 8] This is a schematic side view showing the external appearance of the bypass valve 6. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of a tip unit 10 for PE pipes. [Figure 10] This is an explanatory diagram showing the outline of the safety bypass installation work carried out during gas main and branch pipe replacement work. [Figure 11] This table shows the maximum drilling diameter corresponding to the gas pipe diameter (nominal diameter). [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic side view showing the external appearance of the bypass pipe connector 1 in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] [Configuration of bypass pipe connector 1] As shown in Figure 1, the bypass pipe connector 1 comprises a main valve 5 and a bypass valve 6. The main valve 5 is a component that is installed in holes formed on both sides of the section of the gas pipe to be replaced. The bypass valve 6 is a component that is installed in the main valve 5 which is attached to the gas pipe. Both the main valve 5 and the bypass valve 6 are equipped with valves that open and close the gas flow path. In other words, by installing the bypass pipe connector 1 on the gas pipe to be replaced, the gas attempting to flow from the gas pipe to the bypass pipe connector 1 is blocked in two stages.

[0027] [Original valve 5 configuration] The main valve 5 comprises a tip unit 10 and a main valve unit 20. The tip unit 10 and the main valve unit 20 are configured to be detachably attached to each other.

[0028] Figure 2 is a side view showing the tip unit 10 and the main valve unit 20 combined. Figure 3 is a side view showing the tip unit 10 and the main valve unit 20 separated. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the tip unit 10 and the main valve unit 20 disassembled into individual parts.

[0029] [Configuration of the tip unit 10] As shown in Figures 2-4, the tip unit 10 is composed of a nipple 11 made of steel pipe, a bushing 12, and a cam lock adapter 13.

[0030] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the components of the tip unit 10. The nipple 11 is a component formed by creating screw threads on the outer circumferential surfaces of both ends of a steel pipe. The outer diameter of the nipple 11 is set to a size that allows it to be screwed into a hole formed in the gas pipe being worked on.

[0031] The bushing 12 is used when the outer diameter of the nipple 11 and the inner diameter of the cam lock adapter 13 (described later) are different, and is a component that converts the outer diameter of the nipple 11 so that it can be connected to the cam lock adapter 13. The bushing 12 consists of a cylindrical portion 12a and a head 12b. Screw threads are formed on the outer and inner surfaces of the cylindrical portion 12a. The head 12b is a hexagonal prism-shaped nut-like hard member with a cylindrical through hole in the center. The bushing 12 is constructed by screwing the cylindrical portion 12a into the through hole of the head 12b and fixing the head 12b to one end of the cylindrical portion 12a.

[0032] The cam lock adapter 13 has a head portion 13a having a hole for screwing into the cylindrical portion 12a, and a connecting portion 13b that is connected to the cam lock 22, which will be described later. The connecting portion 13b is made of a cylindrical steel pipe that can be inserted into the cam lock 22, which will be described later, and has an inwardly curved constricted portion 13c formed in the center of the steel pipe. The cylindrical portion 12a is fixed to one end of the connecting portion 13b so that its central axis coincides with that of the connecting portion 13b.

[0033] Then, the nipple 11 is screwed onto the inner surface of the cylindrical part 12a of the bushing 12 from the head 12b side, and the head 13a of the cam lock adapter 13 is screwed onto the cylindrical part 12a, and the tip unit 10 is assembled as shown in Figure 3. As mentioned above, the diameter of the drilling is determined according to the diameter of the gas pipe to be worked on. For this reason, the worker selects the nipple 11 and bushing 12 corresponding to the diameter of the drilling and assembles the tip unit 10 by connecting them to the cam lock adapter 13.

[0034] Figure 6 shows an example of several types of tip units 10. In Figure 6, from left to right, the nipples 11 have diameters of 25A, 32A, and 50A. The 25A and 32A tip units 10 connect the nipple 11 to the cam lock adapter 13 via a bushing 12. The 50A tip unit 10 connects the nipple 11 directly to the cam lock adapter 13 without using a bushing 12.

[0035] [Configuration of the original valve unit 20] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the main valve unit 20 is composed of a main valve section 21 and two cam locks 22 and 23. The main valve section 21 comprises a cylindrical main valve body 21a and a lever 21b. Screw threads are formed on the sides of both ends of the main valve body 21a. The main valve body 21a also contains a valve (not shown) inside that opens and closes the gas flow path within the main valve body 21a. The lever 21b is attached to the main valve body 21a, and the valve can be opened and closed by an operator operating the lever 21b.

