Columnar body holding tool and columnar body reinforcement method

Abstract

This system allows for the reinforcement of columnar structures without requiring vehicles such as pole-erecting trucks or skilled operators for such vehicles. [Solution] The columnar body holding tool 100 comprises a lower arm 2D fixed below the cutting target portion CS of a vertically installed columnar body TP, an upper arm 2U fixed above the cutting target portion CS of the columnar body TP, and an intermediate arm 2M fixed to the lower arm 2D and the upper arm 2U and extendable in the vertical direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a columnar body holding tool for reinforcing an existing columnar body, and a columnar body reinforcing method.

Background Art

[0002] As a countermeasure for ground-level corrosion of existing steel pipe poles, reinforcing the ground-level portion of the steel pipe pole has been performed. For example, after cutting away the corroded portion 15 of the existing steel pipe pole 1 to divide it into a lower pipe 1a and an upper pipe 1b, an inner pipe is inserted into the lower pipe 1a, the upper pipe 1b is engaged with the inner pipe, and the assembly is covered with a rust-preventive cover 2, whereby the steel pipe pole 1 may be reinforced (see, for example, FIGS. 4 to 8 of Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Conventionally, reinforcement work for steel pipe poles has been performed mainly while gripping the upper pipe using the boom of a pole erection vehicle. For this reason, it was difficult to perform reinforcement work at locations where the pole erection vehicle could not pass. In addition, a skilled operator who operates the pole erection vehicle was required to ensure the safety of the reinforcement work.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to perform reinforcement work on a columnar body without requiring a vehicle such as a pole erection vehicle and a skilled operator who operates the pole erection vehicle or the like.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A columnar body holding tool relating to means for achieving the above objective is characterized by comprising: a lower arm fixed below the portion to be cut of a vertically installed columnar body; an upper arm fixed above the portion to be cut of the columnar body; and an intermediate arm fixed to the lower arm and the upper arm and extendable in the vertical direction.

[0007] The columnar reinforcement method relating to this means for achieving the above objective is a columnar reinforcement method that reinforces a vertically installed columnar body using a columnar body holding tool with an integrated mechanism, The method is characterized by including the steps of: fixing the columnar body holding tool below and above the portion of the columnar body to be cut; cutting the portion of the columnar body to be cut to divide it into a lower pipe and an upper pipe, and having the columnar body holding tool hold the lower pipe and the upper pipe; extending the columnar body holding tool vertically so that the upper pipe rises; engaging a reinforcing member with the upper end of the lower pipe; and contracting the columnar body holding tool vertically so that the upper pipe engages with the reinforcing member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The columnar body holding tool of the present invention allows the columnar body to be cut at the target portion by fixing the lower arm below the portion to be cut and the upper arm above the portion to be cut, thereby holding the columnar body below and above the portion to be cut. Furthermore, after cutting the columnar body, by extending the intermediate arm and moving the upper pipe upward, it is possible to engage the reinforcing member with the upper end of the lower pipe through the gap between the upper end of the lower pipe and the lower end of the upper pipe. In addition, by retracting the intermediate arm and moving the upper pipe downward, it is possible to engage the upper pipe with the reinforcing member. For this reason, columnar body reinforcement work can be performed without requiring a vehicle such as a pole erection vehicle or a skilled operator to operate such a vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram of a columnar body holding tool according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2]This is an explanatory diagram of the columnar reinforcement method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram of the columnar reinforcement method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram of the columnar reinforcement method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram of the columnar reinforcement method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram of a columnar body holding tool according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram of the columnar reinforcement method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This is an explanatory diagram of a modified example of the columnar body holding tool according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This is an explanatory diagram of a modified example of the columnar body holding tool according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] This is an explanatory diagram of a modified example of the columnar body holding tool according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] This is an explanatory diagram of a modified example of the columnar body holding tool according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] This is an explanatory diagram of a modified example of the columnar body holding tool according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] This is an explanatory diagram of a modified example of the columnar body holding tool according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] This is an explanatory diagram of a modified example of the columnar body holding tool according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] This is an explanatory diagram of a modified example of the columnar body holding tool according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16] This is an explanatory diagram of a modified example of the columnar body holding tool according to the first embodiment. [Figure 17] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating a modified example of the columnar reinforcement method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 18] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating a modified example of the columnar reinforcement method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 19] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating a modified example of the columnar reinforcement method according to the first embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] [First Embodiment] An example of the columnar body holding tool according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, a utility pole TP is exemplified as the columnar body, but the holding target of the columnar body holding tool is not limited to the utility pole TP, and may be other columnar bodies (particularly cylindrical or cylindrical columnar bodies). FIG. 1 shows a columnar body holding tool 100 as an example of the columnar body holding tool. In the following description, the X-axis direction is a horizontal direction with the right direction as positive in the front view, the Z-axis direction is a vertical direction with the upward direction as positive, and the Y-axis direction is a direction perpendicular to the X-axis and the Z-axis. The columnar body holding tool 100 is used to cut the existing utility pole TP to divide it into an upper pipe TPU and a lower pipe TPD, insert a reinforcing member into the lower pipe TPD, and engage the upper pipe TPU with the reinforcing member to reinforce the ground contact portion of the utility pole TP.

[0011] The columnar body holding tool 100 includes a lower arm 2D and an upper arm 2U fixed to the utility pole TP, and an intermediate arm 2M connecting the lower arm 2D and the upper arm 2U, and is formed in a substantially U-shape. The columnar body holding tool 100 is made of SS material (Structural Steel Material) or STKR material (Steel Tube for Structural Rectangular Material) or the like, and has a strength capable of holding the upper pipe TPU in a state of being fixed to the lower pipe TPD.

