Branch pipe repair device and its installation method

Abstract

To provide a high-efficiency branch pipe repair device for repairing a branch pipe, and an attachment method thereof.SOLUTION: A branch pipe repair device P for repairing a branch pipe D which is branched from a fluid pipe W comprises: a device main body 2 having a base part 21 opposing an outer face of the fluid pipe W at the branch pipe D side, and a surrounding part 22 connected to the base part 21, and surrounding at least a part of an external peripheral face of the branch pipe D; a seal member S placed between the base part 21 and the fluid pipe W, and preventing the leakage of fluid to the outside of the device main body 2; a draw-up member 31 fixed to the device main body 2 and the fluid pipe W, and drawing the device main body 2 up to the fluid pipe W side along a pipe axial direction X of the branch pipe D; a pressing member 5 for preventing an escape to a downstream side of the branch pipe D or a short pipe T, or a valve box in the pipe axial direction by abutment on one of a flange part 12 protruding to a radial outer direction from an end part of the short pipe T which is connected to a downstream side of the branch pipe D in the pipe axial direction, or a division part protruding from an end part of the valve box connected to a downstream side of the short pipe T to the radial outer direction; and a connecting member 60 for fixing the pressing member 5 to the device main body 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a branch pipe repair device for repairing a branch pipe branched off from a fluid pipe, and a method for installing the same. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a branch pipe repair device that repairs a branch pipe in order to prevent leakage of fluid due to damage or the like at a connection portion between a fluid pipe and a branch pipe (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a branch pipe repair device equipped with a branch sealing member that integrates a ceiling wall forming plate having a through hole facing the outer peripheral surface of the flange of the branch pipe and a peripheral wall forming plate covering the outer peripheral surface of the branch pipe (see the third embodiment). After this branch sealing member is welded along the outer peripheral surface of the fluid pipe, the through hole of the ceiling forming plate and the outer peripheral surface of the flange of the branch pipe are welded, and mortar is filled inside the branch sealing member.

[0004] Patent Document 1 also discloses a branch pipe repair device that includes a split joint body that faces the outer circumferential surface of a fluid pipe, and a branch tubular portion that is connected to the split joint body and covers the outer circumferential surface of a branch pipe (see the fourth embodiment). After the split joint body and the branch tubular portion are connected to the outer circumferential sides of the fluid pipe and the branch pipe, mortar is filled between the outer circumferential surface of the fluid pipe and the split joint body, and between the outer circumferential surface of the branch pipe and the branch tubular portion. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-24729 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Since the branch pipe repair device described in Patent Document 1 fills mortar inside the branch sealing member or the branch cylinder part, when there is fluid inside, it is necessary to discharge the fluid to the outside, resulting in poor working efficiency. Moreover, since the branch pipe is repaired using mortar, the repair of the branch pipe is not completed until the mortar solidifies, and repair costs and repair periods are required.

[0007] Therefore, a highly efficient branch pipe repair device for repairing a branch pipe and its mounting method are desired.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The characteristic configuration of the branch pipe repair device according to the present invention is a branch pipe repair device for repairing a branch pipe branched from a fluid pipe, comprising: a device body having a base portion facing the outer surface of the fluid pipe on the branch pipe side and an enclosure portion connected to the base portion and surrounding at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of the branch pipe; a seal member disposed between the base portion and the fluid pipe to prevent leakage of fluid to the outside of the device body; a pulling member fixed to the device body and the fluid pipe to pull the device body toward the fluid pipe side along the pipe axis direction of the branch pipe; a pressing member that abuts against either a flange portion protruding radially outward from an end portion of a short pipe connected to the downstream side of the branch pipe in the pipe axis direction or a split portion protruding radially outward from an end portion of a valve box connected to the downstream side of the short pipe, thereby preventing the branch pipe or the short pipe or the valve box from slipping out downstream in the pipe axis direction; and a connecting member that fixes the pressing member to the device body.

[0009] In this configuration, the device body is fitted with a seal member to prevent fluid leakage from the outside of the device body, eliminating the need to fill the inside of the device body with mortar as in the past, and shortening the repair period. Moreover, the device body is pulled toward the fluid pipe along the axial direction of the branch pipe by the clamping member, so the position of the device body is stable and the sealing function of the seal member can be properly maintained. Furthermore, if the clamping member is configured as a band member fixed to both ends of the base, the clamping member can be pulled from the device body side, resulting in high work efficiency.

[0010] In addition, the pressing member abuts against either the flange portion protruding radially outward from the end of the short pipe connected to the downstream side in the pipe axial direction or the division portion protruding radially outward from the end of the valve body connected to the downstream side of the short pipe, thereby preventing the branch pipe, short pipe, or valve body pipe from slipping off downstream in the axial direction. This makes it possible to prevent the branch pipe, whose connection with the fluid pipe is damaged, from becoming detached from the fluid pipe due to fluid pressure.

[0011] In this way, a branch pipe repair device with high work efficiency for repairing a branch pipe can be provided.

