How to maintain underwater equipment

Abstract

To provide a maintenance method for underwater equipment, capable of installing a water stop mechanism so as to surround the underwater equipment without interfering with obstacles on the upper part of the underwater equipment. [Solution] The water-stopping structure 1-1 is a U-shaped structure having a back plate 10-1 and side plates 20-1, 30-1. The side plate 20-1 is rotatably connected to the back plate 10-1. After the water-stopping structure 1-1 is lowered into the waterway 100 from a position other than the upper part of the underwater equipment 110, the side plate 20-1 is rotated to open the water-stopping mechanism 1-1 is moved toward the underwater equipment 110 to a position where the water-stopping mechanism 1-1 can surround the underwater equipment 110, and the side plate 20-1 is rotated in the opposite direction to close the water-stopping mechanism 1-1, so that the leading edge of the side plate 20-1, 30-1 abuts against the side wall surface 100b, and the lower edge of the side plate 20-1, 30-1 and the back plate 10-1 abuts against the water bottom surface 100a. The underwater equipment 110 is maintained in a dry space where the water in the closed area S1 surrounded by the water-stopping structure 1-1, the side wall surface 100b, and the water bottom surface 100a has been drained.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a maintenance method for underwater equipment, which makes it possible to waterproof a predetermined area underwater (to make it a dry space without water) and maintain equipment exposed in the area. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in sewage treatment plants and the like, a non-stop water supply method has been used to perform maintenance on equipment and the like (hereinafter also referred to as "underwater equipment") in a waterway with constantly flowing water, in which maintenance is performed without stopping the flow of the entire waterway. The non-stop water supply method is a method in which, for example, a water stop (corner stopper) is used to block the upstream and downstream parts of the waterway of the underwater equipment, the water between them is drained, the underwater equipment is exposed, and maintenance is performed, while during the maintenance, the water in the waterway upstream of the waterway blocked by the water stop is bypassed by a temporary piping to flow into the waterway downstream of the blocked waterway, or the water in the waterway upstream of the waterway blocked by the water stop is bypassed by a temporary submersible pump to flow into the waterway downstream of the blocked waterway, thereby preventing water from being cut off.

[0003] However, in the case of the conventional non-stop water supply method described above, it is necessary to temporarily stop the flow of water into the waterway when installing the waterstop, etc., which raises concerns about the impact on water treatment, resulting in restrictions on the installation time. In addition, there is a risk of clogging or failure of the temporary pipes and temporary submersible pumps during the installation period of the waterstop, etc., so a maintenance system for constant monitoring is required.

[0004] As a technique for solving the above problems, a water-stopping construction method using a water-stopping box as shown in Patent Document 1 is known. Figures 5 and 7 of Patent Document 1 disclose that a gate (G), which is an underwater facility, is covered with a water-sealing tank (11, 32) placed in a waterway, and the water inside is drained by a pump (39) or the like to create a dry space, and the gate (G) is maintained. With this water-stopping construction method, the water-sealing tank (11, 32) does not block the entire waterway, so the flow of water in the waterway is not stopped. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2001-226945 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

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

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

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

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

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

[0011] And the present invention is Always running water A method for maintaining underwater equipment, comprising: surrounding an underwater equipment to be installed in a waterway with a water-stopping structure; and maintaining the underwater equipment by using the surrounded area as a dry space; wherein the underwater equipment is exposed into the waterway from a side wall surface of the waterway; An obstacle is installed at least directly above the underwater facility in the waterway, and the waterway on the side of the obstacle is an open channel. The water-stopping structure has a box-shaped structure including a back panel, a pair of side panels attached to both left and right sides of the back panel, and a bottom panel covering bottom surfaces of the back panel and the pair of side panels, and at least one of the pair of side panels is rotatably connected to the back panel. Open channel to the side of said obstruction in the waterway into the waterway Insert After that, the side plate of the water stop structure on the underwater equipment side is Towards the outside When rotated open, the water stop structure toward the underwater facility. Without stopping the flow of water in the waterway where water always flows, and moving the pair of side panels to a position where the pair of side panels can surround the underwater equipment, and then rotating the pair of side panels in the opposite direction to close the pair of side panels. Tip edge of The present invention is characterized in that the tip edge of the bottom plate is abutted against the side wall surface of the waterway, and water is drained from a closed area surrounded by a pair of side plates, the bottom plate, and the back plate of the water-stopping structure and the side wall surface of the waterway to form a dry space, and the underwater equipment is maintained within the dry space. According to the present invention, even if there is an obstacle on the top of the underwater equipment exposed in the waterway from the side wall surface of the waterway such that a water-stopping structure cannot be inserted into the waterway from the top of the underwater equipment, a water-stopping mechanism can be easily installed to surround the underwater equipment without interfering with the obstacle, a dry space can be formed, and maintenance of the underwater equipment can be performed.

