Flange reinforcement

Abstract

To provide a flange reinforcing tool capable of following multidirectional relative movement of flanges to maintain sufficient movement prevention function even in a case where vibration or impact occurs due to unexpected external force of an earthquake or the like.SOLUTION: A flange reinforcing tool 10 for externally fitting a pair of flanges 2c, 4c that are joined to each other through a packing 3 between pipeline constituent members 2, 4 and fastened by a fastener 5, comprises: a locking part 12 that is locked to the one flange 2c; a holding part 13 that faces the locking part 12 and holds the other flange 4c so as to be movable in a radial direction; and mounting parts 11, 14a, 14b for mounting the locking part 12 and the holding part 13 to the pair of flanges 2c, 4c.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a flange reinforcing tool that reinforces a pair of flanges that are joined between pipeline components via a packing and fastened together by a fastener. [Background technology]

[0002] Some conventional flange reinforcements clamp a pair of flanges formed at the ends of a pipeline component in the axial direction of the pipe, preventing the flanges from separating in the event of an unexpected external force such as an earthquake, thereby maintaining a sealed state within the pipeline component (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-233211 A (page 4, Figure 1) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in Patent Document 1, the flange reinforcement is attached by fitting it around the entire circumference of the flange. Therefore, when external forces such as an earthquake cause three-dimensional shaking, vibration, or impact in multiple directions, the flanges exhibit a certain degree of rigidity in the direction of the pipe axis to prevent them from separating, but are unable to provide sufficient movement prevention functionality in the direction perpendicular to the pipe axis. This not only raises the risk of the inner periphery of the reinforcement colliding with the outer periphery of the flange and causing damage, but also creates the problem of friction between the gasket interposed between the opposing surfaces of the flange and the flange end face, which could result in fluid leakage.

[0005] In particular, as in Patent Document 1, even if a flange reinforcement is attached by fitting it around the entire circumference of the flange to firmly clamp the flanges together, a gap is formed between the bolt, which is the fastener that fastens the flanges together, and the insertion hole of the bolt, and a certain degree of relative movement between the flanges in the direction perpendicular to the pipe axis is allowed, so that it is difficult to avoid collision between the flange reinforcement and the flanges due to the relative movement between the flanges.

[0006] The present invention has been made with an eye on such problems, and aims to provide a flange reinforcement that can maintain sufficient movement prevention function by following the relative movement between flanges in multiple directions, even when vibrations or impacts occur due to unexpected external forces such as earthquakes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the flange reinforcing device of the present invention comprises: A flange reinforcing device that fits over a pair of flanges that are joined between pipeline components via a packing and fastened by a fastener, It is characterized by having a locking portion that locks onto one of the flanges, a holding portion that faces the locking portion and holds the other flange so that it can move radially, and an attachment portion that attaches the locking portion and the holding portion to the pair of flanges. According to this feature, by attaching a locking portion that locks onto one flange and a holding portion that holds the other flange so that it can move radially to both flanges with an attachment portion, when an external force that moves the two flanges relative to each other occurs, the locking portion maintains its locking state with one flange while the holding portion holds the other flange so that it can move radially in response to the external force, thereby flexibly allowing a certain degree of relative movement between the two flanges and maintaining a sufficient movement prevention function.In particular, the flange reinforcement of the present invention has earthquake resistance performance, i.e., it can withstand vibrations and impacts, and can tolerate oscillation to a degree that maintains the seal between the flanges joined via the packing.

[0008] The mounting portion is characterized by being composed of a main body member that has the locking portion and the retaining portion and extends along the outer periphery of the pair of flanges, and a fastening member that fastens the ends of the main body member together. According to this feature, the main body member attached along the outer peripheries of both flanges is provided with the locking portion and the holding portion, making it easy to attach the flange reinforcing member.

[0009] The fastening member is characterized in that it is provided at a position offset in the pipe axial direction from the opposing positions of the pair of flanges. According to this feature, the locking portion and the holding portion press against the flanges in an unbalanced manner, so that the movable range of the holding portion can be widened with the locking portion side as an axis.

[0010] The main body member is fastened to the pair of flanges at a distance in the radial direction from the outer peripheral surfaces of the pair of flanges. According to this feature, it is possible to allow relative radial movement between the flanges while avoiding interference with the flange reinforcing member.

[0011] The main body member is characterized by including a positioning member for positioning the main body member in the radial direction of the pair of flanges. According to this feature, interference between the pair of flanges and the flange reinforcing member can be reliably avoided.

[0012] The main body member is characterized in that a bulging portion that bulges in the inner diameter direction is provided on the inner peripheral portion of the main body member. According to this feature, the bulge portion provided on the inner periphery of the main body member increases the structural strength of the main body member, and this bulge portion abuts against the outer periphery of the flange, preventing excessive fastening by the fastener and deformation of the main body member.

[0013] The main body member has an inner peripheral portion formed with a recess that fits along the outer peripheral edge of the packing. According to this feature, interference between the main body member attached along the outer periphery of the flange and the packing can be avoided.

[0014] The locking portion is characterized by having higher rigidity than the holding portion. According to this feature, the locking portion, which has higher rigidity than the holding portion, can be stably locked to one of the flanges.

[0015] The holding portion is characterized by being configured to be elastically deformable. According to this feature, the elasticity of the holding portion itself can be utilized to enhance the movable performance of the holding portion.

[0016] The attachment portion is characterized in that it is configured with a pressing member that presses the locking portion or the holding portion around a shaft that supports the locking portion or the holding portion. According to this feature, the flange reinforcing member can be easily attached to the flange by pressing the locking portion or the holding portion around the shaft portion with the pressing member.

[0017] A spacer is interposed between the pair of flanges. According to this feature, when the flange reinforcing member is attached, the pair of flanges do not come into direct contact with each other, and the separation distance can be maintained.

