Fastening support system, method, program, gasket, and method for manufacturing gasket

Abstract

A fastening support system (32) supports fastening between flanges. The fastening support system includes: a flange fastening portion (38) including a gasket (2) between flanges (10-1, 10-2); a fastening information extraction unit (8) that extracts, from the gasket, fastening information indicating the fastening state of the gasket when the flanges are fastened, the fastening information being extracted so as to be associated with position information of the flange fastening portion; a support information generating unit (information terminal 36) that compares a target value and the fastening state of the gasket and generates support information for fastening between the flanges; and a support information presentation unit (56) that presents the support information. As a result, fastening information of the gasket is extracted when surface pressure is received between the flanges, and support information for fastening between the flanges is generated using this fastening information.

Description

Fastening support system, method, program, gasket, and manufacturing method thereof

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a support technology for supporting inter-flange fastening of a flange fastening portion including a gasket.

[0002] Conventionally, the tightening management between flanges including gaskets has been based on the torque and bolt axial force values ​​applied to the bolts fastening the flanges. The torque and bolt axial force values ​​are information obtained from the bolts themselves.

[0003] Regarding the tightening of the bolts, it is known to use tightening surface pressure corresponding to the type of gasket or internal fluid, multiple tightening forces, information about the bolt, etc. to grasp the tightening torque (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] It is known that the strain generated in the bolt during the tightening of the bolt is converted into data, and the tightening state of the bolt is made visible (for example, see Patent Document 2).

[0005] With regard to inter-flange fastening, it is known that a recess is provided in the outer ring of a gasket body formed by tightly winding a corrugated metal thin plate in a spiral shape, and a flexible sheet-type pressure sensor is placed in this recess to measure the lateral pressure of the gasket body due to inter-flange fastening, and the lateral pressure value is used to determine the inter-flange fastening force (for example, Patent Document 3).

[0006] JP 2014-225219 A JP 2015-141345 A JP 2007-292628 A

[0007] A spiral wound gasket has an annular gasket body made of a corrugated metal sheet tightly wound in a spiral shape, an inner ring on the inner periphery of the gasket body, and an outer ring on the outer periphery of the inner ring. In this spiral wound gasket, the gasket body is subjected to surface pressure from the flanges.

[0008] A load is applied between the fastened flanges by tightening a plurality of bolts. If this tightening load is properly applied between the flanges, the load contributes to the surface pressure on the gasket body.

[0009] However, the tightening load between flanges is affected by alignment errors and deterioration of the bolts, such as rust. Alignment errors include axial and horizontal misalignment between the flanges. For this reason, the torque and axial force values ​​may not reflect the surface pressure on the gasket.

[0010] For this reason, when torque values ​​and axial force values ​​are used to manage the tightening of gaskets, the following problems arise: a) Because torque values ​​and axial force values ​​are information about the bolts, they do not represent the surface pressure that the gasket receives.

[0011] b) In terms of the surface pressure that a gasket receives, torque and axial force values ​​are indirect information and are merely guidelines. Even if torque and axial force values ​​are measured, if these values ​​do not affect the surface pressure, they cannot be used to determine the surface pressure.

[0012] c) The torque value and axial force value are affected by the tightening state of the bolts and flanges, and it is not possible to determine the surface pressure from the torque value and axial force value.

[0013] d) The surface pressure (estimated surface pressure) estimated from the torque value or axial force value does not match the actual surface pressure that the gasket receives from the flange. Therefore, even if the measurement accuracy of the torque value or axial force value is improved, the estimated surface pressure cannot be made to match the actual surface pressure of the gasket, so the actual surface pressure of the gasket cannot be determined using the torque value or axial force value.

[0014] In this way, tightening management using torque values ​​and axial force values ​​is indirect and does not measure the behavior (shape change) that occurs in the gasket, so it is greatly affected by the condition of the bolts and flange, and it is not possible to determine whether the load applied to the flange is acting as an appropriate surface pressure on the gasket.

[0015] In view of such problems, the inventors of the present disclosure have discovered that it would be beneficial to extract fastening information of a gasket that receives surface pressure from between the flanges and reflect this fastening information in support information such as tightening between the flanges.

[0016] Therefore, based on such issues and findings, a first object of the present disclosure is to extract fastening information from a gasket when it is subjected to surface pressure between flanges, and to generate support information for fastening between flanges using this fastening information.

[0017] A second object of the present disclosure is to provide, based on the above-mentioned problems and findings, a gasket and a manufacturing method thereof that enable fastening information to be directly extracted from the gasket when surface pressure is applied between flanges.

[0018] In order to achieve the first object, according to one aspect of the fastening support system of the present disclosure, there is provided a fastening support system that supports fastening between flanges, and includes: a flange fastening portion having a gasket between the flanges; a fastening information retrieval portion that, when fastening the flanges, retrieves fastening information indicating the fastening state of the gasket from the gasket in association with positional information of the flange fastening portion; a support information generation portion that compares the fastening state of the gasket with a target value and generates support information for fastening between the flanges; and a support information presentation portion that presents the support information.

[0019] In this fastening support system, the fastening information may include any one or more of a circumferential strain, a radial strain, and a thickness direction strain of the gasket.

[0020] In this fastening support system, the position from which the fastening information is taken out may include either or both of the gasket body that receives surface pressure from between the flanges and an outer edge portion disposed around the periphery of the gasket body.

[0021] The fastening support system may further include an information terminal that processes the fastening information, and the information terminal may include the support information generating unit and the support information presenting unit.

[0022] In this fastening support system, the fastening information retrieval unit may retrieve fastening information of the gasket from the gasket body or the outer edge portion when fastening a flange.

[0023] In order to achieve the first object, according to one aspect of the fastening support method of the present disclosure, there is provided a fastening support method for supporting fastening between flanges, the method including the steps of: placing a gasket between flanges and fastening the flanges; extracting fastening information representing the fastening state of the gasket from the gasket in association with positional information of the flange fastening portions when fastening the flanges; a support information generation unit comparing the fastening state of the gasket with a target value and generating support information for fastening between the flanges; and an information presentation unit presenting the support information.

[0024] In order to achieve the first object, according to one aspect of the program of the present disclosure, the program is executed by a computer, and causes the computer to execute the following functions: obtain fastening information representing the fastening state of a gasket that receives surface pressure from between flanges, in association with position information of the flange fastening portion from the gasket; compare the fastening state of the fastening information with a target value, generate support information for the fastening between the flanges; and present the support information in an information presentation unit.

[0025] In order to achieve the second object, according to one aspect of the gasket disclosed herein, there is provided a gasket for use in a flange fastening portion that fastens flanges together, the gasket including: a gasket body that receives surface pressure from between the flanges; an outer edge portion that is installed around the periphery of the gasket body; and a fastening information extraction portion that extracts fastening information that indicates the fastening state of the gasket from the gasket body or the outer edge portion when the flanges are fastened.

[0026] In order to achieve the second object, according to one aspect of the gasket manufacturing method of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for manufacturing a gasket used in a flange fastening portion that fastens flanges together, the method including the steps of manufacturing a gasket that includes an outer edge portion around a periphery of a gasket body that receives surface pressure from the flanges, and providing a fastening information extraction portion that extracts fastening information representing the fastening state of the gasket from the gasket body or the outer edge portion.