[0012] The present invention also provides Always running water A method for maintaining underwater equipment, comprising: surrounding an underwater equipment to be installed in a waterway with a water-stopping structure; and maintaining the underwater equipment by using the surrounded area as a dry space; wherein the underwater equipment is exposed into the waterway from a side wall surface or a bottom surface of the waterway; An obstacle is installed at least directly above the underwater facility in the waterway, and the waterway on the side of the obstacle is an open channel. The water-stopping structure has a back plate and a pair of side plates attached to both left and right sides of the back plate, and at least one of the pair of side plates is rotatably connected to the back plate to have a U-shaped structure. Open channel to the side of said obstruction in the waterway into the waterway Insert After that, the side plate of the water stop structure on the underwater equipment side is Towards the outside When rotated open, the water stop structure toward the underwater facility. Without stopping the flow of water in the waterway where water always flows, The side panels are then rotated in the opposite direction to close the open side panels, and the leading edges of the pair of side panels are brought into contact with the side wall surfaces of the waterway. Bottom edge of The lower edge of the rear panel is abutted against the bottom surface of the waterway, and water is drained from a closed area surrounded by the pair of side panels and the rear panel of the water-stopping structure and the side wall surfaces and bottom surface of the waterway to form a dry space, and the underwater equipment can be maintained within the dry space. According to the present invention, even if there is an obstacle on the top of the underwater equipment exposed in the waterway from the side wall surface or the bottom surface of the waterway, making it impossible to insert a water-stopping structure into the waterway from the top of the underwater equipment, a water-stopping mechanism can be easily installed to surround the underwater equipment without interfering with the obstacle, a dry space can be formed, and maintenance of the underwater equipment can be performed. Effect of the Invention

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0023] Fig. 3(a) shows the vicinity of the sludge withdrawal valve 110 of the final settling tank. That is, Fig. 3(a) shows a state in which a valve opening and closing machine installation base 101 is arranged at a predetermined interval above a waterway 100 through which sludge collected in the final settling tank of a sewage treatment facility flows, a valve opening and closing machine 103 is placed on the valve opening and closing machine installation base 101, and a sludge withdrawal valve 110 is installed in the waterway 100 below the valve opening and closing machine installation base 101. The sludge withdrawal valve 110 is configured by connecting an inner cylinder 111 to the upper part, an outer cylinder 113 to the lower part of the inner cylinder 111, and a withdrawal pipe 115 to the lower part of the outer cylinder 113. The inner cylinder 111 can move up and down relative to the outer cylinder 113, and a sludge withdrawal port 112 consisting of an upward-facing trumpet mouth is formed at its upper end. The inner cylinder 111 is moved up and down via an inner cylinder lifting device (not shown) by rotating the handle 105 of the valve opening and closing machine 103. This moves the position of the sludge withdrawal port 112 up and down, thereby adjusting the flow rate of sludge withdrawn from the sludge withdrawal port 112 to the withdrawal piping 115. The portion of the waterway 100 between the valve opening and closing machine installation bases 101 is an open channel 117, and the water surface is exposed.

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

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

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

[0027] 6(a) and (b), the water stop mechanism 1-1 is moved within the waterway 100 to a position surrounding the sludge withdrawal valve 110 that is the maintenance target. If there is a flow of sludge within the waterway 100, it is preferable to open the other side plate 30-1 along with the side plate 20-1, since this makes the water stop structure 1-1 parallel to the flow and greatly reduces the movement resistance (this also applies to the following examples).

