Valve support and valve support structure

Abstract

To provide a valve support which can stably support a valve while preventing or inhibiting increase of an installation space of pipes, and to provide a valve support structure.SOLUTION: A valve support 50 is used to support a first valve 42 attached to an area between pipes 40 which extend along a vertical direction or extend inclining relative to the vertical direction. The valve support 50 includes: a frame 54 which is attached at one end to a side of the pipe 40 on at least one of the upper side and the lower side of the first valve 42 and extends along a radial direction of the pipe 40; and a support pillar 60 which is connected to the frame 54, extends along an axial direction of the pipe 40, and supports an actuator 46, which is connected to the first valve 42 to open or close the first valve 42, at a tip part 62a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve support and a valve support structure.

Background Art

[0002] A valve for adjusting the flow direction, pressure, flow rate, etc. of a fluid passing through it is connected to a pipe. Further, a handle for manually opening and closing and adjusting the valve, an actuator for mechanically opening and closing and adjusting, etc. are attached to the valve. Therefore, for example, when a pipe is provided along the vertical direction or inclined with respect to the vertical direction, a load is applied to the valve due to the weight of the actuator or the like. As a result, the valve may be distorted and the opening and closing of the valve may not be smooth.)

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a pipe support structure including an H-shaped steel supported by a wall and forming a support surface for a pipe at a position spaced apart from the wall, and a U-bolt for holding the pipe in contact with the support surface of the pipe). Therefore, it is conceivable to support an actuator or the like by the H-shaped steel and the U-bolt, but it is difficult to stably hold a handle, an actuator, or the like with a U-bolt because they do not have a simple shape like a pipe. Further, for example, it is also conceivable to arrange a table, a pedestal, etc. below a handle, an actuator, or the like and support them on its upper surface, but there is often no horizontal space in the installation location of a pipe provided along the vertical direction or inclined with respect to the vertical direction, and it may be difficult to arrange such a pedestal or the like.)

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004] [[ID=2K]]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a valve support and a valve support structure that can stably support a valve while preventing or suppressing an increase in the installation space for piping. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a valve support is provided for supporting a valve installed between pipes extending vertically or inclined with respect to the vertical, the support comprising: an arm portion having one end attached to the pipe at least on either the upper or lower side of the valve and extending along the radial direction of the pipe; and a column connected to the arm portion and extending along the axial direction of the pipe, with its tip supporting an opening and closing mechanism for opening and closing the valve connected to the valve.

[0007] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, the arm portion has a flat plate portion extending along the radial direction of the pipe, and the support column may be inserted through a hole formed in the flat plate portion along the thickness direction.

[0008] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, the holes may be formed along the radial direction of the pipe and be longer than the diameter of the support column, or multiple holes may be formed along the radial direction of the pipe.

[0009] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, the arm portion may be attached to the pipe via an attachment formed to cover the outer circumference of the pipe.

[0010] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, the attachment may be attached to the pipe via a retaining member formed along the outer circumference of the pipe, and the retaining member may have an outer circumference that is tapered along the axial direction of the pipe.

[0011] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, the support column may support a connecting portion that connects the opening / closing mechanism and the valve.

[0012] Furthermore, a valve support structure comprising piping, a valve, and a valve support according to one embodiment of the present invention may be provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, a valve support is provided in which one end of an arm portion extending radially along the piping is attached to the piping at least on either the upper or lower side of the valve, and a support column is connected to the arm portion. The support column extends along the axial direction of the piping and supports the opening and closing mechanism connected to the valve. Therefore, a valve and opening and closing mechanism installed between pipes extending vertically or inclined to the vertical can be stably supported. Furthermore, since the valve support is configured to support the opening and closing mechanism with a support column, it can be made more compact compared to, for example, a case where a table or base is placed on the lower side to support the valve and opening and closing mechanism. This prevents or suppresses an increase in the installation space of the piping, while stably supporting the valve.

[0014] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, the support column is inserted through a hole formed in the thickness direction of the flat plate portion of the arm. Therefore, the length of the support column protruding from the flat plate portion can be easily adjusted according to the shape of the opening and closing mechanism. This allows for stable support of the valve and the opening and closing mechanism.

[0015] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, the hole is formed to be longer than the diameter of the support column along the radial direction of the piping, or multiple holes are formed along the radial direction of the piping. Therefore, the connection position of the support column can be changed along the radial direction of the piping, and the position of the support column supporting the opening and closing mechanism can be adjusted along the radial direction of the piping. As a result, the support column can be supported at a position close to the horizontal position of the center of gravity of the opening and closing mechanism, and the valve can be stably supported.