[0018] The locking portion and the holding portion extend radially inward by different lengths. According to this feature, the locking portion and the holding portion can be fitted onto the outside of a pair of flanges having different outer diameters and fastened together to provide reinforcement. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a state in which the flange reinforcing tool in the first embodiment is attached to the repair valve. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view similar to FIG. [Figure 3] 1A is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a state in which a flange reinforcing member is attached to flanges of different thicknesses. [Figure 5] 1A to 1E are diagrams showing the main body member of the flange reinforcement, in which (a) is a front view, (b) is a partially cross-sectional plan view, (c) is a rear view, (d) is a side view, and (e) is a bottom view. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the flange reinforcement attached to another type of repair valve. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a front view similar to FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a front view showing the flange reinforcement attached to yet another type of repair valve. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a state in which a flange reinforcing tool is attached to flanges of different diameters. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a state in which a flange reinforcing tool according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1 is attached to a repair valve. [Figure 11] This is a front view similar to FIG. [Figure 12] 11 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 10 taken along E-E axis. [Figure 13] 1A to 1D are diagrams showing a main body member of a flange reinforcement, in which (a) is a front view, (b) is a plan view, (c) is a rear view, and (d) is a side view. [Figure 14] 10A and 10B show a positioning member attached to a body member. [Figure 15] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a state in which a flange reinforcing tool according to a first modified example of the first embodiment is attached to a flange of a different specification, in which (a) is a plan view and (b) is an FF cross-sectional view of (a). [Figure 16] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a state in which a flange reinforcing tool according to Modification 2 of Example 1 is attached to a flange of different specifications, where (a) is a plan view and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line GG of (a). [Figure 17] This is a front view similar to FIG. [Figure 18] 17A to 17D are views showing the main body member of FIG. 16, in which (a) is a front view, (b) is a plan view, (c) is a rear view, and (d) is a side view. [Figure 19]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view showing a state in which a flange reinforcing tool according to a third modified example of the first embodiment is attached. [Figure 20] 10 is a diagram showing a main body member in a fourth modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view showing a state in which a flange reinforcing tool according to a fifth modified example of the first embodiment is attached. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a state in which a flange reinforcing tool according to a second embodiment is attached to a repair valve. [Figure 23] 1A to 1D are diagrams showing a locking member of a flange reinforcement, in which (a) is a plan view, (b) is a front view, (c) is a side view, and (d) is a bottom view. [Figure 24] 1A to 1D are diagrams showing a holding member of a flange reinforcing member, in which (a) is a plan view, (b) is a front cross-sectional view, (c) is a side view, and (d) is a bottom view. [Figure 25] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a flange reinforcing member in a first modified example of the second embodiment, in which (a) is a front view, (b) is a view seen from the arrow C in (a), and (c) is a view seen from the arrow D. FIG. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a state in which a flange reinforcing tool is attached in Modification 2 of Example 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A flange reinforcing tool according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the following examples. [Example]

[0021] A flange reinforcement according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 21. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in this embodiment, a repair valve 4, which is another pipeline component, is connected to a branch section 2b, which branches upward in the axial direction of the branch section from a main section 2a of a fluid pipe 2, which is a main pipeline component. In other words, the fluid pipe 2 is a so-called T-pipe. More specifically, the repair valve 4 has its lower flange 4c joined to the flange 2c of the branch section 2b via a packing 3 and is hermetically connected by fastening with multiple fasteners 5. Although not shown, an accessory component, such as an air valve or a fire hydrant, capable of discharging excess air from the fluid pipe 2 is connected to the upper part of the repair valve 4. The repair valve 4 of this embodiment is relatively short and compact in the vertical direction, suitable for installation inside a valve box or the like. A lever-type operating unit 4b connected to the main section 4a opens and closes the air valve and the branch section 2b with a valve body (not shown) inside the main section 4a. In this type of repair valve 4, the flange 4c can be separated to assemble the valve body inside the main body 4a, and embedded bolts are used to attach the main body 4a and flange 4c, so multiple bulges may be formed on the upper surface of the flange 4c.

[0022] The fluid pipe 2 in this embodiment is made of ductile cast iron for use in underground water supply systems, has a generally circular cross section, and is coated on its inner circumferential surface with a mortar layer. The fluid pipe according to the present invention may also be made of other metals, such as cast iron or steel, or concrete, vinyl chloride, polyethylene, or polyolefin. The inner circumferential surface of the fluid pipe is not limited to mortar, and may be coated with, for example, epoxy resin, or a suitable material such as powder coating. While the fluid in the fluid pipe in this embodiment is tap water, it may also be industrial water, agricultural water, sewage, or a gas or a gas-liquid mixture. Other fluid pipes are connected to both ends of the main pipe 2a of the fluid pipe 2 via connecting members, forming a fluid pipeline.

[0023] 1 and 5, the flange reinforcement 10 of this embodiment is attached by fitting over the flange 2c of the branch portion 2b and the flange 4c of the repair valve 4, preventing these flanges 2c, 4c from coming off. The flange reinforcement 10 is provided in a substantially semicircular arc shape along the outer periphery of each of the flanges 2c, 4c, and is composed of a pair of main body members 11, 11 that face each other in the radial direction, and a bolt 14a and a nut 14b that serve as fastening members that connect the ends of these main body members 11, 11 together. Each main body member 11 has a band-shaped main body portion 11a extending in an arc shape, and at the bottom thereof, a plurality of locking portions 12 that protrude inward and contact the flange 2c of the branch portion 2b are provided at two locations in this embodiment, spaced apart in the circumferential direction, and at the top of the main body portion 11a, a plurality of holding portions 13 that protrude inward and contact the flange 4c of the repair valve 4 are provided at two locations, spaced apart in the circumferential direction, so as to face the locking portions 12 in the up-down direction. That is, the mounting portion in this embodiment is made up of a pair of main body members 11, 11, a bolt 14a, and a nut 14b.

[0024] More specifically, the locking portion 12 includes a tapered portion 12a that is thick and connected to the lower portion of the main body portion 11a and has high rigidity, and a tip portion 12b that is connected to the tapered portion 12a and is formed approximately horizontally in the inner diameter direction. The tapered portion 12a has an inner surface that slopes upward toward the outer diameter direction. The holding portion 13 includes an inclined portion 13a that is connected to the upper portion of the main body portion 11a and extends diagonally upward, and a tip portion 13b that is connected to the inclined portion 13a and is formed approximately horizontally in the inner diameter direction. The holding portion 13 has a substantially uniform thickness from its base end (main body portion 11a) side to its free end (tip portion 13b) side, and is configured to be elastically deformable with respect to the main body portion 11a.

[0025] In addition, flanges 11b, 11b that protrude in the outer diameter direction are formed at the ends of each main body member 11 that face each other in the circumferential direction, and the flange reinforcement 10 can be assembled to the flanges 2c, 4c by inserting a bolt 14a into a through hole that passes through these flanges 11b, 11b and screwing in a nut 14b.

[0026] It should be noted that this is not limited to the present embodiment, and three or more main body members may be provided in the circumferential direction, or only one body member may be provided in a substantially C-shape. The number of locking portions and holding portions provided can be freely changed, and the locking portions and holding portions do not necessarily have to be provided so as to face each other in the vertical direction, and their shapes and sizes may be the same or different.

[0027] 1 to 3(a) and 3(b), the flange reinforcement 10 of this embodiment is fixed by fastening a pair of main body members 11, 11 over both flanges 2c, 4c, with the locking portion 12 and the holding portion 13, which protrude inward as described above, aligned circumferentially so as to avoid interference with the fasteners 5 provided on the flanges 2c, 4c and the operating portion 4b of the repair valve 4. In this embodiment, the bolts 14a and nuts 14b are fastened substantially parallel to the axial direction of the main pipe portion 2a of the fluid pipe 2, but they may be angled relative to the axial direction of the fluid pipe 2.

[0028] Next, the mounting mode of the flange reinforcement 10 attached to the flanges 2c, 4c will be described. As shown in Fig. 3, the tapered portion 12a of each locking portion 12 abuts against the outer peripheral edge of the lower surface of the flange 2c of the branch portion 2b, and the inclined portion 13a of each holding portion 13 abuts against the outer peripheral edge of the upper surface of the flange 4c of the repair valve 4, so that the locking portions 12 and holding portions 13 clamp the pair of flanges 2c, 4c in the axial direction of the branch portion 2b (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as the axial direction). In addition, the clamping force of the locking portions 12 and holding portions 13 can be adjusted depending on the degree to which the bolts 14a and nuts 14b are fastened.