[0012] Another characteristic feature is that the device further comprises a spacing maintaining member for maintaining a constant spacing between the device body and the pressing member.

[0013] In this configuration, the length of the spacing member is set to be approximately the same as the distance between the bottom surface of the pressing member and the top surface of the device body when the pressing member is attached to the top surface of the flange of the short pipe and the device body is attached to the branch pipe. This spacing member prevents the branch pipe from being excessively pressed against the fluid pipe.

[0014] Another characteristic feature is that the pressing members are spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction of the branch pipe.

[0015] As in this configuration, by using a plurality of pressing members separated from one another in the circumferential direction of the branch pipe, the pressing members can be easily attached.

[0016] A characteristic configuration of the installation method of the branch pipe repair device of the present invention is that the short pipe is connected to the downstream side of the branch pipe in the pipe axis direction, and the method includes a step of installing the device main body in a sealed state on at least a part of the outer circumferential surface of the branch pipe, a step of fixing the clamping member to the device main body and the fluid pipe, and a step of attaching the pressing member to the short pipe and the device main body.

[0017] As in the present configuration, by installing the device body with the sealing member in a sealed state on at least a part of the outer circumferential surface of the branch pipe, there is no need to fill the inside of the device body with mortar as in the conventional case, and the repair period can be shortened. In addition, by fixing the clamping member to the device body and the fluid pipe and drawing the device body toward the fluid pipe along the pipe axis direction of the branch pipe by the clamping member, the posture of the device body can be stabilized and the sealing function of the sealing member can be properly maintained. Furthermore, by attaching a pressing member that prevents the branch pipe, short pipe, or valve body pipe from slipping out toward the downstream side in the axial direction, it is also possible to prevent the branch pipe, whose connection part with the fluid pipe is damaged, from being detached from the fluid pipe due to fluid pressure. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a piping system before a branch pipe repair device is installed. FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of a repair valve. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the branch pipe repair device is attached. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a half cross-sectional view showing the branch pipe repair device attached. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a side view showing the branch pipe repair device attached. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a divided structure. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which a seal member is attached to a divided member. [Figure 9]5A and 5B are schematic diagrams illustrating a state in which a seal member is compressed and deformed. [Figure 10] FIG. [Figure 11] 13 is a plan view showing a state in which the annular member abuts against a second flange portion of the short pipe. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a front view showing a state in which the branch pipe repair device according to the first alternative embodiment is attached. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a state in which a branch pipe repair device according to a first alternative embodiment is attached. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of an annular member according to a second alternative embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which a branch pipe repair device according to another embodiment 2 is attached. [Figure 16] 11 is a plan view showing a state in which the annular member according to Alternative Embodiment 2 abuts against the first divided portion of the valve body. FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a front view showing a state in which a branch pipe repair device according to another embodiment 3 is attached. [Figure 18] 13 is a half sectional view showing a state in which a branch pipe repair device according to another embodiment 4 is attached. FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 11 is a side view showing a state in which a branch pipe repair device according to another embodiment 4 is attached. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of a branch pipe repair device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a branch pipe repair device P that repairs a branch pipe D branched off from a water main pipe W (an example of a fluid pipe) will be described as an example of a branch pipe repair device P. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention. In the following description, the pipe axis direction X of the branch pipe D shown in FIG. 1 will be described as the up-down direction, and since water (an example of a fluid) flows from the lower side (the side connected to the water main pipe W) of the branch pipe D to the upper side (the side separated from the water main pipe W), the upstream side and downstream side may be expressed along the water flow direction.

[0020] As shown in Fig. 1, a branch pipe D branches off from the outer circumferential surface of the upper side of a main water pipe W through which water flows. The connection between the main water pipe W and the branch pipe D is joined by welding or the like. A disk-shaped first flange portion 11 that protrudes radially outward is formed at the end of the branch pipe D.

[0021] A repair valve H is connected to the branch pipe D on the downstream side in the pipe axis direction X. As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the repair valve H has a repair valve case composed of a short pipe T and a valve box V, a ball valve body Vb housed in the valve box V, and an operating part 13 for opening and closing the ball valve body Vb. A division part 1 is formed between the valve box V and the short pipe T to house the ball valve body Vb.

[0022] At one end of the short pipe T, a disk-shaped second flange portion 12 to which a first flange portion 11 of the branch pipe D is attached is formed so as to protrude in the radially outward direction of the short pipe T. At the other end of the short pipe T, a second divided portion 1B to which a first divided portion 1A of the valve box V is joined is formed so as to protrude in the radially outward direction of the short pipe T. At one end of the valve box V, the first divided portion 1A to which a second divided portion 1B of the short pipe T is joined is formed so as to protrude in the radially outward direction of the valve box V. At the other end of the valve box V, a disk-shaped third flange portion 15 to which a disk-shaped fourth flange portion 14a of a connecting pipe 14 for an air valve, a working valve, or the like is attached is formed so as to protrude in the radially outward direction of the valve box V.