[0016] Also, according to the valve support according to one aspect of the present invention, the arm portion is attached to the pipe via an attachment formed to cover the outer periphery of the pipe. Therefore, the arm portion can be stably attached to the pipe. As a result, the valve can be stably supported.

[0017] Furthermore, according to the valve support according to one aspect of the present invention, the attachment is attached to the pipe via a tapered holding member. Therefore, the arm portion can be easily attached to the pipe.

[0018] Also, according to the valve support according to one aspect of the present invention, the support column supports a connecting portion that connects the opening and closing mechanism and the valve. Therefore, it is possible to directly support the connecting portion on which the moment due to the weight of the opening and closing mechanism acts, and to stably support the valve.

[0019] Furthermore, according to the valve support structure according to one aspect of the present invention, the valve support structure includes a pipe, a valve, and the valve support according to one aspect of the present invention. Therefore, it is possible to prevent or suppress an increase in the installation space of the pipe and stably support the valve.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0020] [[ID=1十八]] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a side view of a valve support structure according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a side view of a valve support structure according to a first modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a side view of a valve support structure according to a second modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a side view of a valve support structure according to a third modification of the first embodiment. <从 [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows a side view of a valve support structure according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a side view of a valve support structure according to a first modification of the second embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 shows a side view of the valve support structure according to the second modification of the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a side view of the valve support structure according to the third modification of the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows a side view of the valve support structure according to the fourth modification of the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows a side view of the valve support structure according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows a side view of the valve support structure according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows a side view of the valve support structure according to the fourth embodiment. [[ID=1​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Figures 1 to 4 show side views of valve support structures 10, 12, 14, and 16 according to the first embodiment. The valve support structure 10 in Figure 1 is a structure that includes a valve support 50 for supporting a first valve 42 which is a valve that connects cylindrical pipes 40a and 40b (hereinafter referred to as pipe 40 unless otherwise specified) that extend vertically. Here, a metal pipe is used for the pipe 40. However, it is not limited to this, and pipes of other materials such as resin pipes made of polyvinyl chloride may be used for the pipe. Also, here, a resin valve is used for the first valve 42. However, it is not limited to this, and a metal valve or the like may be used for the valve. Furthermore, although it is explained here that the pipe 40 and the first valve 42 extend vertically, it is not limited to this, and the pipe and valve may be arranged at an inclination with respect to the vertical direction.

[0023] The first valve 42 has ring-shaped upper flange portion 42a and lower flange portion 42b formed at both ends in the vertical, i.e., vertical direction. Hereafter, unless otherwise necessary, these will be referred to as flange portions 42a and 42b. Additionally, a ring-shaped pipe flange 44a is attached to the upper pipe 40a, following its outer circumference, and a ring-shaped pipe flange 44b is attached to the lower pipe 40b, following its outer circumference. Hereafter, unless otherwise necessary, these will be referred to as pipe flange 44. The upper and lower flange portions 42a and 42b of the first valve 42 are connected to the upper and lower pipe flanges 44a and 44b, respectively, by bolt fastening.

[0024] An actuator 46, which serves as an opening and closing mechanism for the first valve 42, is connected to the side of the first valve 42, that is, to the radially outer side of the piping 40. Specifically, the actuator 46 is connected to the first valve 42 via a connecting portion 48. The first valve 42 can be opened and closed by operating the actuator 46. In the following description, the opening and closing mechanism will be described as the actuator 46, but it is not limited to this, and other mechanisms such as a manual handle may be used.

[0025] A valve support 50 is connected to the lower side of the pipe flange 44b attached to the lower pipe 40b, for supporting the actuator 46 connected to the first valve 42. The valve support 50 has a frame 54 as an arm portion, with one end on the pipe 40 side attached to the lower pipe flange 44b by bolt fastening, and including a flat plate portion 52 that extends along the radial direction of the pipe 40. The flat plate portion 52 is formed in a fan shape in plan view along the circumferential direction of the lower pipe 40b, and the other end in the radial direction of the pipe 40, i.e., the outer circumference end, is formed to be radially inward from the end of the actuator 46. The flat plate portion 52 also has a hole 56 formed through it along its thickness. In Figure 1, the flat plate portion 52 around the hole 56 is shown in a partially cross-sectional view. In the following description, the flat plate portion 52 is assumed to be formed in a fan shape in plan view, but it is not limited to this, and other shapes may be adopted depending on the shape of the actuator. For example, it may be formed in a rectangular shape in plan view that extends to pass below the actuator.

