Connection pipe unit for gas meter and bypass pipe

Abstract

To provide a connection pipe unit for a gas meter that copes with cases where intervals between a primary side gas pipe and a secondary side gas pipe differ.SOLUTION: A connection pipe unit U for a gas meter includes: a primary side connection pipe 10 which connects a gas introduction port M1 of a gas meter M to a primary side gas pipe; a secondary side connection pipe 20 which connects a gas lead-out port M2 of the gas meter M to a secondary side gas pipe; a by-pass pipe 30 disposed in parallel with the gas meter M and provided between the primary side connection pipe 10 and the secondary side connection pipe 20; first switching means 40 for switching between communication and blockage between the primary side connection pipe 10 and the by-pass pipe 30; and second switching means 50 for switching between communication and blockage between the by-pass pipe 30 and the secondary side connection pipe 20. A length of the by-pass pipe 30 can be adjusted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection pipe unit for a gas meter and a bypass pipe for a connection pipe of a gas meter for replacing the gas meter without stopping the supply of gas to a gas appliance.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, when replacing a gas meter, the main valve of the primary gas pipe on the upstream side of the gas meter was closed to stop the supply of gas to the gas meter, the secondary gas pipe on its downstream side, and the gas appliance. Therefore, the gas appliance could not be used during the replacement of the gas meter. Thus, Patent Document 1 below proposes a connection pipe unit for a gas meter that enables replacement of the gas meter while the gas appliance is in use.

[0003] The connection pipe unit for a gas meter disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a primary connection pipe, a secondary connection pipe, and a bypass pipe. The primary connection pipe connects the gas inlet portion of the gas meter and the primary gas pipe, and the secondary connection pipe connects the gas outlet portion of the gas meter and the secondary gas pipe. The bypass pipe is provided between the primary connection pipe and the secondary connection pipe in parallel with the gas meter.

[0004] In this connection pipe unit for a gas meter, the communication and cutoff between the primary connection pipe and the bypass pipe are switched by a first switching means, and the communication and cutoff between the bypass pipe and the secondary connection pipe are switched by a second switching means. Thereby, since the gas flow path can be switched to a path passing through the bypass pipe without passing through the gas meter, the gas meter can be replaced without stopping the supply of gas to the gas appliance.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In the connecting pipe unit for a gas meter of Patent Document 1, the primary side connecting pipe, the secondary side connecting pipe, and the bypass pipe are integrally provided. Therefore, it was impossible to cope with the case where the intervals between the primary side gas pipe and the secondary side gas pipe were different. In addition, being integrated increased the weight. Furthermore, providing a bypass pipe for each connecting pipe unit increased the manufacturing cost. In addition, since the bypass pipe can supply gas to the gas appliance without passing through the gas meter, there was a risk of gas theft.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve at least one of the above problems, and a connecting pipe unit for a gas meter according to an aspect of the present invention includes a primary side connecting pipe that connects the gas inlet portion of the gas meter and the primary side gas pipe, a secondary side connecting pipe that connects the gas outlet portion of the gas meter and the secondary side gas pipe, a bypass pipe provided between the primary side connecting pipe and the secondary side connecting pipe in parallel with the gas meter, a first switching means for switching the communication and interruption between the primary side connecting pipe and the bypass pipe, a second switching means for switching the communication and interruption between the bypass pipe and the secondary side connecting pipe, and is characterized in that the length of the bypass pipe is adjustable.

[0008] According to the above configuration, by making the length of the bypass pipe adjustable, it is possible to cope with changing the interval between the primary side connecting pipe and the secondary side connecting pipe, and thus it is possible to cope with the case where the intervals between the primary side gas pipe and the secondary side gas pipe are different.

[0009] Preferably, the bypass pipe has a first pipe portion on the primary side connection pipe side, a second pipe portion on the secondary side connection pipe side, and a gap adjusting means for adjusting the gap between the first pipe portion and the second pipe portion. The gap adjusting means has a tubular portion that is integrally connected or separately connected to one of the first pipe portion and the second pipe portion, and this tubular portion is slidably connected to the other of the first pipe portion and the second pipe portion in the pipe axis direction. According to the above configuration, the length of the bypass pipe can be adjusted by adjusting the gap between the first pipe portion and the second pipe portion with a gap adjusting means having a simple configuration.

[0010] Preferably, the bypass pipe is detachable from the primary side connection pipe and the secondary side connection pipe. According to the above configuration, the bypass pipe can be removed except when replacing the gas meter. The connection pipe unit with the bypass pipe removed becomes lighter in weight and easier to handle, and gas cannot be supplied to the gas equipment without passing through the gas meter. As a result, gas theft is prevented. Also, if the bypass pipe is shared among a plurality of connection pipe units with the bypass pipe removed, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0011] Preferably, the primary side connection pipe and the secondary side connection pipe are each formed with a first branch port for connecting one end portion of the bypass pipe and a second branch port for connecting the other end portion. When the bypass pipe is removed, the first branch port and the second branch port are each closed by a lid portion that is opened and closed by a dedicated tool. According to the above configuration, since the lid portions closing the first branch port and the second branch port cannot be removed without a dedicated tool, the effect of preventing gas theft can be enhanced.

[0012] Preferably, there is further provided a first locking means for prohibiting the switching for communicating the primary side connection pipe and the bypass pipe by the first switching means and enabling this switching by pressing a first pressed portion, and a first pressing member rotatably attached to the outer periphery of the bypass pipe and capable of pressing the first pressed portion by rotation. According to the above configuration, the switching of the first switching means is restricted by the first locking means, and the operability of the first locking means can be improved by the first pressing member when the gas meter is replaced.

[0013] Preferably, there is further provided a second locking means for prohibiting the switching for communicating the bypass pipe and the secondary side connection pipe by the second switching means and enabling this switching by pressing the second pressed portion, and a second pressing member rotatably attached to the outer periphery of the bypass pipe and capable of pressing the second pressed portion by rotation. According to the above configuration, the switching of the second switching means is restricted by the second locking means, and the operability of the second locking means can be improved by the second pressing member when the gas meter is replaced.

[0014] Preferably, the bypass pipe has an air purge portion for removing internal air. According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the air in the bypass pipe from being supplied to the gas equipment together with the gas passing through the bypass pipe.