[0027] According to the present disclosure, any of the following effects can be obtained: (1) When a flange is fastened, fastening information can be extracted from the gasket, and support information is generated using the fastening information of the gasket without being affected by the bolts or flanges that apply a load to the flange fastening portion. Therefore, this support information makes it easy to recognize increases or decreases in the load that acts as surface pressure on the gasket.

[0028] (2) Since support information is obtained using the fastening information extracted from the gasket, load adjustment between flanges can be supported without considering the influence of the bolts or flanges at the flange fastening portion, thereby achieving highly accurate load adjustment.

[0029] (3) When fastening flanges, simply by installing a gasket between the flanges, the load applied between the flanges can be easily recognized or the amount of increase or decrease can be estimated using support information based on the fastening information of the gasket at the flange fastening portion, thereby enabling the flange fastening to be optimized and accelerated.

[0030] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a gasket according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2A is a diagram showing a fastening information extraction unit, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of the sensor unit and gasket taken along line IIB-IIB in FIG. 2A. FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between load, surface pressure, and strain, and FIG. 3B is a diagram showing the mechanism for detecting gasket strain. FIG. 4A is a perspective view showing an example of a fastening support system according to a second embodiment, and FIG. 4B is a perspective view showing a flange fastening unit and a relay unit as seen from the rear side. FIG. 5A is a perspective view showing a relay unit removed from the flange fastening unit, and FIG. 5B is a perspective view showing a partially cutaway flange fastening unit. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a fastening support system according to a third embodiment. FIG. 7A is a block diagram showing an example of an information terminal, and FIG. 7B is a diagram showing an example of the processing function of the information terminal. FIG. 8A is a diagram showing an example of a database, and FIG. 8B is a diagram showing the relationship between load and strain. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of fastening support. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a strain distribution graphic display according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 11A is a diagram showing an extraction form of fastening information according to the fifth embodiment, and Fig. 11B is a diagram showing another extraction form of fastening information according to the fifth embodiment. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an extraction form of fastening information according to the sixth embodiment.

[0032] [First embodiment] Fig. 1 shows a gasket according to a first embodiment. The configuration shown in Fig. 1 is an example, and the present disclosure is not limited to such a configuration.

[0033] The gasket 2 is an example of a gasket of the present disclosure. The gasket 2 is, for example, a spiral wound gasket, and includes a gasket body 4-1, an inner ring portion 4-2, and an outer ring portion 4-3.

[0034] The gasket body 4-1 is installed between the flanges 10-1 and 10-2 and receives surface pressure from the flanges 10-1 and 10-2, adhering closely to the flanges 10-1 and 10-2 to perform a sealing function (gasket function) between the flanges 10-1 and 10-2. The inner ring portion 4-2 is an annular portion installed on the inner periphery of the gasket body 4-1. The outer ring portion 4-3 is an annular portion installed on the outer periphery of the gasket body 4-1 and is an example of an outer edge portion of the present disclosure. This outer ring portion 4-3 is a surface portion that does not come into contact with the flanges 10-1 and 10-2.

[0035] This gasket 2 has a plurality of sensor units 6-1, 6-2, 6-3, 6-4, 6-5, 6-6, 6-7, and 6-8 (hereinafter simply referred to as "sensor units 6") integral with the outer ring portion 4-3, and has a plurality of fastening information extraction units 8-1, 8-2, 8-3, and 8-4 (hereinafter simply referred to as "fastening information extraction units 8") each including a pair of sensor units 6.

[0036] Each sensor unit 6 is, for example, configured as a strain sensor, and detects strain appearing in the outer ring portion 4-3. This strain is an example of fastening information that indicates the fastening state of the gasket 2. Therefore, each fastening information extraction unit 8 extracts fastening information that appears in the gasket 2 when the flange is fastened. The fastening information includes one or more of circumferential strain, radial strain, and thickness direction strain that appear in the gasket body 4-1 or outer ring portion 4-3 of the gasket 2 when the flange is fastened.

[0037] The flanges 10-1 and 10-2 are fastened together by a plurality of, for example, eight bolts 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, 12-4, 12-5, 12-6, 12-7, and 12-8 (hereinafter simply referred to as "bolts 12"). A load is applied between the flanges 10-1 and 10-2 from each bolt 12, and the gasket body 4-1 is subjected to surface pressure between the flanges 10-1 and 10-2.

[0038] When this surface pressure is applied, the gasket body 4-1 deforms. This deformation acts on the inner ring portion 4-2 and the outer ring portion 4-3, causing strain (deformation) in the outer ring portion 4-3. In other words, this strain depends on the surface pressure that the gasket 2 receives from the flanges 10-1 and 10-2.

[0039] To detect this strain, each sensor unit 6 disposed in the outer ring portion 4-3 is, for example, a sheet-like sensor that detects the strain appearing in the outer ring portion 4-3. Each sensor unit 6 may be a sensor that converts the deformation appearing in the outer ring portion 4-3 into a physical quantity such as electrical resistance or piezoelectricity, and fastening information for the gasket 2 for each bolt 12, such as a voltage or current that represents the strain, can be extracted using a bridge circuit or the like. In this embodiment, each sensor unit 6 is installed at equal intervals corresponding to the bolts 12 that apply a load between the flanges 10-1 and 10-2.

[0040] The detection information of each sensor unit 6 is extracted by a plurality of connectors 14-12, 14-34, 14-56, and 14-78 (hereinafter simply referred to as "connectors 14"). Each connector 14 is an example of an information extraction unit of the present disclosure. The leads 16 of the sensor units 6-1 and 6-2 are connected to connector 14-12, the leads 16 of the sensor units 6-3 and 6-4 are connected to connector 14-34, the leads 16 of the sensor units 6-5 and 6-6 are connected to connector 14-56, and the leads 16 of the sensor units 6-7 and 6-8 are connected to connector 14-78.

[0041] Each lead 16 is gathered for each pair of sensor parts 6 along the circumferential surface of the outer ring part 4-3, covered with a wiring cover 18, pulled out from between adjacent bolts 12, and connected to each corresponding connector 14.

[0042] <Each Fastening Information Extraction Portion 8 of the Gasket 2> A in Fig. 2 shows one fastening information extraction portion 8. A known strain gauge or the like can be used for each sensor portion 6. Each sensor portion 6 is tightly fixed to the peripheral surface portion 26 of the outer ring portion 4-3 of the gasket 2 and receives strain that appears in the outer ring portion 4-3, deforming together with the outer ring portion 4-3. This deformation is detected by each sensor portion 6 and converted into a physical quantity such as a resistance value, which is then extracted as fastening information for the gasket 2. To extract this fastening information, each sensor portion 6 is provided with multiple leads 16. Each lead 16 also includes a power supply line for supplying power to the sensor portion 6.

[0043] Each lead 16 is installed along the peripheral surface 26 of the outer ring portion 4-3 and is covered with a protective sleeve 20. The leads 16 drawn out from a pair of adjacent sensor units 6 are collectively connected to the connector 14 together with the sleeve 20 by a wiring cover 18.

[0044] The lead length between the sensor unit 6 and the connector 14 for each lead 16 is preferably the minimum length required to connect the connector 14 to the repeater 34 (A and B in FIG. 4), and is preferably the same length to maintain the accuracy of retrieving fastening information and to avoid the effects of noise. It is also preferable to use shielded wires for each lead 16 and shielded components for the connector 14.