[0026] The valve support 50 is also connected to the frame 54 and has a support column 60 that supports the first valve 42 at its tip 62a. The support column 60 is formed in a bolt shape and has a shaft portion 62 and a head portion 64. A screw thread (not shown) is formed on the surface of the shaft portion 62 and can be screwed into a hole portion 56 (not shown) which has a screw thread formed on its inner circumference. Therefore, by rotating the support column 60 screwed into the hole portion 56, the vertical position, i.e., the height position, of the tip portion 62a of the shaft portion 62 can be changed. This allows the height position of the support column 60 to be adjusted so that it can contact the bottom of the actuator 46 and support the actuator 46.

[0027] (First variation) The following describes the first to third modified examples of the valve support structures 12, 14, and 16 according to the first embodiment. Elements similar to or corresponding to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0028] Figure 2 shows a valve support structure 12 according to the first modified example. The valve support structure 12 includes a valve support 70 for supporting the piping 40 and the first valve 42. The valve support 70 has a frame 74 as an arm portion, which includes a flat plate portion 72 that extends along the radial direction of the piping 40 and has one end on the piping 40 side attached to the lower piping flange 44b by bolt fastening, and a support member 76 that is formed integrally with the lower side of the flat plate portion 72 and extends along the axial direction of the piping 40. The frame 74 also has a reinforcing member 73 that connects the lower side of the flat plate portion 72 and the support member 76.

[0029] The support member 76 is formed in a semi-cylindrical shape that conforms to the outer circumference of the lower pipe 40b, allowing the valve support 70 to be stably attached to the lower pipe flange 44b. The flat plate portion 72 is formed in a fan shape in plan view along the circumferential direction of the lower pipe 40b, and the outer circumference end of the pipe 40 in the radial direction is formed to be radially inward from the end of the actuator 46.

[0030] The flat plate portion 72 has a hole 78 formed through it along its thickness direction. The hole 78 is formed to be longer than the diameter of the support column 60 along the radial direction of the pipe 40. Therefore, the support column 60 inserted through the hole 78 can be slid along the radial direction of the pipe 40. A nut 66 is screwed onto the support column 60 on the upper side of the flat plate portion 72. Therefore, the height position can be adjusted without the support column 60, which is slidably inserted through the hole 78, falling out, and the tip portion 62a of the shaft portion 62 can be brought into contact with the actuator 46 and supported. In Figure 2, the flat plate portion 72 around the hole 78 is shown in a partial cross-sectional view.

[0031] (Second variation) Figure 3 shows a valve support structure 14 according to a second modified example. The flat plate portion 72 of the valve support 80 extends radially along the piping 40 to the vicinity of the outer end of the actuator 46, and an outer peripheral fixing portion 82 extending upward is integrally formed with the flat plate portion 72 at that end. The outer peripheral fixing portion 82 is connected to the outer peripheral end of the actuator 46 by bolt fastening via a plate-shaped upper and lower connecting member 84 acting as a support column. As a result, the valve support 80 can stably support the actuator 46 from both the support column 60 and the outer peripheral fixing portion 82. This allows the actuator 46 and the first valve 42 to be stably supported even when the piping 40 and the first valve 42 are significantly inclined with respect to the vertical.

[0032] (Third variation) Figure 4 shows a valve support structure 16 according to a third modified example. The valve support structure 16 includes a valve support 70 attached to the lower pipe flange 44b, as well as a valve support 90 attached to the upper pipe flange 44a. The valve support 90 has a frame 94 as an arm portion, which includes a flat plate portion 92 extending along the radial direction of the pipe 40, with one end on the pipe 40 side attached to the upper pipe flange 44a by bolt fastening, and a first attachment 96a and a second attachment 96b formed integrally with the flat plate portion 92 above it and extending along the axial direction of the pipe 40. The frame 94 also has a reinforcing member 93 connecting the upper side of the flat plate portion 92 and the first attachment 96a.

[0033] The first attachment 96a and the second attachment 96b are formed in a semi-cylindrical shape that conforms to the outer circumference of the upper pipe 40a. The first attachment 96a and the second attachment 96b are connected by bolt fastening and can be attached so as to cover the outer circumference of the upper pipe 40a. This allows the valve support 90 to be stably attached to the upper pipe flange 44a. The flat plate portion 92 is formed in a fan shape in plan view along the circumferential direction of the upper pipe 40a, and the outer circumference end of the pipe 40 in the radial direction is formed to be radially inward from the end of the actuator 46.

[0034] The flat plate portion 92 of the valve support 90 extends radially along the piping 40 to the vicinity of the outer end of the actuator 46, and an outer peripheral fixing portion 98 extending downward is integrally formed with the flat plate portion 92 at that end. The outer peripheral fixing portion 98 is formed in a plate shape and is connected to the outer peripheral end of the actuator 46 by bolt fastening via an upper and lower connecting member 84 which acts as a support column extending in the vertical direction. As a result, the actuator 46 can be stably supported by the two valve supports 70 and 90.