[0029] As described above, because locking portion 12 has tapered portion 12a and tip portion 12b, and holding portion 13 has inclined portion 13a and tip portion 13b, flanges 2c and 4c of this embodiment and flanges F1 and F1 with relatively small thicknesses can be clamped by tapered portion 12a of locking portion 12 and inclined portion 13a of holding portion 13, as shown in Figures 3 and 4(a), and flanges F2 and F2 with thicknesses greater than those of this embodiment can be clamped by tip portion 12b of locking portion 12 and tip portion 13b of holding portion 13, resulting in high versatility as flange reinforcement device 10. In particular, tip portion 13b can be used as a temporary holder when attaching flange reinforcement device 10 to flanges 2c and 4c.

[0030] In this embodiment, the locking portion 12 and the holding portion 13 are in direct contact with the outer surface of the flange to hold it in place, but this is not limiting. For example, a cushioning material or insulating material (not shown) may be interposed between the locking portion 12 and the holding portion 13 and the outer surface of the flange, which not only prevents the flange from coming off but also prevents damage and corrosion. Also, insulating paint may be applied to improve insulation.

[0031] 2 and 3(b), the bolt 14a and the nut 14b are fastened at a position offset in the axial direction from the center position (where the packing 3 is provided) where the flanges 2c and 4c face each other, so that the locking portion 12 not only presses the flange 2c in the axial direction but also presses it toward the inner diameter side of the flange 2c, while the retaining portion 13 presses it toward the outer diameter side of the flange 4c so as to engage shallowly, i.e., an imbalance occurs in the pressing manner of the locking portion 12 and the retaining portion 13, allowing for curved and elastic tightening as shown in Fig. 3(b). However, the bolt 14a and the nut 14b are not limited to being fastened at a position offset in the axial direction from the center position (where the packing 3 is provided) where the flanges 2c and 4c face each other, and the bolt 14a and the nut 14b may be fastened near the center position where the flanges 2c and 4c face each other.

[0032] More specifically, the locking portions 12 and the holding portions 13 not only apply a pressing force between the flanges 2c and 4c in the axial direction of the pipe, but also apply a pressing force in the radial direction to the flanges 2c and 4c. Here, since multiple sets of the locking portions 12 and the holding portions 13 are provided along the circumferential direction of the flanges 2c and 4c, a radial pressing force is applied in multiple directions around almost the entire circumference of the flanges 2c and 4c.

[0033] In particular, the bolt 14a and nut 14b are fastened at a position offset downward from the center position where the two flanges 2c, 4c face each other. This avoids interference with bulging parts such as the main body 4a and operating part 4b of the repair valve 4, and allows the valve to be attached to various types of repair valves.

[0034] Furthermore, when the bolts 14a and nuts 14b of the flange reinforcement 10 are fastened and attached to the flanges 2c and 4c, the inner peripheral surface of the main body 11a does not contact the outer peripheral surfaces of the flanges 2c and 4c, leaving a radial gap around the entire circumference. Therefore, the fastening force of the bolts 14a and nuts 14b is distributed approximately evenly as a pressing force on the flanges 2c and 4c by the multiple locking portions 12 and retaining portions 13. In particular, even if the flanges 2c and 4c are fastened misaligned, as shown in FIG. 3(a), the reinforcement can be attached without interfering with the flanges 2c and 4c. An elastic material such as rubber or resin may be inserted in the gap.

[0035] Next, we will explain how the fluid pipe 2 and repair valve 4 fitted with the flange reinforcement 10 behave when an external force such as an earthquake occurs. As shown in Figure 2, the branch section 2b branching off from the main pipe section 2a of the fluid pipe 2 that constitutes the main flow path, and the repair valve 4 connected thereto, etc. are configured with the lower main pipe section 2a side as the base end and the upper tip side as the free end, so it is expected that they will vibrate like a pendulum with the main pipe section 2a side as the base end as the center.

[0036] This vibration generates an external force between the flange 2c of the branch section 2b and the flange 4c of the repair valve 4, causing them to slide horizontally relative to each other along their opposing surfaces. Because the inner circumferential surface of the main body 11a of the flange reinforcement 10 has a gap between the outer circumferential surfaces of the flanges 2c and 4c, the flange reinforcement 10 itself is able to flexibly accommodate a certain degree of relative radial movement between the flanges 2c and 4c in response to this external force without sustaining damage. As shown in Figure 3(b), the flanges 2c and 4c are not separated from each other in the pipe axial direction by the flange reinforcement 10 and are in close contact with the packing 3 interposed between the flanges 2c and 4c, maintaining a sealed state without fluid leakage. Thus, even if the flanges 2c and 4c are displaced radially due to an external force, the flange reinforcement 10 maintains its separation prevention function without being interfered with by the flanges 2c and 4c, which move radially relative to each other.

[0037] Furthermore, as described above, when the flanges 2c and 4c are displaced radially, the locking portion 12 that abuts against the lower part of the flange 2c follows the flange 2c without changing its abutment position, while the holding portion 13 elastically deforms relative to the locking portion 12 and allows the flange 4c to move relative to the flange 2c, i.e., it maintains the holding state with respect to the flange 4c while changing its abutment position with respect to the flange 4c.

[0038] In this way, there is an imbalance in the pressing force on flanges 2c, 4c between locking portion 12 and retaining portion 13, so when flanges 2c, 4c are displaced radially, locking portion 12 acts as an axis to stably maintain the abutment position with flange 2c, and retaining portion 13 flexibly and elastically deforms relative to locking portion 12, changing the abutment position with flange 4c and maintaining the locked state.

[0039] Next, a modified mounting configuration of the flange reinforcement 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 . The repair valve 40 of this modified example is connected to a branch section 2b branching upward from the main pipe section 2a of the fluid pipe 2. This repair valve 40 has a long axial extension and is used when height restrictions are relatively lenient. The main body 40a is a separate type for assembling a valve element within the main body 40a. Although not shown, accessories such as an air valve and a fire hydrant are connected to the upper part of the repair valve 40. The repair valve 40 has an operating section 40b connected to a side section that is horizontally perpendicular to the pipe axis of the main pipe section 2a. An operating shaft 40f at the top of the operating section 40b is fitted with a tool (not shown) and rotated to open or close the valve element within the main body 40a. That is, the repair valve 40 of this modified example has its operating section 40b bulging outward.

[0040] The flange reinforcement 10 of this modified example is fixed by fastening the bolts 14a and nuts 14b, with a pair of main body members 11, 11 fitted over both flanges 2c, 40c so that the locking portion 12 and the holding portion 13 can avoid interference with the fasteners 5 provided on the flanges 2c, 40c, the operating portion 40b, etc., and the bolts 14a and nuts 14b can avoid interference with the operating portion 40b, etc. In this modified example, the bolts 14a and nuts 14b are fastened approximately perpendicular to the pipe axis direction of the main pipe portion 2a of the fluid pipe 2.

[0041] Next, a modified example of the attachment target of the flange reinforcement 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. The repair valve 41 of this modified example is an earthquake-resistant repair valve 41 in which elastic members 41e made of rubber rings or the like are interposed between a main body 41a and an operating part 41b and a flange 41c fixedly connected to the flange 2c of the branching part 2b.