[0023] The first divided portion 1A is composed of a first rectangular portion 1Aa protruding radially outward from one end of the valve box V in a rectangular cross section, and a plurality (three in this embodiment) of first triangular portions 1Ab protruding radially outward from one end of the valve box V in a triangular cross section. Similarly, the second divided portion 1B is composed of a second rectangular portion 1Ba protruding radially outward from one end of the short pipe T in a rectangular cross section, and a plurality (three in this embodiment) of second triangular portions 1Bb protruding radially outward from one end of the short pipe T in a triangular cross section. An operating portion 13 capable of rotating the ball valve body Vb is connected to the first rectangular portion 1Aa and the second rectangular portion 1Ba.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the first divided portion 1A has a plurality of through holes 3a (in this embodiment, two holes in the first rectangular portion 1Aa and three holes in the first triangular portion 1Ab) that penetrate in the joining direction (pipe axis direction X) and are spaced apart in the circumferential direction. The second divided portion 1B has a plurality of holes 3b (in this embodiment, two holes in the second rectangular portion 1Ba and three holes in the second triangular portion 1Bb) that penetrate in the joining direction (pipe axis direction X) and are spaced apart in the circumferential direction. A female thread portion 3c is formed on the inner peripheral surface of each hole portion 3b, and the two divided portions 1A and 1B are joined by screwing the male thread portion 4b into the female thread portion 3c so that the bolt 4 does not protrude from the opening of the hole portion 3b. That is, the head 4a of the bolt 4 is exposed on the outer surface 1a of the first divided portion 1A, and the outer surface 1a of the second divided portion 1B is configured as a flat surface from which the bolt 4 does not protrude. In the present embodiment, the bolt 4 is an example of a bolt having a head 4a, but a double-threaded bolt that is tightened with a nut may also be used.

[0025] The first flange portion 11 of the branch pipe D and the second flange portion 12 formed at one end of the short pipe T are connected by multiple (four locations in this embodiment) bolts 42a and nuts 42b. The fourth flange portion 14a of the connecting pipe 14 for an air valve, an operation valve, or the like and the third flange portion 15 formed at the other end of the valve body V are connected by multiple (four locations in this embodiment) bolts 41a and nuts 41b.

[0026] The connection between the branch pipe D and the water main pipe W is welded, and there is a risk of the connection being damaged and causing water leakage. In addition, there is a risk of water leakage due to damage to a part of the outer circumferential surface of the aged branch pipe D. Therefore, in this embodiment, the branch pipe D is repaired by a branch pipe repair device P.

[0027] (Basic configuration of branch pipe repair device) As shown in Figs. 4 to 6, the branch pipe repair device P includes a split structure 2 (one example of a device body) to which a plurality of split members 2a (two in this embodiment) are connected, a seal member S attached to the split structure 2, and a plurality of band members 31 (one example of a clamping member) that pull the split structure 2 toward the water main pipe W along the pipe axis direction X. The split structure 2 is divided so that the joint surfaces of the pair of split members 2a are along the pipe axis direction X. The branch pipe repair device P also includes an annular member 5 (one example of a pressing member) that is connected to the split structure 2 by a connecting mechanism 6 to press a second flange portion 12 (one example of a protruding portion) of the short pipe T (one example of a tubular member arranged downstream of the branch pipe D) toward the water main pipe W.

[0028] The divided structure 2 has a base 21 facing the upper side of the outer circumferential surface of the water main pipe W (the outer surface on the branch pipe D side), and an extension portion 22 (an example of a surrounding portion) extending from the base 21 along the outer circumferential surface of the branch pipe D. The extension portion 22 surrounds at least a part of the outer circumferential surface of the branch pipe D including the connection portion between the water main pipe W and the branch pipe D.

[0029] The base 21 has an arc-shaped portion 21a having an arc surface formed on its bottom surface that conforms to the outer circumferential surface of the water main pipe W, and a pair of bent portions 21b bent from both ends of the arc-shaped portion 21a so as to move away from the water main pipe W. The bent portion 21b is formed with a plurality of insertion holes 21b1 (four in this embodiment) into which end bolts 31a formed on both ends of two band members 31 described below are inserted.

[0030] The extending portion 22 has a cylindrical portion 22a extending from the center portion of the arc-shaped portion 21a along the pipe axis direction X and facing the outer circumferential surface of the branch pipe D, and a pair of fastening portions 22b extending from a portion spanning the arc-shaped portion 21a and the bent portion 21b along the pipe axis direction X and protruding radially outward from both side surfaces of the cylindrical portion 22a. As described above, the divided structure 2 in this embodiment is configured by connecting a pair of divided members 2a, so that each of the pair of fastening portions 22b has a plurality of fastening holes 22b1 (two each in this embodiment) into which the fastening bolts 23a are inserted. The two divided members 2a are fastened and fixed by fastening nuts 23b fastened to the fastening bolts 23a inserted into the fastening holes 22b1.