[0035] The effects and benefits of the valve support members 50, 70, 80, 90 and valve support structures 10, 12, 14, 16 according to the first embodiment are described below.

[0036] According to the valve support members 50, 70, and 80 of this embodiment, one end of the flat plate portion 52, 72, and 92 of the frame members 54, 74, and 94 extending along the radial direction of the piping 40 is attached to the piping flange 44a or 44b, and the support column 60 is connected to the holes 56 and 78 formed through the flat plate portion 52, and 72 of the frame members 54, and 74 along the thickness direction. The support column 60 extends along the axial direction of the piping 40 and supports the actuator 46 connected to the first valve 42. For this reason, for example, the first valve 42 and actuator 46 can be stably supported when installed between pipes 40 that extend vertically or inclined with respect to the vertical direction, without having to place a table or base below the first valve 42 and actuator 46.

[0037] Furthermore, according to the valve support members 50, 70, and 80 of this embodiment, the flat plate portions 52 and 72 of the bases 54 and 74 are formed such that, in the radial direction of the piping 40, the other end is radially inward from the end of the actuator 46. As a result, the valve support members 50, 70, and 80 can be made compact, preventing or suppressing an increase in the installation space for the piping, while stably supporting the first valve 42 and actuator 46.

[0038] Furthermore, according to the valve support 90 of this embodiment, the flat plate portion 92 is attached to the piping 40 via a first attachment 96a and a second attachment 96b, which are attachments formed to cover the outer circumference of the piping. Therefore, the flat plate portion 92 and the support frame 94 can be stably attached to the piping 40. This allows the first valve 42 and the actuator 46 to be stably supported.

[0039] Furthermore, according to the valve support members 70 and 80 of this embodiment, the hole 78 is formed to be longer than the diameter of the support column 60 along the radial direction of the piping 40. Therefore, the support column 60 can be slid along the hole 78, and the position of the support column 60 that supports the actuator 46 can be adjusted along the radial direction of the piping 40. This allows the indicated position of the support column 60 to be brought closer to the horizontal position of the center of gravity of the actuator 46, and the first valve 42 and actuator 46 can be stably supported.

[0040] As described above, the valve support members 50, 70, 80, 90 and valve support structures 10, 12, 14, 16 according to this embodiment can stably support the first valve 42 and actuator 46 while preventing or suppressing an increase in the installation space of the piping 40.

[0041] (Second Embodiment) The valve support structures 18, 20, 21, 22, and 24 according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 5 to 9. Elements that are the same as or corresponding to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0042] Figures 5 to 9 show side views of valve support structures 18, 20, 21, 22, and 24 according to the second embodiment. The valve support structure 18 in Figure 5 is a structure that includes a valve support 120 for supporting a second valve 100, which is a valve that connects cylindrical pipes 40a and 40b extending vertically in an up-and-down direction. Here, a resin valve is used for the second valve 100. However, it is not limited to this, and a metal valve or the like may be used for the valve. Furthermore, although it is explained here that the pipes 40 and the second valve 100 extend vertically, it is not limited to this, and the pipes and valve may be arranged at an inclination with respect to the vertical direction.

[0043] The upper pipe 40a and the lower pipe 40b are connected to cylindrical upper connector 102a and lower connector 102b, respectively, formed at the upper and lower ends of the second valve 100. Hereafter, unless otherwise necessary, they will be referred to as connectors 102a and 102b.

[0044] An actuator 104, which serves as an opening and closing mechanism for the second valve 100, is connected to the side of the second valve 100, that is, to the radially outer side of the piping 40. Specifically, the actuator 104 is connected to the second valve 100 via a connecting portion 106. Therefore, the second valve 100 can be opened and closed by operating the actuator 104. In the following description, the opening and closing mechanism will be described as the actuator 104, but it is not limited to this, and other mechanisms such as a manual handle may be used.

[0045] A valve support 120 is connected to the lower pipe 40b to support an actuator 104 connected to the second valve 100. The valve support 120 has a frame 124 as an arm portion, which includes a flat plate portion 122 extending along the radial direction of the pipe 40, and an integrated attachment 128 formed integrally with the flat plate portion 122 on the pipe 40 side and extending along the axial direction of the pipe 40. The flat plate portion 122 is formed in a fan shape in plan view along the circumferential direction of the lower pipe 40b, and the outer peripheral end in the radial direction of the pipe 40 is formed to be radially inward from the end of the actuator 104. The frame 124 also has a reinforcing member 126 that connects the lower side of the flat plate portion 122 to the integrated attachment 128. In Figure 5, the flat plate portion 122 and the integrated attachment 128 are shown in cross-sectional view.