[0042] In this modified example, the flange reinforcement 10 is circumferentially aligned so that the locking portion 12 and the retaining portion 13 can avoid interference with the fasteners provided on the flanges 2c and 4c, the operating portion 41b of the repair valve 41, etc., and a pair of main body members 11, 11 are fitted over both flanges 2c and 41c and fixed by tightening bolts 14a and nuts 14b.

[0043] When an external force such as an earthquake occurs on the fluid pipe 2 and repair valve 41 to which the flange reinforcement 10 of this modified example is attached, the repair valve 41 etc. connected to the branch section 2b is configured with the lower main pipe section 2a side as the base end and the upper tip side as the free end, and furthermore, elastic members 41e etc. are interposed between the main body section 41a and operating section 41b and the flange 41c, so pendulum-like vibrations are expected in the elastic member 41e, the main body section 41a on the free end side, and the air valve etc. not shown.

[0044] In this way, the repair valve 41 of this modified example is provided with the elastic member 41e, etc., so that it can flexibly release external forces such as earthquakes and reduce loads that move the flanges 2c, 41c relative to each other. At this time, the flanges 2c, 41c will vibrate slightly due to the pendulum-like vibrations described above, but the flange reinforcing member 10, which fits around the entire circumference of the flanges 2c, 41c, can flexibly maintain its attached and sealed state due to the imbalance in the pressing manner between the locking portion 12 and the holding portion 13, as described above, and the elasticity of the holding portion 13.

[0045] 9(a) and 9(b), the flange reinforcement device 10 of this embodiment is highly versatile because the inner peripheral surface of the main body 11a is disposed apart from the outer peripheral surfaces of the flanges 2c and 41c without contacting them, i.e., the inner peripheral surface is longer than the outer peripheral surface of the flange to which it is attached. Therefore, as shown in Figures 9(a) and 9(b), the main body member 11 of the flange reinforcement device 10 can be attached to both the flange F3 with a relatively small nominal diameter and the flange F4 with a larger nominal diameter by appropriately setting the curvature of the main body 11a.

[0046] As described above, according to the flange reinforcement 10 of the present invention, the locking portion 12 that locks onto one flange 2c and the holding portion 13 that holds the other flange 4c so that it can move radially are attached to both flanges 2c, 4c using the main body member 11, bolts 14a, and nuts 14b that constitute the mounting portion.When an external force that moves the two flanges 2c, 4c relative to each other occurs, the locking portion 12 remains locked onto one flange 2c, while the holding portion 13 holds the other flange 4c so that it can move radially in response to the external force, thereby maintaining a sufficient movement prevention function while flexibly allowing a certain degree of relative movement between the two flanges 2c, 4c.In particular, the flange reinforcement 10 of the present invention has earthquake resistance, i.e., it can withstand vibrations and impacts, and can tolerate rocking to a degree that maintains the seal between the flanges 2c, 4c joined via the packing 3.

[0047] In addition, the flange reinforcement 10 of this embodiment 1 is composed of main body members 11, 11 that have an engaging portion 12 and a holding portion 13 as mounting portions and extend along the outer periphery of a pair of flanges 2c, 4c, and bolts 14a and nuts 14b as fastening members that fasten the ends of the main body members 11, 11 together.Since the main body member 11 that is mounted along the outer periphery of both flanges 2c, 4c has the engaging portion 12 and the holding portion 13, the flange reinforcement 10 is easy to install.

[0048] The bolt 14a and nut 14b are positioned offset in the pipe axial direction from the opposing positions of the pair of flanges 2c, 4c, so that the locking portion 12 and the holding portion 13 press unbalancedly against each flange 2c, 4c, thereby expanding the movable range of the holding portion 13 with the locking portion 12 side as the axis.

[0049] In addition, the main body members 11, 11 of the flange reinforcement 10 are fastened at a radial distance from the outer peripheral surfaces of the pair of flanges 2c, 4c, thereby allowing relative radial movement between the flanges 2c, 4c while avoiding interference with the flange reinforcement 10.

[0050] Furthermore, the locking portion 12 has higher rigidity than the holding portion 13, and therefore can be stably locked to the flange 2c.

[0051] Furthermore, since the holding portion 13 is configured to be elastically deformable, the elasticity of the holding portion 13 itself can be utilized to enhance the mobility of the holding portion 13.

[0052] Next, a flange reinforcing device 50 according to a first modified example of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 10 to 14. Note that the same components as those of the flange reinforcing device 10 described above are given the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the flange reinforcing device 50 according to the first modified example is configured with a pair of main body members 51, 51 extending in a substantially semicircular arc shape along the outer peripheries of the flanges 2c, 4c, respectively, and facing each other in the radial direction, and a bolt 14a and a nut 14b as fastening members connecting the ends of these main body members 51, 51 together. Each main body member 51 has a band-shaped main body portion 51a extending in an arc shape, and at the bottom thereof, a plurality of locking portions 12 that protrude inwardly and contact the flange 2c of the branch portion 2b are provided at two locations in this embodiment, spaced apart in the circumferential direction, and at the top of the main body portion 51a, a plurality of holding portions 13 that protrude inwardly and contact the flange 4c of the repair valve 4 are provided at two locations, spaced apart in the circumferential direction, so as to face the locking portions 12 in the up-down direction. That is, the mounting portion in this embodiment is made up of a pair of main body members 51, 51, bolts 14a, and nuts 14b.

[0053] Furthermore, flanges 51b, 51b protruding in the outer diameter direction are formed on the circumferentially opposing ends of the main body members 51, and the flange reinforcement 50 is assembled to the flanges 2c, 4c by inserting bolts 14a into through holes that pass through these flanges 51b, 51b and screwing in nuts 14b. Also, bulges 51e that bulge in the inner diameter direction are formed on the inner periphery of each main body member 51 near the flanges 51b, 51b, which increases the structural strength of the main body member 51 and allows the curved shape of the main body member 51 to be maintained even when the bolts 14a and nuts 14b are tightened.

[0054] 13, a recessed inner wall portion 51c is provided around the bolt hole penetrating the flange portion 51b formed at one end of each main body member 51, into which the hexagonal head of the bolt 14a fits. The head 14c of the bolt 14a fits into this inner wall portion 51c, preventing the bolt 14a from rotating, facilitating the fastening of the bolt 14a and the nut 14b. The nut 14b may also be fitted into the inner wall portion 51c. Furthermore, the inner wall portion 51c is not limited to being recessed in order to prevent the bolt 14a and the nut 14b from rotating, and a protruding wall portion may also be provided.

[0055] As shown in Figures 13(b) and (c), each end of each main body member 51 is provided with a bulge portion 51e that bulges inward from the lower end to the upper end, and a recess 51f formed by the upper surface of this bulge portion 51e and the inner surface of the main body member 51.

[0056] 10 and 12, each main body member 51 has a fitting recess 51d formed on the inner periphery of the main body portion 51a at approximately the center in the circumferential direction. A protrusion 53b of a positioning member 53 made of an elastic material such as rubber or urethane, or a resin material, protruding in the inward direction, fits into the fitting recess 51d. The inner periphery of the positioning member 53 is formed into a concave curved surface 53a that fits along the outer periphery of the flanges 2c and 4c. Preferably, the positioning member 53 is bonded to the main body portion 51a, but this is not limitative. A plurality of positioning members 53 may be provided on the main body portion 51a. Furthermore, the main body member 51 may have a protrusion, and the positioning member 53 may have a fitting recess.

