JP7753603B2 - Flange reinforcement - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a flange reinforcement that reinforces a pair of flanges that are joined together via a packing between pipeline components and fastened together with a fastener.

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

JP 2005-233211 A (page 4, Figure 1)

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

In particular, as in Patent Document 1, even when flange reinforcements are attached by fitting them around the entire circumference of the flanges to firmly clamp the flanges together, gaps are formed between the bolts that fasten the flanges together and the insertion holes for those bolts, and a certain degree of relative movement between the flanges in the direction perpendicular to the pipe axis is permitted. As a result, it is difficult to avoid collisions between the flange reinforcements and the flanges due to the relative movement between the flanges.

The present invention was developed to address these issues, and aims to provide a flange reinforcement that can maintain sufficient movement prevention functionality by adapting to relative movement between flanges in multiple directions, even when vibrations or shocks occur due to unexpected external forces such as earthquakes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the state in which the flange reinforcing tool in the first embodiment is attached to the repair valve. FIG. 2 is a front view similar to FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 1, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a state in which a flange reinforcing member is attached to flanges of different thicknesses. 1A to 1E are diagrams showing a main body member of a flange reinforcement, in which (a) is a front view, (b) is a partially cross-sectional plan view, (c) is a rear view, (d) is a side view, and (e) is a bottom view. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the flange reinforcement attached to another type of repair valve. FIG. 7 is a front view similar to FIG. 6. FIG. 10 is a front view showing the flange reinforcement attached to yet another type of repair valve. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a state in which a flange reinforcing tool is attached to flanges of different diameters. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a state in which a flange reinforcing tool in a first modified example of the first embodiment is attached to a repair valve. FIG. 11 is a front view similar to FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line EE in FIG. 10. 1A to 1D are diagrams showing a main body member of a flange reinforcing member, in which (a) is a front view, (b) is a plan view, (c) is a rear view, and (d) is a side view. 10A and 10B show a positioning member attached to a body member. 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a state in which a flange reinforcing tool in a first modified example of the first embodiment is attached to a flange of a different specification, where FIG. 1A is a plan view and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line FF of FIG. 1A. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a state in which a flange reinforcing tool in a modified example 2 of Example 1 is attached to a flange of a different specification, where FIG. 10A is a plan view and FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line GG in FIG. 10A. FIG. 17 is a front view similar to FIG. 16. 17A, 17B, 17C, and 17D are diagrams showing the main body member of FIG. 16, in which FIG. 17A is a front view, FIG. 17B is a plan view, FIG. 17C is a rear view, and FIG. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view showing a state in which a flange reinforcing tool is attached in a third modified example of the first embodiment. 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating a main body member in a fourth modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view showing a state in which a flange reinforcing tool is attached in a fifth modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a front view showing the state in which the flange reinforcing tool in the second embodiment is attached to the repair valve. 10A to 10D are diagrams showing a locking member of a flange reinforcement, in which FIG. 10A is a plan view, FIG. 10B is a front view, FIG. 10C is a side view, and FIG. 10A to 10D are diagrams showing a holding member of a flange reinforcing member, in which FIG. 10A is a plan view, FIG. 10B is a front cross-sectional view, FIG. 10C is a side view, and FIG. 10A to 10C are diagrams showing a flange reinforcing member in a first modified example of the second embodiment, in which FIG. 10A is a front view, FIG. 10B is a view taken along the arrow C in FIG. 10A, and FIG. FIG. 10 is a side view showing a state in which a flange reinforcing tool is attached in a second modified example of the second embodiment.

The following describes the implementation of the flange reinforcing device according to the present invention based on the following examples.

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

The fluid pipe 2 in this embodiment is made of ductile cast iron for use in drinking water and buried underground. It has a generally circular cross section and its inner surface is coated with a mortar layer. The fluid pipe of the present invention may also be made of other metals, such as cast iron or steel, or concrete, vinyl chloride, polyethylene, or polyolefin. The inner surface of the fluid pipe is not limited to a mortar layer and may be coated with, for example, epoxy resin, or an appropriate material powder coated onto the inner surface of the fluid pipe. While the fluid in the fluid pipe in this embodiment is drinking water, it is not limited to drinking water; it may also be industrial water, agricultural water, sewage, or a gas or a gas-liquid mixture. Other fluid pipes are connected to both ends of the main pipe section 2a of the fluid pipe 2 via connecting members, and these fluid pipes form a fluid pipeline.

1 and 5, the flange reinforcement 10 of this embodiment is fitted over the flange 2c of the branch portion 2b and the flange 4c of the repair valve 4, preventing the flanges 2c, 4c from coming apart. The flange reinforcement 10 extends in a roughly semicircular arc shape along the outer periphery of each of the flanges 2c, 4c, and is composed of a pair of main body members 11, 11 that face each other radially, and a bolt 14a and nut 14b that serve as fastening members connecting the ends of the main body members 11, 11. Each main body member 11 has a band-shaped, arc-shaped main body portion 11a. The lower portion of the main body member 11 has a plurality of locking portions 12 that protrude inward and contact the flange 2c of the branch portion 2b. These locking portions are spaced apart circumferentially in two locations in this embodiment. The upper portion of the main body portion 11a also has a plurality of retaining portions 13 that protrude inward and contact the flange 4c of the repair valve 4. These retaining portions 13 are spaced apart circumferentially in two locations, facing the locking portions 12 in the vertical direction. In other words, the mounting portion of this embodiment is made up of a pair of main body members 11, 11, bolts 14a, and nuts 14b.