[0045] <Configuration of Gasket 2> Fig. 2B shows a cross section of the gasket taken along line IIB-IIB in Fig. 2A. The gasket 2 is the above-mentioned spiral wound gasket, and is, for example, an example of a semi-metallic gasket.

[0046] The inner ring portion 4-2 corresponds to the inner diameter of the gasket body 4-1 and is a metal ring made of, for example, stainless steel, formed according to the opening diameter of the flanges 10-1 and 10-2 to which it is fitted. The outer ring portion 4-3 is a metal ring made of, for example, stainless steel, formed according to the outer diameter of the gasket body 4-1 and the outer diameter of the flanges 10-1 and 10-2 to which it is fitted. The nominal thickness of the gasket body 4-1 is, for example, 4.5 mm, and the nominal thicknesses of the inner ring portion 4-2 and the outer ring portion 4-3 are, for example, 3 mm. Therefore, the gasket body 4-1 protrudes approximately 0.75 mm from the top surfaces of the inner ring portion 4-2 and the outer ring portion 4-3 toward the front and back surfaces. Therefore, the gasket body 4-1 is in close contact with the flanges 10-1 and 10-2, while the outer ring portion 4-3 constitutes a non-contact surface portion of the present disclosure relative to the flanges 10-1 and 10-2.

[0047] A sensor unit 6 is disposed on the peripheral surface 26 of the outer ring portion 4-3. The sensor unit 6 is fixed to the peripheral surface 26 and is integrated with the outer ring portion 4-3 with a strain transmission layer 27 interposed between the peripheral surface 26 and the sensor unit 6. This strain transmission layer 27 expands and contracts in response to strain appearing on the peripheral surface 26, transmitting the strain to the sensor unit 6. Therefore, it is preferable to use an adhesive for the strain transmission layer 27 that hardens to have excellent adhesive properties and has good strain transmission characteristics, allowing it to expand and contract in response to strain in a tightly contacted state.

[0048] <Relationship between Load W, Surface Pressure Ps, and Strain S> Figure 3A shows cross sections of the flanges 10-1, 10-2 and the gasket 2. When fastened, a load W is applied to the flanges 10-1, 10-2 by tightening the bolts 12. This load W causes a surface pressure Ps to be applied from the flanges 10-1, 10-2 to the gasket body 4-1, deforming the gasket body 4-1, and this deformation causes strain S in the outer ring portion 4-3. In other words, even if the load W is applied, if the surface pressure Ps from the flanges 10-1, 10-2 is not applied to the gasket body 4-1, in other words, if the gasket body 4-1 is not deformed by the surface pressure Ps, strain S (deformation) will not occur in the outer ring portion 4-3.

[0049] The deformation occurring in the outer ring portion 4-3 includes elastic deformation and plastic deformation. Elastic deformation is a deformation characteristic caused by a surface pressure below the elastic limit of the outer ring portion 4-3, and is a state in which the outer ring portion 4-3 can return to its original shape when the applied surface pressure is reduced. In contrast, plastic deformation is a deformation that exceeds the elastic limit of the outer ring portion 4-3, and is a deformation state in which the gasket body 4-1 and the outer ring portion 4-3 do not return to their original shape even when the surface pressure Ps is reduced.

[0050] The gasket body 4-1 receives a surface pressure Ps from between the flanges 10-1 and 10-2 and performs a sealing function between the flanges 10-1 and 10-2. At this time, the gasket body 4-1 deforms due to the surface pressure Ps. This deformation appears on the peripheral surface 26 of the gasket body 4-1 that is not constrained by the flanges 10-1 and 10-2. The inner ring 4-2 is an annular frame member installed on the inner periphery of the gasket body 4-1 and functions to prevent deformation of the gasket body 4-1 toward the inner periphery. The outer ring 4-3 is an annular frame member installed on the outer periphery of the gasket body 4-1 and receives stress from the periphery of the gasket body 4-1. This stress causes deformation (strain S) that expands the outer ring 4-3 in the circumferential direction. This strain S then appears on the surface of the outer ring 4-3. This strain S is detected directly from the outer ring 4-3 by the sensor unit 6.

[0051] <Strain S Detection Mechanism> Figure 3B shows the strain detection mechanism. The strain S generated in the gasket body 4-1 expands the outer ring portion 4-3 due to the expansion and deformation of the gasket body 4-1, and appears in the outer ring portion 4-3. In other words, this strain S includes a component that expands the circumferential surface portion 26 of the outer ring portion 4-3 and a component that expands the outer ring portion 4-3 in the radial direction. In this case, circumferential strain appears as strain S in the circumferential surface portion 26 of the outer ring portion 4-3, but the strain S that appears in the circumferential surface portion 26 appears expanded in the radial direction.

[0052] In this embodiment, the sensor unit 6 is installed on the circumferential surface 26 of the outer ring portion 4-3, and therefore the strain S that appears on the circumferential surface 26 acts on the sensor unit 6. In other words, when the circumferential surface 26 of the outer ring portion 4-3 stretches, the sensor unit 6 on the circumferential surface 26 also stretches. This allows the sensor unit 6 to directly detect the strain S that appears on the outer ring portion 4-3, and information about the fastening of the gasket 2 can be obtained from the sensor unit 6.

[0053] <Manufacturing of Gasket 2> Manufacturing of this gasket 2 includes a manufacturing process of the gasket 2, a fixing process of the sensor part 6, and a wiring process.

[0054] The manufacturing process of the gasket 2 includes a manufacturing process of the gasket body 4-1. As described above, in the manufacturing process of the gasket body 4-1, the metal hoop 22 with a V-shaped cross section and the filler 24 are overlapped and spirally wound to form the annular gasket body 4-1, and the inner ring portion 4-2 is attached to the inner periphery of the gasket body 4-1, and the outer ring portion 4-3 is attached to the outer periphery of the gasket body 4-1, thereby forming the gasket 2.

[0055] The gasket body 4-1 of the present disclosure is formed to have a smaller diameter than a conventional gasket 2 of the same specifications. In other words, the outer diameter of the outer ring portion 4-3 is reduced in consideration of the thickness of the multiple sensor portions 6 installed on the circumferential surface portion 26 of the outer ring portion 4-3.

[0056] In the process of fixing the sensor parts 6, a sensor part 6 is disposed at each strain measurement position on the circumferential surface of the outer ring part 4-3 of the pre-manufactured gasket body 4-1. An adhesive is used to connect each sensor part 6 to the outer ring part 4-3, and each sensor part 6 and the gasket 2 are integrated together.

[0057] In the wiring process, each lead 16 is drawn out from each adjacent sensor unit 6. Each lead 16 is covered with a sleeve 20 and a wiring cover 18 and disposed on the peripheral surface 26 of the outer ring unit 4-3. The leads 16 are gathered between adjacent sensor units 6 using the wiring cover 18, and a connector 14 is attached. The connector 14, together with the leads 16, is fixed to the peripheral surface 26 of the outer ring unit 4-3 with an adhesive.

[0058] Through these steps, the gasket 2 including the gasket 2, the plurality of sensor portions 6, the leads 16 and the connector 14 can be manufactured.