[0015] Another aspect of the present invention is a bypass pipe provided in parallel with a gas meter between a primary side connection pipe connecting a gas inlet portion of the gas meter and a primary side gas pipe and a secondary side connection pipe connecting a gas outlet portion of the gas meter and a secondary side gas pipe, wherein one end portion and the other end portion are detachably connected to the primary side connection pipe and the secondary side connection pipe, respectively, and the length from the one end portion to the other end portion is adjustable.

Advantages of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, the length of the bypass pipe provided between the primary side connection pipe and the secondary side connection pipe can be changed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017]

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Figure 17

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Figure 21

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] <First Embodiment> Hereinafter, the connecting pipe unit for the gas meter according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the connection pipe unit U for a gas meter includes a primary side connection pipe 10, a secondary side connection pipe 20, a bypass pipe 30 provided between these connection pipes, a first switching means 40 for switching the communication and cutoff between the primary side connection pipe 10 and the bypass pipe 30, and a second switching means 50 for switching the communication and cutoff between the bypass pipe 30 and the secondary side connection pipe 20.

[0019] [Primary side connection pipe] As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the primary side connection pipe 10 has an inverted U shape and includes an upstream end portion 10a, a downstream end portion 10b, and a main body portion 10c. Both the upstream end portion 10a and the downstream end portion 10b have their axes oriented in the vertical direction, and the main body portion 10c connects their upper end portions.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 8, a gas passage 11 is formed inside the upstream end portion 10a, the main body portion 10c, and the downstream end portion 10b. One end of the gas passage 11 opens as an inlet 11a at the lower end of the upstream end portion 10a, and the other end opens as an outlet 11b at the lower end of the downstream end portion 10b.

[0021] The upstream end portion 10a is connected to the primary side gas pipe via a flexible joint (both not shown), and the downstream end portion 10b is connected to the inlet portion M1 (see FIGS. 17 to 19) of the gas meter M by a connection nut 12. Thereby, gas flows from the primary side gas pipe into the gas meter M through the primary side connection pipe 10.

[0022] A branch pipe portion 13 is provided at the intersection 10x of the main body portion 10c and the downstream end portion 10b, which extends horizontally and bends vertically upward. As shown in FIG. 8, a branch passage 14 is formed inside the branch pipe portion 13, one end of which communicates with the gas passage 11, and the other end opens as a first branch port 14a at the tip of the branch pipe portion 13.

[0023] One end of a bypass pipe 30 is connected to the first branch port 14a, as will be described later. However, when the bypass pipe 30 is removed, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the lid portion 2 is attached. The lid portion 2 has a head portion 2a and a body portion 2b, and a male thread is formed at the tip of the body portion 2b. Near the first branch port 14a of the branch pipe portion 13, a female thread portion 14b and an O-ring groove 14c are formed. The lid portion 2 is attached by screwing, and the first branch port 14a is closed in a state where the outer peripheral surface of the body portion 2 and the inner peripheral surface of the branch pipe portion 13 are hermetically sealed by the O-ring 2c.

[0024] Recesses 2d are formed at two positions spaced apart in the radial direction on the outer surface of the head portion 2a of the lid portion 2. Protrusions Ta, Ta of a dedicated tool T shown in FIG. 8 are engaged with the recesses 2d, 2d, and the lid portion 2 is opened and closed by rotating the dedicated tool T.

[0025] [First switching means] The first switching means 40 is provided at the intersection portion 10x of the primary side connection pipe 10 and switches the communication and interruption between the inlet 11a, the outlet 11b, and the first branch port 14a. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 12, a valve housing portion 15 having a tapered hole shape is formed inside the intersection portion 10x. The valve housing portion 15 has its axis substantially coincident with the axis of the main body portion 10c and opens at the front end of the main body portion 10c. The first switching means 40 has a valve body 41 (FIG. 8) and a valve operation portion 42 (FIG. 12). The valve body 41 is rotatably housed in the valve housing portion 15 from its front opening. The valve operation portion 42 is non-rotatably connected to the front end portion of the valve body 41 and seals the opening of the valve housing portion 15 in a rotatable and retaining state.

[0026] The switching of the passage in the primary side connection pipe 10 by the first switching means 40 will be described. When the valve operation portion 42 is in the position shown in FIG. 12, the valve body 41 connects the inlet 11a and the outlet 11b and blocks the branch passage 14, as shown in FIG. 17(A), and the first switching means 40 is in the normal use state.

[0027] From this state, when the valve operation unit 42 is rotated counterclockwise by 45 degrees as shown in FIG. 14, the valve body 41 communicates the inlet port 11a, the outlet port 11b, and the branch passage 14 as shown in FIG. 18(A), and the first switching means 40 is in a three-way open state. Further, as shown in FIG. 16, when the valve operation unit 42 is rotated counterclockwise up to 90 degrees, the valve body 41 blocks the inlet port 11a and the outlet port 11b and communicates the inlet port 11a and the branch passage 14 as shown in FIG. 19, and the first switching means 40 is in a bypass state.

[0028] The first switching means 40 is prohibited from switching or the prohibition is released by the first locking means L1. As shown in FIG. 12, the first locking means L1 includes a lock pin 43, a regulating recess 16 provided at the opening end of the valve housing portion 15, and an arc wall portion 17.

[0029] The lock pin 43 is accommodated inside the valve operation unit 42 so as to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the valve operation unit 42, and is constantly biased in the radially outward direction of the valve operation unit 42 by a spring 44 in a retaining state. The lock pin 43 has a constricted portion 43a with a smaller diameter in the middle portion, and the tip portion 43b (the first pressed portion) is exposed from the side portion of the valve operation unit 42. As shown in FIG. 12, when the valve operation unit 42 is in the normal use position, the tip portion 43b faces the same direction as the protruding direction of the branch pipe portion 13.

[0030] The regulating recess 16 is disposed on the side of the branch pipe portion 13 at the opening end of the valve housing portion 15. As shown in FIG. 16, by bringing the lock pin 43 into contact with the circumferential end portion 16a of the regulating recess 16, the counterclockwise movement of the valve operation unit 42 is restricted.