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

Flanges 11b, 11b protruding outward in the outer diameter direction are formed on the circumferentially opposing ends of each main body member 11. The flange reinforcement 10 can be assembled to the flanges 2c, 4c by inserting a bolt 14a into a through-hole that passes through these flanges 11b, 11b and screwing in a nut 14b.

However, this is not limited to this embodiment, and three or more main body members may be provided in the circumferential direction, or only one body member may be provided in a roughly C-shaped configuration. Furthermore, the number of locking portions and retaining portions can be freely changed, and the locking portions and retaining portions do not necessarily have to be arranged so as to face each other in the vertical direction, and their shapes and sizes may be the same or different.

As shown in Figures 1 to 3(a) and (b), the flange reinforcement 10 of this embodiment is circumferentially aligned so that the locking portions 12 and retaining portions 13 that protrude inward as described above avoid interference with the fasteners 5 provided on the flanges 2c and 4c and the operating portion 4b of the repair valve 4. A pair of main body members 11, 11 are fitted over the flanges 2c and 4c, and are fixed in place by tightening the bolts 14a and nuts 14b. In this embodiment, the bolts 14a and nuts 14b are tightened substantially parallel to the axial direction of the main pipe portion 2a of the fluid pipe 2, but they may also be angled relative to the axial direction of the fluid pipe 2.

Next, we will explain the installation method of the flange reinforcement 10 attached to the flanges 2c, 4c. As shown in Figure 3, the tapered portion 12a of each locking portion 12 abuts against the outer peripheral edge of the lower surface of the flange 2c of the branch portion 2b, and the inclined portion 13a of each holding portion 13 abuts against the outer peripheral edge of the upper surface of the flange 4c of the repair valve 4, thereby clamping the pair of flanges 2c, 4c in the axial direction of the branch portion 2b (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as the axial direction) between the locking portions 12 and holding portions 13. Furthermore, the clamping force exerted by the locking portions 12 and holding portions 13 can be adjusted depending on the degree of tightening of the bolts 14a and nuts 14b.

As described above, the locking portion 12 has a tapered portion 12a and a tip portion 12b, and the holding portion 13 has an inclined portion 13a and a tip portion 13b. As shown in Figures 3 and 4(a), flanges 2c and 4c of this embodiment and relatively thin flanges F1 and F1 can be clamped between the tapered portion 12a of the locking portion 12 and the inclined portion 13a of the holding portion 13. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4(b), flanges F2 and F2, which are thicker than those of this embodiment, can be clamped between the tip portion 12b of the locking portion 12 and the tip portion 13b of the holding portion 13. This makes the flange reinforcing device 10 highly versatile. In particular, the tip portion 13b can be used as a temporary support when attaching the flange reinforcing device 10 to flanges 2c and 4c.

In this embodiment, the locking portion 12 and the holding portion 13 are held in direct contact with the outer surface of the flange. However, this is not limiting. For example, a cushioning or insulating material (not shown) may be interposed between the locking portion 12 and the holding portion 13 and the outer surface of the flange. This not only prevents the flange from coming off, but also prevents damage and corrosion. Insulating properties may also be improved by applying an insulating paint.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3(b), the bolt 14a and nut 14b are fastened at a position offset in the axial direction from the center position where the flanges 2c, 4c face each other (the position where the packing 3 is provided). This causes the locking portion 12 to not only press the flange 2c axially, but also press it toward the inner diameter of the flange 2c, while the retaining portion 13 presses it toward the outer diameter of the flange 4c, providing a shallow engagement. This creates an imbalance in the pressing force exerted by the locking portion 12 and the retaining portion 13, allowing for curved and elastic tightening as shown in Figure 3(b). However, the bolt 14a and nut 14b are not limited to being fastened at a position offset in the axial direction from the center position where the flanges 2c, 4c face each other (the position where the packing 3 is provided). The bolt 14a and nut 14b may also be fastened near the center position where the flanges 2c, 4c face each other.

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

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

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

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

This vibration generates an external force between the flange 2c of the branch section 2b and the flange 4c of the repair valve 4, causing them to slide horizontally relative to each other along their opposing surfaces. At this time, a gap exists between the inner circumferential surface of the main body 11a of the flange reinforcement 10 and the outer circumferential surfaces of the flanges 2c and 4c, allowing a certain degree of relative radial movement between the flanges 2c and 4c in response to this external force without causing damage to the flange reinforcement 10 itself. As shown in Figure 3(b), the flanges 2c and 4c are not separated in the axial direction by the flange reinforcement 10, and are in close contact with the gasket 3 interposed between the flanges 2c and 4c, maintaining a sealed state without fluid leakage. In this way, even if the flanges 2c and 4c are misaligned radially due to an external force, the flange reinforcement 10 maintains its separation prevention function without being interfered with by the flanges 2c and 4c, which move radially relative to each other.