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

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

[0030] Next, a worker enters the closed area S1, which has become a dry space, and performs maintenance on the sludge withdrawal valve 110. The maintenance includes replacement of the sludge withdrawal valve 110, replacement of parts, inspection, cleaning, repainting, and the like.

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

[0032] As described above, by using the water stop structure 1-1, even if there is an obstacle such as the valve opening / closing machine installation base 101 above the sludge extraction valve 110, which is an underwater facility, and the water stop structure 1-1 cannot be inserted into the waterway 100 from above the sludge extraction valve 110, the water stop structure 1-1 can be inserted into the waterway 100 from a place where there is no obstacle, and with the side plate 20-1 on the sludge extraction valve 110 side of the water stop structure 1-1 open toward the sludge extraction valve 110 side, it can move within the waterway 100 to a position facing the sludge extraction valve 110 without interfering with the obstacle, and the opened side plate 20-1 can be closed to easily surround the sludge extraction valve 110. Then, maintenance of the sludge extraction valve 110 can be performed in the dry space formed by draining the water in the enclosed closed area S1. In addition, the water stop mechanism 1-1 can be easily installed, so that construction costs can be reduced.

[0033] By using the water stop mechanism 1-1, it is possible to perform maintenance on a desired sludge withdrawal valve 110 without stopping the flow of water in the waterway 100, while leaving other sludge withdrawal valves 110 etc. usable as normal.

[0034] [Other installation examples of water-stopping structure 1-1] 9 and 10 are diagrams showing a method of strongly pressing the lower sides 15-1, 22-1, 32-1 of the water stop structure 1-1, i.e., the waterproofing elastic bodies 17-1, 25-1, 35-1, against the water bottom surface 100a of the waterway 100, and strongly pressing the both end sides 21-1, 31-1 of the both side panels 20-1, 30-1, i.e., the both waterproofing elastic bodies 23-1, 33-1, against the side wall surface 100b of the waterway 100, when the water stop structure 1-1 is installed so as to surround the underwater equipment such as the sludge withdrawal valve 110. Fig. 9 is a perspective view for explaining the method of use, and Fig. 10 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of the main part for explaining the method of use. Fig. 10 is a view corresponding to Fig. 7(b).

[0035] In order to strongly press the water stop structure 1-1 installed in the waterway 100 against the water bottom surface 100a of the waterway 100, first, as shown in FIG. 9, both ends of the crossover member 61 are fixed to the upper ends of both side panels 20-1, 30-1 at positions near the ends opposite the back panel 10-1 so that the crossover member 61 is placed between the pair of side panels 20-1, 30-1. The crossover member 61 is made of a rod-shaped member having a predetermined rigidity such as an angle. Next, jack members (jack bases) 63, 65 are attached upward as pressing members to the center of the crossover member 61 and the center of the upper side of the back panel 10-1. At this time, as shown in FIG. 10, the jack members 63, 65 are disposed between the water stop structure 1-1 and the valve opening / closing device installation base 101, which is an obstacle above it. The jack members 63, 65 incorporate an extension mechanism that extends or contracts their length by rotating the rotary operation parts 64, 66. Then, by rotating the rotary operating parts 64, 66, the jack members 63, 65 are extended and their upper ends push up the valve opening / closing device installation base 101, and as a reaction, the water-stopping structure 1-1 (each of the waterproofing elastomers 17-1, 25-1, 35-1) is pressed firmly against the water bottom surface 100a of the waterway 100.

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

[0037] This improves the adhesion of the water stop structure 1-1 to the water bottom surface 100a and the side wall surface 100b of the water passage 100, and the water stop action of the water stop mechanism 1-1 can be strengthened. When the water in the closed area S1 of the water stop structure 1-1 is drained to create a dry space, water tries to infiltrate into the dry space with a strong force, but the jack members 63, 65, and 67 can reliably prevent the water from infiltrating.