[0012] The lower arm 2D includes a horizontal pipe 3D and a lower holding plate 5D fixed to the tip of the pipe 3D. The lower holding plate 5D is formed with a lower recess 7D with which the utility pole TP abuts, and a lower chain 8D that is bound below the cutting target portion CS of the abutted utility pole TP is connected thereto. It is possible to fasten the lower chain 8D to the utility pole TP by screwing nuts 10D onto bolts 9D fixed to both ends of the lower chain 8D. A support shaft 11D for connecting a pipe saw 35 (shown in FIG. 4(a)) capable of cutting the utility pole TP is provided on the upper end surface of the lower holding plate 5D, and for example, the utility pole TP can be cut while rotating the saw blade around the support shaft 11D. A stopper 13D is provided on the pipe 3D side of the lower holding plate 5D, and the tip of the pipe 3D abuts against the stopper 13D to restrict the contraction of the lower arm 2D.

[0013] The upper arm 2U comprises a horizontal pipe 3U, a sliding shaft 4U slidably inserted into the pipe 3U, and an upper retaining plate 5U fixed to the tip of the sliding shaft 4U. A cylinder CYU, to which pressurized oil is supplied or discharged via a hydraulic hose 12U from a hydraulic pump unit (not shown) having a hydraulic pump, is fixed to the pipe 3U. A piston PSD that reciprocates horizontally is also fixed to the sliding shaft 4U. By operating the hydraulic pump unit to supply or discharge pressurized oil to the cylinder CYD, the sliding shaft 4D is made to reciprocate relative to the pipe 3D, allowing the upper arm 2U to extend and retract horizontally. In other words, the pipe 3U and the sliding shaft 4U function as a horizontal jack. The extension of the upper arm 2U is restricted, for example, by the contact between a stopper (not shown) provided on the outer circumference near the rear end of the sliding shaft 4U and a stopper (not shown) provided inside the pipe 3U, by the maximum stroke of the piston PSD, or by a sensor that detects the extension.

[0014] The upper retaining plate 5U has an upper recess 7U that contacts the utility pole TP, and an upper chain 8U is connected to it that tightens above the part CS to be cut on the contacting utility pole TP. The upper chain 8U can be tightened to the utility pole TP by screwing nuts 10U onto bolts 9U fixed to both ends of the upper chain 8U.

[0015] The upper recess 7U and the lower recess 7D have the same shape, and when the extension of the upper arm 2U is restricted, the upper recess 7U and the lower recess 7D coincide in a plan view. This makes it possible to hold a single utility pole TP by bringing the upper recess 7U and the lower recess 7D into contact with it when the extension of the upper arm 2U is restricted. On the other hand, when the utility pole TP is cut and the upper recess 7U is brought into contact with the upper pipe TPU in the vertical direction to hold it, and the lower recess 7D is brought into contact with the lower pipe TPD in the vertical direction to hold it, when the extension of the upper arm 2U is restricted, the upper pipe centerline CLU of the upper pipe TPU and the lower pipe centerline CLD of the lower pipe TPD coincide.

[0016] The intermediate arm 2M comprises a vertical pipe 3M and a sliding shaft 4M fixed near the rear end of pipe 3U and slidably inserted into pipe 3M. A cylinder CYM, which receives or discharges pressurized oil from a hydraulic pump unit via a hydraulic hose 12M, is fixed near the lower end of pipe 3M. A piston PSM that reciprocates vertically is also fixed to the sliding shaft 4M. By operating the hydraulic pump unit to supply or discharge pressurized oil to cylinder CYM, the sliding shaft 4M is made to reciprocate relative to pipe 3M, allowing the intermediate arm 2M to extend and retract vertically. In other words, pipe 3M and sliding shaft 4M function as a vertical jack. The downward sliding of the sliding shaft 4M relative to pipe 3M is restricted by a stopper 13M fixed near the rear end of pipe 3U contacting the upper end of pipe 3M.

[0017] <Method for reinforcing columnar structures> The following describes a method for reinforcing a columnar body using the columnar body holding tool 100. The steps of the columnar body reinforcement method are an example, and the order is not limited; other steps may be included between each step.

[0018] First, the components of the columnar body holding tool 100—the lower arm 2D, the intermediate arm 2M, and the upper arm 2U—are prepared and transported to the utility pole reinforcement site where the utility pole TP to be reinforced is already located at ground level (GL). The lower arm 2D is transported with the lower holding plate 5D separated, and the upper arm 2U is transported with the upper holding plate 5U separated. In other words, the columnar body holding tool 100 is transported in a disassembled, non-integrated state. Transporting the columnar body holding tool 100 in an unassembled state makes it possible to transport it compactly, for example, by storing it in a container. It is also possible to transport the columnar body holding tool 100 in an assembled state.

[0019] At the location where the utility pole is to be reinforced, the optimal cutting point CS is determined to insert the reinforcing member into the corroded area at the base of the utility pole TP. As shown in Figure 2(a), the lower retaining plate 5D is fixed below the cutting point CS of the utility pole TP by the lower chain 8D. It is preferable to mark the cutting point CS with a line or other indicator. The lower chain 8D can be tightened by screwing in the nut 20D to apply tension. The tip of the pipe 3D is fitted into the fitting portion 101D of the fixed lower retaining plate 5D, and the screw 21 is screwed into the holes 22 and 23, connecting the pipe 3D to the lower retaining plate 5D. This completes the assembly of the lower arm 2D.