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

As a result, there is an imbalance in the way the locking portion 12 and the retaining portion 13 press against the flanges 2c and 4c. Therefore, if the flanges 2c and 4c become misaligned in the radial direction, the retaining portion 13 acts as an axis to flexibly and elastically deform relative to the locking portion 12, changing the position of contact with the flange 4c and maintaining the locked state.

6 and 7, a modified installation method for the flange reinforcement 10 will be described. The repair valve 40 of this modified example is connected to a branch section 2b that branches upward from the main pipe section 2a of the fluid pipe 2. This repair valve 40 has a long extension in the pipe axial direction and is used when height restrictions are relatively lenient. The main body 40a is a type in which the main body 40a is divided for assembly of the valve body. As with the above, although not shown, accessories such as an air valve or fire hydrant are connected to the upper part of the repair valve 40. The repair valve 40 has an operating section 40b connected to a side section that is horizontally perpendicular to the pipe axis of the main pipe section 2a. An operating shaft 40f at the top of this operating section 40b is fitted with a jig or the like (not shown) and rotated to open or close the valve body within the main body 40a. In other words, the repair valve 40 of this modified example has its operating section 40b bulging out to the side.

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

Next, referring to Figure 8, we will explain a modified example of the attachment target of the flange reinforcement device 10. The repair valve 41 of this modified example is an earthquake-resistant repair valve 41 in which an elastic member 41e made of a rubber ring or the like is interposed between the main body 41a and operating portion 41b and the flange 41c fixedly connected to the flange 2c of the branch portion 2b.

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

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

In this way, the repair valve 41 of this modified example is provided with elastic members 41e and other components, allowing it to flexibly release external forces such as earthquakes and reduce loads that would move the flanges 2c, 41c relative to each other. At this time, the flanges 2c, 41c experience slight vibrations due to the pendulum-like vibrations described above. However, the flange reinforcement 10, which fits around the entire circumference of the flanges 2c, 41c, is able to flexibly maintain its attached and sealed state due to the imbalance in the pressing behavior between the locking portion 12 and the retaining portion 13, as well as the elasticity of the retaining portion 13, as described above.

Furthermore, as described above, the flange reinforcing device 10 of this embodiment is arranged so that the inner peripheral surface of the main body portion 11a is spaced apart from the outer peripheral surfaces of the flanges 2c and 41c without contacting them; that is, it has an inner circumference that is longer than the outer periphery of the flange to which it is attached. Therefore, as shown in Figures 9(a) and (b), the main body member 11 of the flange reinforcing device 10 can be attached to both a flange F3 with a relatively small nominal diameter and a flange F4 with a larger nominal diameter by appropriately setting the curvature of the main body portion 11a, making it highly versatile.

As described above, the flange reinforcement 10 of the present invention has a locking portion 12 that locks onto one flange 2c and a retaining portion 13 that holds the other flange 4c so that it can move radially. These are attached to the flanges 2c, 4c using the main body member 11, bolts 14a, and nuts 14b that form the mounting section. When an external force is applied that moves the flanges 2c, 4c relative to each other, the locking portion 12 remains locked onto one flange 2c, while the retaining portion 13 holds the other flange 4c so that it can move radially in response to the external force. This allows for a certain degree of relative movement between the flanges 2c, 4c while maintaining sufficient movement prevention capabilities. In particular, the flange reinforcement 10 of the present invention has earthquake resistance, i.e., it can withstand vibrations and impacts, and can tolerate a degree of oscillation that maintains the seal between the flanges 2c, 4c, which are joined via the packing 3.

Furthermore, the flange reinforcing device 10 of this Example 1 is composed of main body members 11, 11 that extend along the outer peripheries of the pair of flanges 2c, 4c and have locking portions 12 and holding portions 13 as mounting portions, and bolts 14a and nuts 14b that serve as fastening members that fasten the ends of the main body members 11, 11 together.Since the main body member 11 that is attached along the outer peripheries of both flanges 2c, 4c has the locking portions 12 and holding portions 13, the flange reinforcing device 10 is easy to install.

The bolt 14a and nut 14b are positioned offset in the axial direction from the opposing positions of the pair of flanges 2c, 4c. This causes the locking portion 12 and the retaining portion 13 to press unbalanced against the flanges 2c, 4c, thereby expanding the movable range of the retaining portion 13, with the locking portion 12 acting as the axis.

Furthermore, the main body members 11, 11 of the flange reinforcing device 10 are fastened at a radial distance from the outer peripheral surfaces of the pair of flanges 2c, 4c, thereby allowing relative radial movement between the flanges 2c, 4c while avoiding interference with the flange reinforcing device 10.