[0031] Further, the extension portion 22 has a flange portion 22c that straddles the cylindrical portion 22a and the fastening portion 22b and protrudes in the axial direction Y of the water main pipe W. In top view, the flange portion 22c is formed as a hexagon with two opposing sides of a rectangle recessed inward, and connection holes 22c1 to which the connection mechanism 6 is connected are formed in the four corners protruding in the radially outward direction (see the plan view of FIG. 7).

[0032] The two split members 2a in the split structure 2 are each formed in the same shape and are fastened in an inverted state around the pipe axis direction X. In this way, since the split structure 2 is composed of multiple split members 2a and has a base portion 21 facing the upper side of the outer circumferential surface of the water main pipe W and an extension portion 22 that follows the outer circumferential surface of the branch pipe D, the split structure 2 can be attached from the side of the branch pipe D. This makes it extremely easy to attach the split structure 2 to the water main pipe W and the branch pipe D.

[0033] The outer and inner surfaces of Fig. 7 show only one of the divided members 2a. As shown in the inner surface of Fig. 7, a linear first seal groove 24 (an example of a seal groove portion) is formed on the joint surface of the divided member 2a along the pipe axis direction X of the branch pipe D. Also, an arc-shaped second seal groove 25 is formed on the upper end of the inner surface of the divided member 2a that faces the outer circumferential surface of the branch pipe D. Furthermore, as shown in the bottom surface of Fig. 7, a circular arc-shaped third seal groove 26 is formed on the bottom surface of the cylindrical portion 22a of the divided structure 2 that faces the upper side of the outer circumferential surface of the water main pipe W.

[0034] FIG. 8 shows a diagram in which the seal members S are attached to the seal grooves 24, 25, and 26 of the divided member 2a. As shown in the figure, the first seal groove 24 is fitted with a linear first seal portion S1 protruding from the joint surface of the divided member 2a. The second seal groove 25 is fitted with an arc-shaped second seal portion S2 that is in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the branch pipe D by connecting the pair of divided members 2a. The third seal groove 26 is fitted with an arc-shaped third seal portion S3 that faces the upper side of the outer circumferential surface of the water main pipe W. The first seal portion S1, the second seal portion S2, and the third seal portion S3 are integrally formed. In this way, the divided structure 2 is fitted with a seal member S that prevents water leakage to the outside of the divided structure 2, so there is no need to fill the inside of the divided structure 2 with mortar, and the repair period can be shortened. The divided structure 2 is made compact, and the seal area on the water main pipe W side is configured as the third seal portion S3 to be the minimum as shown in FIG. 8, so that the divided structure 2 can be used even if the outer diameter of the water main pipe W side is different. Furthermore, by increasing the volume of the third seal portion S3, it becomes possible to closely adhere to the outer circumferential surface of the water main pipe W having various curvatures, thereby increasing the range of applications.

[0035] Furthermore, before the pair of divided members 2a are connected, the first seal groove 24 of this embodiment has a predetermined gap E in the direction perpendicular to the pipe axis direction X and in the radially inward direction relative to the first seal portion S1. Moreover, before the pair of divided members 2a are connected, the third seal groove 26 of this embodiment has a predetermined gap F in the radially inward direction along the circumferential direction relative to the third seal portion S3.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 9, by connecting a pair of divided members 2a, the first seal portion S1 protruding from the joint surface of the divided members 2a is compressed and moves (expands) to fill the radially inward gap E against the water pressure. In this way, since the first seal groove 24 has the gap E in the radially inward direction to which the water pressure is applied, the first seal portion S1 is supported by the end face on the radially outward side of the first seal groove 24, and the amount of compressive deformation of the first seal portion S1 is concentrated in the radially inward direction. Therefore, the first seal portion S1 is uniformly compressively deformed, and the first seal portion S1 does not irregularly protrude toward the water main pipe W, preventing the inconvenience of water leakage from between the water main pipe W and the base 21.

[0037] 4 to 6, each of the band members 31 has a pair of insertion holes 21b1 formed in the bent portion 21b of the divided member 2a, and a pair of bolts 31a formed with male threads by nuts 31b at both ends, and a U-shaped portion 31c formed integrally with the bolts 31a. The bolts 31a and the U-shaped portion 31c are integrally formed from a metal material such as stainless steel, and the U-shaped portion 31c is covered with an insulating material (such as resin). The U-shaped portion 31c may not be covered with an insulating material, or the U-shaped portion 31c may be made of a belt or fiber material different from the bolts 31a, and the U-shaped portion 31c and the bolts 31a may be connected with hooks or the like (see FIG. 12).