[0046] The integrated attachment 128 is formed in a cylindrical shape that conforms to the outer circumference of the lower pipe 40b. The integrated attachment 128 is attached to the lower pipe 40b via an elastic body 130, which is a rubber retaining member formed in a cylindrical shape that conforms to the outer circumference of the lower pipe 40b to prevent it from falling off. The lower pipe 40b is connected to the lower connector 102b of the second valve 100 after the elastic body 130 and the integrated attachment 128 have been attached to it in advance. Here, the vertical position, i.e., the height position, of the integrated attachment 128 when it is attached to the lower pipe 40b can be adjusted according to the dimensions and mounting position of the support column 60 and the actuator 104. In the following description, the elastic body 130 is described as being made of rubber, but it is not limited to this, and other materials such as resin that can ensure the desired elasticity may be used.

[0047] The thickness of the elastic body 130 is adjusted according to the weight of the second valve 100 and actuator 104. This allows the valve support 120 to be stably attached to the lower piping 40b and also mitigates the moment acting on the lower piping 40b due to the weight of the second valve 100 and actuator 104.

[0048] The flat plate portion 122 has a hole 132 formed through it along its thickness direction. A screw thread (not shown) is formed on the inner circumference of the hole 132, allowing the support column 60 to be screwed into it. Therefore, by rotating the support column 60 screwed into the hole 132, the vertical position, i.e., the height position, of the tip portion 62a of the shaft portion 62 can be changed. This allows the height position of the support column 60 to be adjusted so that it can contact the bottom of the actuator 104 and support the actuator 104. In addition, the tip portion 62a of the shaft portion 62 is fitted with rubber material or has a surface treatment that creates a rough texture. Therefore, friction between the actuator 104 and the tip portion 62a of the shaft portion 62 creates an anti-slip effect, allowing the actuator 104 to be stably supported.

[0049] (First variation) The following describes the first to fourth modified examples of the valve support structures 20, 21, 22, and 24 according to the second embodiment. Elements similar to or corresponding to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0050] Figure 6 shows a valve support structure 20 according to the first modified example. The valve support structure 20 includes a valve support 140 for supporting the piping 40 and the second valve 100. The valve support 140 has a frame 144 as an arm portion having a flat plate portion 142 extending along the radial direction of the piping 40, and an integrated attachment 148 as an attachment that is formed in a cylindrical shape along the outer circumference of the lower piping 40b and attached to the lower piping 40b via an elastic body 130. In Figure 6, the frame 144 and the integrated attachment 148 are shown in cross-sectional view. The frame 144 also has a reinforcing member 146 on the lower side of the flat plate portion 142. Here, the frame 144 and the integrated attachment 148 are formed separately and connected by bolts 150 and 152. Therefore, the attachment of the frame 144 to the piping 40 can be easily made.

[0051] Multiple holes 154 and 156 are formed in the flat plate portion 142 along its thickness direction, and these holes are also formed along the radial direction of the pipe 40. Therefore, the position of the support column 60 that is screwed into the holes 154 and 156 can be changed to match the size of the actuator 104. This allows the actuator 104 to be supported at a position close to the horizontal position of its center of gravity, and the second valve 100 and actuator 104 can be stably supported.

[0052] (Second variation) Figure 7 shows a valve support structure 21 according to a second modified example. The valve support structure 21 includes a valve support 141 for supporting the piping 40 and the second valve 100. The valve support 141 has a frame 145 as an arm portion having a flat plate portion 143 extending along the radial direction of the piping 40, and an integrated attachment 149 as an attachment, which is formed in a cylindrical shape along the outer circumference of the lower piping 40b and attached to the lower piping 40b via an elastic body 135 as a holding member. In Figure 7, the frame 145 and the integrated attachment 149 are shown in cross-sectional view. The frame 145 also has a reinforcing member 147 on the lower side of the flat plate portion 143. Here, the frame 145 and the integrated attachment 149 are formed separately and connected by bolts 150 and 152. Therefore, the attachment of the frame 145 to the piping 40 can be easily made.

[0053] Here, the elastic body 135, a rubber retaining member formed in a cylindrical shape that conforms to the outer circumference of the lower pipe 40b, is tapered along the axial direction of the pipe 40. Specifically, the elastic body 135 is tapered, becoming narrower towards the upper side of the pipe 40. The integrated attachment 149 also has an inner circumference that is tapered, becoming narrower towards the upper side of the pipe 40. This makes it easy to attach the integrated attachment 149 to the lower pipe 40b, to which the elastic body 135 has already been attached. Furthermore, the weight of the frame 145 and actuator 104 pushes the integrated attachment 149 downwards. This allows the tapered elastic body 135 and the integrated attachment 149 to be attached in close contact, stabilizing the attachment of the frame 145 and the integrated attachment 149 to the pipe.