[0059] <Effects of the First Embodiment> According to the first embodiment, any of the following effects can be obtained.

[0060] (1) The outer ring portion 4-3, which is integrated with the gasket body 4-1, receives the surface pressure Ps and deforms, and the strain S is transmitted from the gasket body 4-1 to the outer ring portion 4-3. This allows the strain S appearing in the outer ring portion 4-3 to be efficiently applied to each sensor unit 6. Therefore, the strain appearing in the outer ring portion 4-3 due to the surface pressure can be detected directly from the outer ring portion 4-3. The detected strain can be output from each connector 14 as fastening information for the gasket 2.

[0061] (2) The outer ring portion 4-3 is formed thinner than the gasket body 4-1 and constitutes the non-contact surface portion of the gasket 2 that does not come into contact with the flanges 10-1 and 10-2. Because the sensor unit 6 is disposed in this outer ring portion 4-3, it is possible to detect only the strain S that appears in the outer ring portion 4-3 without being affected by contact with the flanges 10-1 and 10-2, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the strain S.

[0062] (3) Since the gasket 2 is provided with a plurality of sensor units 6 as an integral part, the gasket 2 can be installed between the flanges 10-1 and 10-2 simply by performing the conventional gasket installation work, and then the measurement process can be started to perform the gasket measurement. This eliminates the need for sensor installation during the conventional fastening work, enabling quick gasket measurement.

[0063] (4) The gasket 2 is provided with a connector 14, which allows any measuring device to be connected, and fastening information on the gasket 2 can be received through the connector 14, making it possible to measure and evaluate the gasket when fastening flanges. Moreover, the leads 16 of a pair of sensor units 6 are connected together to the connector 14, which reduces the number of connectors to half the number of installed sensor units 6 and simplifies wiring.

[0064] (5) The strain S generated in the gasket 2 due to the surface pressure Ps from the gasket 2 can be detected directly from the gasket 2, and since the strain S due to the surface pressure Ps is detected directly, the influence of the load W that does not contribute to the surface pressure Ps can be avoided. In other words, the influence of rust on the bolts 12 on the load W and the influence of an alignment error between the flanges 10-1 and 10-2 on the load W can be avoided, and even if the load applied to the flanges 10-1 and 10-2, that is, the load W applied to the bolts 12, does not function as the surface pressure Ps between the flanges 10-1 and 10-2, it will not be measured as the strain S due to the actual surface pressure.

[0065] (6) The gasket of the present disclosure can be manufactured simply by adding a strain sensor installation process to a conventional gasket manufacturing process.

[0066] (7) The gasket 2 can be constructed by simply fixing the sensor unit 6 to a predetermined location on the outer ring portion 4-3 by adhesive or the like, without having to process notches or recesses in the conventional gasket 2, and can be easily obtained together with the gasket 2. Moreover, the installation of the sensor unit 6 does not affect the characteristics of the gasket 2.

[0067] [Second embodiment] Fig. 4A shows a fastening support system according to a second embodiment. In Fig. 4A, the same parts as in Fig. 1 are given the same reference numerals, but the configuration shown in Fig. 4A is an example of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to such a configuration.

[0068] The fastening support system 32 includes a gasket 2, a relay device 34, and an information terminal 36. In the fastening support system 32, the gasket 2 and the relay device 34 may constitute a fastening support device.

[0069] When measuring a gasket, the relay 34 is installed at the flange fastening portion 38 (B in FIG. 5 ), which is the measurement target. The relay 34 is an example of a fastening information retrieval unit of the present disclosure. The relay 34 retrieves fastening information obtained from the gasket 2, associates each piece of fastening information with bolt information, and transmits it to the information terminal 36.

[0070] The flange fastening portion 38 includes a gasket 2, flanges 10-1 and 10-2 for fastening a pair of pipelines 40-1 and 40-2 to be connected, a plurality of bolts 12, and a gasket 2. The flange 10-1 is formed at the end of the pipeline 40-1, and the flange 10-2 is formed at the end of the pipeline 40-2.

[0071] The relay unit 34 includes a pair of arc-shaped housings 42-1, 42-2 for attachment to the flange fastening portion 38. Each housing 42-1, 42-2 is equipped with a hinge mechanism 44 to enable opening and closing, and is equipped with a locking mechanism 46 to be locked after attachment to the flange fastening portion 38. The housings 42-1, 42-2 have a plurality of engagement and retention portions 48 on the flanges 10-1, 10-2, and each engagement and retention portion 48 has an elastic member. Therefore, each housing 42-1, 42-2 is engaged and retained by each engagement and retention portion 48 with the edge portion of the flanges 10-1, 10-2 of the flange fastening portion 38, and is firmly held to the flange fastening portion 38 by the elastic member provided in the engagement and retention portion 48.

[0072] The housing 42-1 is provided with a power switch 50 and an operation display unit 51. When the power switch 50 is turned on, the operation display unit 51 emits light to indicate that the device is operating, the relay unit 34 supplies power to the sensor unit 6, and the relay unit 34 can obtain fastening information from the gasket 2.

[0073] Because each of the housings 42-1, 42-2 is formed thinner than the flanges 10-1, 10-2 of the flange fastening portion 38, the head or nut 52 (B in FIG. 5) of each bolt 12 on the flange fastening portion 38 side can be made to protrude from each of the housings 42-1, 42-2. Therefore, the head or nut 52 of each bolt 12 can be easily applied with a desired axial force or torque T using a tightening tool 54, and the bolt 12 can be tightened with a desired load W.

[0074] The information terminal 36 is an example of a support information generation unit of the present disclosure. The information terminal 36 has a function of communicating with the relay device 34, a function of acquiring fastening information, a function of evaluating strain, a function of generating support information, a function of presenting support information, etc. When measuring a gasket, the information terminal 36 generates support information using flange information acquired from the relay device 34.

[0075] The information terminal 36 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) display unit 56 as an example of a support information presenting unit. The LCD display unit 56 presents, for example, a contour graphic display as support information for inter-flange fastening associated with bolt information.

[0076] <Connection of the Gasket 2 and the Repeater 34> Figure 4B shows the flange fastening portion 38 and the repeater 34 from the rear side. The housings 42-1, 42-2 have a plurality of wiring holes 58 formed therein and a plurality of connector coupling portions 60 installed therein. When the housings 42-1, 42-2 are properly positioned on the flange fastening portion 38, each wiring hole 58 is disposed in the closest position to the leads 16 and connectors 14 of the gasket 2. Therefore, when each connector 14 is attached to the corresponding connector coupling portion 60, the repeater 34 can acquire fastening information from the gasket 2.

[0077] <Repeater 34> FIG. 5A shows the housings 42-1 and 42-2 of the relay 34 before they are attached to the flange fastening portion 38 (FIG. 5B).

[0078] Each of the housings 42-1, 42-2 has a semicircular upper cover portion 62 and a lower cover portion 64 with an L-shaped cross section, and is connected in the vertical direction by a plurality of supports 66 to form a housing with a C-shaped cross section.

[0079] The hinge mechanism 44 is composed of a bearing portion 68 and a hinge shaft 70, and allows the housings 42-1 and 42-2 to be opened, for example, 180 degrees and closed along the flange fastening portion 38.