[0031] The arc wall portion 17 is provided so as to extend circumferentially from the inside of the end portion 16a of the regulating recess 16. The circumferential length of the arc wall portion 17 is slightly shorter than 90 degrees. A locking recess 17a formed by notching the end face of the arc wall portion 17 is formed in the middle portion in the circumferential direction of the arc wall portion 17.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 12, when the valve operation portion 42 is in the position of the normal use state, since the lock pin 43 is in contact with the arc wall portion 17, the valve operation portion 42 cannot be rotated counterclockwise. That is, the first switching means 40 is in a state where switching for communicating the gas passage 11 and the branch passage 14 is prohibited.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 13, by pressing the tip portion 43b of the lock pin 43 inward, the constricted portion 43a of the lock pin 43 enters up to the position of the arc wall portion 17. Thereby, since the constricted portion 43a can straddle the arc wall portion 17, the valve operation portion 42 can be rotated counterclockwise. That is, the first switching means 40 becomes capable of switching for communicating the gas passage 11 and the branch passage 14.

[0034] Next, as shown in FIG. 14, when the valve operation portion 42 is rotated counterclockwise by 45 degrees, the lock pin 43 is positioned in the locking recess 17a and moves outward by the biasing force of the spring 44. As a result, since the lock pin 43 comes into contact with the arc wall portion 17, the valve operation portion 42 cannot be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise. That is, the first switching means 40 is prohibited from switching from the three-way open state of FIG. 18(A).

[0035] Next, when the tip portion 43b of the lock pin 43 is pushed inward and the valve operation portion 42 is further rotated counterclockwise by 45 degrees as shown in FIG. 16 to put the first switching means 40 in the bypass state shown in FIG. 19, the lock pin 43 abuts against the end portion 16a of the restricting recess 16, so that further rotation of the valve operation portion 42 counterclockwise is prohibited.

[0036] [Secondary side connection pipe] As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the secondary side connection pipe 20 also has an inverted U shape similar to the primary side connection pipe 10, and has an upstream end portion 20a, a downstream end portion 20b, and a main body portion 20c. Both the upstream end portion 20a and the downstream end portion 20b have their axes directed in the vertical direction, and the main body portion 20c connects their upper end portions.

[0037] Inside the upstream end portion 20a, the main body portion 20c, and the downstream end portion 20b, as shown in FIG. 8, a gas passage 21 is formed. One end of the gas passage 21 opens as an inlet 21a at the lower end of the upstream end portion 20a, and the other end opens as an outlet 21b at the lower end of the downstream end portion 20b.

[0038] On the peripheral wall of the upstream end portion 20a, as shown in FIG. 15, a pressure detection hole 21c communicating with the gas passage 21 is formed. This pressure detection hole 21c is used for measuring the pressure of the gas flowing through the gas passage 21 and for air purging of the replaced gas meter, but is closed by a plug 21d at other times.

[0039] The upstream end portion 20a is connected to the outlet portion M2 (see FIGS. 17 to 19) of the gas meter M by a connection nut 22, and the downstream end portion 20b is connected to the secondary side gas pipe via a flexible joint (both not shown). Thereby, the gas that has passed through the gas meter M flows from the outlet portion M2 into the secondary side gas pipe through the secondary side connection pipe 20 and is supplied to the gas equipment.

[0040] A branch pipe portion 23 is provided at the intersection portion 20x of the upstream end portion 20a and the main body portion 20c, which extends in the horizontal direction and bends vertically upward. As shown in FIG. 8, a branch passage 24 is formed inside the branch pipe portion 23, one end of which communicates with the gas passage 21, and the other end opens as a second branch port 24a at the tip of the branch pipe portion 23.

[0041] The other end of the bypass pipe 30 is connected to the second branch port 24a as described later. However, when the bypass pipe 30 is removed as shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the lid portion 2 is attached in the same manner as the first branch port 14a. Near the second branch port 24 of the branch pipe portion 23, a female screw portion 24b and an O-ring groove 24c for accommodating the O-ring 2c are formed, and the lid portion 2 is attached by screwing to close the second branch port 24a. As described above, the lid portion 2 is opened and closed by a dedicated tool T.

[0042] [Second switching means] The second switching means 50 is provided at the intersection 20x of the secondary-side connection pipe 20, and switches between communication and interruption among the inlet 21a, the outlet 21b, and the second branch port 24a. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 12, inside the intersection 20x, a tapered-hole-shaped valve housing portion 25 is formed. The valve housing portion 25 has its axis substantially coincident with the axis of the main body portion 20c and opens at the front end of the main body portion 20c. The second switching means 50 has a valve body 51 (FIG. 8) and a valve operating portion 52 (FIG. 12). The valve body 51 is rotatably housed in the valve housing portion 25 from its front opening. The valve operating portion 52 is non-rotatably connected to the front end portion of the valve body 51 and seals the opening of the valve housing portion 25 in a rotatable and retaining state.

[0043] The switching of the passage in the secondary-side connection pipe 20 by the second switching means 50 will be described. When the valve operating portion 52 is in the position shown in FIG. 12, the valve body 51 connects the inlet 21a and the outlet 21b and blocks the branch passage 24, as shown in FIG. 17(A), and the second switching means 50 is in the normal use state.

[0044] When the valve operating portion 52 is rotated counterclockwise by 90 degrees from this state as shown in FIG. 15, the valve body 51 connects the branch passage 24 and the outlet 21b and blocks the inlet 21a and the outlet 21b, as shown in FIG. 18(B), and the second switching means 50 is in the bypass state. Note that when switching to this bypass state, transiently, a three-way open state in which the inlet 21a, the outlet 21b, and the branch passage 24 are connected is formed, so the gas flow path is not blocked.

[0045] The second switching means 50 is prohibited from switching or the prohibition is released by the second locking means L2. As shown in FIG. 12, the second locking means L2 includes a locking pin 53, a pressed pin 54 (second pressed portion), a regulating recess 26 formed at the opening end portion of the valve housing portion 25, and a pin housing ring 27 attached and fixed to the outer periphery of the opening end portion of the valve housing portion 25.

[0046] The pin housing ring 27 has a protrusion 27a protruding in the same direction as the branch pipe portion 23 on its outer peripheral surface. Inside the protrusion 27a, a pin housing hole portion 27b penetrating in the radial direction of the pin housing ring 27 is formed.

[0047] The locking pin 53 is accommodated in the valve operating portion 52 so as to be movable in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis of the valve operating portion 52. As shown in FIG. 12, when the second switching means 50 is in the normal use position, it faces the same direction as the protruding direction of the branch pipe portion 23. At this time, the tip of the locking pin 53 protrudes into the pin housing hole portion 27b. The pressed-down pin 54 abuts on the tip surface of the locking pin 53 and is slidably accommodated in the pin housing hole portion 27b, and the locking pin 53 and the pressed-down pin 54 are arranged in a straight line.