[0054] (Third variation) Figure 8 shows a valve support structure 22 according to the third modified example. The flat plate portion 122 of the valve support 160 extends radially along the piping 40 to the vicinity of the outer end of the actuator 104, and an upper and lower connecting member 164, which is formed as a plate-shaped support column, is hinged to its end so as to be rotatable around a core rod 162 that extends horizontally. Therefore, when the upper and lower connecting member 164 is rotated upward, the upper end 166 of the upper and lower connecting member 164 opposite to the hinged connection side in the longitudinal direction can be connected to the outer peripheral end of the actuator 104 by bolting or the like. Therefore, the valve support 160 can stably support the actuator 104 from both the support column 60 and the upper and lower connecting member 164.

[0055] (Fourth variation) Figure 9 shows a valve support structure 24 according to the fourth modified example. The flat plate portion 122 of the valve support 170 extends radially along the piping 40 to the vicinity of the outer end of the actuator 104, and an upper and lower connecting member 172, which is a plate-shaped support column extending in the vertical direction, is connected to its end portion 174. The upper end portion 176 of the upper and lower connecting member 172 is connected to the outer peripheral end of the actuator 104. Therefore, the valve support 170 can stably support the actuator 104 from both the support column 60 and the upper and lower connecting member 172.

[0056] The valve support structure 24 also includes a valve support 170 attached to the lower pipe 40b, as well as a valve support 180 attached to the upper pipe 40a. The valve support 180 has a first attachment 184 and a second attachment 186 extending along the axial direction of the pipe 40, and a mounting member 182 as an arm portion, one end of which on the pipe 40 side is integrally formed with the first attachment 184 and extends along the radial direction of the pipe 40.

[0057] The first attachment 184 and the second attachment 186 are formed in a semi-cylindrical shape that conforms to the outer circumference of the upper pipe 40a. The first attachment 184 and the second attachment 186 are connected by bolt fastening and can be attached so as to cover the outer circumference of the upper pipe 40a. This allows the valve support 180 to be stably attached to the upper pipe 40a. Furthermore, the outer circumference end of the mounting member 182 in the radial direction of the pipe 40 is formed to be radially inward from the end of the actuator 104.

[0058] The mounting member 182 of the valve support 180 extends radially along the piping 40 to the vicinity of the outer end of the actuator 104, and a plate-shaped upper and lower connecting member 188, which serves as a support column, is connected to its end. The upper end 190 of the upper and lower connecting member 188 is connected to the outer peripheral end of the mounting member 182, and the lower end 192 is connected to the outer peripheral end of the actuator 104. As a result, the actuator 104 can be stably supported by the two valve supports 170 and 180.

[0059] The effects and benefits of the valve support members 120, 140, 141, 160, 170, 180 and valve support structures 18, 20, 21, 22, 24 according to the second embodiment are described below.

[0060] According to the valve support members 120, 140, 141, 160, and 170 of this embodiment, the integrated attachments 128, 148, and 149, which are formed to cover the outer circumference of the piping 40, and the frames 124, 144, and 145, which extend along the radial direction of the piping 40, are integrally formed. Therefore, the flat plate portions 122, 142, and 143 and the frames 124, 144, and 145 can be stably attached to the piping 40, thereby stably supporting the second valve 100 and actuator 104.

[0061] Furthermore, according to the valve support members 120, 140, 141, 160, and 170 of this embodiment, the support columns 60 are inserted and attached through the holes 132, 154, and 156 formed through the flat plate portions 122, 142, and 143 of the bases 124, 144, and 145 along the thickness direction. The support columns 60 extend along the axial direction of the piping 40 and support the actuator 104 connected to the second valve 100. For this reason, for example, the second valve 100 and actuator 104 can be stably supported without having to place a table or base below the second valve 100 and actuator 104, and can be installed between pipes 40 that extend vertically or inclined with respect to the vertical direction. Moreover, the flat plate portions 122 and 142 are formed such that, in the radial direction of the piping 40, the other end is radially inward from the end of the actuator 104. Therefore, the valve supports 120, 140, 141, 160, and 170 can be made compact, preventing or suppressing an increase in the installation space for the piping, while stably supporting the second valve 100 and actuator 104.