[0020] Next, as shown in Figure 2(b), the fitting portion 101M provided near the lower end of the pipe 3M is fitted to the rear end of the lower arm 2D, and the screw 24 is screwed into the holes 25 and 26, connecting the intermediate arm 2M to the lower arm 2D. Furthermore, the fitting portion 101U provided on the pipe 3U is fitted to the upper end of the sliding shaft 4M, and the screw 28 is screwed into the holes 29 and 30, connecting the pipe 3U to the intermediate arm 2M. At this time, the upper arm 2U is retracted. Note that the pipe 3U may be connected to the intermediate arm 2M before the intermediate arm 2M is connected to the lower arm 2D.

[0021] Next, as shown in Figure 3(a), the fitting portion 31 provided on the upper retaining plate 5U is fitted onto the tip of the sliding shaft 4U, the screw 32 is screwed into the holes 33 and 34, and the upper retaining plate 5U is connected to the sliding shaft 4U. Because the upper arm 2U is retracted, a gap is created between the tip of the pipe 3U and the utility pole TP that allows the upper retaining plate 5U to be inserted, and the upper retaining plate 5U can be fitted onto the tip of the pipe 3U through this gap. In this way, the upper arm 2U is assembled and the columnar body holding tool 100 is assembled. Note that the above-described assembly process of the columnar body holding tool 100 is just one example, and the order is not limited.

[0022] Next, as shown in Figure 3(b), the upper arm 2U is extended so that the upper retaining plate 5U contacts the utility pole TP, and the upper retaining plate 5U is fixed above the cutting target portion CS of the utility pole TP by the upper chain 8U. By screwing in the nut 20U, tension can be applied to the upper chain 8U and tightened. At this time, the extension of the upper arm 2U is restricted by a stopper or the like, and the lower recess 7D (shown in Figure 1) and the upper recess 7U (shown in Figure 1) coincide in a plan view. As a result, both the lower retaining plate 5D and the upper retaining plate 5U contact the utility pole TP, whose centerline CLP is in the vertical direction.

[0023] Next, as shown in Figure 4(a), the pipe saw 35 is connected to the support shaft 11D, and the cutting blade 36 is rotated horizontally around the support shaft 11D to cut the utility pole TP at the cutting target section CS, thereby dividing the utility pole TP into the lower pipe TPD and the upper pipe TPU. The cutting blade 36 is not particularly limited and can be a reciprocating saw blade or an endless chainsaw, etc.

[0024] Next, the hydraulic pump unit is activated, and as shown in Figure 4(b), the intermediate arm 2M is extended and the upper arm 2U is retracted. The extension of the intermediate arm 2M and the retraction of the upper arm 2U may occur simultaneously, or the upper arm 2U may retract after the extension of the intermediate arm 2M. That is, the upper pipe TPU may move horizontally along with its vertical movement, or the upper pipe TPU may move horizontally after its vertical movement. As the upper pipe TPU moves horizontally, the lower pipe TPD and the upper pipe TPU are shifted in the X-axis direction, creating a space directly above the lower pipe TPD, and the upper end of the lower pipe TPD and the lower end of the upper pipe TPU are separated vertically.

[0025] Next, as shown in Figure 5, the reinforcing member RM is inserted into the lower pipe TPD through the space directly above the lower pipe TPD. The reinforcing member RM has an insertion pipe RMD that is inserted into the lower pipe TPD and an insertion pipe RMU into which the upper pipe TPU is inserted. The reinforcing member RM is made of metal such as SS material or STKR material and has sufficient strength to reinforce the base of the lower pipe TPD. The outer diameter of the insertion pipe RMD is the same as the inner diameter of the lower pipe TPD, and when the insertion pipe RMD is inserted into the lower pipe TPD, the lower pipe centerline CLD of the lower pipe TPD and the reinforcing member centerline CLR of the reinforcing member RM coincide.

[0026] Next, as shown in Figure 6(a), after the upper arm 2U is extended, its extension is restricted by a stopper or the like. At this time, the lower recess 7D of the lower retaining plate 5D (shown in Figure 1) and the upper recess 7U of the upper retaining plate 5U (shown in Figure 1) coincide in a plan view, and the center line CLD of the lower pipe, the center line CLR of the reinforcing member, and the center line CLU of the upper pipe coincide.

[0027] Next, as shown in Figure 6(b), the intermediate arm 2M is retracted, and the upper pipe TPU moves vertically downward and stops upon contact with the bottom surface of the pipe RMU to be inserted. Since the center line CLD of the lower pipe, the center line CLR of the reinforcing member, and the center line CLU of the upper pipe coincide, the upper pipe TPU can be inserted into the pipe RMU and connected to the lower pipe TPD by moving the upper pipe TPU vertically downward.

[0028] Next, as shown in Figure 7, the filler material FM is injected into the gap CRV between the upper pipe TPU and the inserted pipe RMU. The upper pipe TPU and the inserted pipe RMU are positioned by the columnar body holding tool 100 so that the centerline CLR of the reinforcing member and the centerline CLU of the upper pipe coincide. The gap CRV is cylindrical with the centerline CLR of the reinforcing member as its centerline, and the filler material FM is uniformly filled inside the inserted pipe RMU and outside the upper pipe TPU. The filler material FM may be in multiple layers, both vertically and horizontally. For example, a mixture of crushed stone and anchor gel may be filled at the bottom of the gap CRV, anchor gel may be filled in the middle, and anchor gel of a different property may be filled at the top. The material of the anchor gel is not particularly limited and may be epoxy, cement, polyester, vinyl ester, acrylic, or a mixture thereof.