[0048] The locking pin 53 is constantly biased in the radially outward direction of the valve operating portion 52 by a spring 55, and the pressed-down pin 54 is prevented from coming out within the pin housing hole portion 27b and the tip portion is exposed from the pin housing hole portion 27b.

[0049] The restricting recess 26 is formed counterclockwise from the branch pipe portion 23 side at the opening end of the valve housing portion 25, and restricts the movement of the locking pin 53 in the circumferential direction of the valve operating portion 52. The restricting recess 26 has a circumferential length slightly longer than 90 degrees, and restricts the movement of the valve operating portion 52 in the circumferential direction by bringing the locking pin 53 into contact with both circumferential ends 26a and 26b.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 12, when the valve operating portion 52 is in the normal use position, the locking pin 53 straddles the valve operating portion 52 and the pin housing hole portion 27b and abuts on the end portion 26b of the restricting recess 26, so that the valve operating portion 52 cannot be rotated. That is, the second switching means 50 is in a state where switching for communicating the branch passage 24 and the gas passage 21 is prohibited.

[0051] By pressing the depressed pin 54 inward, the tip surface of the locking pin 53 enters up to the position of the regulation recess 26. As a result, the valve operating portion 52 can be rotated counterclockwise. That is, the second switching means 50 can be switched to communicate the branch passage 24 and the gas passage 21. At this time, in the clockwise direction, since the locking pin 53 abuts against the end portion 26b of the regulation recess 26, the valve operating portion 52 cannot be rotated.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 15, when the valve operating portion 52 is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise and the second switching means 50 is brought into the bypass state shown in FIG. 19, the locking pin 53 abuts against the end portion 26a of the regulation recess 26, so that further rotation of the valve operating portion 52 is prohibited.

[0053] [Connection of primary - side connection pipe and secondary - side connection pipe] The primary - side connection pipe 10 and the secondary - side connection pipe 20 having the above configuration are connected by a connecting member 60 as shown in FIGS. 6 to 8. The connecting member 60 has a flat plate shape, and a pair of left - and - right positioning recesses 61, 62 are formed on the front surface thereof. The interval between the positioning recesses 61, 62 is the same as the interval between the inlet portion M1 and the outlet portion M2 of the gas meter M. The downstream - side end portion 10b of the primary - side connection pipe 10 and the upstream - side end portion 20a of the secondary - side connection pipe 20 are respectively inserted into the positioning recesses 61, 62 and are rotatable in the horizontal direction.

[0054] Fixed arms 18, 28 are respectively formed at the downstream - side end portion 10b and the upstream - side end portion 20a. Bolts B, B are respectively inserted through the tip portions of the fixed arms 18, 28. The bolts B, B are respectively inserted movably in the longitudinal direction into arc - shaped guide holes 63, 64 formed in the connecting member 60, and nuts N, N are screwed to the end portions protruding downward from the guide holes 63, 64.

[0055] Therefore, the connecting pipes 10 and 20 can be rotated horizontally about the end portions 10b and 20a inserted into the recesses 61 and 62, respectively. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, the distance between the upstream end portion 10a of the primary-side connecting pipe 10 and the downstream end portion 20b of the secondary-side connecting pipe 20 can be adjusted to match the horizontal distance between the primary-side and secondary-side gas pipes (both not shown).

[0056] [Bypass pipe] The bypass pipe 30 is provided between the primary-side connecting pipe 10 and the secondary-side connecting pipe 20 in parallel with the gas meter M. As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, the bypass pipe 30 has a U shape and includes a first pipe portion 31 on one end side and a second pipe portion 32 on the other end side, and the distance between the first pipe portion 31 and the second pipe portion 32 can be adjusted by the distance adjusting means 33. That is, the length of the bypass pipe 30 can be adjusted.

[0057] (First pipe portion) The first pipe portion 31 includes a first main body 34 formed of an L-shaped tubular member, a straight pipe 35, a pressing member 70A, and a joint member 36. The first main body 34 has a vertical portion 34a and a horizontal portion 34b that are perpendicular to each other. In the present embodiment, the horizontal portion 34b is formed longer than the vertical portion 34a. One end portion of the pipe 35 is rotatably inserted into the opening of the vertical portion 34a.

[0058] An O-ring groove 351 and a stop-ring groove 352 are annularly formed on the outer peripheral surface of one end portion of the pipe 35 in order from the tip side. An O-ring 3a is mounted in the O-ring groove 351 to airtightly seal the space between the outer peripheral surface of the pipe 35 and the inner peripheral surface of the vertical portion 34a of the first main body 34.

[0059] Facing the stop ring groove 352, a stop ring groove 34c is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the vertical portion 34a of the first main body 34. A C-shaped stop ring 4a is mounted in this stop ring groove 34c, and its inner peripheral portion protrudes into the stop ring groove 352. As a result, one end portion of the pipe 35 is prevented from coming off from the vertical portion 34a, and thus the pipe 35 is connected to the first main body 34 in a non-detachable manner.

[0060] The joint member 36 is for connecting the bypass pipe 30 to the branch pipe portion 13 of the primary side connecting pipe 10 and is formed in a cylindrical shape. The joint member 36 has a pipe connection portion 36a having a hexagonal cross-section formed at one end portion and a mounting portion 36b having a circular cross-section formed at the other end portion. The other end portion of the pipe 35 is rotatably inserted into the opening of the pipe connection portion 36a.

[0061] On the outer peripheral surface of the other end portion of the pipe 35, an O-ring groove 353 and a stop ring groove 354 are respectively formed in an annular shape in order from the tip side. An O-ring 3b is mounted in the O-ring groove 353, which airtightly seals the space between the outer peripheral surface of the pipe 35 and the inner peripheral surface of the pipe connection portion 36a. In the present embodiment, the same component as the O-ring 3a is used for the O-ring 3b.

[0062] Facing the stop ring groove 354, a stop ring groove 36c is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the pipe connection portion 36a. A C-shaped stop ring 4b is mounted in this stop ring groove 36c, and its inner peripheral portion protrudes into the stop ring groove 354. As a result, the other end portion of the pipe 35 is prevented from coming off from the pipe connection portion 36a, and thus the pipe 35 is connected to the joint member 36 in a non-detachable manner. In the present embodiment, the same component as the stop ring 4a is used for the stop ring 4b.