Furthermore, the locking portion 12 has higher rigidity than the holding portion 13, allowing it to be stably locked onto the flange 2c.

In addition, the holding portion 13 is configured to be elastically deformable, which makes it possible to utilize the elasticity of the holding portion 13 itself to improve the mobility of the holding portion 13.

Next, a flange reinforcing device 50 according to a first modified example of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 10 to 14. Note that the same components as those in the flange reinforcing device 10 described above are given the same reference numerals and will not be described again. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the flange reinforcing device 50 according to the first modified example is comprised of a pair of main body members 51, 51 that extend in a roughly semicircular arc shape along the outer peripheries of the flanges 2c, 4c, respectively, and that face each other in the radial direction, as well as a bolt 14a and a nut 14b that serve as fastening members that connect the ends of the main body members 51, 51 together. Each main body member 51 has a band-shaped, arc-shaped main body portion 51a. The lower portion of the main body member 51 has a plurality of locking portions 12 that protrude inward and contact the flange 2c of the branch portion 2b. These locking portions are spaced apart circumferentially in two locations in this embodiment. The upper portion of the main body portion 51a also has a plurality of retaining portions 13 that protrude inward and contact the flange 4c of the repair valve 4. These retaining portions 13 are spaced apart circumferentially in two locations, facing the locking portions 12 in the vertical direction. In other words, the mounting portion in this embodiment is made up of a pair of main body members 51, 51, bolts 14a, and nuts 14b.

Flanges 51b, 51b protruding outward are formed at the circumferentially opposing ends of each main body member 51. The flange reinforcement 50 is attached to the flanges 2c, 4c by inserting bolts 14a into through-holes that pass through these flanges 51b, 51b and screwing in nuts 14b. Furthermore, bulges 51e that bulge inward are formed on the inner periphery of each main body member 51 near the flanges 51b, 51b. This increases the structural strength of the main body member 51 and allows the curved shape of the main body member 51 to be maintained even when the bolts 14a and nuts 14b are tightened.

As shown in Figure 13, a recessed inner wall portion 51c is provided around the bolt hole that passes through the flange portion 51b formed at one end of each main body member 51, into which the hexagonal head of the bolt 14a fits. The head 14c of the bolt 14a fits into this inner wall portion 51c, preventing the bolt 14a from rotating, facilitating the tightening of the bolt 14a and nut 14b. The nut 14b may also be fitted into the inner wall portion 51c. Furthermore, the inner wall portion 51c is not limited to being recessed in order to prevent the bolt 14a and nut 14b from rotating; a protruding wall portion may also be used.

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

As shown in Figures 10 and 12, each main body member 51 has a mating recess 51d formed on the inner periphery at approximately the center of the main body portion 51a in the circumferential direction, and a protrusion 53b of a positioning member 53 made of an elastic material such as rubber or urethane, or a resin material, which protrudes inwardly, is fitted into this mating recess 51d. The inner periphery of this positioning member 53 is formed into a concave curved surface 53a that fits along the outer periphery of the flanges 2c, 4c. It is preferable, but not limited to, that the positioning member 53 be adhered to the main body portion 51a. Multiple positioning members 53 may also be provided on the main body portion 51a. Furthermore, the main body member 51 may have a protrusion, and the positioning member 53 may have a mating recess.

As shown in Figures 10 to 12, the flange reinforcement 50 of this modified example is circumferentially aligned so that the locking portions 12 and retaining portions 13 that protrude inward as described above avoid interference with the fasteners 5 provided on the flanges 2c and 4c and the operating portion 4b of the repair valve 4. A pair of main body members 51 are fitted over the flanges 2c and 4c, and secured by tightening bolts 14a and nuts 14b. At this time, the positioning members 53 provided on the inner periphery of each main body member 51 resiliently contact the outer periphery of the flange 2c, thereby appropriately spacing each main body member 51 radially from the flanges 2c and 4c, maintaining their initial positions relative to the flanges 2c and 4c and positioning them relatively along the radial and axial directions of the flanges 2c and 4c. In particular, in Variation 1 of Example 1, the bolt 14a and nut 14b are offset in the axial direction from the center position where the flanges 2c, 4c face each other, which creates an imbalance in the pressure on the locking portion 12 and the holding portion 13, so it is preferable to maintain their initial positions.

In this way, the main body members 51, 51 of the flange reinforcement 50 are equipped with positioning members 53, 53 that position the main body members 51, 51 in the radial direction of the pair of flanges 2c, 4c, thereby reliably avoiding interference between the pair of flanges 2c, 4c and the flange reinforcement 50.

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

Also, as shown in Figure 14, the positioning member 53 has a tapered underside 53c so that the entire curved inner surface 53a abuts against the outer surface of the flange 2c, preventing the positioning member 53 from entering the gap between the flanges 2c and 4c. This ensures that the positioning member 53 has sufficient resilience and can be used with flanges of various thicknesses.