[0029] Once the injected filler FM has solidified and the lower pipe TPD, reinforcing member RM, and upper pipe TPU are fixed in place, the columnar body holding tool 100 is removed and the reinforcement work at the base of the lower pipe TPD is completed.

[0030] <Effects of columnar object holding tools> The pole-shaped holding tool 1 fixes the lower arm 2D below the cutting target CS of the utility pole TP and the upper arm 2U above the cutting target CS of the utility pole TP, thereby holding the lower and upper parts of the cutting target CS and enabling cutting of the utility pole TP at the cutting target CS. Therefore, it becomes possible to cut the utility pole TP without using a pole-erecting vehicle to hold the utility pole TP. Furthermore, after cutting the utility pole TP, by extending the intermediate arm 2M and moving the upper pipe TPU upward, the upper end of the lower pipe TPD and the lower end of the upper pipe TPU are separated in the vertical direction. Therefore, it becomes possible to engage the reinforcing member RM with the upper end of the lower pipe TPD through the gap between the upper end of the lower pipe TPD and the lower end of the upper pipe TPU. In addition, by retracting the intermediate arm 2M and moving the upper pipe TPU downward, it becomes possible to engage the upper pipe TPU with the reinforcing member RM. Therefore, it becomes possible to reinforce the utility pole TP without requiring a vehicle such as a pole-erecting vehicle with a boom capable of gripping utility poles, or a skilled operator to operate such a vehicle.

[0031] Furthermore, since the upper arm 2U is extendable and retractable horizontally, it is possible to retract the upper arm 2U to move the upper pipe TPU held by the upper arm 2U horizontally. As a result, a space is created directly above the lower pipe TPD, and the reinforcing member RM can be easily engaged from directly above the lower pipe TPD without interfering with the upper pipe TPU.

[0032] Furthermore, the extension of the upper arm 2U can be restricted to align the lower recess 7D and the upper recess 7U in a plan view. This allows the lower pipe centerline CLD of the lower pipe TPD held by the lower recess 7D to align with the upper pipe centerline CLU of the upper pipe TPU held by the upper recess 7U, making it easier to position the lower pipe TPD and the upper pipe TPU.

[0033] <Effects of columnar reinforcement methods> The columnar reinforcement method according to the present invention makes it possible to cut the utility pole TP, engage the reinforcing member RM with the lower pipe TPD, and engage the upper pipe TPU with the reinforcing member RM using a single columnar holding tool 1. Therefore, it becomes possible to reinforce the utility pole TP without requiring a vehicle such as a pole erection vehicle with a boom capable of gripping the utility pole TP, or a skilled operator of such a vehicle.

[0034] Furthermore, the columnar reinforcement method according to the present invention makes it possible to form a columnar reinforcement tool 1 as an integrated mechanism by assembling the columnar reinforcement tool 1 when fixing the columnar reinforcement tool 1 to the utility pole TP. Therefore, the columnar reinforcement tool 1 can be transported to the utility pole reinforcement site in an unassembled parts state, and can be transported compactly, for example, in a container. In addition, the assembly work of the columnar reinforcement tool 1 and the fixing work of the columnar reinforcement tool 1 to the utility pole TP can be performed simultaneously, thereby improving the efficiency of the utility pole reinforcement work.

[0035] (Variation 1) In the above embodiment, an example in which the upper arm 2U and the intermediate arm 2M are extended and retracted has been described, but the present invention is not limited to the above, and the lower arm 2D and the intermediate arm 2M, or all of the lower arm 2D, upper arm 2U and intermediate arm 2M, may be extended and retracted. For example, as shown in Figure 8, the columnar body holding tool 1 may be one in which the lower arm 2D and the intermediate arm 2M are extended and retracted.

[0036] The columnar body holding tool 1 comprises a lower arm 2D, an upper arm 2U, and an intermediate arm 2M, which are fixed to the utility pole TP, and is formed in a roughly U-shape. The material of the columnar body holding tool 1 is the same as that of the columnar body holding tool 100.

[0037] The lower arm 2D comprises a horizontal pipe 3D, a sliding shaft 4D slidably inserted into the pipe 3D, and a lower retaining plate 5D fixed to the tip of 4D. A cylinder CYD, to which pressurized oil is supplied or discharged via a hydraulic hose 12D from a hydraulic pump unit (not shown) having a hydraulic pump, is fixed near the rear end of the pipe 3D. A piston PSD that reciprocates horizontally is also fixed to the lower retaining plate 5D. By operating the hydraulic pump unit to supply or discharge pressurized oil to the cylinder CYD, the pipe 3D is made to reciprocate relative to the sliding shaft 4D, allowing the lower arm 2D to extend and retract horizontally. In other words, the pipe 3D and the sliding shaft 4D function as a horizontal jack.

[0038] The lower retaining plate 5D, like the columnar body retaining tool 100, has a lower recess 7D, to which a lower chain 8D is connected, and a support shaft 11D is provided. A stopper 13D is provided on the pipe 3D side of the lower retaining plate 5D, which the tip of the pipe 3D abuts against to restrict the contraction of the lower arm 2D.

[0039] The upper arm 2U comprises a horizontal pipe 3U and an upper retaining plate 5U fixed to the end of the pipe 3U. Similar to the columnar body holding tool 100, the upper retaining plate 5U has an upper recess 7U to which an upper chain 8U is connected.