[0057] 10 to 12, the flange reinforcement 50 of this modified example is fixed by fitting a pair of main body members 51, 51 over both flanges 2c, 4c and tightening bolts 14a and nuts 14b after the locking portions 12 and holding portions 13 protruding inwardly as described above are aligned circumferentially so as to avoid interference with the fasteners 5 provided on the flanges 2c, 4c and the operating portion 4b of the repair valve 4. At this time, the positioning members 53, 53 provided on the inner periphery of each main body member 51 come into close contact with the outer periphery of the flange 2c and resiliently resilient, so that each main body member 51 is appropriately spaced radially from both flanges 2c, 4c, and the main body members 51, 51 are maintained in their initial positions relative to both flanges 2c, 4c and relatively positioned along the radial and axial directions of both flanges 2c, 4c. In particular, in variant 1 of embodiment 1, the bolt 14a and the nut 14b are offset in the axial direction from the center position where the two flanges 2c, 4c face each other, which causes an imbalance in the pressure on the locking portion 12 and the holding portion 13, so it is preferable to maintain the initial position.

[0058] In this way, the main body members 51, 51 of the flange reinforcement 50 are provided with positioning members 53, 53 that position the main body members 51, 51 radially of the pair of flanges 2c, 4c, thereby reliably avoiding interference between the pair of flanges 2c, 4c and the flange reinforcement 50.

[0059] Furthermore, when the bolts 14a and nuts 14b are tightened to a set extent or more at both ends of the main body members 51, 51 of the flange reinforcement 50, the bulging portions 51e that bulge inward at both ends of each main body member 51 come into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the flange 2c, thereby preventing excessive tightening of the bolts 14a and nuts 14b and deformation of the main body members 51, 51.

[0060] 14, the positioning member 53 has a tapered lower surface 53c formed so that the entire curved inner surface 53a of the positioning member 53 abuts against the outer circumferential surface of the flange 2c, i.e., the positioning member 53 is prevented from entering the gap between the flanges 2c, 4c. This ensures that the positioning member 53 has a sufficient resilient force, and can be used with flanges of various thicknesses.

[0061] Like the positioning member 53 of this modified example, it is preferable that it abuts only against the flange 2c on the fluid pipe 2 side, but it is not limited to this, and it may be configured to abut only against the flange 4c on the repair valve 4 side, or against both flanges 2c, 4c. When the positioning member 53 abuts against both flanges 2c, 4c, the packing between these flanges may bulge outward, so it is preferable to provide a groove, for example, to avoid interference.

[0062] Note that, instead of the positioning members 53 of this modified example, although not particularly shown, for example, female threaded holes penetrating radially through each main body member 51 may be provided, and bolts may be threaded radially into the female threaded holes so that the tips of the bolts abut against the outer peripheral surface of flange 2c or flange 4c, thereby radially positioning main body member 51 with respect to both flanges 2c, 4c. Also, as shown in Fig. 10, ribs 52 bulging outward in the circumferential direction are formed on the outer peripheral surface of each main body member 51, thereby increasing the structural strength of main body member 51 and enabling main body member 51 to maintain its curved shape even when fastened as described above.

[0063] Next, the mounting mode of the flange reinforcement 10 attached to the flanges 2c, 4c will be described. As shown in Figure 12, the tapered portion 12a of each locking portion 12 abuts against the outer peripheral edge of the lower surface of the flange 2c of the branch portion 2b, and the inclined portion 13a of each holding portion 13 abuts against the outer peripheral edge of the upper surface of the flange 4c of the repair valve 4, thereby clamping the pair of flanges 2c, 4c in the axial direction of the branch portion 2b by these locking portions 12 and holding portions 13. In addition, the clamping force by the locking portions 12 and holding portions 13 is adjustable depending on the degree of fastening of the bolts 14a and nuts 14b. Even when the clamping force is adjusted in this way, the posture of each main body member 51 can be positioned by the positioning members 53, 53.

[0064] 12, rubber plates 54, 54 are adhered to the inner surface of the tapered portion 12a of the locking portion 12 and the inner surface of the inclined portion 13a of the holding portion 13, thereby preventing the flanges 2c, 4c from being damaged. The rubber plates 54, 54 are not limited to being adhered, but may be vulcanized, or may be provided by covering substantially the entire surface of the main body member 51. The rubber plate 54 may be replaced with a resin plate or the like.

[0065] Next, a mounting mode of a flange reinforcing member 50 attached to a flange having specifications different from those of the first embodiment will be described. As shown in Fig. 15, a packing 3d having a diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the flanges 2d, 4d in its natural state (or slightly larger when elastically deformed by fastening the flanges 2d, 4d together) is interposed between the opposing surfaces of the flanges 2d, 4d. Insertion holes 3e for inserting fasteners 5 are formed in this packing 3d, so that the packing 3d is positioned radially of the flanges 2d, 4d by inserting multiple fasteners 5 through the insertion holes 3e.

[0066] As shown in Figure 15(b), when the flange reinforcement 50 is attached to the flanges 2d, 4d, the outer peripheral edge of the gasket 3d is positioned in a recess 51f formed on the inner peripheral part of the main body member, thereby avoiding interference between the pair of main body members 51, 51 attached along the outer periphery of the flange flanges 2d, 4d and the gasket 3d.

[0067] Next, a flange reinforcing device 60 according to a second modification of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 16 to 18. Note that the same components as those of the flange reinforcing device 10 described above are given the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted. As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the flange reinforcing device 60 according to the second modification is configured with a pair of main body members 61, 61 extending in a substantially semicircular arc shape along the outer peripheries of the flanges 2f, 4f, respectively, and facing each other in the radial direction, and a bolt 14a and a nut 14b as fastening members connecting the ends of these main body members 61, 61 together. Each main body member 61 has a band-shaped main body portion 61a extending in an arc shape, and at the bottom thereof, a plurality of locking portions 12 that protrude inwardly and contact the flange 2f of the branch portion 2b are provided at two locations in this embodiment, spaced apart in the circumferential direction, and at the top of the main body portion 61a, a plurality of holding portions 13 that protrude inwardly and contact the flange 4f of the repair valve 4 are provided at two locations, spaced apart in the circumferential direction, so as to face the locking portions 12 in the up-down direction. That is, the mounting portion in this embodiment is made up of a pair of main body members 61, 61, bolts 14a, and nuts 14b.

[0068] Furthermore, flanges 61b, 61b protruding in the outer diameter direction are formed on the ends of the main body members 61 facing each other in the circumferential direction, and the flange reinforcement 60 is assembled to the flanges 2f, 4f by inserting bolts 14a into through holes that pass through these flanges 61b, 61b and screwing in nuts 14b. Furthermore, bulges 61e that bulge in the inner diameter direction are formed on the inner peripheral portion of each main body member 61 near the flanges 61b, 61b, which increases the structural strength of the main body member 61 and allows the curved shape of the main body member 61 to be maintained even when the bolts 14a and nuts 14b are tightened.