[0038] The band member 31 pulls the bent portion 21b of the divided member 2a, which is arranged symmetrically with respect to the axial direction Y of the water main pipe W, toward the water main pipe W by tightening the bolts 31a at both ends with nuts 31b at both ends. As a result, the divided structure 2, in which the divided members 2a are connected, is pulled toward the water main pipe W along the pipe axis direction X of the branch pipe D. As a result, the third seal portion S3 attached to the third seal groove 26 of each divided member 2a is compressed so as to be in close contact with the upper side of the outer circumferential surface of the water main pipe W, and moves (swells) to fill the gap F in the radial direction against the water pressure (see FIG. 8). As a result, the third seal portion S3 does not deform irregularly, and the inconvenience of water leakage from between the water main pipe W and the base portion 21 can be prevented. At this time, the band member 31 pulls the divided structure 2 toward the water main pipe W along the pipe axis direction X of the branch pipe D, so that the attitude of the divided structure 2 is stable and the sealing function of the seal member S can be properly maintained.

[0039] As shown in Figs. 10 and 11, the annular member 5 is formed by connecting a plurality of (two in this embodiment) plate-like members 51 at a pivot point 52 by bolts 61 and nuts 62. The inner diameter of the annular member 5 is configured to be larger than the outer diameter of the short pipe T. Each of the pair of plate-like members 51 has a main body 51a having an inner peripheral surface in the shape of an arc along the outer periphery of the short pipe T and an outer peripheral surface in the shape of a straight line, and a first arm 51b and a second arm 51c extending from both ends of the main body 51a. In addition, on both sides of the inner peripheral surface of the main body 51a, recesses 52a1 are formed into which the bolts 42a and nuts 42b for fastening the first flange portion 11 of the branch pipe D and the second flange portion 12 of the short pipe T are inserted (see Fig. 11). In this embodiment, the pair of plate-like members 51 are connected by being upside down, and each plate-like member 51 has the same shape.

[0040] Two connecting holes 52a are formed at both ends of the pair of main bodies 51a, and connecting bolts 60A of a connecting member 60 described later are inserted into these connecting holes 52a. A first step 51b1 is formed at the tip of the first arm 51b, the thickness of which is smaller on the tip side than on the base end side connected to the main body 51a. When the pair of plate-like members 51 are connected, the first step portions 51b1 of the pair of first arms 51b face each other, and the operating unit 13 is disposed above the first step portion 51b1 (see FIG. 6).

[0041] The tip of the second arm 51c is formed with a second step 51c1 that is thinner on the tip side than on the base side connected to the main body 51a. The second step 51c1 and the first step 51b1 of the first arm 51b are recessed in opposite directions (step-down directions). This allows the plate surfaces of the plate members 51 to be positioned on the same plane when the pair of plate members 51 are connected upside down.

[0042] 4 to 6, the connecting mechanism 6 connects the split structure 2 and the annular member 5 via multiple connecting members 60 (four in this embodiment), and presses the second flange portion 12 of the short pipe T toward the water main pipe W by applying a force in a direction that brings the split structure 2 and the annular member 5 closer to each other. The connecting members 60 have a connecting bolt 60A that is inserted from the side of the annular member 5, and a connecting nut 60B that screws into the connecting bolt 60A from the side of the connecting hole 22c1 of the flange 22c formed on the extension 22 of the split structure 2.

[0043] By screwing the connecting bolt 60A into the connecting nut 60B, the annular member 5 approaches the side of the split structure 2 that is pulled and fixed to the side of the water main pipe W, and this annular member 5 presses the second flange portion 12 of the short pipe T toward the water main pipe W. As a result, the branch pipe D connected to the upstream side of the short pipe T is pressed toward the water main pipe W, preventing the branch pipe D from being damaged and coming off the water main pipe W due to water pressure.

[0044] The connecting mechanism 6 further includes a plurality of (four in this embodiment) spacing members 9 that maintain a constant distance between the annular member 5 and the divided structure 2 (see FIG. 10). In this embodiment, the plurality of spacing members 9 are configured as hollow cylindrical members made of an elastic material (such as resin or rubber) that are individually attached to the outer periphery of the male thread of each connecting bolt 60A. The length of the spacing members 9 is set to be approximately the same as the distance between the lower surface of the annular member 5 and the upper surface of the flange portion 22c of the divided structure 2 when the annular member 5 is attached to the second flange portion 12 of the short pipe T and the divided structure 2 is attached to the water main pipe W and the branch pipe D (see FIG. 5). The spacing members 9 can prevent the branch pipe D from being excessively pressed against the water main pipe W.

[0045] (How to install the branch pipe repair device) Next, a method of mounting the branch pipe repair device P will be described with reference to Figs. 4 to 6. First, a pair of divided members 2a are arranged from the side of the branch pipe D in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the branch pipe D and the upper side of the outer circumferential surface of the water main pipe W, and the pair of divided members 2a are fastened and fixed by the fastening bolts 23a and fastening nuts 23b. As a result, the joint surfaces of the divided members 2a are sealed by the first seal parts S1, and the inner surfaces of the divided members 2a and the outer circumferential surface of the branch pipe D are sealed by the second seal parts S2. Next, with the U-shaped parts 31c of the two band members 31 aligned along the outer circumferential surface of the water main pipe W, the two end bolts 31a are inserted into the insertion holes 21b1 of the bent parts 21b of the divided members 2a, and the two end nuts 31b are screwed and fastened to the two end bolts 31a. As a result, the split structure 2 is pulled toward the water main pipe W along the pipe axis direction X of the branch pipe D by the band member 31, and the third seal portion S3 comes into close contact with the upper side of the outer circumferential surface of the water main pipe W. This prevents water from leaking out of the split structure 2.