[0040] The upper recess 7U and the lower recess 7D have the same shape, and when the lower arm 2D is retracted and the tip of the pipe 3D contacts the stopper 13D, the upper recess 7U and the lower recess 7D coincide in a plan view. As a result, when the tip of the pipe 3D contacts the stopper 13D, it is possible to hold the utility pole TP by contacting the upper recess 7U and the lower recess 7D with a single vertical utility pole TP. On the other hand, after cutting the utility pole TP, if the upper recess 7U is to contact and hold the vertical upper pipe TPU, and the lower recess 7D is to contact and hold the vertical lower pipe TPD, then when the tip of the pipe 3D contacts the stopper 13D, the upper pipe centerline CLU of the upper pipe TPU and the lower pipe centerline CLD of the lower pipe TPD coincide.

[0041] The intermediate arm 2M comprises a vertical pipe 3M and a sliding shaft 4M fixed to the rear end of pipe 3D and slidably inserted into pipe 3M. A cylinder CYM, which receives or discharges pressurized oil from a hydraulic pump unit via a hydraulic hose 12M, is fixed near the upper end of pipe 3M. A piston PSM that reciprocates vertically is fixed to the sliding shaft 4M near the rear end of pipe 3D. By operating the hydraulic pump unit to supply or discharge pressurized oil to cylinder CYM, pipe 3M is made to reciprocate relative to the sliding shaft 4M, allowing the intermediate arm 2M to extend and retract vertically.

[0042] <Method for reinforcing columnar structures> The following describes a method for reinforcing a columnar body using the columnar body holding tool 1. The steps of the columnar body reinforcement method are an example, and the order is not limited; other steps may be included between each step.

[0043] First, similar to the case of the columnar body holding tool 100, prepare the components of the columnar body holding tool 1, such as the lower arm 2D, and transport them to the utility pole reinforcement site.

[0044] At the utility pole reinforcement site, as shown in Figure 9(a), the lower retaining plate 5D is fixed to the lower part CS of the utility pole TP by the lower chain 8D. The tip of the sliding shaft 4D housed inside the pipe 3D is fitted into the stopper 13D of the fixed lower retaining plate 5D, and the screw 21 is screwed into the holes 22 and 23, connecting the pipe 3D and the sliding shaft 4D to the lower retaining plate 5D. This assembles the lower arm 2D.

[0045] Next, as shown in Figure 9(b), with the lower arm 2D extended by the pressurized oil supplied via the hydraulic hose 12D, the lower end of the sliding shaft 4M housed in the pipe 3M is fitted into the stopper 13M, the screw 24 is screwed into the holes 25 and 26, and the intermediate arm 2M is connected to the lower arm 2D. Furthermore, the pipe 3U is fitted into the fitting portion 27 provided at the upper end of the intermediate arm 2M, the screw 28 is screwed into the holes 29 and 30, and the pipe 3U is connected to the intermediate arm 2M. Note that the pipe 3U may be connected to the intermediate arm 2M before the intermediate arm 2M is connected to the lower arm 2D.

[0046] Next, as shown in Figure 10(a), the fitting portion 31 provided on the upper retaining plate 5U is fitted onto the tip of the pipe 3U, the screw 32 is screwed into the holes 33 and 34, and the upper retaining plate 5U is connected to the pipe 3U. Because the lower arm 2D is extended, a gap is created between the tip of the pipe 3U and the utility pole TP that allows the upper retaining plate 5U to be inserted, and the upper retaining plate 5U can be fitted onto the tip of the pipe 3U through this gap. In this way, the upper arm 2U is assembled and the columnar body holding tool 1 is assembled. The above-described assembly process of the columnar body holding tool 1 is an example, and the order is not limited.

[0047] Next, as shown in Figure 10(b), the lower arm 2D is retracted so that the upper retaining plate 5U contacts the utility pole TP, and the upper retaining plate 5U is fixed above the cutting target portion CS of the utility pole TP by the upper chain 8U. At this time, the tip of the pipe 3D contacts the stopper 13D, and the lower recess 7D (shown in Figure 1) and the upper recess 7U (shown in Figure 1) coincide in a plan view. As a result, both the lower retaining plate 5D and the upper retaining plate 5U contact the utility pole TP, whose centerline CLP is in the vertical direction.

[0048] Next, as shown in Figure 11(a), similar to the columnar body holding tool 100, the pipe saw 35 is connected to the support shaft 11D, and the cutting blade 36 divides the utility pole TP into the lower pipe TPD and the upper pipe TPU.

[0049] Next, the hydraulic pump unit is activated, and as shown in Figure 11(b), the intermediate arm 2M and the lower arm 2D are extended. The extension of the intermediate arm 2M and the lower arm 2D may occur simultaneously, or the lower arm 2D may be extended after the intermediate arm 2M. That is, the upper pipe TPU may move horizontally along with its vertical movement, or the upper pipe TPU may move horizontally after its vertical movement. As the upper pipe TPU moves horizontally, the lower pipe TPD and the upper pipe TPU are shifted in the X-axis direction, creating a space directly above the lower pipe TPD, and the upper end of the lower pipe TPD and the lower end of the upper pipe TPU are separated vertically.

[0050] Next, as shown in Figure 12, the reinforcing member RM is inserted into the lower pipe TPD through the space directly above the lower pipe TPD. The shape, structure, and material of the reinforcing member RM are the same as those of the columnar body holding tool 100. When the insertion pipe RMD is inserted into the lower pipe TPD, the lower pipe centerline CLD of the lower pipe TPD and the reinforcing member centerline CLR of the reinforcing member RM coincide.