[0069] As shown in Fig. 18, a recessed inner wall portion 61c may be provided around the bolt hole penetrating the flange portion 61b formed at one end of each main body member 61, similar to the inner wall portion 51c in Fig. 13, into which the hexagonal head of the bolt 14a fits. Fitting the head 14c of the bolt 14a into this inner wall portion 61c prevents the bolt 14a from rotating, facilitating the fastening operation of the bolt 14a and the nut 14b. The nut 14b may also be fitted into the inner wall portion 61c. Furthermore, the inner wall portion 61c is not limited to being recessed to prevent the bolt 14a and the nut 14b from rotating, and a protruding wall portion may also be provided.

[0070] As shown in Figures 18(b) and (c), each end of each main body member 61 is provided with bulging portions 61e, 61e that bulge inward from the upper and lower ends to the center, respectively, and recesses 61f formed on the upper and lower surfaces where these bulging portions 61e, 61e face each other in the vertical direction, and on the inner peripheral surface of the main body member 61.

[0071] When the bolts 14a and nuts 14b are tightened to a set degree or more at both ends of the main body members 61, 61 of the flange reinforcement 60, the bulging portions 61e that bulge inward at both ends of each main body member 61 come into contact with the outer peripheral surfaces of the flanges 2f, 4f, thereby preventing excessive tightening of the bolts 14a and nuts 14b.

[0072] Next, a mounting mode of a flange reinforcing member 60 attached to a flange of different specifications from that of the first embodiment will be described. As shown in Fig. 16, a packing 3f having a diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the flanges 2f, 4f is interposed between the opposing surfaces of the flanges 2f, 4f. This packing 3f has insertion holes 3g for inserting fasteners 5, and by inserting multiple fasteners 5 into the insertion holes 3g, the packing 3f is positioned radially of the flanges 2f, 4f.

[0073] As shown in Figure 16(b), when the flange reinforcement 60 is attached to the flanges 2f, 4f, the outer peripheral edge of the gasket 3f is positioned in a recess 61f formed on the inner peripheral part of the main body member, thereby avoiding interference between the pair of main body members 61, 61 attached along the outer periphery of the flanges 2f, 4f and the gasket 3f.

[0074] In the flange reinforcing device 10 of the present embodiment 1, a plurality of locking portions 12 and holding portions 13 extend radially inward toward the approximate center of the arc-shaped main body portion 11a with approximately the same dimensions, but this is not limiting, and for example, as a modified example 3 of the flange reinforcing device of the present embodiment 1, a plurality of locking portions 72 and holding portions 73 may extend radially inward with different dimensions from each other from the main body portion 71a of the main body member 71, as shown in Fig. 19. Note that the flange 45c of the repair valve 45 is formed with a larger diameter than the flange 25c of the fluid pipe 25 to which the flange 45c is fastened.

[0075] More specifically, the locking portion 72 includes a tapered portion 72a that is thick and connected to the lower portion of the main body portion 71a and has high rigidity, and a tip portion 72b that is connected to the tapered portion 72a and extends approximately horizontally in the inner diameter direction. The tapered portion 72a has an inner surface that slopes upward toward the outer diameter direction. The holding portion 73 includes an inclined portion 73a that is connected to the upper portion of the main body portion 71a and extends diagonally upward, and a tip portion 73b that is connected to the inclined portion 73a and extends approximately horizontally in the inner diameter direction. The holding portion 73 has a substantially uniform thickness from its base end (main body portion 71a) to its free end (tip portion 73b) and is configured to be elastically deformable relative to the main body portion 71a. The tip portion 72b of the locking portion 72 extends further in the inner diameter direction than the tip portion 73b of the holding portion 73.

[0076] In this way, the locking portion 73 and the holding portion 73 can be fitted onto the pair of flanges 2h, 4h that are fastened together and have different outer diameters, thereby providing reinforcement.

[0077] 19, rubber plates 74, 74 are adhered to the inner surface of the tapered portion 72a of the locking portion 72 and the inner surface of the inclined portion 73a of the holding portion 73, thereby preventing the flanges 25c, 45c from being damaged. The rubber plates 74, 74 are not limited to being adhered, but may be vulcanized, or may be provided by covering substantially the entire surface of the main body member 71. The rubber plate 74 may be replaced with a resin plate or the like.

[0078] In the flange reinforcement 10 of the first embodiment, the multiple locking portions 12 and holding portions 13 extend radially inward toward the approximate center of the arc-shaped main body portion 11a, but this is not limited thereto. For example, as a fourth modified example of the flange reinforcement of the first embodiment, the main body portion 11a' of the main body member 11' may have multiple locking portions (not shown) and multiple holding portions 13', 13' extending substantially parallel to one another, as shown in Fig. 20. By aligning the extending direction of these locking portions and holding portions 13' with the extending direction of the main pipe portion 2a of the fluid pipe 2 or with a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the main pipe portion, when a specific direction in which relatively large vibrations are expected to occur can be predicted, a function of preventing movement in the specific direction can be exhibited.

[0079] Furthermore, the flange reinforcements 10, 50 are intended to reinforce flanges 2c, 4c of a normal configuration in which the flanges are joined with a flat packing 3 interposed between them. However, this is not limited to this. For example, as a variant example 5 of the flange reinforcement of this embodiment 1, as shown in Figure 21, a gasket 33 made of an insulating material such as a rubber member is interposed between the two flanges 32c, 34c, and the reinforcement target may be electrically insulating flanges 32c, 34c in which the gap dimensions between the flanges are controlled by setting the tightening torque of the fasteners (not shown) of these two flanges 32c, 34c to a predetermined value.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 21 , a spacer 55 made of an insulating material such as rubber, resin, or metal, or an insulated material, is interposed circumferentially between the flange reinforcement 10 of this fifth variation and the insulated flanges 32c, 34c. This spacer 55 includes a covering portion 55a that covers the outer peripheral surfaces of both flanges 32c, 34c and an insertion portion 55b that is connected to this covering portion 55a and inserted between the opposing surfaces of both flanges 32c, 34c. The spacer 55 is formed in a generally horizontal T-shape in cross section. The covering portion 55a is not necessarily required; for example, the positioning member 53 of the first variation of the first embodiment may also be used. Alternatively, for example, the spacer 55 and the positioning member 53 may be integrally formed.

[0081] In this way, by interposing the spacer 55 between the flange reinforcement 10 and the insulated flanges 32c, 34c, when attaching the flange reinforcement 10 to the flanges 32c, 34c, the flanges 32c, 34c do not come into direct contact with each other and the separation distance can be maintained. Furthermore, for example, one or more through holes or notches may be provided in the main body 11a to serve as viewing windows for measuring the separation distance between the flanges 32c, 34c. In this case, the through holes are preferably elongated or substantially rectangular.

[0082] Furthermore, as in the third modification, the spacer 55 made of an insulating material is interposed, so that the flanges 32c and 34c can be kept electrically insulated from each other.