[0036] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the cam lock 22. The cam lock 22 is detachably connected to the cam lock adapter 13 and has a substantially cylindrical cam lock body 22a and a cam lock lever 22b for connecting and disconnecting from the cam lock adapter 13. The cam lock body 22a has a screw thread formed on the outer surface of one end that can be screwed onto the original valve body 21a, and the other end is formed in a cylindrical shape into which the connecting portion 13b of the cam lock adapter 13 can be inserted.

[0037] The cam lock levers 22b are attached at two locations on the side of the other end of the cam lock body 22a. Specifically, the cam lock levers 22b, 22b are positioned in the cylindrical portion of the cam lock body 22a into which the connecting portion 13b can be inserted, and are positioned radially opposite each other across the central axis of the cam lock body 22a. One end of the cam lock lever 22b is rotatably attached to the cam lock body 22a. Therefore, the other end of the cam lock lever 22b is swingable along the central axis of the cam lock body 22a. The cam lock lever 22b has an elliptical plate-shaped cam portion at one end, and by operating the cam lock lever 22b, a worker can switch a state in which a part of the cam portion protrudes from or retracts from the inner surface of the other end of the cam lock body 22a. In addition, a ring-shaped packing (not shown) is housed inside the cam lock body 22a.

[0038] The cam lock 23 has a similar configuration to the cam lock 22, and includes a substantially cylindrical cam lock body 23a and a cam lock lever 23b for connecting to and disconnecting from the cam lock adapter 13.

[0039] Then, by attaching cam locks 22 and 23 to both ends of the main valve section 21, the main valve unit 20 is constructed as shown in Figure 3.

[0040] When connecting the tip unit 10 and the main valve unit 20, the worker first operates the cam lock lever 22b to retract the cam portion from the cam lock 22. Next, the connecting portion 13b of the cam lock adapter 13 on the tip unit 10 is inserted into the cam lock body 22a of the cam lock 22 on the main valve unit 20. Then, the worker operates the cam lock lever 22b to cause a part of the cam portion to protrude from the inner surface of the cam lock body 22a. This causes the cam portion of the cam lock lever 22b to press against the inclined surface of the constricted portion 13c. This pressing causes the cam lock adapter 13 to move inside the cam lock body 22a and come into contact with the packing. Furthermore, by rotating the cam lock lever 22b, the tip of the cam lock adapter 13 comes into contact with the packing while biased in the pressing direction. As a result, the connecting portion 13b of the cam lock adapter 13 is held in place by the cam lock 22.

[0041] In this holding state, the cam lock 22 and the cam lock adapter 13 are sealed by a packing to prevent gas leakage to the outside, and the tip unit 10 and the main valve unit 20 are connected as shown in Figure 2. When the connecting portion 13b of the cam lock adapter 13 is held by the cam lock 22, the holding state is released by operating the cam lock lever 22b, which causes the cam portion to be pulled in from the inner surface of the cam lock body 22a. This makes it possible to separate the tip unit 10 and the main valve unit 20.

[0042] [Configuration of bypass valve 6] Figure 8 is a schematic side view showing the external appearance of the bypass valve 6. As shown in Figure 8, the bypass valve 6 is composed of a bypass valve section 31 and cam lock adapters 32 and 33.

[0043] The bypass valve section 31 comprises a cylindrical bypass valve body 31a, a lever 31b, a two-port gas valve 31c, and nipples 31d and 31e. Threads are formed on the inner surfaces of both ends of the bypass valve body 31a. The bypass valve body 31a contains a valve (not shown) that opens and closes the flow path within the bypass valve body 31a. The lever 31b is attached to the bypass valve body 31a, and an operator can open and close the valve by operating the lever 31b. The two-port gas valve 31c extends outward from the bypass valve body 31a. A gas pressure gauge or gas concentration meter can be attached to the two-port gas valve 31c via a hose.

[0044] The nipple 31d is a steel pipe that connects the bypass valve body 31a and the cam lock adapter 32, and has threads formed on both ends of its side surface. One end of the nipple 31d is screwed into the upstream end of the bypass valve body 31a, and the other end of the nipple 31d is screwed into the cam lock adapter 32.