[0062] Furthermore, according to the valve support members 140 and 141 of this embodiment, the holes 154 and 156 formed through the flat plate portion 142 are formed in multiple locations along the radial direction of the piping 40. Therefore, the position of the support column 60 that is screwed into the holes 154 and 156 can be changed according to the size of the actuator 104. This makes it possible to support the actuator 104 at a position close to the horizontal position of the center of gravity of the actuator 46, and to stably support the second valve 100 and the actuator 104.

[0063] As described above, the valve support members 120, 140, 141, 160, 170, 180 and valve support structures 18, 20, 21, 22, 24 according to this embodiment can stably support the second valve 100 and actuator 104 while preventing or suppressing an increase in the installation space of the piping 40.

[0064] (Third embodiment) The valve support structures 26 and 28 according to the third embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 10 and 11. Elements similar to or corresponding to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0065] Figure 10 shows a valve support structure 26 according to the third embodiment. The valve support structure 26 includes a valve support 200 attached to the lower pipe 40b. The valve support 200 is attached to the lower pipe 40b and includes a frame 204 as an arm portion having a first attachment 208 and a second attachment 210 that extend along the axial direction of the pipe 40, and a mounting member 202 that is formed integrally with the first attachment 208 and extends along the radial direction of the pipe 40. Here, the pipe 40 and the second valve 100 are described as extending along the vertical direction, but the pipe and valve may be arranged at an inclination with respect to the vertical direction.

[0066] The first attachment 208 and the second attachment 210 are formed in a semi-cylindrical shape that conforms to the outer circumference of the lower pipe 40b. The first attachment 208 and the second attachment 210 are connected by bolt fastening and can be attached so as to cover the outer circumference of the lower pipe 40b. This allows the valve support 200 to be stably attached to the lower pipe 40b. In addition, the mounting member 202 is formed in a fan shape in plan view along the circumferential direction of the lower pipe 40b, and the outer circumference end of the pipe 40 in the radial direction is formed to be radially inward from the end of the actuator 104.

[0067] The valve support 200 also includes a rod-shaped support column 206 that is connected to the mounting member 202 of the frame 204 and extends along the axial direction of the piping 40. The support column 206 is configured to support the second valve 100 and the actuator 104 by bringing its tip 206a into contact with the connection portion 106 between the second valve 100 and the actuator 104.

[0068] Figure 11 shows a valve support structure 28 according to another aspect of the third embodiment. The valve support structure 28 is a structure that includes a valve support 220 for supporting a third valve 212 which is a valve that connects cylindrical pipes 40a and 40b extending vertically in the vertical direction. Here, the actuator 214 and connecting portion 216 connected to the third valve 212 are formed to be larger than the actuator 104 and connecting portion 106 connected to the second valve 100.

[0069] The valve support 220 is attached to the lower pipe 40b and comprises a frame 224 as an arm section having a first attachment 228 and a second attachment 230 that extend along the axial direction of the pipe 40, and a mounting member 222 formed integrally with the first attachment 228 and extending along the radial direction of the pipe 40. The mounting member 222 extends radially in the pipe 40 with a horizontal length corresponding to the dimensions of the connecting section 216. The valve support 200 also comprises a rod-shaped support column 226 that is connected to the mounting member 222 of the frame 224 and extends along the axial direction of the pipe 40. The thickness, i.e., diameter, of the support column 226 is set to match the dimensions and weight of the connecting section 216.

[0070] According to the valve support members 200 and 220 of this embodiment, the support columns 206 and 226 can directly support the connecting portion 106 and 216, which is subjected to a moment due to the weight of the actuators 104 and 214, thus providing stable support for the actuators 104 and 214. Furthermore, since the valve support members 200 and 220, which support the connecting portion 106 and 216 with the support columns 206 and 226, can be constructed compactly, they can provide stable support for the third valve 212 and actuator 104 while preventing or suppressing an increase in the installation space for the piping.

[0071] (Fourth embodiment) The valve support structures 30 and 32 according to the fourth embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 12 and 13. Elements similar to or corresponding to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0072] Figure 12 shows a valve support structure 30 according to the fourth embodiment. The valve support structure 30 includes a valve support 90 attached to the upper piping flange 44a to support the first valve 42 and actuator 46. Therefore, for example, even if there is no space below the first valve 42 and it is difficult to attach the support, the first valve 42 and actuator 46 can be stably supported by the valve support 90 attached to the upper side of the first valve 42.