[0083] 21, the contact portions with the flanges 32c, 34c, more specifically the inner surfaces of the locking portion 12 and the holding portion 13, are preferably coated with an intervening member made of an insulating material or a coating material, etc. This makes it possible to prevent electrical contact between the flanges 32c, 34c via the flange reinforcement 10 and maintain an insulating state. Here, the various modifications of Example 1 may be applied in combination, for example, the flange reinforcement 50 of Modification 1 may be applied to Modification 5 of Example 1. [Example]

[0084] Next, a flange reinforcement according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 22 to 26. Note that the configuration is the same as in the previous embodiment, and therefore redundant description will be omitted. In this embodiment, a repair valve 42 is connected to a branch portion 2b that branches upward from a main pipe portion (not shown) of a fluid pipe that constitutes a main pipeline. More specifically, the repair valve 42 has a flange 42c of its lower body 42d joined to the flange 2c of the branch portion 2b via a packing 3, and the repair valve 42 is hermetically connected by fastening with multiple fasteners 5. Although not shown, an accessory member such as an air valve or a fire hydrant that can discharge excess air from the fluid pipe 2 is connected to the upper portion of the repair valve 42. The repair valve 42 of this embodiment has an upper body 42a connected to the lower body 42d with bolts and nuts 42e. An operating portion 42b provided on the upper body 42a is operated to open and close the air valve and branch portion 2b within the internal valve body (not shown).

[0085] 22, the flange reinforcement 20 of this embodiment is attached by fitting over the flange 2c of the branch portion 2b and the flange 42c of the repair valve 42, preventing the flanges 2c, 42c from coming loose. The flange reinforcement 20 is composed of a locking member 22 as a locking portion that protrudes inward and contacts the flange 2c, a retaining member 23 as a holding portion that fits over the shank 22a at the base end of the locking member 22 and protrudes inward to contact the flange 42c, and a pressing bolt 25 as a pressing member that is attached to the retaining member 23 and presses the locking member 22 in a direction to rotate it about the shank 22a. That is, the pressing bolt 25 serves as the mounting portion of this embodiment.

[0086] 23, locking member 22 includes shaft 22a extending linearly in a substantially horizontal direction at its upper end, shoulder 22c connecting to the outer diameter side of shaft 22a, arm 22d extending at an angle in the inward direction from shoulder 22c, and tip 22b connecting to arm 22d and formed substantially horizontally in the inward direction. Tip 22b further includes bulging portion 22f bulging upward in a curved shape, and a plurality of notched grooves 22e extending in a stripe-like manner are formed on the surface of bulging portion 22f.

[0087] 24, holding member 23 includes fitting portion 23a curved in a concave shape so as to fit shaft portion 22a of locking member 22 loosely, standing portion 23c forming the inner diameter side of fitting portion 23a and extending vertically along the outer circumferential surfaces of flanges 2c, 42c, inclined portion 23d inclined downward toward the outer diameter side of fitting portion 23a, and tip portion 23b connected to the upper end of inclined portion 23d and formed substantially horizontally in the inner diameter direction. Furthermore, a plurality of notched grooves 23e extending in a stripe shape are formed on the underside of tip portion 23b.

[0088] In addition, a female screw portion 23f is formed in the inclined portion 23d of the retaining member 23, penetrating perpendicularly to this inclined portion 23d, and by screwing a pressing bolt 25 into this female screw portion 23f, the tip of the pressing bolt 25 presses against the shoulder portion 22c of the locking member 22, causing the locking member 22 to rotate around the shaft portion 22a.

[0089] As shown in Figure 22, the flange reinforcement 20 of this embodiment is fitted over both flanges 2c, 42c, with the locking member 22 and retaining member 23, which protrude inward as described above, positioned circumferentially to avoid interference with the fasteners provided on the flanges 2c, 42c and the operating portion 42b of the repair valve 42, and is fixed by screwing in a push bolt 25.

[0090] In this embodiment, only one flange reinforcing member 20 may be attached to the outer periphery of the flanges 2c, 42c, or an appropriate number of flange reinforcing members 20 may be attached spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the flanges 2c, 42c.

[0091] Next, the mounting mode of the flange reinforcement 20 attached to the flanges 2c, 42c will be described. As shown in Figure 22, the tip 22b of the locking member 22 abuts against the lower surface of the flange 2c of the branch portion 2b, and the tip 23b of the holding member 23 abuts against the upper surface of the flange 42c of the repair valve 42, thereby clamping the pair of flanges 2c, 42c in the axial direction of the branch portion 2b between the locking member 22 and the holding member 23. The clamping force can be adjusted by changing the degree to which the pressing bolt 25 is screwed in.

[0092] Furthermore, the locking member 22 rotates in a curved manner around its shaft portion 22a, and the tip portion 22b abuts against the flange 2c, so that the locking member 22 not only presses the flange 2c in the axial direction, but also presses it toward the inner diameter side of the flange 2c, while the holding member 23 presses the flange 2c with the tip portion 23b and the erected portion 23c so as to shallowly engage with the flange 42c. In other words, there is an imbalance in the pressing manner of the locking member 22 and the holding member 23, and as shown in Figure 22, curved tightening is possible.

[0093] More specifically, the locking member 22 and the holding member 23 not only apply a pressing force between the flanges 2c, 42c in the pipe axial direction, but also apply a pressing force to the flanges 2c, 42c in the radial direction. Here, it is preferable that a plurality of flange reinforcing members 20 of this embodiment are provided along the circumferential direction of the flanges 2c, 42c, so that a radial pressing force can be applied in multiple directions around almost the entire circumference of the flanges 2c, 42c.

[0094] As described above, the flange reinforcement 20 of this embodiment is attached to a portion of the circumference of the flange, so it can be attached even if the flange diameters are different (see Figure 9).Furthermore, since the locking member 22 rotates around its shaft portion 22a by the push bolt 25 and clamps the flanges 2c, 42c between itself and the retaining member 23, it can be attached by adjusting the degree of screwing of the push bolt 25 even if the flange thicknesses are different (see Figure 4), so it is highly versatile.

[0095] In particular, since the bulge portion 22f of the locking member 22 is formed in a curved shape, if the thickness of the flange varies as described above, by changing the rotation angle of the locking member 22 accordingly, the bulge portion 22f, which is formed in a curved shape, can always contact the underside of the flange with a constant contact area in a linear or point shape, thereby maintaining a stable clamping state.

[0096] In the flange reinforcement device 20 of this embodiment, a pressing bolt 25 is configured as an attachment part to press the locking member 22 around the shaft portion 22a of the locking member 22, and by pressing the locking member 22 around the shaft portion 22a with the pressing bolt 25, the flange reinforcement device 20 can be easily attached to the flanges 2c, 42c.

[0097] Next, a first modified example of the flange reinforcement of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 25. In a flange reinforcement 30 of this modified example, as shown in FIG. 25(c), a tip 22g of a locking member 22 is formed in a bifurcated fork shape when viewed from below, and as shown in FIG. 25(b), a tip 23g of a holding member 23 is formed in a bifurcated fork shape when viewed from above. Furthermore, the tip 23g of the locking member 22 is disposed so as to straddle the fastener 5 that fastens the flanges 2c and 43c. Furthermore, the tip 23g of the holding member 23 straddles the fastener 5 and contacts the head of the fastener 5 without contacting the upper surface of the flange 43c. Furthermore, a barb 23h extending downward from the end of the tip 25g is attached so as to engage with the head of the fastener 5. Furthermore, the tip 22g, 23g may contact the lower or upper surface of the flanges 2c and 43c, or may contact the head of the fastener 5. Furthermore, in this modified example 1, as long as the tip portions 22g, 23g come into contact with the head of the fastener 5 and the underside of the flange 2c or the upper surface of the flange 43c, the structure is not limited to that of the locking member 22 and the retaining member 23, and a structure in which a pair of clamping members having pressing surfaces are brought close together and fixed by a fastening member as is well known in the art may also be used, or a clamping structure using a wedge member may also be used.