[0080] Locking mechanism 46 is configured, for example, with a snap lock, a catch clip lock, or the like. Locking mechanism 46 is provided with a locking portion 72 on housing 42-2 and a lever handle 76 for operating an engaging ring 74 on housing 42-1. When the engaging ring 74 is engaged with the locking portion 72 and the lever handle 76 is rotated in the closing direction between housings 42-1 and 42-2, the lever mechanism firmly locks the engaging ring 74 to the locking portion 72, and the locked state can be maintained.

[0081] Each of the housings 42-1, 42-2 has a positioning mechanism 75 for positioning the relay 34 in the flange fastening portion 38, which is composed of a pair of positioning pieces 77 and a bolt 12. The positioning pieces 77 protrude in opposing directions from each of the housings 42-1, 42-2 and can be inserted between the flanges 10-1, 10-2. A V-shaped recess 79 is formed at the tip of each of the positioning pieces 77 to engage with the bolt 12, which serves as a positioning reference.

[0082] 5B shows a partially cutaway flange fastening portion 38. This flange fastening portion 38 is an example of a flange fastening portion of the present disclosure, in which the bolts 12 pass through through holes formed in the peripheral portions of the flanges 10-1 and 10-2 at intervals of, for example, an angle θ of 45°, and nuts 52 are attached to the bolts 12 from the outer surfaces of the flanges 10-1 and 10-2.

[0083] When fastening the flange, the fastening support system 32 acquires fastening information representing the fastening state from the gasket 2 included in the flange fastening section 38, evaluates the fastening state of the gasket 2 by comparing it with a target value, generates support information for flange fastening, and presents it on the LCD display section 56 of the information terminal 36.

[0084] <Effects of the Second Embodiment> According to the second embodiment, any of the following effects can be obtained.

[0085] (1) Surface pressure is applied between the flanges 10-1 and 10-2, and fastening information indicating the fastening state of the gasket 2 can be detected directly from the outer ring portion 4-3. Support information generated from this fastening information can be referenced, facilitating the fastening work including the gasket 2. Gasket measurement can be started by attaching and fixing the relay device 34 to the flange fastening portion 38 after fastening, connecting each sensor unit 6 to the relay device 34, and turning on the power switch 50. Then, after the gasket measurement is completed, the relay device 34 is removed from the flange fastening portion 38, and the connection between each sensor unit 6 and the relay device 34 is released, completing the gasket measurement work.

[0086] (2) It is possible to easily obtain the fastening information of the gasket 2. The fastening information of the gasket 2 can be obtained from the sensor unit 6 by the relay device 34, and the fastening information can be sent from this relay device 34 to the information terminal 36. The fastening information can be used by the information terminal 36 to generate support information, and the fastening between the flanges 10-1, 10-2 can be simplified or refined by referring to this support information.

[0087] [Third embodiment] Fig. 6 shows a fastening support system 32 according to a third embodiment. In Fig. 6, the same parts as those in Figs. 1 and 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0088] The gasket 2 includes a plurality of sensor units 6 integrated with the gasket 2, and includes a plurality of connectors 14-12, ..., 14-78 along with leads 16 drawn out from each sensor unit 6. For example, if there are eight sensor units 6, there will be four sets of fastening information extraction units 8, each including a connector 14 that connects a pair of sensor units 6.

[0089] The repeater 34 has functions such as extracting fastening information from the gasket 2, converting the fastening information into digital information, transmitting the fastening information to the information terminal 36 via wire or wirelessly, and supplying power to the sensor unit 6.

[0090] The relay 34 is provided with a plurality of connector coupling portions 78-12, ..., 78-78 (hereinafter simply referred to as "connector coupling portions 78") for the connector 14 on the side of the gasket 2. In other words, the gasket 2 and the relay 34 can be electrically connected by coupling the connector 14 and the connector coupling portions 78.

[0091] The repeater 34 is provided with analog-to-digital (A / D) conversion units 80-1, 80-2, . . . , 80-7, and 80-8 (hereinafter simply referred to as "A / D conversion units 80") corresponding to the plurality of sensor units 6.

[0092] The communication unit 82 is controlled by the control unit 84 and is connected to the information terminal 36 by radio signals. The digitized fastening information is transmitted from the communication unit 82 to the information terminal 36 by radio signals.

[0093] The control unit 84 includes, for example, a computer, and performs operations such as acquiring fastening information, transmitting the fastening information, supplying power to the sensor unit 6, charging the battery, and correcting temperature. The power switch 50 and temperature sensors 86 and 88 are connected to the control unit 84, and the control unit 84 acquires operation input from the power switch 50 and temperature information from the temperature sensor 86.

[0094] The power switch 50 is an operation switch, and when operated, power is supplied to the control unit 84, it enters an activated state, and begins retrieving and acquiring fastening information from the gasket 2. At this time, the operation indicator 51, which indicates that the control unit 84 has entered an operating state, emits light to indicate that it is operating. A temperature sensor 86 detects the ambient temperature of the control unit 84, and the operation of the control unit 84 is controlled in accordance with this detected temperature. A temperature sensor 88 detects the battery temperature, and charging control is performed in accordance with this detected temperature.

[0095] The control power supply 90 is a power supply for the control unit 84, and the sensor power supply 92 is a power supply for each sensor unit 6. Power is supplied to each sensor unit 6 by the leads 16 through the connector coupling portion 78 and the connector 14.

[0096] A common battery 94 is connected to the control power supply 90 and the sensor power supply 92, and power is supplied from this battery 94. The battery 94 is a secondary battery that can be charged and discharged. A charging unit 96 is connected to this battery 94, and power is supplied from an external power supply and charged by the charging unit 96.

[0097] <Information terminal 36> A in Fig. 7 shows an example of the information terminal 36. The information terminal 36 is an example of an information terminal disclosed in the present disclosure. The information terminal 36 is equipped with a computer having a communication function. The processor 98 is an example of a processing unit that generates support information, executes an operating system (OS) and a gasket measurement program stored in the storage unit 100, and is responsible for various information processing.

[0098] The storage unit 100 includes storage elements such as a read-only memory (ROM) and a random-access memory (RAM), and stores an OS, a gasket measurement program, a gasket measurement information database 126 (A in FIG. 8), and the like.

[0099] The communication unit 102 communicates with the communication unit 82 on the repeater 34 side under the control of the processor 98, and transmits and receives information on the gasket measurement.

[0100] The LCD display unit 56 displays gasket measurement information, evaluation information of the load W, and the like under the control of the processor 98 .

[0101] An input / output (I / O) unit 106 is used for inputting and outputting information under the control of the processor 98. Therefore, the processor 98, a storage unit 100, a communication unit 102, and an LCD display unit 56 are connected to the I / O unit 106.

[0102] 7B shows processing functions executed by the information terminal 36. The functions executed by the information terminal 36 include a gasket information acquisition function 108, a target value St acquisition function 110, a fastening information acquisition function 112, a storage function 114 for the fastening information, etc., a strain S evaluation function 116, a support information generation function 118, a support information storage function 120, a support information presentation function 122, and a various information update function 124.

[0103] Gasket information acquisition function 108: The information terminal 36 acquires flange information identified by the flange fastening section 38 when fastening between flanges.

[0104] Target value St acquisition function 110: The information terminal 36 acquires the target value St of the strain S for the gasket 2 identified by the flange fastening portion 38.