[0046] Next, the pair of plate-like members 51 of the annular member 5 are connected to the pivot fulcrum 52 by the bolts 61 and nuts 62, and in an open state, are brought close to the second flange portion 12 of the short pipe T (see FIG. 10). Then, the pair of plate-like members 51 are abutted against the second flange portion 12 of the short pipe T and closed around the pivot fulcrum 52. Next, a plurality of connecting bolts 60A are inserted into the connecting hole portion 52a from the side of the annular member 5, and the connecting bolts 60A are inserted into the connecting hole portion 22c1 of the flange portion 22c formed on the extension portion 22 of the split structure 2. Then, the connecting bolts 60A are tightened by the connecting nuts 60B from the side of the connecting hole portion 22c1, and the annular member 5 is pulled toward the split structure 2. As a result, the lower surface of the annular member 5 presses the outer surface of the second flange portion 12 downward. In other words, the second flange portion 12 of the short pipe T is pressed toward the water main pipe W along the pipe axis direction X by the annular member 5, preventing the branch pipe D connected to the short pipe T from coming loose. Moreover, the annular member 5 also reinforces the joint surface between the second flange portion 12 of the short pipe T and the first flange portion 11 of the branch pipe D.

[0047] In the following, the second embodiment will be described, focusing only on the configuration different from the above-described embodiment. In order to facilitate understanding of the drawings, the same members will be denoted by the same names and reference numerals.

[0048] (Another embodiment 1) As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, in this embodiment, the divisional structure 2A is configured to be extendable and contractible along the tube axis direction X.

[0049] The division structure 2A is composed of a first division structure 2Aa and a second division structure 2Ab, and the position of the second division structure 2Ab in the tube axis direction X can be changed relative to the first division structure 2Aa.

[0050] The first divided structure 2Aa has a first base portion 21A facing the upper side of the outer circumferential surface of the water main pipe W (the outer surface on the branch pipe D side), and a first extending portion 22A (an example of a surrounding portion) extending from the first base portion 21A along the pipe axis direction X. The first base portion 21A is different in that the length of the bent portion 21Ab is shorter than the length of the bent portion 21b of the base portion 21 according to the above-mentioned embodiment. Also, the first extending portion 22A is different in that the distance between the cylindrical portion 22Aa and the outer circumferential surface of the branch pipe D is larger than the distance between the extending portion 22 according to the above-mentioned embodiment and the outer circumferential surface of the branch pipe D. Since the other configurations are similar, detailed description will be omitted.

[0051] The second divided structure 2Ab has a second base portion 27 having an annular shape facing the inner peripheral surface of the first extending portion 22A, and a second extending portion 28 (an example of a surrounding portion) extending from the second base portion 27 along the outer peripheral surface of the branch pipe D. The second divided structure 2Ab has a plurality of divided members 2C (two in this embodiment) connected to each other by fastening bolts 23Aa and fastening nuts 23Ab. The second divided structure 2Ab is further equipped with a seal member SA for preventing water leakage to the outside of the divided structure 2A. The seal member SA is equipped with a fourth seal portion SA1 attached to the outer peripheral surface of the second base portion 27, a fifth seal portion SA2 attached to the joint surface of the pair of divided members 2C, and a sixth seal portion SA3 attached to the inner peripheral surface near the upper end of the second extending portion 28, which are integrally attached to each divided member 2C.

[0052] The second base portion 27 has a diameter larger than the maximum diameter of the second extension portion 28, and a fourth seal groove 27a in which the fourth seal portion SA1 is attached is formed along the outer circumferential surface. In addition, an L-shaped fifth seal groove 28a in which the fifth seal portion SA2 is attached is formed on the joint surface of the pair of divided members 2C, spanning the second base portion 27 and the second extension portion 28. Furthermore, a sixth seal groove 28b in which the sixth seal portion SA3 is attached is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the upper end of the second extension portion 28. By connecting the first divided structure 2Aa and the second divided structure 2Ab, the fourth seal portion SA1 is compressed between the cylindrical portion 22Aa of the first extension portion 22A and the outer circumferential surface of the second base portion 27, and the sixth seal portion SA3 is compressed between the inner circumferential surface of the second extension portion 28 and the outer circumferential surface of the branch pipe D. As a result, the relative position of the second divided structural body 2Ab with respect to the first divided structural body 2Aa is fixed by the elastic restoring force of the fourth seal portion SA1 and the sixth seal portion SA3.