As with the positioning member 53 of this modified example, it is preferable for it to abut only against the flange 2c on the fluid pipe 2 side, but this is not a limitation and it may also be configured to abut only against the flange 4c on the repair valve 4 side, or against both flanges 2c and 4c. Note that when the positioning member 53 abuts against both flanges 2c and 4c, the gasket between these flanges may bulge outward, so it is preferable to provide a groove, for example, to avoid interference.

Instead of the positioning members 53 of this modified example, although not specifically shown, it is also possible to provide female threaded holes that penetrate radially through each main body member 51, thread bolts into the female threaded holes in the inward direction, and abut the tips of the bolts against the outer peripheral surfaces of flanges 2c and 4c, thereby radially positioning the main body members 51 relative to both flanges 2c and 4c. As shown in Figure 10, the outer peripheral surface of each main body member 51 is formed with ribs 52 that bulge outward along the circumferential direction. This increases the structural strength of the main body members 51 and allows the curved shape of the main body members 51 to be maintained even when fastened as described above.

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

As shown in Figure 12, rubber plates 54, 54 are adhered to the inner surface of the tapered portion 12a of the locking portion 12 and the inner surface of the inclined portion 13a of the holding portion 13, thereby preventing damage to the flanges 2c, 4c. The rubber plates 54, 54 do not have to be adhered, but may be vulcanized, or may be provided by covering substantially the entire surface of the main body member 51. The rubber plates 54 may also be replaced with resin plates, etc.

Next, we will explain the installation mode of the flange reinforcing device 50 attached to a flange with specifications different from those of Example 1 above. As shown in Figure 15, a packing 3d is interposed between the opposing surfaces of the flanges 2d, 4d. The packing 3d has a diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the flanges 2d, 4d in its natural state (or a diameter slightly larger when elastically deformed by fastening the flanges 2d, 4d together). This packing 3d has insertion holes 3e formed therein for inserting fasteners 5, and by inserting multiple fasteners 5 through the insertion holes 3e, the packing 3d is positioned radially relative to the flanges 2d, 4d.

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

Next, a flange reinforcing device 60 according to a second modification of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 16 to 18. Note that the same components as those in the flange reinforcing device 10 described above are given the same reference numerals and will not be described again. As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the flange reinforcing device 60 according to the second modification is comprised of a pair of main body members 61, 61 extending in a roughly semicircular arc shape along the outer peripheries of the flanges 2f, 4f, respectively, facing each other in the radial direction, and a bolt 14a and nut 14b as fastening members connecting the ends of these main body members 61, 61. Each main body member 61 has a band-shaped, arc-shaped main body portion 61a. The lower portion of the main body member 61 has a plurality of locking portions 12 that protrude inward and contact the flange 2f of the branch portion 2b. These locking portions are spaced apart circumferentially in two locations in this embodiment. The upper portion of the main body portion 61a also has a plurality of retaining portions 13 that protrude inward and contact the flange 4f of the repair valve 4. These retaining portions 13 are spaced apart circumferentially in two locations, facing the locking portions 12 in the vertical direction. In other words, the mounting portion in this embodiment is made up of a pair of main body members 61, 61, bolts 14a, and nuts 14b.

Flanges 61b, 61b protruding outward are formed at the circumferentially opposing ends of each main body member 61. The flange reinforcement 60 is attached to the flanges 2f, 4f by inserting bolts 14a into through-holes that pass through these flanges 61b, 61b and screwing in nuts 14b. Furthermore, a bulge 61e that bulges inward is formed on the inner periphery of each main body member 61 near the flanges 61b, 61b. This increases the structural strength of the main body member 61 and allows the curved shape of the main body member 61 to be maintained even when the bolts 14a and nuts 14b are tightened.

As shown in Figure 18, a recessed inner wall 61c may be provided around the bolt hole that passes through the flange 61b formed at one end of each main body member 61, similar to the inner wall 51c in Figure 13, into which the hexagonal head of the bolt 14a fits. By fitting the head 14c of the bolt 14a into this inner wall 61c, rotation of the bolt 14a is prevented, facilitating the tightening of the bolt 14a and nut 14b. The nut 14b may also be fitted into the inner wall 61c. Furthermore, to prevent rotation of the bolt 14a and nut 14b, the inner wall 61c is not limited to being recessed; a protruding wall may also be used.

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

When the bolts 14a and nuts 14b are tightened beyond the set limit at both ends of the main body members 61, 61 of the flange reinforcement 60, the bulges 61e that bulge inward at both ends of each main body member 61 come into contact with the outer surfaces of the flanges 2f, 4f, preventing excessive tightening of the bolts 14a and nuts 14b.

Next, we will explain the installation mode of the flange reinforcing device 60 attached to a flange with different specifications from those of Example 1 above. As shown in Figure 16, a gasket 3f with a diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the flanges 2f, 4f is interposed between the opposing surfaces of the flanges 2f, 4f. This gasket 3f has insertion holes 3g formed therein for inserting fasteners 5, and by inserting multiple fasteners 5 through the insertion holes 3g, the gasket 3f is positioned radially relative to the flanges 2f, 4f.