[0063] An O-ring 5a is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the base end portion of the attachment portion 36b. A male screw portion 36d is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the tip end portion of the attachment portion 36b. As shown in FIG. 4, the attachment portion 36b is inserted into the first branch port 14a of the branch pipe portion 13, and the male screw portion 36d is screwed into the female screw portion 14b of the branch pipe portion 13, whereby the attachment portion 36b is connected to the branch pipe portion 13. Thereby, the bypass pipe 30 is detachably connected to the primary side connection pipe 10. At this time, the O-ring 5a hermetically seals the space between the outer peripheral surface of the attachment portion 36b and the inner peripheral surface of the branch pipe portion 13.

[0064] Note that a pressing member 70A is mounted around the pipe 35 between the first main body 34 and the joint member 36. Details of the pressing member 70A will be described later.

[0065] (Second pipe portion) As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, the second pipe portion 32 includes a second main body 37 formed of an L-shaped tubular member, a straight pipe 38, a pressing member 70B, a joint member 39, and an air purge portion 80. The second main body 37 has a vertical portion 37a and a horizontal portion 37b that are orthogonal to each other. In the present embodiment, the horizontal portion 37b is formed longer than the vertical portion 37a. The joint member 39 connects the bypass pipe 30 to the branch pipe portion 23 of the secondary side connection pipe 20.

[0066] The pipe 38 and the joint member 39 of the second pipe portion 32 respectively correspond to the pipe 35 and the joint member 36 of the first pipe portion 31. The second pipe portion 32 has O-rings 3c, 3d, 5b and snap rings 4c, 4d, which respectively correspond to the O-rings 3a, 3b, 5a and snap rings 4a, 4b of the first pipe portion 31.

[0067] The connection structure of the second main body 37, the pipe 38, and the joint member 39 in the second pipe portion 32 is the same as the connection structure of the first main body 34, the pipe 35, and the joint member 36 in the first pipe portion 31, and thus the description thereof is omitted. In this embodiment, the same components as the corresponding components of the first pipe section 31 are used for the pipe 38, joint member 39, O-rings 3c, 3d, 5b, and stop rings 4c, 4d of the second pipe section 32.

[0068] A pressing member 70B is mounted around the pipe 38 between the second main body 37 and the joint member 39. Details of the pressing member 70B will be described later.

[0069] (Air purge section) The air purge section 80 is for removing air in the bypass pipe 30, and includes a purge hole 81 formed at the intersection of the vertical portion 37a and the horizontal portion 37b, and a plug 82 attached to the purge hole 81.

[0070] The purge hole 81 communicates with the inside of the second main body 37. The plug 82 has the outer shape and dimensions of a plug of the quick coupling type for gas plugs defined in Japanese Industrial Standard JIS S 2135. The plug 82 has a ball valve 83, a spring 84, and an O-ring 85 in its internal hole portion.

[0071] The ball valve 83 is movable within the hole portion of the plug 82. The ball valve 83 is biased by the spring 84 in the direction of the tip of the plug 82 and is seated on the O-ring 85 serving as a valve seat member. As a result, the hole portion of the plug 82 is closed. When the ball valve 83 is separated from the O-ring 85 against the biasing force of the spring 84, the hole portion of the plug 82 is opened. The hole portion of the plug 82 is opened by attaching a socket (not shown) to the plug 82, but the connection structure between the plug 82 and the socket is the same as a well-known one, so a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0072] (Spacing adjustment means) The spacing adjustment means 33 includes the horizontal portion 34b of the first main body 34 of the first pipe section 31, the horizontal portion 37b of the second main body 37 of the second pipe section 32, and these Horizontal portions 34b, 37b is composed of a linear pipe P (tubular portion) connecting them to each other, and stop rings 4e, 4f respectively mounted on the horizontal portions 34b, 37b.

[0073] One end of the pipe P is rotatably inserted into the opening of the horizontal portion 34b of the first main body 34, and the other end is rotatably inserted into the opening of the horizontal portion 37b of the second main body 37. An O-ring groove P1 is formed annularly on the outer peripheral surface of one end of the pipe P. An O-ring 3e is mounted in the O-ring groove P1 to airtightly seal the space between the outer peripheral surface of the pipe P and the inner peripheral surface of the horizontal portion 34b.

[0074] On the outer peripheral surface of the other end of the pipe P, an O-ring groove P2 and a stop-ring groove P3 are formed annularly in order from the tip side. An O-ring 3f is mounted in the O-ring groove P2 to airtightly seal the space between the outer peripheral surface of the pipe P and the inner peripheral surface of the horizontal portion 37b of the second main body 37.

[0075] Opposite to the stop-ring groove P3 of the pipe P, a stop-ring groove 37d is formed in the inner peripheral surface of the horizontal portion 37b of the second main body 37. A C-shaped stop ring 4f is mounted in this stop-ring groove 37d, and its inner peripheral portion protrudes into the stop-ring groove P3. Thereby, the other end of the pipe P is prevented from coming off the horizontal portion 37b, and thus the pipe P is connected to the second main body 37 in a non-detachable manner.

[0076] An annular recess P4 is formed in the outer peripheral surface between the stop-ring groove P3 at the other end of the pipe P and the above-mentioned O-ring groove P1 at one end. One end and the other end of the recess P4 in the pipe axis direction are tapered surfaces P4a and P4b.

[0077] Opposite to the recess P4 of the pipe P, a stop-ring groove 34d is formed in the inner peripheral surface of the horizontal portion 34b of the first main body 34. A C-shaped stop ring 4e is mounted in this stop-ring groove 34d, and its inner peripheral portion protrudes into the recess P4. The width of the recess P4 is formed larger than the width of the stop ring 4e Thereby, the pipe P and the horizontal portion 34b of the first main body 34 are relatively movable in the pipe axis direction. That is, one end of the pipe P is slidably fitted into the horizontal portion 34b.

[0078] The movement of the pipe P in the direction away from the first main body 34 is restricted by the stop ring 4e coming into contact with the tapered surface P4a. As a result, one end of the pipe P is prevented from coming out of the horizontal portion 34b, and thus the pipe P is connected to the first main body 34 so as to be slidable and non-detachable.

[0079] The movement of the pipe P in the depth direction of the first main body 34 is restricted by the front end surface 34x of the horizontal portion 34b coming into contact with the front end surface 37x of the horizontal portion 37b of the second main body 37. In addition, in the present embodiment, the same components as the stop ring 4a of the first pipe portion 31 are used for the stop rings 4e and 4f of the interval adjusting means 33, and the same components as the O-ring 3a of the first pipe portion 31 are used for the O-rings 3e and 3f.