[0051] Next, as shown in Figure 13(a), the lower arm 2D is retracted, and the upper pipe TPU moves in the positive X-axis direction, causing the tip of the pipe 3D to contact the stopper 13D and stop. At this time, the lower recess 7D of the lower retaining plate 5D (shown in Figure 1) and the upper recess 7U of the upper retaining plate 5U (shown in Figure 1) coincide in plan view, and the center line CLD of the lower pipe, the center line CLR of the reinforcing member, and the center line CLU of the upper pipe coincide.

[0052] Next, as shown in Figure 13(b), similar to the columnar body holding tool 100, the intermediate arm 2M is retracted, and the upper pipe TPU moves vertically downward and stops upon contact with the bottom surface of the pipe RMU to be inserted. Since the center line CLD of the lower pipe, the center line CLR of the reinforcing member, and the center line CLU of the upper pipe coincide, the upper pipe TPU can be inserted into the pipe RMU and connected to the lower pipe TPD by moving the upper pipe TPU vertically downward.

[0053] Next, similar to the columnar body holding tool 100, the filler material FM is injected into the gap CRV between the upper pipe TPU and the pipe RMU to be inserted. The material of the filler material FM is the same as in the case of the columnar body holding tool 100.

[0054] Once the filler material FM has solidified and the lower pipe TPD, reinforcing member RM, and upper pipe TPU are fixed in place, the columnar body holding tool 1 is removed and the reinforcement work at the base of the lower pipe TPD is completed.

[0055] <Effects of columnar object holding tools> Similar to the columnar body holding tool 100, the columnar body holding tool 1 can hold the lower and upper parts of the cutting target section CS, enabling the utility pole TP to be cut at the cutting target section CS. Furthermore, after the utility pole TP is cut, it becomes possible to engage the reinforcing member RM with the lower pipe TPD through the gap between the lower pipe TPD and the upper pipe TPU, and to engage the reinforcing member RM with the upper pipe TPU while lowering it vertically downwards by retracting the intermediate arm 2M.

[0056] Furthermore, since the columnar body holding tool 1 has a lower arm 2D that can extend and retract horizontally, it is possible to extend the lower arm 2D to move the upper pipe TPU held by the upper arm 2U horizontally. As a result, a space is created directly above the lower pipe TPD, and the reinforcing member RM can be easily engaged from directly above the lower pipe TPD without interfering with the upper pipe TPU.

[0057] Furthermore, the stopper 13D restricts the contraction of the lower arm 2D, allowing the lower recess 7D and the upper recess 7U to align in a plan view. This makes it possible to align the lower pipe centerline CLD of the lower pipe TPD held by the lower recess 7D with the upper pipe centerline CLU of the upper pipe TPU held by the upper recess 7U, thus facilitating the positioning of the lower pipe TPD and the upper pipe TPU.

[0058] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the upper arm 2U or the lower arm 2D and the intermediate arm 2M are extended and retracted by operating a hydraulic pump unit. However, the present invention is not limited to the above, and all of the upper arm 2U, lower arm 2D, and intermediate arm 2M may be extended and retracted by operating a hydraulic pump unit. In this case, when cutting the utility pole TP or engaging the upper pipe TPU with the reinforcing member RM, it is preferable to restrict the extension and retraction of the upper arm 2U and the lower arm 2D so that the lower recess 7D and the upper recess 7U coincide in a plan view.

[0059] (Modification 2) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the hydraulic pump unit is operated to extend and retract the upper arm 2U and intermediate arm 2M, the lower arm 2D and intermediate arm 2M, or all three arms. However, the present invention is not limited to the above, and all or any of the three arms may be extended and retracted manually. For example, when extending and retracting the lower arm 2D and intermediate arm 2M, the columnar body holding tool 50 may be such that the lower arm 2D is extended and retracted by a ball screw 51D and the intermediate arm 2M is extended and retracted by a ball screw 51M, as shown in Figure 14. Figure 14(a) shows the lower arm 2D and intermediate arm 2M in a retracted state and fixed to the utility pole TP, and Figure 14(b) shows the lower arm 2D and intermediate arm 2M in an extended state after the utility pole TP has been cut.

[0060] In this case, the lower arm 2D is equipped with a nut 52D fixed inside the cylindrical sliding shaft 4D, a ball screw 51D screwed into the nut 52D, and a handle 53D for rotating the ball screw 51D, allowing the pipe 3D to be manually slid horizontally by rotating the handle 53D. The intermediate arm 2M is equipped with a nut 52M fixed inside the cylindrical sliding shaft 4M, a ball screw 51M screwed into the nut 52M, and a handle 53M for rotating the ball screw 51M, allowing the pipe 3M to be manually slid vertically by rotating the handle 53M.

[0061] The columnar body holding tool may also be manually extended or retracted using a pantograph jack or ratchet jack to control all or any of the lower arm 2D, upper arm 2U, and intermediate arm 2M.

[0062] (Variation 3) In the embodiments described above, examples were given in which the upper arm 2U and intermediate arm 2M, the lower arm 2D and intermediate arm 2M, or all three arms are extendable and retractable. However, the present invention is not limited to the above, and only the intermediate arm 2M may be extendable and retractable. For example, as shown in Figure 15, the pipe 3U may be fixed to the upper holding plate 5U, and the pipe 3D may be fixed to the lower holding plate 5D, and the upper arm 2U and lower arm 2D may not be extendable or retractable in the columnar body holding tool 60.