[0105] Fastening information acquisition function 112: When the power switch 50 of the repeater 34 is turned on, the repeater 34 is powered on and enters a startup state, and can establish a communication connection with the information terminal 36. The repeater 34 processes the fastening information of the gasket 2 acquired from the sensor unit 6 near the gasket 2 and sends it to the information terminal 36. The information terminal 36 acquires the fastening information of the gasket 2 from the repeater 34 via the communication unit 102. In response to bolt tightening in inter-flange fastening, the repeater 34 acquires the fastening information from the sensor unit 6. Therefore, the information terminal 36 can acquire the fastening information of the gasket 2 associated with the load application position of the flange fastening portion 38 from the repeater 34.

[0106] Storing function 114 for fastening information, etc.: Fastening information acquired by the information terminal 36 is stored in the storage unit 100 under the control of the processor 98 and stored in the DB 126 .

[0107] Strain S evaluation function 116: Strain S is fastening information that represents the fastening state of the gasket 2 between the flanges 10-1 and 10-2. The processor 98 compares the fastening state represented by the acquired fastening information with the target value St in the DB 126, and evaluates the strain S for each bolt 12. If the strain S is within the range of 80% to 100% of the target value St, it is evaluated as appropriate; if it is less than 80%, it is evaluated as having insufficient strain; and if it exceeds the target value St, it is evaluated as having excessive strain.

[0108] Support information generation function 118: The processor 98 generates support information for inter-flange fastening based on the evaluation of the strain S, that is, based on the comparison between the fastening state of the gasket 2 and the target value St.

[0109] Support information storage function 120: The evaluation results of the fastening state of the gasket 2 and support information are stored in the storage unit 100 and stored in the DB 126.

[0110] Support information presentation function 122: The processor 98 presents evaluation information through the LCD display unit 56.

[0111] Various information update function 124: The processor 98 updates the information stored in the DB 126 by continuously recalculating and reacquiring the fastening information, load information, evaluation information, and support information based on the load adjustment on the flange fastening portion 38 side.

[0112] 8A shows an example of the DB 126. This DB 126 stores processing information for evaluating the load using the fastening information acquired from the gasket 2, and this stored information is updated as needed based on the load adjustment.

[0113] The DB 126 stores a date and time record section 128, a gasket attribute section 130, a fastening information section 132, a target value section 140, a support information section 142, and a history section 144. The fastening information section 132 includes a position information section 132-1, a strain section 132-2, and the like.

[0114] The date and time recording section 128 stores various information such as the location, date and time, climate, and temperature of the gasket measurement.

[0115] The gasket attribute section 130 stores the specifications of the gasket 2 to be measured.

[0116] The fastening information section 132 stores fastening information including fastening information acquired from the gasket 2 and position information of the flange fastening section 38. The position information section 132-1 stores position information (bolt position) indicating the bolt position, the installation position of the sensor section 6, etc., such as the bolt number in the flange fastening section 38. The strain section 132-2 stores fastening information acquired by the information terminal 36 from the repeater 34.

[0117] The target value section 140 stores a target value St associated with the gasket attribute. This target value St is a value that represents the optimum value or optimum range of the strain S.

[0118] The support information section 142 stores support information for fastening between flanges, such as whether the strain S, which indicates the fastening state of the gasket 2, is appropriate, insufficient, or excessive, by comparing the strain S with the target value St.

[0119] The history section 144 stores recorded information indicating updates of information such as the strain S, the target value St, and evaluation information, which are updated as needed based on the load adjustment.

[0120] <Strain S relative to load W> Figure 8B shows the relationship between load W and strain S, with the load W between flanges 10-1 and 10-2 on the horizontal axis and the ratio of strain S to target value St (= 100 x S / St) on the vertical axis. In other words, the load W applied between flanges 10-1 and 10-2 applies a surface pressure Ps to gasket 2, and the gasket 2 receives the surface pressure Ps and generates strain S. From these relationships, a certain functional relationship exists between load W and strain S. f(w) is a conversion curve that expresses the strain ratio from load W.

[0121] From this conversion curve f(w), it is possible to obtain the ratio (100×S / St) of the strain S to the load W. The processor 98 compares the target value St specified in the gasket information with the strain S obtained for the load W, and calculates the ratio (100×S / St) of the strain S.

[0122] Regarding the strain ratio (S / St), if it is between 100% and 80%, the strain S is evaluated as appropriate, if it is less than 80%, it is insufficient, and if it exceeds 100%, it is evaluated as excessive load. A strain ratio exceeding 100% indicates a load range that indicates plastic deformation of the outer ring portion 4-3. In other words, the fastening state of the gasket 2 is evaluated in comparison with the target value St, and this evaluation result becomes supporting information.

[0123] The processor 98 then adds trend information indicating whether the strain S is increasing or decreasing as supporting information. In this case, appropriate is indicated in green, and excessive strain is indicated in red.

[0124] <Processing Procedure for Fastening Support> Fig. 9 shows a processing procedure for fastening support. This processing procedure is an example of a method or program for supporting inter-flange fastening according to the present disclosure.

[0125] This processing procedure includes obtaining gasket information (S101), obtaining target value St (S102), obtaining installation information for gasket 2 (S103), identifying bolt position (S104), adjusting load W (S105), detecting strain S (S106), obtaining fastening information for gasket 2 (S107), evaluating strain S (S108), generating support information (S109), and presenting the support information (S110).

[0126] When measuring a gasket, turning on the power switch 50 of the repeater 34 establishes a communication connection between the repeater 34 and the information terminal 36. After initial setting, the information terminal 36 acquires gasket information (S101), and acquires a target value St of the strain S for the gasket 2 identified by the flange fastening portion 38 (S102).

[0127] Then, the information terminal 36 acquires mounting information of the gasket 2 to the flange fastening portion 38 (S103), and identifies the bolt position (bolt number) as position information of the bolt 12 from the flange fastening portion 38 (S104).

[0128] In the flange fastening section 38, the bolts 12 are tightened and the load W applied between the flanges 10-1 and 10-2 is adjusted (S105). This load adjustment includes tightening and increasing or decreasing the tightening.

[0129] When the gasket 2 receives a surface pressure Ps between the flanges 10-1 and 10-2 to which a load W is applied, the strain S that appears in the outer ring portion 4-3 of the gasket 2 due to this surface pressure Ps is detected by the sensor unit 6 (S106). The relay unit 34 acquires the fastening information from the sensor unit 6, and the information terminal 36 acquires the fastening information associated with the position information of the bolt 12. This position information indicates the position of the bolt 12, i.e., the load-bearing position (bolt position) of the flange fastening portion 38.

[0130] The fastening information extracted from the gasket 2 is stored in the DB 126 in association with the position information (S107).

[0131] Then, the processor 98 of the information terminal 36 evaluates the strain S, which represents the fastening state of the gasket 2, on a bolt 12 basis by comparing it with the target value St, and evaluates whether the strain S is appropriate, insufficient, or excessive relative to the target value St (S108).

[0132] After this evaluation, the information terminal 36 generates support information (S109) and displays the support information using the LCD display unit 56 (S110). This support information includes evaluation information such as whether the strain S is appropriate, insufficient, or excessive, its transition information, and its identification information.