[0098] This not only prevents the flange reinforcing member 30 from falling off, but also prevents the fastener 5 from loosening.

[0099] Furthermore, the flange reinforcements 20 and 30 of this embodiment 2 are intended to reinforce flanges 2c and 4c of a normal configuration in which a flat packing 3 is interposed between the flanges and joined together. However, this is not limited to this. For example, as a modified example 2 of the flange reinforcement of this embodiment 2, as shown in Figure 26, a gasket 33 made of an insulating material such as a rubber member is interposed between the two flanges 32c and 34c, and the reinforcement target may be electrically insulating flanges 32c and 34c in which the gap dimensions between the flanges are controlled by setting the tightening torque of the fasteners (not shown) of these two flanges 32c and 34c to a predetermined value.

[0100] 26, a spacer 56 made of an insulating material such as rubber is interposed between the flange reinforcement 20 of this second modification and the insulated flanges 32c, 34c. This spacer 56 comprises a covering portion 56a that covers the outer peripheral surfaces of both flanges 32c, 34c and an insertion portion 56b that is continuous with this covering portion 56a and is inserted between the opposing surfaces of both flanges 32c, 34c, and is formed in a generally horizontal T-shape in cross section. Here, the covering portion 56a is not necessarily required.

[0101] In this way, by interposing the spacer 56 between the flange reinforcement 20 and the insulated flanges 32c, 34c, when the flange reinforcement 20 is attached to the flanges 32c, 34c, the flanges 32c, 34c can be maintained at a distance from each other without coming into direct contact with each other.

[0102] Furthermore, as in the present second modification, by providing the spacer 56 made of an insulating material, it is possible to maintain electrical insulation between the flanges 32c and 34c.

[0103] 26, the contact portions between the flanges 32c, 34c, more specifically the surfaces of the uneven portions of the notched grooves 22e and 23e, are preferably coated with an intervening member made of an insulating material or a coating material, which can prevent the flanges 32c, 34c from coming into electrical contact with each other via the flange reinforcement 20 and maintain an insulating state. Also, the respective modified examples of Example 2 may be applied in combination, for example, the flange reinforcement 30 of Modified Example 1 may be applied to Modified Example 2 of Example 2.

[0104] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and the present invention also includes modifications and additions that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention.

[0105] For example, in the above embodiment, the locking portion 12 and locking member 22 of the flange reinforcement device 10, 20, 50 are attached to the flange on the base end side, which is the main pipe portion 2a side of the fluid pipe 2, and the holding portion 13 and holding member 23 are attached to the flange on the free end side, but this is not limited to this, and it is also possible to attach the holding portion 13 and holding member 23 of the flange reinforcement device 10, 20, 50 to the flange on the base end side, and the locking portion 12 and locking member 22 to the flange on the free end side.

[0106] Furthermore, for example, when flange reinforcement devices 10, 20, 50 are installed on the flange of a component such as a repair valve that is installed in a narrow space such as a valve box, they may be installed by using a jig equipped with a well-known shaft portion, support portion, and engagement portion with the flange reinforcement device 10, 20, 50, and operating the fastening member with a long ratchet or the like.

[0107] Furthermore, for example, when the flange reinforcing member 50 is attached to the insulated flanges 32c, 34c as shown in FIG. 21, a through hole may be provided and used as a viewing window so that the distance between the flanges 32c, 34c can be measured.

[0108] Furthermore, for example, the spacers 55 and 56 may be provided over the entire circumference or may be provided on a portion of the circumference, and when provided on a portion of the circumference, it is preferable that there are a plurality of spacers. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 2 Fluid pipes (pipe components) 2a Main section 2b Branch 2c flange 3. Packing 4 Repair valve (pipe component) 4c flange 5 Fasteners 10 Flange reinforcement 11 Main body member (mounting part) 11a Main body 12 Locking part 12a Tapered section 12b Tip 13 Holding part 13a Slope 13b Tip 14a Bolt (mounting part, fastening member) 14b Nut (mounting part, fastening member) 20 Flange reinforcement 22 Locking member (locking part) 22a Shaft 22b Tip 22g tip 23 Holding member (holding part) 23b Tip 25 Press bolt (mounting part, pressing member) 40 Repair valve (pipe component) 40c flange 41 Repair valve (pipe component) 41c flange 41e Elastic member 42 Repair valve (pipe component) 42c flange 43c flange 50 Flange reinforcement 51 Main body member (mounting part) 51a Main body 53 Positioning member 55 spacer 56 Spacer 60 Flange reinforcement 61 Main body member (mounting part) 61a Main body F1~F4 flanges

Claims

1. A flange reinforcing device that fits over a pair of flanges that are joined between pipeline components via a packing and fastened by a fastener, The flange has a locking portion extending in the inner diameter direction and locking onto one of the flanges, a holding portion extending in the inner diameter direction and opposing the locking portion to hold the other flange so that it can move in the radial direction, and an attachment portion for attaching the locking portion and the holding portion to the pair of flanges, the attachment portion being made up of a main body member having the locking portion and the holding portion and extending along the outer periphery of the pair of flanges, and a fastening member for fastening end portions of the main body member together, the main body member being formed in a band shape extending in an arc, and a plurality of the locking portions projecting in the inner diameter direction are provided at a lower portion of the main body member at intervals in the circumferential direction, and a fastening member is provided at an upper portion of the main body member. a flange reinforcement device characterized in that a plurality of the retaining portions protruding inward are provided spaced apart in the circumferential direction, the locking portions have a shape having an inclined surface extending in the inward direction at an angle so as to move away from one of the flanges, and a parallel surface extending inward further in the inward direction than the inclined surface and approximately parallel to the one of the flanges, and have higher rigidity than the retaining portions, and the retaining portions have a shape having an inclined surface extending in the inward direction at an angle so as to move away from the other flange, and a parallel surface extending inward further in the inward direction than the inclined surface and approximately parallel to the other flange, and are configured to be elastically deformable.

2. 2. The flange reinforcing device according to claim 1, wherein the fastening member is provided at a position offset in the pipe axial direction from the opposing positions of the pair of flanges.

3. 3. The flange reinforcing member according to claim 1, wherein the main body member is fastened to the pair of flanges at a radial distance from the outer peripheral surfaces of the pair of flanges.

4. 4. The flange reinforcing device according to claim 3, wherein the main body member includes a positioning member for positioning the main body member in the radial direction of the pair of flanges.

5. 5. The flange reinforcing element according to claim 1, wherein the inner periphery of the main body member is provided with a bulging portion that bulges inward relative to the inner periphery.

6. 6. A flange reinforcing member according to claim 1, wherein a recess is formed in the inner peripheral portion of the main body member along the outer peripheral edge of the packing.

7. 7. A flange reinforcing member according to claim 1, wherein a spacer is interposed between the pair of flanges.

Images