[0080] (Pressing member) The pressing members 70A and 70B are for pressing the locking pin 43 of the first locking means L1 and the pressed pin 54 of the second locking means L2, respectively. As shown in FIG. 11, the pressing member 70A has a mounting ring portion 71, an operating portion 72, and a pressing portion 73. The mounting ring portion 71 is passed through the pipe 35 of the first pipe portion 31 of the bypass pipe 30, and thus is rotatably attached to the pipe 35.

[0081] The operating portion 72 is formed in an elongated plate shape and protrudes radially outward from the mounting ring portion 71. The pressing portion 73 is provided at a position 90 degrees counterclockwise from the operating portion 72 in the mounting ring portion 71. The pressing portion 73 has a crank shape, and its base end portion 73a protrudes radially outward from the mounting ring portion 71. A connecting portion 73b extends from the tip of the base end portion 73a toward the axial joint member 36 side of the mounting ring portion 71. A contact portion 73c protrudes from the tip of the connecting portion 73b in the same direction as the base end portion 73a.

[0082] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, when the bypass pipe 30 is attached to the branch pipe portion 13 of the primary side connection pipe 10, the pressing member 70A rotates by moving the operation portion 72 in the circumferential direction of the ring portion 71. As a result, the contact portion 73c can press the tip portion 43b of the locking pin 43 of the first locking means L1.

[0083] The pressing member 70B has a mounting ring portion 71, an operation portion 72, and a pressing portion 73, similar to the pressing member 70A, but is different from the pressing member 70A in that the pressing portion 73 is provided at a position 90 degrees apart from the operation portion 72 in the clockwise direction.

[0084] The pressing member 70B is rotatably attached to the pipe 38 of the second pipe portion 32 of the bypass pipe 30, and when the bypass pipe 30 is attached to the branch pipe portion 23 of the secondary side connection pipe 20, the contact portion 73c can press the pressed pin 54 of the second locking means L2.

[0085] [Attachment of Bypass Pipe to Connection Pipe] In order to attach the bypass pipe 30 to the primary side connection pipe 10 and the secondary side connection pipe 20, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the lid portions 2, 2 that close the first branch port 14a of the branch pipe portion 13 and the second branch port 24a of the branch pipe portion 23 are removed by a dedicated tool T (see FIG. 12).

[0086] As shown in FIG. 4, a joint member 36 of the first pipe portion 31 of the bypass pipe 30 is connected to the first branch port 14a, and a joint member 39 of the second pipe portion 32 is connected to the second branch port 24a by screwing. Thereby, the bypass pipe 30 is attached to the primary side connection pipe 10 and the secondary side connection pipe 20, and the first branch port 14a and the second branch port 24a are communicated with each other.

[0087] When attaching the bypass pipe 30, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7(A), since the horizontal distance between the primary and secondary gas pipes (both not shown) is narrow, the distance between the primary connection pipe 10 and the secondary connection pipe 20 may be narrow. In this case, as shown in FIGS. 1(A), 2(A), and 3(A), the bypass pipe 30 can be attached by narrowing the distance between the first pipe portion 31 and the second pipe portion 32 by the distance adjusting means 33.

[0088] Also, as shown in FIG. 7(B), since the horizontal distance between the primary and secondary gas pipes (both not shown) is wide, the distance between the primary connection pipe 10 and the secondary connection pipe 20 may be wide. In this case, as shown in FIGS. 1(B), 2(B), and 3(B), the bypass pipe 30 can be attached by widening the distance between the first pipe portion 31 and the second pipe portion 32 by the distance adjusting means 33.

[0089] When the bypass pipe 30 is attached, the tip 43b of the lock pin 43 when the first switching means 40 is in the normal use state is located on the rotation locus of the contact portion 73c of the pressing member 70A. Also, the pressed pin 54 is located on the rotation locus of the contact portion 73c of the pressing member 70B.

[0090] [Gas meter replacement method] A method for replacing the gas meter M using the above-described gas meter connection pipe unit U will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 19. The primary connection pipe 10 and the secondary connection pipe 20 shown in FIG. 12 are in a state where the first switching means 40 and the second switching means 50 are in the normal use state. As shown in FIGS. 17(A) and (B), the flow path has the inlet 11a and the outlet 11b communicating, the branch passage 14 being blocked, and the inlet 21a and the outlet 21b communicating, the branch passage 24 being blocked.

[0091] First, as shown in FIG. 13, the bypass pipe 30 is attached to the primary connection pipe 10 and the secondary connection pipe 20, and the branch passage 14 and the branch passage 24 are communicated as shown in FIG. 17(B).

[0092] Next, as shown in FIG. 13, in the pressing member 70A, the operating portion 72 is turned, and the tip portion 43b of the locking pin 43 of the first locking means L1 is pressed by the abutting portion 73c, whereby the first switching means 40 is switched so as to communicate the gas passage 11 and the branch passage 14.

[0093] Next, as shown in FIG. 14, the valve operating portion 42 of the first switching means 40 is turned counterclockwise by 45 degrees. As shown in FIG. 18(A), the valve body 41 is brought into a three-way open state in which the inlet 11a, the outlet 11b, and the branch passage 14 are communicated. In this state, a socket (not shown) is connected to the plug 82, the inside of the bypass pipe 30 is communicated with the atmosphere, and air purge in the bypass pipe 30 is performed.

[0094] Next, as shown in FIG. 15, in the pressing member 70B, the operating portion 72 is turned, and the pressed pin 54 of the second locking means L2 is pressed by the abutting portion 73c, whereby the second switching means 50 is switched so as to communicate the branch passage 24 and the gas passage 21.

[0095] Next, as shown in FIG. 15, the valve operating portion 52 of the second switching means 50 is turned counterclockwise by 90 degrees. When the valve body 51 is brought into a bypass state as shown in FIG. 18(B), the gas flows from the inlet 11a of the primary side connection pipe 10 through the branch passage 14, the bypass pipe 30, and the branch passage 24 to the outlet 21b of the secondary side connection pipe 20.

[0096] Next, in the state of FIG. 15, the tip portion 43b of the locking pin 43 of the first locking means L1 is pressed, and the valve operating portion 42 of the first switching means 40 is turned counterclockwise by 45 degrees as shown in FIG. 16. At this time, as shown in FIG. 19, the valve body 41 is brought into a bypass state, only the inlet 11a of the primary side connection pipe 10 and the branch passage 14 are communicated, and no gas flows to the gas meter M side, so that the gas meter M can be removed and replaced with a new gas meter.