[0038] In the above example, the jack members 63, 65, and 67 are installed on the top and sides of the water stop structure 1-1, respectively, but in some cases, one or more jack members may be installed only on the top or only on the sides. Furthermore, the positions at which the jack members 63, 65, and 67 are installed are not limited to the above positions, and they may be installed in various other positions. Furthermore, the position at which the crossing member 61 is installed is not limited to the above position, and it may be installed in various other positions as long as it is bridged between both side panels 20-1 and 30-1.

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

[0040] [Another installation example of water-stopping structure 1-1] 11 and 12 show another method of strongly pressing the lower sides 15-1, 22-1, 32-1 of the water stop structure 1-1, i.e., the waterproofing elastic bodies 17-1, 25-1, 35-1, against the bottom surface 100a of the waterway 100, and strongly pressing the both end sides 21-1, 31-1 of the both side panels 20-1, 30-1, i.e., the both waterproofing elastic bodies 23-1, 33-1, against the side wall surface 100b of the waterway 100, when the water stop structure 1-1 is installed so as to surround the underwater equipment such as the sludge withdrawal valve 110. Fig. 11 is a perspective view for explaining the method of use, and Fig. 12 is a schematic vertical sectional view of the main part for explaining the method of use. Fig. 12 is a view corresponding to Fig. 7(b).

[0041] In this example, jack members (jack bases) 69, 71 are used as a pair of pressing means, one end of which is attached to the left and right side panels 20-1, 30-1. The jack members 69, 71 are configured such that both ends are plate-shaped mounting members 73, 74, 75, 76, respectively, and are connected to each other by a rod-shaped jack member main body 77, 79. The mounting members 73, 74, 75, 76 are rotatably connected to the jack member main body 77, 79 by a universal joint or the like. The jack member main body 77, 79 has a built-in telescopic mechanism, and is telescopically extended by rotating the rotation operation parts 77a, 79a, which are components of the telescopic mechanism.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0051] As shown in Fig. 15, each of the first, second and third system primary sedimentation tanks 250A, 250B and 250C arranged in parallel in the sewage treatment facility is provided with an inlet 251 for inflowing sewage from a waterway (inflow waterway) 260, and each inlet 251 is provided with an inlet gate 210 for opening and closing the inlet. The inlet gate 210 is configured to include an inlet gate body 211 for opening and closing the inlet 251, a lifting rod 212 whose lower end is fixed to the inlet gate body 211, and a gate lifting mechanism 213 installed on the upper part of the lifting rod 212 for driving the inlet gate body 211 and the lifting rod 212 in the up and down direction. The gate lifting mechanism 213 is installed on a lifting mechanism installation base 217 installed on the waterway 260, so in this example, the lifting mechanism installation base 217 becomes an obstacle.

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

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

[0054] When performing maintenance (e.g., updating) on ​​the inflow gate 210 of the first-system primary sedimentation tank 250A while keeping the second-system and third-system primary sedimentation tanks 250B and 250C in normal operation, first drain the water from the first-system primary sedimentation tank 250A downstream of the inflow gate 210 of the first-system primary sedimentation tank 250A. Next, it is necessary to insert the water stop mechanism 1-2 shown in Fig. 13 into the waterway 260 to surround the inflow gate body 211, but since the lifting mechanism installation base 217 is installed on the upper part of the inflow gate body 211, this becomes an obstacle and the water stop mechanism 1-2 cannot be inserted from directly above the inflow gate body 211.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0064] By using the water-stopping mechanism 1-2, the primary sedimentation tanks 250B and 250C other than the first-system primary sedimentation tank 250A having the inlet gate 210 undergoing maintenance can be used as usual even during the maintenance work period for the first-system primary sedimentation tank 250A, without stopping the flow of water in the waterway 260, which has a constant flow of water.

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

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

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

[0068] The water stop structures 1-1 and 1-2 may be used for the maintenance of various underwater facilities (such as pipes and steel sheet piles) other than those described above. The underwater facilities are not limited to those installed in sewage treatment facilities, and may be various underwater facilities used in other facilities. The underwater facilities may be those exposed so as to protrude from the side wall surface or the bottom surface of the waterway, or those that are simply exposed without protruding. In some cases, the water stop structures 1-1 and 1-2 of the present invention may be used even if there is no obstacle above the underwater facilities to be maintained. In the case of the water stop structures 1-1 and 1-2 described above, both side panels 20-1 and 30-1 (20-2 and 30-2) are made openable and closable, but only one of the side panels may be made openable and closable.