[0053] In the band member 31A (an example of a clamping member), the U-shaped portion 31Ac is made of a belt or fiber material different from the end bolts 31Aa, and the U-shaped portion 31Ac and the end bolts 31Aa are connected with hooks, etc. As in the above-described embodiment, the end bolts 31Aa and the U-shaped portion 31Ac may be integrally formed of a metal material such as stainless steel.

[0054] In this way, by forming the split structure 2A to be expandable and contractible along the pipe axis direction X of the branch pipe D, even if the length of the branch pipe D or the repair location is different, it becomes possible to change the enclosing area relative to the outer surface of the branch pipe D, and the split structure 2A can be used for multiple purposes.

[0055] (Alternative embodiment 2) As shown in Figures 14 to 16, instead of the above-mentioned annular member 5, it may be configured with an annular member 5A (an example of a pressing member) that abuts against the first divided portion 1A (an example of a protruding portion) of the valve box V (an example of a tubular member arranged downstream of the branch pipe D).

[0056] The annular member 5A is formed by connecting a plurality of (two in this embodiment) plate-like members 53 at a pivot point 54 with bolts 63 and nuts 64. The inner diameter of the annular member 5A is configured to be larger than the outer diameter of the valve box V. The plate-like members 53 have a main body 53a whose inner peripheral surface is arc-shaped along the outer periphery of the valve box V and whose outer peripheral surface is linear, and a first arm 53b and a second arm 53c extending from both ends of the main body 53a. In this embodiment, the pair of plate-like members 53 are connected by being upside down, and each plate-like member 53 has the same shape.

[0057] Two connecting holes 54a are formed at both ends of the main body 53a, and the connecting bolts 60A of the connecting member 60 described above are inserted into these connecting holes 54a. The pair of first arms 53b are spaced apart from each other when the pair of plate-like members 53 are connected. When the annular member 5A is attached to the divided portion 1, the operating portion 13 is disposed between the pair of spaced apart first arms 53b.

[0058] A step 53c1 is formed at the tip of the second arm 53c, the thickness of which is smaller on the tip side than on the base side connected to the main body 53a. A connecting hole 54b is formed in the step 53c1, and a bolt 63 is inserted into the connecting hole 54b. When the pair of plate-like members 53 are connected by the connecting member 60, the step portions 53c1 of the pair of second arm portions 53c face each other. The pair of facing step portions 53c1 are configured as a rotation fulcrum portion 54.

[0059] (How to install the branch pipe repair device) A method of mounting the branch pipe repair device P will be described. The method of mounting the split structure 2 to the water main pipe W and the branch pipe D is the same as in the above-described embodiment, so a detailed description will be omitted.

[0060] After the split structure 2 is attached to the water main pipe W and the branch pipe D, the pair of plate-like members 53 are connected at their pivot points 54 by bolts 63 and nuts 64 (see FIG. 14). Next, the pair of plate-like members 53 of the annular member 5A are opened around the pivot points 54, and the annular member 5A is brought close to the first split part 1A of the valve box V. Then, the annular member 5A is brought into contact with the first split part 1A of the valve box V and closed around the pivot points 54 (see FIG. 15). Next, a plurality of connecting bolts 60A are inserted into the connecting hole parts 54a from the side of the annular member 5A, and the connecting bolts 60A are inserted into the connecting hole parts 22c1 of the flange parts 22c formed on the extension part 22 of the split structure 2. Then, the connecting bolts 60A are tightened by the connecting nuts 60B from the side of the connecting hole parts 22c1, and the annular member 5A is pulled toward the split structure 2. As a result, the lower surface of the annular member 5A presses the heads 4a of the bolts 4 of the first divided portion 1A downward (see FIG. 16). In other words, the first divided portion 1A of the valve body V is pressed toward the water main pipe W along the pipe axis direction X by the annular member 5A, preventing the branch pipe D connected to the short pipe T from slipping out. Moreover, the annular member 5A reinforces the divided portion 1 for accommodating the ball valve body Vb formed between the valve body V and the short pipe T, and also reinforces the joint surface between the second flange portion 12 of the short pipe T and the first flange portion 11 of the branch pipe D.

[0061] (Alternative embodiment 3) As shown in FIG. 17, in place of the band member 31 as the clamping member described above, in this embodiment, the clamping member is configured with a plurality of split joints 32 (two in this embodiment).

[0062] The split joint 32 is formed in a half shape along the outer circumferential surface of the water main pipe W, and a connecting flange portion 32a is formed at both ends for fixed connection with bolts 56 and nuts 57. A pair of split joints 32 are fixedly connected to each other with the bolts 56 and nuts 57 with one connecting flange portion 32a facing each other, and the split joint 32 and the split structure 2 are fixedly connected to each other connecting flange portion 32a and the bent portion 21Ab of the base 21 with the bolts 56 and nuts 57. If the split structure 2 is fixed with the split joint 32 as in this embodiment, the posture of the split structure 2 is more stable than with the band member 31 described above.