[0097] After installing the new gas meter M', as shown in FIG. 15 from the state of FIG. 16, rotate the valve operating part 42 of the first switching means 40 clockwise by 45 degrees, and as shown in FIG. 18(B), set the valve body 41 to the three-way open state. Connect a socket (not shown) to the pressure detection hole 21, communicate the gas meter M' with the atmosphere, and purge the air in the gas meter M'.

[0098] After purging the air in the gas meter M', in order to return the second switching means 50 to the normal use state, as shown in FIG. 14 from the state of FIG. 15, rotate the valve operating part 52 of the second switching means 50 clockwise by 90 degrees, and as shown in FIG. 18(A), set the valve body 51 to a state where only the inlet 21a and the outlet 21b of the secondary side connecting pipe 20 are communicated. Next, in order to return the first switching means 40 to the normal use state, as shown in FIG. 13 from the state of FIG. 14, rotate the valve operating part 42 of the first switching means 40 clockwise by 45 degrees, and as shown in FIG. 17(B), set the valve body 41 to a state where only the inlet 11a and the outlet 11b of the primary side connecting pipe 10 are communicated. Thereby, the first switching means 40 and the second switching means 50 are in the normal use state.

[0099] Finally, as shown in FIG. 12 from the state of FIG. 13, remove the bypass pipe 30. Also, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, attach the lid parts 2, 2 to the first branch port 14a and the second branch port 24a.

[0100] [Effects of the First Embodiment] According to the above embodiment, the length of the bypass pipe 30 provided between the primary side connecting pipe 10 and the secondary side connecting pipe 20 can be changed. Thereby, it is possible to cope with the change in the distance between the primary side connecting pipe 10 and the secondary side connecting pipe 20, and thus it is possible to cope with the case where the distances between the primary side gas pipe and the secondary side gas pipe are different. The change in the length of the bypass pipe 30 can be performed by adjusting the distance between the first pipe part 31 and the second pipe part 32 of the bypass pipe 30 by the distance adjusting means 33 having a simple configuration. According to the above embodiment, since the bypass pipe 30 is detachable from the primary side connection pipe 10 and the secondary side connection pipe 20, the bypass pipe 30 can be removed except when the gas meter is replaced. The connection pipe unit U from which the bypass pipe 30 has been removed becomes lighter in weight and easier to handle. Also, it becomes impossible to supply gas to the gas appliance without passing through the gas meter. Thereby, gas theft is prevented. According to the above embodiment, if the bypass pipe 30 is shared among a plurality of connection pipe units U from which the bypass pipe 30 has been removed, the manufacturing cost can be reduced. For example, for each customer, a connection pipe unit U from which the bypass pipe 30 has been removed, that is, the primary side connection pipe 10 and the secondary side connection pipe 20 may be installed, and the gas meter replacement contractor may own the bypass pipe 30. According to the above embodiment, since the lid portions 2, 2 that close the first branch port 14a and the second branch port 24a can only be removed with a dedicated tool T, the effect of preventing gas theft can be enhanced. According to the above embodiment, by providing the pressing members 70A, 70B, the operability of the first locking means L1 and the second locking means L2 during the replacement of the gas meter can be improved. According to the above embodiment, by providing the air purge portion 80 in the bypass pipe 30, it is possible to prevent the air in the bypass pipe 30 from being supplied to the gas appliance together with the gas passing through the bypass pipe 30.

[0101] Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. For the following embodiments, only the configurations different from the above embodiment will be described, and the same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0102] <Second Embodiment> Figs. 20 and 21 show a second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the bypass pipe 30 is composed of fewer parts than in the first embodiment.

[0103] The pipe P of the interval adjusting means 33 is integrally formed with the second main body 37 of the second pipe portion 30, and the end portion of the pipe P on the second main body 37 side is continuous with the tip end portion of the horizontal portion 37b of the second main body 37. The front end surface 37x of the horizontal portion 37b defines the base end in the pipe axis direction in the recess P4 of the pipe P.

[0104] In the first pipe portion 31, the pipe 35 around which the pressing member 70A is annularly mounted is integrally formed with the first main body 34, and the end portion of the pipe 35 on the first main body 34 side is continuous with the tip end portion of the vertical portion 34a of the first main body 34.

[0105] In the second pipe portion 32, the pipe 38 around which the pressing member 70B is annularly mounted is integrally formed with the second main body 37, and the end portion of the pipe 38 on the second main body 37 side is continuous with the tip end portion of the vertical portion 37a of the second main body 37.

[0106] According to the second embodiment, by reducing the number of parts of the bypass pipe 30, manufacturing can be facilitated and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0107] [Modification Example] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modification examples can be adopted without departing from the gist thereof. In the first embodiment described above, one end portion of the pipe P inserted into the first main body 34 is configured to be slidable, but the other end portion of the pipe P inserted into the second main body 37 may be made slidable. In the second embodiment described above, the pipe P is integrally formed with the second main body 37, but it may be integrally formed with the first main body 34. In the second embodiment described above, the pipe P and the second main body 37, the pipe 35 and the first main body 34, and the pipe 38 and the second main body 37 are integrally formed, respectively, but any one of these sets may be integrally formed.

Industrial Applicability

[0108] The present invention can be applied to a connection pipe unit for a gas meter for replacing the gas meter without stopping the supply of gas to the gas appliance, and a bypass pipe for the connection pipe of the gas meter.