[0073] Figure 13 shows another embodiment of the valve support structure 32 according to the fourth embodiment. The valve support structure 32 includes a valve support 240 connected to the upper side of a pipe flange 44a attached to the upper pipe 40a. The valve support 240 has an arm portion 244, which includes a flat plate portion 242 extending along the radial direction of the pipe 40, and one end of the arm portion 244 on the pipe 40 side is bolted to the upper pipe flange 44a. The arm portion 244 is formed in a rod shape extending along the radial direction of the pipe 40, and the other end of the arm portion 244, i.e., the radially outer end, is formed to be radially inward from the end of the actuator 214. A suspension member 246 is attached to the end of the arm portion 244 and is connected to the actuator 214 via a connector 248. Therefore, the actuator 214 can be supported by suspending it with the arm portion 244. Furthermore, the flat plate portion 242 has a hole (not shown) formed through it along its thickness direction, and the valve support 240 includes an angle adjustment mechanism 250 that is inserted through this hole and connected to the actuator 214 as a support column. Therefore, it can be supported by the tip of the angle adjustment mechanism 250 connected to the actuator 214.

[0074] According to the valve support members 90 and 240 of this embodiment, the flat plate portions 92 and 242 are formed such that their ends are radially inward from the ends of the actuators 46 and 214 in the radial direction of the piping 40. Therefore, the actuators 46 and 214 can be stably supported while preventing or suppressing an increase in the installation space for the piping.

[0075] Although embodiments of valve supports 50, 70, 80, 90, 120, 140, 141, 160, 170, 180, 200, 220, 240 and valve support structures 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32 have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications of the above embodiments are possible. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 10 Valve support structure 12 Valve support structure 14 Valve support structure 16 Valve support structure 18 Valve support structure 20 Valve support structure 22 Valve support structure 24 Valve support structure 26 Valve support structure 28 Valve support structure 30 Valve support structure 32 Valve support structure 40 Piping 42. First valve (valve) 46. ​​Actuator (opening / closing mechanism) 48 Connecting part 50 Valve support 52 Flat plate part 54. Mounting base (arm section) 56 Hole 60 pillars 62a Tip 70 Valve support 72 Flat plate part 74. Mounting base (arm section) 78 Hole 80 Valve support 84 Upper and lower connecting member (support column) 90 Valve support 92 Flat plate part 94. Mounting base (arm section) 96a First attachment (attachment) 96b Second attachment (attachment) 100 Second valve (valve) 104 Actuator 106 Connection part 120 Valve support 122 Flat plate part 124 Mounting base (arm section) 128 Integrated Attachment (Attachment) 130 Elastic body (holding member) 132 Hole 135 Elastic body (holding member) 140 Valve support 142 Flat plate part 144 Mounting base (arm section) 148 Integrated Attachment (Attachment) 154 Hole 156 Hole 160 Valve support 164 Upper and lower connecting member (support column) 166 Upper end 170 Valve support 172 Upper and lower connecting member (support column) 180 Valve support 182 Mounting component (arm section) 184 First Attachment (Attachment) 186 Second Attachment (Attachment) 188 Upper and lower connecting member (support column) 200 Valve support 202 Mounting components 204 Mounting base (arm section) 206 Post 208 First Attachment (Attachment) 210 Second attachment (attachment) 212 Third valve (valve) 214 Actuator 216 Connection section 220 Valve support 222 Mounting components 224 Mounting base (arm section) 226 Post 228 First Attachment 230 Second Attachment 240 Valve support 242 Flat plate part 244 Arm section 250 Angle adjustment mechanism (post)

Claims

1. A valve support for supporting a valve installed between pipes that extend vertically or inclined to the vertical, One end is attached to the side of the piping at least one of the upper or lower sides of the valve, and the arm portion extends along the radial direction of the piping, A valve support comprising: a support column connected to the arm portion, extending along the axial direction of the piping, and supporting the opening and closing mechanism for opening and closing the valve, which is connected to the valve, by abutting the bottom of the opening and closing mechanism with the tip of the support column.

2. The arm portion has a flat plate portion that extends along the radial direction of the pipe, The valve support according to claim 1, wherein the support column is inserted into a hole formed through the flat plate portion along the thickness direction.

3. The valve support according to claim 2, wherein the hole portion is formed to be longer than the diameter of the support column along the radial direction of the piping, or a plurality of holes are formed along the radial direction of the piping.

4. The valve support according to claim 1, wherein the arm portion is attached to the pipe via an attachment formed to cover the outer circumference of the pipe.

5. The valve support according to claim 4, wherein the attachment is attached to the pipe via a retaining member formed along the outer circumference of the pipe, and the retaining member has an outer circumference that is tapered along the axial direction of the pipe.

6. The valve support according to claim 1, wherein the support column supports a connecting portion that connects the opening / closing mechanism and the valve.

7. A valve support structure comprising the aforementioned piping, the aforementioned valve, and the valve support according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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