[0063] As shown in Figure 15(a), when the intermediate arm 2M of the columnar body holding tool 60 is extended, if the gap length GPL between the lower end of the upper pipe TPU and the upper end of the lower pipe TPD is longer than the reinforcing member length RML of the reinforcing member RM, the reinforcing member RM can be moved approximately horizontally to position it directly above the lower pipe TPD as shown by the dashed line, and then the reinforcing member RM can be moved vertically downward and inserted into the lower pipe TPD. After inserting the reinforcing member RM into the lower pipe TPD, the intermediate arm 2M can be retracted to engage the upper pipe TPU with the reinforcing member RM. The lower end of the insertion pipe RMD reaches below the corroded part of the utility pole TP, thereby reinforcing the corroded part.

[0064] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 15(b), when the intermediate arm 2M of the columnar body holding tool 60 is extended and the gap length GPL is shorter than the reinforcing member length RML, it is possible to insert the pipe to be inserted RMU into the lower end of the upper pipe TPU by moving the reinforcing member RM vertically downwards, as shown by the dashed line. In this case as well, after inserting the reinforcing member RM into the lower pipe TPD, the intermediate arm 2M can be retracted to engage the upper pipe TPU with the reinforcing member RM.

[0065] (Modification 4) In the above embodiment, a columnar body holding tool that is not grounded to the ground GL has been described, but the present invention is not limited to the above, and for example, as shown in Figure 16, a columnar body holding tool 150 may be grounded to the ground GL via jacks 151 and 152. Figure 16 shows the state in which the upper arm 2U has been retracted after the utility pole TP has been cut and divided into an upper pipe TPU and a lower pipe TPD. Two jacks 151 are arranged in the Y-axis direction and fixed to the lower holding plate 5D, and each comprises a screw-in member 153 and a screw-in member 154, and can be extended and retracted vertically by rotating the screw-in member 153. Jack 152 is fixed to the lower arm 2D, and comprises a screw-in member 155 and a screw-in member 156, and can be extended and retracted vertically by rotating the screw-in member 155.

[0066] When the utility pole TP is cut and the upper arm 2U is retracted, a moment M1 is applied to the lower arm 2D due to the weight of the upper pipe TPU. However, the deflection of the lower arm 2D can be restricted by the reaction force N1 from the ground GL via jack 151 and the reaction force N2 from the ground GL via jack 152, thereby reinforcing the columnar body holding tool 150. Furthermore, by equipping the columnar body holding tool 150 with two jacks 151 and one jack 152, the columnar body holding tool 150 makes contact with the ground GL at three points in a plan view. Therefore, for example, when cutting the utility pole TP by moving the pipe saw horizontally, the horizontal oscillation of the utility pole TP is restricted and the reaction force from the utility pole TP is made approximately constant, allowing for smooth cutting of the utility pole TP. Jacks 151 and 152 function as support members that support the lower arm 2D above the ground GL.

[0067] Furthermore, the columnar body holding tool 150 may be equipped with a turnbuckle 200 as a reinforcing member that generates a reaction force N3 against the moment M2 loaded on the upper arm 2U by the weight of the upper tube TPU and the columnar body holding tool 150, as shown in Figure 17. The turnbuckle 200 is adjustable in distance between the connecting portion 202a and the connecting portion 202b by rotating the body 201. The connecting portion 202a is fixed to the upper arm 2U via a connecting fitting 203a, and the connecting portion 202b is fixed to the lower arm 2D via a connecting fitting 203b.

[0068] The turnbuckle 200 is fixed to the upper arm 2U and lower arm 2D when the upper arm 2U and intermediate arm 2M are retracted and waiting, after the pipe has been divided into the lower pipe TPD and the upper pipe TPU, and before the reinforcing member RM is engaged with the lower pipe TPD. At this time, a counterclockwise moment M2 is generated, but the downward diagonal reaction force N3 from the turnbuckle 200 restricts the deformation of the roughly U-shaped columnar body holding tool 150 in the opening direction. This prevents damage to the columnar body holding tool 150. In addition, the upward reaction force N1 from the jack 151, the upward reaction force N2 from the jack 152, and the downward reaction force N3 from the turnbuckle 200 restrict the deformation of the columnar body holding tool 150, making it possible to stably place it on the ground GL. The turnbuckle 200 may be pre-connected to the columnar body holding tool 150, and a reaction force N3 may be generated when the upper arm 2U and intermediate arm 2M are retracted and in standby mode.

[0069] Furthermore, the columnar body holding tool 150 may be equipped with a binding chain 210 as a reinforcing member that generates a reaction force N4 to the moment M2, as shown in Figure 18. The binding chain 210 is wrapped around the intermediate arm 2M and the upper tube TPU and tightened, thereby restricting the counterclockwise rotation of the upper tube TPU fixed to the upper arm 2U. As a result, deformation of the roughly U-shaped columnar body holding tool 150 in the opening direction is restricted.

[0070] In this case, a support member 211 may be provided that presses the upper tube TPU with a pressing force P1. The support member 211 comprises a support rod 212 that abuts against the intermediate arm 2M and the upper tube TPU, and a support rod 213 that is fixed perpendicular to the support rod 212 and abuts against the lower arm 2D. The support member 211 restricts the clockwise rotation of the upper tube TPU fixed to the upper arm 2U with the pressing force P1.

[0071] The restraining chain 210 and support member 211 are attached to the intermediate arm 2M, etc., after the lower pipe TPD and upper pipe TPU have been separated, and before the reinforcing member RM is engaged with the lower pipe TPD, while the upper arm 2U and intermediate arm 2M are retracted and waiting.