Explanation of Signs

[0109] U: Joint pipe unit for gas meter, M, M’: Gas meters, M1: Inlet part, M2 Outlet part, L1: First locking means, L2: Second locking means, T: Special tool, Ta: Protrusion, B: Bolt, N: Nut, P: Pipe (tubular part), P1: O-ring groove, P2: O-ring groove, P3: Stop ring groove, P4: Recess, P4a, P4b: Tapered surfaces, 2: Cover part, 2a: Head part, 2b: Body part, 2c: O-ring, 2d: Recess, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f: O-rings, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f: Stop rings, 5a, 5b: O-rings, 10: Primary side connecting pipe, 10a: Upstream end, 10b: Downstream end, 10c: Body part, 10x: Intersection part, 11: Gas passage, 11a: Inlet, 11b: Outlet, 12: Connecting nut, 13: Branch pipe part, 14: Branch passage, 14a: First branch port, 14b: Female thread part, 14c: O-ring groove, 15: Valve housing part, 16: Restricting recess (first locking means), 16a: End of restricting recess (first locking means), 17: Arc wall part (first locking means), 17a: Locking recess (first locking means), 18: Fixed arm, 20: Secondary side connecting pipe, 20a: Upstream end, 20b: Downstream end, 20c: Body part, 20x: Intersection part, 21: Gas passage, 21a: Inlet, 21b: Outlet, 21c: Pressure inspection hole, 21d: Plug, 22: Connecting nut, 23: Branch pipe part, 24: Branch passage, 24a: Second branch port, 24b: Female thread part, 24c: O-ring groove, 25: Valve housing part, 26: Restricting recess (second locking means), 26a, 26b: Ends of restricting recess (second locking means), 27: Pin housing ring (second locking means), 27a: Protrusion (second locking means), 27b: Pin housing hole part (second locking means), 28: Fixed arm, 30: Bypass pipe, 31: First pipe part, 32: Second pipe part, 33: Spacing adjustment means, 34: First body, 34a: Vertical part, 34b: Horizontal part, 34c, 34d: Stop ring grooves, 34x: Tip surface, 35: Pipe, 351, 353: O-ring grooves, 352, 354: Stop ring grooves, 36: Joint member, 36a: Pipe connection part, 36b: Mounting part, 36c: Stop ring groove, 36d: Male thread part, 37: Second body, 37a: Vertical part, 37b: Horizontal part, 37c, 37d: Stop ring grooves, 37x: Tip surface, 38: Pipe, 381, 383: O-ring grooves, 382,384: Stop ring groove, 39: Joint member, 39a: Pipe connection part, 39b: Mounting part, 39c: Stop ring groove, 39d: Male screw part, 40: First switching means, 41: Valve body, 42: Valve operating part, 43: Lock pin (first locking means), 43a: Constricted part (first locking means), 43b: Tip part of lock pin (first locking means, first pressed part), 44: Spring, 50: Second switching means, 51: Valve body, 52: Valve operating part, 53: Locking pin (second locking means), 54: Pressed pin (second locking means, second pressed part), 55: Spring, 60: Connecting member, 61, 62: Positioning recess, 63, 64: Guide hole, 70A: Pressing member (first pressing member), 70B: Pressing member (second pressing member), 71: Mounting ring part, 72: Operating part, 73: Pressing part, 73a: Base end part, 73b: Connecting part, 73c: Contact part, 80: Air purge part, 81: Purge hole, 82: Plug, 83: Ball valve, 84: Spring, 85: O-ring,

Claims

1. A primary connection pipe connecting a gas inlet portion of a gas meter and a primary side gas pipe, A secondary connection pipe connecting a gas outlet portion of the gas meter and a secondary side gas pipe, A bypass pipe provided between the primary connection pipe and the secondary connection pipe in parallel with the gas meter, with one end and the other end connected to the primary side and the secondary side connection pipes respectively, First switching means for switching between communication and cutoff of the primary connection pipe and the bypass pipe, Second switching means for switching between communication and cutoff of the bypass pipe and the secondary connection pipe, and comprising, The bypass pipe has a first main body including a first vertical portion and a first horizontal portion, and a second main body including a second vertical portion and a second horizontal portion, The first and second vertical portions are each rotatable with respect to the primary side and secondary side connection pipes, and the respective rotation axes are parallel to each other, The bypass pipe has a first pipe portion arranged on the primary side connection pipe side and including the first main body, a second pipe portion arranged on the secondary side connection pipe side and including the second main body, and spacing adjustment means for adjusting the spacing between the first pipe portion and the second pipe portion, The spacing adjustment means has a tubular portion integrally connected or separately connected to one of the first horizontal portion of the first main body and the second horizontal portion of the second main body, and this tubular portion is slidably connected in the pipe axis direction to the other of the first horizontal portion and the second horizontal portion. A connection pipe unit for a gas meter characterized by this.

2. The connection pipe unit for a gas meter according to claim 1, characterized in that the bypass pipe is detachable from the primary side connection pipe and the secondary side connection pipe.

3. The primary side connection pipe and the secondary side connection pipe are each formed with a first branch port for connecting one end of the bypass pipe and a second branch port for connecting the other end, When the bypass pipe is removed, the first branch port and the second branch port are each closed by a lid portion that is opened and closed by a dedicated tool. The connection pipe unit for a gas meter according to claim 2, characterized by this.

4. First locking means for prohibiting switching for communicating the primary connection pipe and the bypass pipe by the first switching means and enabling this switching by pressing a first pressed portion, Rotatably attached to the outer periphery of the bypass pipe, and by rotation, the first covered The connection pipe unit for a gas meter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a first pressing member capable of pressing a pressing portion.

5. Second locking means for prohibiting switching for communicating the bypass pipe and the secondary side connection pipe by the second switching means and enabling the switching by pressing a second pressed portion; The connection pipe unit for a gas meter according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a second pressing member rotatably attached to the outer periphery of the bypass pipe and capable of pressing the second pressed portion by rotation.

6. The connection pipe unit for a gas meter according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the bypass pipe has an air purge portion for removing internal air.

7. A bypass pipe provided in parallel with a gas meter between a primary side connection pipe connecting a gas inlet portion of the gas meter and a primary side gas pipe and a secondary side connection pipe connecting a gas outlet portion of the gas meter and a secondary side gas pipe, wherein one end portion and the other end portion are detachably connected to the primary side connection pipe and the secondary side connection pipe, respectively. A first pipe portion on the one end side including a first main body having a first vertical portion and a first horizontal portion; A second pipe portion on the other end side including a second main body having a second vertical portion and a second horizontal portion; Spacing adjusting means for adjusting the spacing between the first pipe portion and the second pipe portion; The first and second vertical portions are each rotatable with respect to the primary side and secondary side connection pipes, and the respective rotation axes are parallel to each other. The bypass pipe for a connection pipe of a gas meter, wherein the spacing adjusting means has a tubular portion integrally or separately connected to one of the first horizontal portion of the first main body and the second horizontal portion of the second main body, and the tubular portion is slidably connected in the pipe axis direction to the other of the first horizontal portion and the second horizontal portion.

8. The bypass pipe for a connection pipe of a gas meter according to claim 7, further comprising an air purge portion for removing internal air.

Images