[0133] <Effects of the Third Embodiment> According to the third embodiment, any of the following effects can be obtained.

[0134] (1) When the flanges are fastened, the sensor information acquired by the gasket 2 is input into the repeater 34, converted from an analog signal to a digital signal, and stored in the DB 126 in association with position information representing the load position of the flange fastening portion 38.

[0135] (2) By obtaining a target value St of the strain S associated with the flange information and comparing this target value St with the detected strain S, it is possible to evaluate the strain S, such as whether the strain S, which indicates the fastening state, is appropriate, insufficient, or excessive, and generate support information and its identification information to assist in appropriate fastening between flanges.

[0136] (3) The load W and the strain S are related to each other, and support information generated based on the evaluation results of the strain S is presented. By referring to this support information, the load W during flange fastening can be adjusted, thereby improving the accuracy of the adjustment.

[0137] [Fourth embodiment] Fig. 10 shows a strain distribution graphic display 146 according to a fourth embodiment. This strain distribution graphic display 146 is an example of support information that supports fastening between flanges. In Fig. 10, parts that are common to Fig. 1 are assigned the same reference numerals.

[0138] This strain distribution graphic display 146 includes a target value graphic display 148 that shows the target value St of the strain S, and a strain contour graphic display 150 that is made up of, for example, rectangular strain displays S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, and S8 associated with the bolt 12. The strain displays S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, and S8 include identification information that includes the progression and characteristics of the strain S. This identification information includes coloring.

[0139] In this example, the dashed line representing the target value St is colored green, the strain indicators S1, S3, S5, S7, and S8 are colored orange to indicate that the strain S is increasing, and the strain indicators S2 and S6 are colored blue to indicate that the strain S is decreasing. Additionally, the strain indicator S4 is colored red to indicate that the deformation of the outer ring portion 4-3 is in the plastic deformation region.

[0140] <Effects of the Fourth Embodiment> According to the fourth embodiment, any of the following effects can be obtained.

[0141] (1) The support information generated by comparing the target value St with the strain S being detected makes it easy to recognize the load W at which the strain S is occurring.

[0142] (2) Since the strain S depends on the surface pressure Ps applied to the flanges 10-1 and 10-2, the magnitude of the load W can be easily recognized from the support information.

[0143] (3) From the change in color of the strain displays S1 to S8, it is possible to recognize from the supporting information whether the strain S is increasing, decreasing, or undergoing plastic deformation, and the color of the strain displays S1 to S8 included in the supporting information makes it easy to recognize trends such as the changes in the strain S, surface pressure Ps, and load W.

[0144] Fifth Embodiment Fig. 11 shows a form of acquiring fastening information of the gasket 2 according to a fifth embodiment. In Fig. 11, the same parts as those in Fig. 3B are given the same reference numerals.

[0145] The fastening information of the gasket 2 includes detection of the circumferential strain Sc appearing in the outer ring portion 4-3 of the gasket 2, as shown in A of Figure 11, and the radial strain Sr appearing in the outer ring portion 4-3 of the gasket 2, as shown in B of Figure 11.

[0146] To obtain the circumferential strain Sc as fastening information for the gasket 2, the sensor unit 6 can be installed on the peripheral surface 26 of the outer ring portion 4-3 of the gasket 2 as shown in the first embodiment (FIG. 3B) to obtain the circumferential strain Sc. In addition, as shown in FIG. 11A, the sensor unit 6 may be installed on the top or back surface of the outer ring portion 4-3 of the gasket 2 to obtain the circumferential strain Sc.

[0147] To obtain the radial strain Sr as fastening information of the gasket 2, a sensor unit 6 corresponding to the radial strain Sr is placed on the upper or rear surface of the outer ring portion 4-3 of the gasket 2, as shown in B of Figure 11, and the fastening information can be obtained in a similar manner by detecting the radial strain Sr.

[0148] <Effects of the Fifth Embodiment> According to the fifth embodiment, any of the following effects can be obtained.

[0149] (1) It is possible to detect either or both of the circumferential strain and the radial strain that appear on the outer ring portion 4-3 of the gasket 2 due to the surface pressure from the flanges 10-1 and 10-2, and obtain fastening information for the gasket 2.

[0150] (2) By selectively detecting either the circumferential strain or the radial strain, or both, depending on the gasket 2 installed on the flanges 10-1 and 10-2, it is possible to accurately obtain fastening information for the gasket 2.

[0151] Sixth Embodiment Fig. 12 shows a form of acquiring fastening information of a gasket according to a sixth embodiment. In Fig. 12, the same parts as those in Fig. 3A are given the same reference numerals.

[0152] The fastening information of the gasket 2 includes detection of the thickness direction strains Sd and Sd' appearing in the gasket body 4-1 of the gasket 2, as shown in FIG.

[0153] In the above fifth embodiment, the detection of the circumferential strain Sc and radial strain Sr appearing in the outer ring portion 4-3 of the gasket 2 was illustrated. However, the thickness direction strains Sd and Sd' appearing in the gasket body 4-1 may also be detected to obtain fastening information for the gasket 2. In this case, Sd represents the change in distance appearing between the flanges 10-1 and 10-2 that are in contact with the gasket body 4-1, and Sd' represents the change in distance appearing between the flanges 10-1 and 10-2 that are separated from the gasket body 4-1. In other words, the thickness direction strains Sd and Sd' of the gasket body 4-1 that are subjected to surface pressure from the flanges 10-1 and 10-2 appear in the distance between the flanges 10-1 and 10-2. This distance represents the thickness direction strains Sd and Sd' of the gasket 2.

[0154] Such thickness direction strains Sd, Sd' can be measured by using a laser displacement meter or a gap sensor in the fastening information extraction unit 8, and fastening information of the gasket 2 can be similarly extracted.

[0155] <Effects of the Sixth Embodiment> According to the sixth embodiment, any of the following effects can be obtained.

[0156] (1) The strain in the thickness direction of the gasket 2 is detected when it receives surface pressure from the flanges 10-1 and 10-2, and fastening information of the gasket 2 can be obtained.

[0157] (2) By using a laser displacement meter, gap sensor, or the like in the fastening information extraction unit 8, the strain in the thickness direction of the gasket 2 can be detected, and fastening information of the gasket 2 related to the position of the bolt 12 can be obtained.

[0158] Other Embodiments The present disclosure includes the following as other embodiments.

[0159] (1) Shape of Gasket 2 Although a spiral wound gasket has been exemplified for the gasket 2, the present disclosure is not limited to spiral wound gaskets and can be applied to gaskets other than spiral wound gaskets. The gasket 2 of the present disclosure includes fluororesin sheet gaskets, camprofile gaskets, and the like.

[0160] (2) Fastening information of gasket 2 In the above embodiment, the strain appearing in the outer ring portion 4-3 of the gasket 2 is detected and used as the fastening information of the gasket 2, but the strain appearing in the gasket body 4-1 of the gasket 2 may also be detected and used as the fastening information of the gasket 2.

[0161] (3) Location of sensor unit 6 The sensor unit 6 may be located at any one or more of the peripheral, upper, lower or edge portions of the gasket 2, or at any one or more of the peripheral, upper, lower or edge portions of the outer ring portion 4-3 of the gasket 2.