[0063] (Alternative embodiment 4) 18 and 19, in place of the plurality of band members 31 as the clamping members described above, in this embodiment, a plurality of band members 31B are used. Also, each of the plurality of connecting members 60 is made up of a connecting bolt 60C made up of a cut bolt, and two connecting nuts 60D screwed onto both ends of the connecting bolt 60C. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the bent portion 21b of the base portion 21 is omitted.

[0064] Each of the band members 31B has a U-shaped portion 31Bc whose central portion is engaged (fixed) to the end portion in the axial direction Y of the arc-shaped portion 21a of the divided member 2a, a pair of end bolts 31Ba consisting of male threads fixed by nuts 31Bb at both ends, and a support member 31Bd that connects and supports the pair of end bolts 31Ba along the axial direction Y at the bottom side of the water main pipe W. As a form for engaging (fixing) the central portion of the U-shaped portion 31c to the arc-shaped portion 21a, a groove portion 21a1 may be provided at the end portion in the axial direction Y of the arc-shaped portion 21a, or a protruding wall portion 21a2 protruding from the end portion in the axial direction Y of the arc-shaped portion 21a may be formed. In this embodiment, since it is not necessary to provide a pair of bent portions 21b bent from both ends of the arc-shaped portion 21a as described above, the dimension of the branch pipe repair device P in the axial direction Y can be reduced.

[0065] [Other embodiments] (1) The branch pipe repair device P in the above-described embodiment may be attached to a branch pipe D branching off from the side of a water main pipe W. (2) In the above-described embodiment, the first seal groove 24 has a gap E in the radially inner direction, but instead, the first seal groove 24 may have a gap E in the radially outer direction. Similarly, the third seal groove 26 may have a gap F in the radially outer direction. (3) The pressing member in the above-described embodiment is not limited to the annular member 5, 5A, and may be any configuration as long as it has a structure capable of pressing the second flange portion 12 of the short pipe T and the first divided portion 1A of the valve body V. For example, it may be a plurality of pressing members separated from each other in the circumferential direction. In addition, the annular member 5, 5A may be abutted against the fourth flange portion 14a of the connecting pipe 14 to press the fourth flange portion 14a toward the water main pipe W, and is not particularly limited as long as the annular member 5, 5A is configured to press the protruding portion toward the water main pipe W. (4) In the above embodiment, the divided structure 2 is composed of a pair of divided members 2a, but it may be composed of three or more divided members 2a. Also, in the alternative embodiment 1, the divided structure 2A is composed of two divided structures 2Aa and 2Ab, but it may be composed of three or more divided structures. (5) The spacing member 9 in the above embodiment may be omitted. (6) The above-described embodiments can be combined as appropriate. For example, the band member 31A of the first embodiment may be configured with the band member 31B of the fourth embodiment, and the connecting bolt 60A of the connecting member 60 may be configured with a cut bolt as in the fourth embodiment. (7) The branch pipe repair device P in the above-described embodiment is not limited to being used to prevent water leakage from the branch pipe D, but may also be used to prevent leakage of other liquids or gases from the branch pipe D. [Industrial Applicability]

[0066] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used for a branch pipe repair device for repairing a branch pipe branched off from a fluid pipe, and a mounting method thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 2: Split structure (device body) 2a: Partitioned member 5: Annular member (pressure member) 9: Spacing member 12: Second flange portion (protruding portion) 21: Base 31: Band member (drawing member) 60: Connecting member D: Branch pipe P: Branch pipe repair device S: Sealing material T: Short pipe (cylindrical member) V: Valve box W: Water main (fluid pipe) X: Tube axis direction

Claims

1. A branch pipe repair device for repairing a branch pipe branched off from a fluid pipe, comprising: an apparatus main body including a base portion facing an outer surface of the branch pipe side of the fluid pipe, and an enclosing portion connected to the base portion and enclosing at least a part of an outer circumferential surface of the branch pipe; a seal member disposed between the base and the fluid pipe to prevent leakage of fluid to the outside of the device body; a clamping member fixed to the device body and the fluid pipe, and configured to draw the device body toward the fluid pipe along a pipe axis of the branch pipe; a pressing member that prevents the branch pipe, the short pipe, or the valve box from slipping out downstream in the pipe axis direction by contacting either a flange portion that protrudes radially outward from an end of a short pipe connected to the downstream side of the branch pipe in the pipe axis direction or a division portion that protrudes radially outward from an end of a valve box connected to the downstream side of the short pipe; a connecting member that fixes the pressing member to the device body.

2. The branch pipe repair device according to claim 1 , further comprising a spacing maintaining member for maintaining a constant spacing between the device body and the pressing member.

3. 3. The branch pipe repair device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of said pressing members are separated from one another in the circumferential direction of said branch pipe.

4. A method for mounting the branch pipe repair device according to claim 1, comprising the steps of: the short pipe is connected to the branch pipe on a downstream side in the pipe axis direction, a step of sealingly installing the device body on at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the branch pipe; fixing the clamping member to the device body and the fluid pipe; and attaching the pressing member to the short pipe and the device body.

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