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

In the flange reinforcement 10 of this embodiment 1, multiple locking portions 12 and holding portions 13 extend radially inward toward the approximate center of the arc-shaped main body portion 11a by approximately the same distance. However, this is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, as a third variation of the flange reinforcement of this embodiment 1, multiple locking portions 72 and holding portions 73 may extend radially inward from the main body portion 71a of the main body member 71 by different distances. The flange 45c of the repair valve 45 is formed with a larger diameter than the flange 25c of the fluid pipe 25 to which the flange 45c is fastened.

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

By doing this, these locking portions 73 and retaining portions 73 can be fitted onto a pair of fastened flanges 2h, 4h with different outer diameters to provide reinforcement.

As shown in Figure 19, rubber plates 74, 74 are adhered to the inner surface of the tapered portion 72a of the locking portion 72 and the inner surface of the inclined portion 73a of the retaining portion 73, thereby preventing damage to the flanges 25c, 45c. The rubber plates 74, 74 do not have to be adhered, but may be vulcanized, or may be provided by covering substantially the entire surface of the main body member 71. The rubber plates 74 may also be replaced with resin plates, etc.

In the flange reinforcement 10 of this embodiment, multiple locking portions 12 and retaining portions 13 extend radially inward toward approximately the center of the arc-shaped main body portion 11a. However, this is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 20, as a fourth variation of the flange reinforcement of this embodiment, the main body portion 11a' of the main body member 11' may have multiple locking portions (not shown) and multiple retaining portions 13', 13' extending substantially parallel to one another. By aligning the extension direction of these locking portions and retaining portions 13' with the extension direction of the main pipe portion 2a of the fluid pipe 2, or with a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the main pipe portion, it is possible to prevent movement in a specific direction in which relatively large vibrations are predicted.

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

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

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

Furthermore, as in this third variation, by interposing a spacer 55 made of an insulating material, electrical insulation between the flanges 32c and 34c can be maintained.

It is preferable to coat the contact areas of the flange reinforcing device 10 shown in Figure 21 with the flanges 32c, 34c, more specifically the inner surfaces of the locking portion 12 and the retaining portion 13, with an intervening member made of an insulating material or a coating material, etc. This prevents electrical contact between the flanges 32c, 34c via the flange reinforcing device 10 and maintains an insulating state. The various modified examples of Example 1 may also be used in combination; for example, the flange reinforcing device 50 of Modification 1 may be applied to Modification 5 of Example 1.

Next, a flange reinforcement according to Example 2 will be described with reference to Figures 22 to 26. Note that the configuration is the same as in the previous example, and therefore redundant description will be omitted. In this example, a repair valve 42 is connected to a branch section 2b that branches upward from a main section (not shown) of a fluid pipe that constitutes the main pipeline. More specifically, the flange 42c of the lower body 42d of the repair valve 42 is joined to the flange 2c of the branch section 2b via a packing 3, and the connection is sealed by fastening with multiple fasteners 5. Also, although not shown, an accessory component such as an air valve or fire hydrant capable of discharging excess air from the fluid pipe 2 is connected to the upper part of the repair valve 42. The repair valve 42 of this example has an upper body 42a connected to the lower body 42d with bolts and nuts 42e. An operating section 42b on the upper body 42a opens and closes the air valve and branch section 2b inside the repair valve (not shown).

As shown in Figure 22, the flange reinforcement 20 of this embodiment is fitted over the flange 2c of the branch portion 2b and the flange 42c of the repair valve 42, preventing the flanges 2c, 42c from coming loose. The flange reinforcement 20 is comprised of a locking member 22 that serves as a locking portion and protrudes inward to contact the flange 2c, a retaining member 23 that fits over the base end shank 22a of the locking member 22 and protrudes inward to contact the flange 42c, and a pressing bolt 25 that is attached to the retaining member 23 and presses the locking member 22 in a direction that rotates it around the shank 22a. In other words, the pressing bolt 25 serves as the mounting portion in this embodiment.

More specifically, as shown in Figure 23, the locking member 22 comprises a shaft 22a extending linearly in a generally horizontal direction at its upper end, a shoulder 22c connected to the outer diameter side of the shaft 22a, an arm 22d extending at an angle in the inward direction from the shoulder 22c, and a tip 22b connected to the arm 22d and formed generally horizontally in the inward direction. Furthermore, the tip 22b has a bulge 22f that bulges upward in a curved shape, and multiple notched grooves 22e extending in a stripe-like pattern are formed on the surface of the bulge 22f.

As shown in Figure 24, the retaining member 23 includes a fitting portion 23a that is curved concavely to allow the shaft portion 22a of the locking member 22 to fit loosely therewith; an upright portion 23c that forms the inner diameter side of the fitting portion 23a and extends vertically along the outer peripheral surfaces of the flanges 2c and 42c; an inclined portion 23d that slopes downward toward the outer diameter side of the fitting portion 23a; and a tip portion 23b that is connected to the upper end of the inclined portion 23d and extends approximately horizontally in the inner diameter direction. Furthermore, a plurality of notched grooves 23e are formed in the underside of the tip portion 23b.