[0045] The nipple 31e is a steel pipe that connects the bypass valve body 31a and the cam lock adapter 33, and has screw threads formed on its side. One end of the nipple 31e is screwed into the downstream end of the bypass valve body 31a, and the other end of the nipple 31e is screwed into the cam lock adapter 33.

[0046] The cam lock adapter 32 is connected to the cam lock 23 of the original valve unit 20. The cam lock adapter 33 is connected to the cam locks attached to both ends of the pressure-resistant hose that forms the bypass path in the safety bypass installation work.

[0047] Then, as shown in Figure 8, the bypass valve 6 is assembled by attaching cam lock adapters 32 and 33 to both sides of the bypass valve section 31 via nipples 31d and 31e.

[0048] The bypass pipe connector 1 is configured in two stages, as shown in Figure 1, by connecting the cam lock adapter 32 of the bypass valve 6 to the cam lock 23 of the main valve 5, which is formed by connecting the tip unit 10 and the main valve unit 20.

[0049] [Installation method for bypass pipe connector 1] Next, the method for installing the bypass pipe connector 1 will be explained. First, the worker assembles the tip unit 10 by selecting the nipple 11 corresponding to the gas pipe to be replaced, based on the specification information regarding the gas pipe to be replaced, such as construction records and drawings, and selecting the bushing 12 as needed, and connecting them to the cam lock adapter 13. In addition, multiple types of tip units 10 are prepared to handle cases where the gas pipe differs from the specification information at the site. Then, multiple types of tip units 10, along with the number of main valve units 20 and bypass valves 6 corresponding to the number of drilling locations in the gas pipe, are prepared and placed together in a work case or similar. In this case, as shown in Figure 11, since there are relatively few types of gas pipe diameters, it is desirable to prepare all types of tip units 10 to accommodate all types of diameters. Since there are also many types of gas pipes, such as steel pipes, cast iron pipes, and PE pipes, it is desirable to prepare tip units 10 that can accommodate all types of gas pipes.

[0050] Alternatively, the tip unit 10 based on the specifications can be attached to the main valve unit 20 and stored in the work case with the main valve 5 in place. This eliminates the need to attach the tip unit 10 to the main valve unit 20 at the site, as the tip unit 10 based on the specifications is likely to correspond to the diameter of the gas pipe at the site. This allows the main valve 5 to be attached to the gas pipe immediately after drilling.

[0051] Workers bring pre-prepared work cases to the construction site. During replacement work, workers first attach the bag to the area of ​​the gas pipe to be drilled. The bag has an opening for inserting one of the worker's hands and a work opening that faces the area to be drilled. A ring-shaped rubber component is attached around the opening, and when the worker inserts one hand into the rubber component, it adheres tightly to their arm. Adhesive tape is attached to the outer surface around the work opening, and this tape is applied so as to surround the area of ​​the gas pipe to be drilled. In this way, the bag is attached to the gas pipe.

[0052] Furthermore, when attaching the bag, the diameter of the gas pipe being worked on can be confirmed. If it differs from the diameter of the gas pipe specified in the specifications, another worker will select the appropriate tip unit 10 for the gas pipe being worked on and replace it with the main valve unit 20.

[0053] Next, the worker inserts the puncture tool and the main valve 5 into the bag and operates the puncture tool to puncture the gas pipe. After puncturing, the worker screws the nipple 11 on the main valve 5 into the puncture. This attaches the main valve 5 to the gas pipe.

[0054] Next, the worker inserts the cam lock adapter 32 of the bypass valve 6 into the cam lock 23 of the main valve 5 and connects them by operating the cam lock lever 23b. This attaches the bypass pipe connector 1 to both sides of the replacement point in the gas pipe. Then, by connecting the pressure-resistant hose to the bypass valve 6, the installation of the bypass route is completed, in which the gas flowing through the gas pipe under construction returns to the gas pipe from the upstream perforation, through the main valve 5, bypass valve 6, pressure-resistant hose, bypass valve 6, and main valve 5, and then back to the gas pipe from the downstream perforation. Note that during the installation of the bypass route, the main valve section 21 of the main valve 5 and the bypass valve section 31 of the bypass valve 6 are attached to the gas pipe in a closed state. Therefore, the gas flow path through the main valve section 21 and the bypass valve 6 is blocked by the main valve section 21 and the bypass valve section 31. Consequently, when the bypass pipe connector 1 is attached to the gas pipe, the gas is blocked in two stages by the bypass pipe connector 1.