[0162] (4) Arrangement and configuration of the fastening information extraction unit 8 In the above embodiment, the fastening information extraction unit 8 is installed on the gasket 2 side, but the fastening information extraction unit 8 may also be installed on the relay 34 side, for example, when detecting the thickness direction strain of the gasket 2.

[0163] In the above embodiment, the fastening information extracting section 8 includes a pair of sensor sections 6, but the fastening information extracting section 8 may be a single sensor section 6.

[0164] (5) Form of flange fastening portion 38 In the above embodiment, a flange fastening portion 38 using eight bolts 12 is exemplified, but the present disclosure may be a flange fastening portion 38 using either less than eight bolts 12 or more than eight bolts 12.

[0165] (6) Evaluation of load W instead of evaluation of strain S In the above embodiment, strain S is evaluated by comparing it with the target value St, but it is also possible to convert strain S to load W and then evaluate this load W by comparing it with the target value Wt.

[0166] (7) Configuration of the Repeater 34 In the above embodiment, the repeater 34 includes a pair of housings 42-1 and 42-2, but the repeater 34 may be divided into three or more divided housings and connected together. The repeater 34 does not need to be installed around the entire circumference of the flange fastening portion 38, and may be installed in a portion of the flange fastening portion 38, such as within a predetermined angular range. Furthermore, the housings 42-1 and 42-2 are not limited to rigid housings made of resin or the like, but may be flexible bands that can be wrapped around the flange fastening portion 38.

[0167] (8) Relationship Between Repeater 34 and Information Terminal 36 A system may be configured in which the information terminal 36 is installed in the repeater 34 and the repeater 34 and the information terminal 36 are linked together.

[0168] Instead of the repeater 34 in the above embodiment, a repeater having the same function as the repeater 34 may be provided at a location other than the flange fastening portion 38 and linked to the information terminal 36 .

[0169] (9) Form of Support Information In the above embodiment, the strain distribution graphic display 146 is exemplified as support information, but in addition to such a contour graphic display, guidance voice or the like may be used as support information.

[0170] (10) Shielding of the repeater 34, connector 14, lead 16, etc. The housings 42-1 and 42-2 of the repeater 34 may be formed of a shielding material. A shielded connector may be used for the connector 14, and a shielded wire may be used for the lead 16.

[0171] As explained above, the most preferred embodiment of the present disclosure has been described. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above description, and it goes without saying that various modifications and changes can be made by those skilled in the art based on the gist of the invention as set forth in the claims or disclosed in the detailed description. It goes without saying that such modifications and changes are included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0172] According to the present disclosure, when flanges are fastened, fastening information representing the fastening state is obtained from the gasket included in the flange fastening portion, the fastening state of the gasket is evaluated on an information terminal in comparison with a target value, support information for the inter-flange fastening is generated, and as this support information, for example, a strain distribution graphic display that supports the inter-flange fastening can be presented.

[0173] 2 Gasket 4-1 Gasket body 4-2 Inner ring portion 4-3 Outer ring portion 6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-3, 6-4, 6-5, 6-6, 6-7, 6-8 Sensor portion 8, 8-1, 8-2, 8-3, 8-4 Fastening information extraction portion 10-1, 10-2 Flange 12, 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, 12-4, 12-5, 12-6, 12-7, 12-8 Bolt 14, 14-12, 14-34, 14-56, 14-78 Connector 16 Lead 18 Wiring cover 20 Sleeve 22 Metal hoop 24 Filler 26 Peripheral surface portion 27 Strain transmission layer 32 Fastening support system 34 Relay 36 Information terminal 38 Flange fastening portion 40-1, 40-2 Pipe line 42-1, 42-2 Housing 44 Hinge mechanism 46 Locking mechanism 48 Engagement holding portion 50 Power switch 51 Operation display portion 52 Nut 54 Fastening tool 56 LCD display portion 58 Wiring hole 60 Connector connecting portion 62 Upper cover portion 64 Lower cover portion 66 Support 68 Bearing portion 70 Hinge shaft 72 Locking portion 74 Engagement ring 75 Positioning mechanism 76 Lever handle 77 Positioning piece 78, 78-12, ..., 78-78 Connector connecting portion 79 Recessed portion 80, 80-1, 80-2, ..., 80-7, 80-8 Analog-to-digital conversion portion 82 Communication portion 84 Control portion 86, 88 Temperature sensor 90 Control power supply 92 Sensor power supply 94 Battery 96 Charging unit 98 Processor 100 Memory unit 102 Communication unit 106 Input / output unit 108, 110, 112 Acquisition function 114, 120 Memory function 116 Evaluation function 118 Generation function 122 Presentation function 124 Update function 126 Gasket measurement information DB 128 Date and time recording unit 130 Gasket attribute unit 132 Fastening information unit 132-1 Position information unit 132-2 Strain unit 140 Target value unit 142 Support information unit 144 History unit 146 Strain distribution graphic display 148 Target value graphic display 150 Strain contour graphic display S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8 Strain display

Claims

1. A fastening support system that supports fastening between flanges, comprising: a flange fastening portion having a gasket between flanges; a fastening information retrieval portion that extracts fastening information indicating a fastening state of the gasket from the gasket when the flanges are fastened, in association with positional information of the flange fastening portion; a support information generation portion that compares the fastening state of the gasket with a target value and generates support information for fastening between the flanges; and a support information presentation portion that presents the support information.

2. The fastening support system according to claim 1, wherein the fastening information includes any one or more of the circumferential strain, radial strain, and thickness direction strain of the gasket.

3. A fastening support system as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the fastening information extraction position includes either or both of the gasket body that receives surface pressure from between the flanges and the outer edge portion arranged around the periphery of this gasket body.

4. A fastening support system as described in claim 1, further comprising an information terminal for processing said fastening information, said information terminal including said support information generating unit and said support information presenting unit.

5. The fastening support system according to claim 3, wherein the fastening information retrieval section retrieves fastening information of the gasket from the gasket body or the outer edge portion when the flange is fastened.

6. A fastening support method for supporting fastening between flanges, comprising the steps of: placing a gasket between flanges and fastening the flanges; extracting fastening information representing the fastening state of the gasket from the gasket when the flanges are fastened, in association with positional information of the flange fastening portion; a support information generating unit comparing the fastening state of the gasket with a target value and generating support information for fastening between the flanges; and an information presenting unit presenting the support information.

7. A program to be executed by a computer, the program having the following functions: acquiring fastening information representing the fastening state of a gasket receiving surface pressure from between flanges, in association with position information of the flange fastening portion from the gasket; comparing the fastening state of the fastening information with a target value, and generating support information for the fastening between the flanges; and presenting the support information in an information presentation unit.

8. A gasket used in a flange fastening portion that fastens flanges together, comprising: a gasket body that receives surface pressure from between the flanges; an outer edge portion installed on the periphery of said gasket body; and a fastening information extraction portion that extracts fastening information that represents the fastening state of said gasket from said gasket body or said outer edge portion when the flanges are fastened.

9. A method for manufacturing a gasket used in a flange fastening portion that fastens flanges together, comprising the steps of: manufacturing a gasket including an outer edge portion around a periphery of a gasket body that receives surface pressure from between the flanges; and providing a fastening information extraction portion that extracts fastening information representing the fastening state of the gasket from the gasket body or the outer edge portion.

Images