[0072] (Variation 5) In the above embodiment, a columnar body holding tool was described in which the upper tube TPU does not move relative to the upper retaining plate 5U of the upper arm 2U to which the upper tube TPU is fixed. However, the present invention is not limited to the above. For example, as shown in Figure 19(a), the columnar body holding tool may be equipped with a pressing screw 230 as a biasing member that causes the upper tube TPU fixed to the upper arm 2U to move slightly relative to the upper arm 2U in a direction substantially perpendicular to the center line CLU. The pressing screw 230 is screwed into a base 231 fixed to the upper end of the upper retaining plate 5U, and by pressing the upper tube TPU in the positive X-axis direction with a pressing force P2, it is possible to slightly move the upper tube TPU clockwise. For example, if the upper tube TPU is inclined, it can be adjusted so that the upper tube TPU is in a vertical direction.

[0073] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 19(b), a tension chain 240 may be provided as a biasing member to finely move the upper tube TPU relative to the upper arm 2U. The tension chain 240 is connected to a screw 241 screwed into the base 231 and wound around the upper tube TPU. By rotating the screw 241, the tension chain 240 presses the upper tube TPU in the negative X-axis direction with a pressing force P3, thereby allowing the upper tube TPU to be finely moved counterclockwise. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0074] 100, 1, 150: Column holding tool 2D: Lower arm, 3D: Pipe, 4D: Sliding shaft, 5D: Lower retaining plate, 7D: Lower recess, 8D: Lower chain, 11D: Support shaft, 13D: Stopper 2U: Upper arm, 3U: Pipe, 4U: Sliding shaft, 5U: Upper retaining plate, 7U: Upper recess, 8U: Upper chain 2M: Intermediate arm, 3M: Pipe, 4M: Sliding shaft, 13M: Stopper TP: Utility pole, TPD: Lower pipe, TPU: Upper pipe, CS: Cutting point CLP: Centerline of utility pole, CLD: Centerline of lower pipe, CLU: Centerline of upper pipe, CLR: Centerline of reinforcing member RM: Reinforcement member, RMD: Insertion pipe, RMU: Pipe to be inserted, RML: Reinforcement member length GPL: Gap length 151,152: Jack 200: Turnbuckle (reinforcement component) 210: Binding chain (reinforcement member), 211: Support member (reinforcement member) 230: Press screw (biasing member), 240: Tension chain (biasing member) M1, M2: Moment N1, N2, N3, N4: Reaction force

Claims

1. A lower arm fixed below the part of a vertically installed columnar body to be cut, An upper arm fixed above the portion of the columnar body to be cut, An intermediate arm fixed to the lower arm and the upper arm, which is extendable and retractable in the vertical direction, A columnar body holding tool equipped with the following features.

2. At least one of the lower arm and the upper arm is extendable and retractable in the horizontal direction. A columnar body holding tool according to claim 1.

3. The lower arm is not extendable or retractable in the horizontal direction and has a lower recess against which the columnar body abuts. The upper arm is extendable and retractable in the horizontal direction, its extension is restricted to a predetermined length, and it has an upper recess against which the columnar body abuts. A columnar body holding tool according to claim 1.

4. The lower arm is extendable and retractable in the horizontal direction and has a lower recess against which the columnar body abuts, and a stopper that restricts its retraction. The upper arm is not extendable or retractable in the horizontal direction and has an upper recess against which the columnar body abuts. A columnar body holding tool according to claim 1.

5. The lower arm is equipped with a support member that is fixed to the lower arm and made contact with the ground, A columnar body holding tool according to claim 1.

6. The upper arm is equipped with a reinforcing member that generates a reaction force against the moment applied to it. A columnar body holding tool according to claim 1.

7. The columnar body fixed to the upper arm is equipped with a biasing member that causes it to move slightly relative to the upper arm. A columnar body holding tool according to claim 1.

8. A columnar reinforcement method for reinforcing a vertically installed columnar body using a columnar body holding tool with an integrated mechanism, The steps include fixing the columnar body holding tool below and above the portion of the columnar body to be cut, The process involves cutting the portion of the columnar body to be cut, dividing it into a lower pipe and an upper pipe, and having the columnar body holding tool hold the lower pipe and the upper pipe, The process involves extending the columnar body holding tool vertically, causing the upper pipe to rise, The steps include engaging a reinforcing member with the upper end of the lower pipe, The process involves contracting the columnar body holding tool in the vertical direction and engaging the upper pipe with the reinforcing member, A method for reinforcing columnar structures, including the method described above.

9. The step of fixing the columnar body holding tool includes the step of assembling the columnar body holding tool. The method for reinforcing a columnar body according to claim 8.

10. The process includes extending and retracting the columnar body holding tool in the horizontal direction, thereby moving the upper tube horizontally. The method for reinforcing a columnar body according to claim 8 or 9.

11. After the step of dividing the pipe into the lower pipe and the upper pipe, and before the step of engaging the reinforcing member with the lower pipe, the reinforcing member connected to the columnar body holding tool generates a reaction force against the moment applied to the columnar body holding tool, The method for reinforcing a columnar body according to claim 8 or 9.

12. After the step of dividing the pipe into the lower pipe and the upper pipe, and before the step of engaging the reinforcing member with the lower pipe, the biasing member connected to the columnar body holding tool includes a step of slightly moving the upper pipe, which is fixed to the columnar body holding tool, relative to the columnar body holding tool. The method for reinforcing a columnar body according to claim 8 or 9.

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