[0055] After the bypass installation work is completed, the workers attach a pressure gauge and a gas concentration meter to the two-port gas tap 31c of the bypass valve 5. While checking the values ​​of the pressure gauge and gas concentration meter, they operate the levers 21b and 31b of the main valve 5 and bypass valve 6 of the bypass pipe connector 1 installed on both sides of the replacement point to open the valves of the main valve section 21 and the bypass valve section 31. As a result, gas flowing through the gas pipe flows in from the upstream bypass pipe connector 1 and out through the pressure-resistant hose into the gas pipe from the downstream bypass pipe connector 1, causing the gas pressure and gas concentration at the replacement point to decrease. When the gas pressure and gas concentration at the replacement point fall below the predetermined values, a special shut-off tool is inserted into the gas pipe to shut off the gas flow at the replacement point, as in the conventional method. After that, the workers cut the replacement section and replace it with the new pipe.

[0056] With the bypass pipe connector 1 of this embodiment configured as described above, the tip unit 10 and the main valve unit 20 are detachably connected by a cam lock 22. Therefore, by storing multiple types of tip units 10 in a work case and carrying them to the site of gas main and branch pipe installation and replacement work, if the main valve unit 20 prepared in advance cannot be used at the actual site, it is possible to quickly and easily replace it with another tip unit 10. Furthermore, conventionally, the two were connected by screwing the tip unit into the main valve unit, which required the use of two wrenches, such as pipe wrenches, to tighten the connection. In contrast, with this embodiment, the tip unit 10 and the main valve unit 20 are detachably connected by inserting the cam lock 22 of the main valve unit 20 into the cam lock adapter 13 of the tip unit 10 and rotating the cam lock levers 22b, 22b, thus eliminating the need for tools that were conventionally used to connect the two. In this way, by using the bypass pipe connector 1 of this embodiment in gas main and branch pipe installation and replacement work, it is possible to significantly reduce the time required for setting up the work.

[0057] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the main valve 5 and the bypass valve 6 can be connected by inserting the bypass valve 6 into the main valve 5 using a cam lock mechanism. Therefore, as in the conventional method, it is no longer necessary to rotate the bypass valve in order to screw it into the main valve. In the past, when the workspace at a construction site was narrow, the gas valve or the like extending from the bypass valve would interfere with the components around the gas pipe, making it difficult to rotate the bypass valve. In contrast, according to this embodiment, the bypass valve 6 can be connected to the main valve 5 by inserting it from a narrow workspace at a construction site. This significantly improves the workability when connecting the main valve 5 and the bypass valve 6.

[0058] Furthermore, conventionally, since many of the components constituting the bypass pipe connector are screw-in type, it was more common to connect the main valve and the bypass valve first, then attach the main valve to the gas pipe, rather than attaching the main valve to the gas pipe first and then attaching the bypass valve to the main valve. However, connecting the main valve and the bypass valve makes the bypass pipe connector longer and heavier. Moreover, since the work of attaching the bypass pipe connector to the gas pipe is done with one hand inside the bag, the workability inside the bag is reduced. According to this embodiment, since the main valve 5 and the bypass valve 6 are detachably connected by the cam lock 23, the main valve 5, which has its tip unit 10 attached to the main valve unit 20 in advance, can be attached to the gas pipe inside the bag, and then the bypass valve 6 can be attached. In this way, the length of the bypass pipe connector-related components placed inside the bag can be shortened and the weight can be reduced, improving the workability of attaching the bypass pipe connector 1 to the gas pipe.

[0059] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the tip unit 10 and the main valve unit 20 are connected by a cam lock 22, and the main valve unit 20 of the main valve 5 and the bypass valve 6 are connected by a cam lock 23. Here, screws can provide a stronger connection than cam locks. However, repeatedly tightening and loosening the screws is a considerable burden for the worker. According to this embodiment, the parts that are attached and detached each time are replaced with cam locks, and the parts that do not need to be loosened are firmly fastened together with screws, thereby preventing gas leaks. This simplifies the conventional tightening and loosening work. It should be noted that it is also possible to connect parts using cam locks in a way that prevents gas leaks.