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

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

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

[0072] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims and the technical ideas described in the specification and drawings. Any shape, structure, or material not directly described in the specification and drawings is within the scope of the technical ideas of the present invention as long as it has the function and effect of the present invention. In addition, the embodiments shown in the above description and each drawing can be combined with each other as long as there is no contradiction in their purpose and configuration. In addition, even a part of the description in the above description and each drawing can be an independent embodiment, and the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to one embodiment combining the above description and each drawing. [Explanation of symbols]

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

Claims

1. A method for maintaining underwater equipment, comprising: surrounding an underwater facility installed in a waterway with constantly flowing water with a water-stopping structure; and maintaining the underwater facility in the surrounded area as a dry space, comprising: The underwater facility is exposed from a side wall surface of the waterway into the waterway, and an obstacle is installed at least directly above the underwater facility in the waterway, and the waterway on the side of the obstacle is an open channel, The water-stopping structure has a back panel, a pair of side panels attached to both left and right sides of the back panel, and a bottom panel covering bottom surfaces of the back panel and the pair of side panels, and at least one of the pair of side panels is rotatably connected to the back panel, which is a box-shaped structure; After inserting the water stop structure into the waterway from an open channel on the side of the obstacle in the waterway, a side panel of the water stop structure on the underwater equipment side is rotated outward to open the water stop structure, and the water stop structure is placed in a position facing the underwater equipment side so that the water stop structure can move within the waterway without stopping the flow of water in the waterway with constantly flowing water and surround the underwater equipment; Rotate the open side panel in the opposite direction to close it; The tip edges of the pair of side panels and the tip edge of the bottom panel are abutted against a side wall surface of the water channel, A dry space is formed by draining water from a closed area surrounded by a pair of side panels, a bottom panel, a back panel, and a side wall surface of the water channel of the water-stopping structure, A maintenance method for underwater equipment, comprising: performing maintenance on the underwater equipment in the dry space.

2. The water-stopping structure is such that both of the pair of side panels are rotatably connected to the back panel, A maintenance method for underwater equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that when the side panel on the underwater equipment side of the water-stopping structure inserted into the waterway from the open channel is rotated outward to open, the other side panel is also rotated outward to open, so that the pair of side panels, back panel and bottom panel that constitute the water-stopping structure are parallel to the flow of the waterway, and the water-stopping structure is moved within the waterway toward the underwater equipment without stopping the flow of water in the waterway with constantly flowing water, and is positioned to surround the underwater equipment.

3. The water-stopping structure is such that both of the pair of side panels are rotatably connected to the back panel, The waterway has a structure in which the underwater facilities and the obstacles located at least directly above the underwater facilities are installed at predetermined intervals, and the portions of the waterway between the obstacles are formed as the open channel, The water stop structure is inserted into the waterway from the open channel, and a side panel on one side of the inserted water stop structure is opened and closed to complete maintenance of the underwater equipment on one side. A maintenance method for underwater equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that the water-stopping structure is moved laterally within the waterway to open and close the opposite side panel to perform maintenance on underwater equipment adjacent to the underwater equipment that has been maintained.

4. A hanging member for suspending the water-stopping structure and a pair of jack members are provided, Before draining the water from within the closed area, The water stopping structure is suspended within the waterway by the suspension member, One end of each of the pair of jack members is fixed to each of the outer surfaces of the left and right side panels of the water stop structure, and the other end of each of the pair of jack members is fixed to the side wall surface opposite to the side wall surface of the waterway that abuts the water stop structure or the underside of the obstacle, A maintenance method for underwater equipment according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the leading edges of a pair of side panels and the leading edge of the bottom panel of the water-stopping structure are pressed against the side wall surface of the waterway.