Furthermore, a female threaded portion 23f is formed on the inclined portion 23d of the retaining member 23, penetrating perpendicularly to this inclined portion 23d. By threading a pressing bolt 25 into this female threaded portion 23f, the tip of the pressing bolt 25 presses against the shoulder portion 22c of the locking member 22, causing the locking member 22 to rotate around the shaft portion 22a.

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

In this embodiment, only one flange reinforcing member 20 may be attached to the outer periphery of the flange 2c, 42c, or multiple flange reinforcing members may be attached spaced apart from each other around the circumference of the flange 2c, 42c.

Next, we will explain the installation method of the flange reinforcement 20 attached to the flanges 2c, 42c. As shown in Figure 22, the tip 22b of the locking member 22 abuts against the underside of the flange 2c of the branch portion 2b, and the tip 23b of the holding member 23 abuts against the upper surface of the flange 42c of the repair valve 42, so that the locking member 22 and holding member 23 clamp the pair of flanges 2c, 42c in the axial direction of the branch portion 2b. Furthermore, the clamping force can be adjusted by changing the degree to which the pressing bolt 25 is threaded.

Furthermore, the locking member 22 rotates in a curved manner around its shaft portion 22a, with the tip portion 22b abutting against the flange 2c. As a result, the locking member 22 not only presses against the flange 2c in the axial direction, but also presses against the inner diameter of the flange 2c. Meanwhile, the holding member 23 presses against the flange 42c with the tip portion 23b and the erected portion 23c, shallowly engaging it. In other words, there is an imbalance in the pressing manner of the locking member 22 and the holding member 23, which allows for curved tightening as shown in Figure 22.

More specifically, the locking member 22 and the retaining member 23 not only apply a pressing force between the flanges 2c, 42c in the axial direction of the pipe, but also apply a pressing force to the flanges 2c, 42c in the radial direction. In this embodiment, it is preferable to provide multiple flange reinforcing members 20 along the circumferential direction of the flanges 2c, 42c. This allows for the application of a radial pressing force in multiple directions around almost the entire circumference of the flanges 2c, 42c.

As described above, the flange reinforcement 20 of this embodiment is attached to a portion of the flange circumference, so it can be attached even if the flange diameters are different (see Figure 9). Furthermore, the locking member 22 rotates around its shaft 22a using the press bolt 25, clamping the flanges 2c, 42c between itself and the retaining member 23. Therefore, even if the flange thicknesses are different (see Figure 4), the degree of screwing of the press bolt 25 can be adjusted for installation, making it highly versatile.

In particular, because the bulge 22f of the locking member 22 is formed in a curved shape, if the flange thickness varies as described above, the rotation angle of the locking member 22 can be changed accordingly, allowing the curved bulge 22f to always contact the underside of the flange in a linear or point-like manner with a constant contact area, thereby maintaining a stable clamping state.

In this embodiment, the flange reinforcement 20 is configured as an attachment part, with a press bolt 25 that presses the locking member 22 around the shaft 22a of the locking member 22. By pressing the locking member 22 around the shaft 22a with the press bolt 25, the flange reinforcement 20 can be easily attached to the flanges 2c, 42c.

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

This prevents the flange reinforcement 30 from falling off and also prevents the fastener 5 from loosening.

Furthermore, the flange reinforcing devices 20, 30 of this second embodiment are intended to reinforce standard flanges 2c, 4c, which are joined with a flat packing 3 interposed between the flanges. However, this is not limiting. For example, as a second variation of the flange reinforcing device of this second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 26, a gasket 33 made of an insulating material such as rubber is interposed between the flanges 32c, 34c, and the tightening torque of the fasteners (not shown) of the flanges 32c, 34c is set to a predetermined value, so that the reinforcement target may be electrically insulated flanges 32c, 34c, in which the gap dimensions between the flanges are controlled.

As shown in Figure 26, a spacer 56 made of an insulating material such as rubber is interposed between the flange reinforcing member 20 of this modified example 2 and the insulated flanges 32c, 34c. This spacer 56 consists of a covering portion 56a that covers the outer surfaces of both flanges 32c, 34c, and an insertion portion 56b that is connected to this covering portion 56a and inserted between the opposing surfaces of both flanges 32c, 34c, and is formed in a generally horizontal T-shape in cross section. Here, the covering portion 56a is not necessarily required.

In this way, by interposing the spacer 56 between the flange reinforcing member 20 and the insulated flanges 32c, 34c, when attaching the flange reinforcing member 20 to the flanges 32c, 34c, the flanges 32c, 34c can be kept apart without coming into direct contact with each other.

Furthermore, as in this second variant, by interposing a spacer 56 made of an insulating material, it is possible to maintain electrical insulation between the flanges 32c and 34c.