[0060] Although this embodiment has been described above, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those described above. For example, in the embodiment described above, the bypass pipe connector 1 is attached to a gas pipe made of steel pipe, but in the case of a gas pipe made of PE pipe, the tip unit 10 for PE pipe shown in Figure 9 may be attached to the main valve unit 20. Furthermore, as long as the tip unit 10 and the main valve unit 20 or the main valve 5 and the bypass valve 6 can be connected by a push-in mechanism, it is possible to apply a mechanism other than the cam lock mechanism.

[0061] Within the scope of the concept of this invention, those skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications and alterations. Therefore, such modifications and alterations are understood to fall within the scope of this invention. For example, any addition, deletion, or design change of components, or addition, omission, or modification of processes, made by a person skilled in the art to the above-described embodiments, is also included within the scope of this invention, as long as it retains the essence of this invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0062] 1 Bypass pipe connector 5 Original Valves 6 Bypass valve 10 Tip Units 11 Nipples 12 Bushing 12a Cylindrical section 12b Head 13 Camlock Adapter 13a head 13b Connection part 13c Waist area 20 Original Valve Unit 21 Original valve section 21a Original valve body 21b Lever 22 Camlock 22a Camlock body 22b Cam lock lever 23 Camlock 23a Camlock body 23b Cam lock lever 31 Bypass valve section 31a Bypass valve body 31b Lever 31c Double gas valve 31d, 31e nipples 33 Camlock Adapter 100 gas pipes 110 Upstream valve 111 Bypass Valve 120 Downstream valve 121 Downstream Bypass Valve 130 Pressure-resistant hose 140, 141, 150, 151 Dedicated circuit breaker

Claims

1. A bypass pipe connector that is attached to two predetermined holes formed in a gas pipe and connects the ends of a bypass pipe to form a bypass path, A main valve is attached to the aforementioned hole and opens and closes the bypass passage, The system includes a main valve and a bypass valve connected to the end of the bypass pipe, which opens and closes the bypass path, The aforementioned main valve is A tip unit having a cylindrical tip member with screw threads formed at both ends and one end attached to two predetermined holes, and a cylindrical adapter attached to the other end of the tip member either directly or via a conversion member that changes the outer diameter of the tip member, A bypass pipe connector comprising: an adapter connection part having a cylindrical part into which the adapter is inserted and a holding part within the cylindrical part that switches the adapter between a holding state and a release state, and which is detachably connected to the tip unit; and a valve unit having a valve part connected to the adapter connection part that opens and closes the gas flow path in the main valve.

2. In the bypass pipe connector according to claim 1, The adapter has a constricted portion that curves inward, The adapter connection portion comprises a cylindrical portion into which the adapter is inserted, and a lever portion whose one end is rotatably attached to the cylindrical portion and whose other end is swingable. The lever portion has a cam portion at one end that, in conjunction with the rotation of the lever portion, partially protrudes and retracts from the inner surface of the cylindrical portion. A bypass pipe connector in which a cam lock mechanism is formed by the adapter and the adapter connection part.

3. In the bypass pipe connector according to claim 1 or 2, A bypass pipe connector in which the main valve and the bypass valve are connected by a cam lock mechanism.

4. A method for constructing a bypass pipe using the bypass pipe connector described in claim 1, A preparation step involves preparing in advance a tip unit corresponding to the diameter of the gas pipe to be replaced, multiple types of spare tip units corresponding to the diameters of multiple types of gas pipes other than the aforementioned gas pipe, and a valve unit to which the tip unit is attached. At the construction site of the bypass pipe, the drilling process involves drilling holes in the gas pipe, A main valve installation step is performed in which, if the diameter of the gas pipe in the drilling step is the same as the diameter of the gas pipe based on the information, a main valve is installed in the drilling step by attaching a tip unit corresponding to the diameter of the gas pipe to the valve unit, and if the diameter is different from the diameter of the gas pipe based on the information, a tip unit corresponding to the gas pipe is selected from the spare tip units and attached to the valve unit, and a main valve is installed in the drilling step. The bypass valve connection process involves connecting a bypass valve to the main valve, A construction method comprising the steps of connecting a bypass pipe to the bypass valve and performing the bypass pipe connection step.

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