5. A method for maintaining underwater equipment, comprising: surrounding an underwater equipment installed in a waterway with constantly flowing water with a water-stopping structure; and maintaining the underwater equipment in the surrounded area as a dry space, comprising: The underwater facility is exposed in the waterway from a side wall surface or a bottom surface of the waterway, and an obstacle is installed at least directly above the underwater facility in the waterway, and the waterway on the side of the obstacle is an open channel, The water-stopping structure has a back plate and a pair of side plates attached to both left and right sides of the back plate, and at least one of the pair of side plates is rotatably connected to the back plate to form a U-shaped structure, After inserting the water stop structure into the waterway from an open channel on the side of the obstacle in the waterway, a side panel of the water stop structure on the underwater equipment side is rotated outward to open the water stop structure, and the water stop structure is placed in a position facing the underwater equipment side so that the water stop structure can move within the waterway without stopping the flow of water in the waterway with constantly flowing water and surround the underwater equipment; Rotate the open side panel in the opposite direction to close it; The tip edges of the pair of side panels are abutted against the side wall surfaces of the water channel, Furthermore, the lower edges of the pair of side panels and the lower edge of the back panel are abutted against the bottom surface of the waterway, A dry space is formed by draining water from a closed area surrounded by a pair of side panels and a back panel of the water-stopping structure and a side wall surface and a bottom surface of the water channel, A maintenance method for underwater equipment, comprising: performing maintenance on the underwater equipment in the dry space.

6. The water-stopping structure is such that both of the pair of side panels are rotatably connected to the back panel, A maintenance method for underwater equipment as described in claim 5, characterized in that when the side panel on the underwater equipment side of the water-stopping structure inserted into the waterway from the open channel is rotated outward to open, the other side panel is also rotated outward to open the pair of side panels and back panel that constitute the water-stopping structure, which are parallel to the flow of the waterway, and the water-stopping structure is moved within the waterway facing the underwater equipment side without stopping the flow of water in the waterway with constantly flowing water, and is positioned to surround the underwater equipment.

7. The water-stopping structure is such that both of the pair of side panels are rotatably connected to the back panel, The waterway has a structure in which the underwater facilities and the obstacles located at least directly above the underwater facilities are installed at predetermined intervals, and the portions of the waterway between the obstacles are formed as the open channel, The water stop structure is inserted into the waterway from the open channel, and a side panel on one side of the inserted water stop structure is opened and closed to complete maintenance of the underwater equipment on one side. A maintenance method for underwater equipment as described in claim 5, characterized in that the water-stopping structure is moved laterally within the waterway to open and close the opposite side panel, thereby performing maintenance on underwater equipment adjacent to the underwater equipment that has been maintained.

8. A pair of jack members is prepared, Before draining the water from within the closed area, One end of each of the pair of jack members is fixed to each of the outer surfaces of the left and right side panels of the water stop structure, and the other end of each of the pair of jack members is fixed to the side wall surface opposite to the side wall surface of the waterway that abuts the water stop structure or the underside of the obstacle, A maintenance method for underwater equipment as described in claim 5, 6 or 7, characterized in that the tip edges of a pair of side panels of the water-stopping structure are pressed against the side wall surface of the waterway, and the lower edges of the pair of side panels and the lower edges of the back panel are pressed against the bottom surface of the waterway.

9. A pair of jack members and a bridge member disposed between the pair of side panels are provided, Before draining the water from within the closed area, both ends of the transition member are fixed to positions adjacent to the ends of the upper portions of the side panels opposite the rear panel; A maintenance method for underwater equipment as described in claim 5, 6 or 7, characterized in that the jack members are attached to the upper edges of the transition member and the rear panel, respectively, and each jack member is extended to push up the obstacle with its upper end, and as a reaction, the lower edges of a pair of side panels and the lower edge of the rear panel of the water-stopping structure are pressed against the bottom surface of the waterway.

10. In addition to the pair of jack members, another jack member is prepared, A maintenance method for underwater equipment as described in claim 9, characterized in that the other jack member is installed between the side wall surface opposite to the side wall surface against which the water-stopping structure of the waterway abuts and the back panel, and extended to press the tip edges of a pair of side panels of the water-stopping structure against the side wall surface against which the water-stopping structure of the waterway abuts.

Images