It is preferable to coat the contact portions of the flange reinforcing member 20 shown in Figure 26 with the flanges 32c, 34c, more specifically the uneven surfaces of the notched grooves 22e and 23e, with an insulating intervening member or coating material. This prevents electrical contact between the flanges 32c, 34c via the flange reinforcing member 20, maintaining an insulating state. The various modified examples of Example 2 may also be used in combination; for example, the flange reinforcing member 30 of Modification 1 may be applied to Modification 2 of Example 2.

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

For example, in the above embodiment, the locking portion 12 and locking member 22 of the flange reinforcement device 10, 20, 50 are attached to the flange on the base end side, which is the main pipe portion 2a side of the fluid pipe 2, and the retaining portion 13 and retaining member 23 are attached to the flange on the free end side. However, this is not limited to this, and the retaining portion 13 and retaining member 23 of the flange reinforcement device 10, 20, 50 may be attached to the flange on the base end side, and the locking portion 12 and locking member 22 may be attached to the flange on the free end side.

For example, when installing flange reinforcements 10, 20, 50 on the flange of a component such as a repair valve that is installed in a narrow space such as a valve box, a jig equipped with a well-known shaft portion, support portion, and engagement portion for the flange reinforcement 10, 20, 50 can be used to operate the fastening member with a long ratchet or similar tool to attach it.

For example, when attaching a flange reinforcing member 50 to insulated flanges 32c, 34c as shown in Figure 21, a through hole may be provided to serve as a viewing window so that the distance between the flanges 32c, 34c can be measured.

For example, the spacers 55, 56 may be provided around the entire circumference, or only on a portion of the circumference. If they are provided on a portion of the circumference, it is preferable to provide multiple spacers.

2. Fluid pipe (pipe component)
2a Main pipe section 2b Branch section 2c Flange 3 Packing 4 Repair valve (pipe component)
4c Flange 5 Fastener 10 Flange reinforcement 11 Main body member (mounting portion)
11a Main body portion 12 Locking portion 12a Tapered portion 12b Tip portion 13 Holding portion 13a Inclined portion 13b Tip portion 14a Bolt (mounting portion, fastening member)
14b Nut (mounting part, fastening member)
20 Flange reinforcement tool 22 Locking member (locking portion)
22a: Shaft portion 22b: Tip portion 22g: Tip portion 23: Holding member (holding portion)
23b Tip portion 25 Press bolt (mounting portion, pressing member)
40 Repair valve (pipe component)
40c Flange 41 Repair valve (pipe component)
41c Flange 41e Elastic member 42 Repair valve (pipe component)
42c Flange 43c Flange 50 Flange reinforcement tool 51 Main body member (mounting portion)
51a Main body portion 53 Positioning member 55 Spacer 56 Spacer 60 Flange reinforcement member 61 Main body member (mounting portion)
61a Main body F1 to F4 flange

Claims (7)

A flange reinforcing device that fits over a pair of flanges that are joined between pipeline components via a packing and fastened by a fastener,
The flange has a locking portion extending in the inner diameter direction and locking onto one of the flanges , a holding portion extending in the inner diameter direction and opposing the locking portion to hold the other flange so that it can move in the radial direction, and an attachment portion for attaching the locking portion and the holding portion to the pair of flanges, the attachment portion being made up of a main body member having the locking portion and the holding portion and extending along the outer periphery of the pair of flanges, and a fastening member for fastening end portions of the main body member together, the main body member being formed in a band shape extending in an arc, and a plurality of the locking portions projecting in the inner diameter direction are provided at a lower portion of the main body member at intervals in the circumferential direction, and a fastening member is provided at an upper portion of the main body member. a flange reinforcement device characterized in that a plurality of the retaining portions protruding inward are provided spaced apart in the circumferential direction, the locking portions have a shape having an inclined surface extending in the inward direction at an angle so as to move away from one of the flanges, and a parallel surface extending inward further in the inward direction than the inclined surface and approximately parallel to the one of the flanges, and have higher rigidity than the retaining portions, and the retaining portions have a shape having an inclined surface extending in the inward direction at an angle so as to move away from the other flange, and a parallel surface extending inward further in the inward direction than the inclined surface and approximately parallel to the other flange, and are configured to be elastically deformable. 2. The flange reinforcing device according to claim 1 , wherein the fastening member is provided at a position offset in the pipe axial direction from the opposing positions of the pair of flanges. 3. The flange reinforcing member according to claim 1 , wherein the main body member is fastened to the pair of flanges at a radial distance from the outer peripheral surfaces of the pair of flanges. 4. The flange reinforcing device according to claim 3 , wherein the main body member includes a positioning member for positioning the main body member in the radial direction of the pair of flanges. 5. The flange reinforcing element according to claim 1 , wherein the inner periphery of the main body member is provided with a bulging portion that bulges inward relative to the inner periphery. 6. A flange reinforcement according to claim 1 , wherein a recess is formed in the inner peripheral portion of the main body member along the outer peripheral edge of the packing. 7. A flange reinforcing member according to claim 1, wherein a spacer is interposed between the pair of flanges.