U.S. patent application number 13/847670 was filed with the patent office on 2013-10-31 for rehabilitating pipe segment and existing pipe rehabilitation method using same.
The applicant listed for this patent is Shonan Gosei-Jushi Seisakusho K.K.. Invention is credited to Kenji FUJII, Takao KAMIYAMA, Koji KANETA, Katsuyori MIURA.
Application Number | 20130284298 13/847670 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41184786 |
Filed Date | 2013-10-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130284298 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KAMIYAMA; Takao ; et
al. |
October 31, 2013 |
REHABILITATING PIPE SEGMENT AND EXISTING PIPE REHABILITATION METHOD
USING SAME
Abstract
A rehabilitating pipe segment comprises first and second segment
halves linked together to provide a variable-width segment. The
first segment half has an internal surface plate, a convex plate
extending parallel to the internal surface plate, and a side plate
extending perpendicular to the internal surface plate. The second
segment half has an internal surface plate, an internal plate
extending parallel to the internal surface plate and forming a
concavity, and a side plate extending perpendicular to the internal
surface plate. The convex plate and a braking rubber are fitted
into the concavity to link the first and second segment halves
together to provide the variable-width segment. When tension of a
specified amount or greater acts on the variable-width segment, the
first and second segment halves move relative to each other in the
pipe length direction against the braking force of the braking
rubber.
Inventors: |
KAMIYAMA; Takao;
(Kanagawa-ken, JP) ; KANETA; Koji; (Kanagawa-ken,
JP) ; FUJII; Kenji; (Kanagawa-ken, JP) ;
MIURA; Katsuyori; (Kanagawa-ken, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Shonan Gosei-Jushi Seisakusho K.K. |
Kanagawa-ken |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
41184786 |
Appl. No.: |
13/847670 |
Filed: |
March 20, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12460228 |
Jul 15, 2009 |
|
|
|
13847670 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
138/98 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03F 2003/065 20130101;
E03F 3/06 20130101; F16L 51/00 20130101; F16L 11/18 20130101; F16L
55/1657 20130101; F16L 55/163 20130101; F16L 9/22 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
138/98 |
International
Class: |
F16L 55/163 20060101
F16L055/163 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 17, 2008 |
JP |
2008-185477 |
Jun 2, 2009 |
JP |
2009-133005 |
Claims
1. An existing pipe rehabilitation method for rehabilitating an
existing pipe by linking segments in the circumferential and pipe
length directions to assemble a rehabilitating pipe inside the
existing pipe, the segments each including an internal surface
plate, side plates that are erected vertically at both sides
extending in the circumferential direction of the internal surface
plate, and a plurality of internal plates that are erected on the
top surface of the internal surface plate, and the segments being
linked in the pipe length direction by the following steps:
securing a plurality of nuts along the circumferential direction to
the internal plate of each segment that lies in a position nearest
to the side plate thereof; preparing a fastening member that can be
screwed into the nut; abutting first and second segments and
screwing the fastening member into the nut to fasten the first and
second segments for linkage in the pipe length direction thereof;
and sequentially liking the segments to the linked segments by the
fastening member.
2. An existing pipe rehabilitation method according to claim 1,
wherein the fastening member is screwed from the internal plate of
the first segment into the nut secured to the second segment,
thereby bringing the other end of the fastening member on the side
opposite to the nut into pressing contact with the internal plate
so as to fasten the first and second segments in the pipe length
direction.
3. An existing pipe rehabilitation method according to claim 2,
wherein the internal plate with which the fastening member makes
pressing contact is the internal plate furthest from the nut into
which the fastening member is screwed.
4. An existing pipe rehabilitation method according to claim 1,
wherein the nut extends in the pipe length direction so long as to
protrude to the exterior of the side plate of the second segment in
a state in which the nut is secured to the internal plate thereof,
and the protruding distance is equal to or greater than the
thickness of the side plate of the first segment to which the
second segment is linked.
5. An existing pipe rehabilitation method according to claim 1,
wherein the nut position in the segment is offset as viewed in the
circumferential direction from the nut position of the adjacent
segments.
6. An existing pipe rehabilitation method according to claim 1,
wherein the fastening member is a screw member having at one end a
screw part that is screwed into the nut secured to the segment, and
at the other end a screw part on which another nut is mounted.
7. An existing pipe rehabilitation method according to claim 1,
wherein the fastening member is a bolt.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a rehabilitating pipe
segment adapted for use to rehabilitate existing pipes by linking a
plurality of segments in the circumferential direction and pipe
length direction, and to a rehabilitation method using this segment
to rehabilitate existing pipes.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] There are pipe rehabilitation methods known in the art for
linking a plurality of segments in the circumferential direction
and pipe length direction to assemble a rehabilitating pipe when
sewerage pipes, waterworks pipes, agricultural water pipes, and
other existing pipes have aged. A filler is used to fill the space
between the rehabilitating pipe and existing pipe so as to
integrate both the pipes together and construct a composite pipe
(JP-A-2003-286742 and JP-A-2005-299711).
[0005] The rehabilitating pipe segment is an assembly unit for a
rehabilitating pipe and comprises an internal surface plate, side
plates, and end plates, these plates being integrally molded from a
transparent or nontransparent plastic material in the form of a
block. Reinforcing plates and ribs are preferably provided to
increase the strength of the segment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The existing pipe described above is formed by connecting a
plurality of pipes of a specified length, and the seams in the
existing pipe therefore occasionally separate when an earthquake or
some other great force acts on the exterior. In cases in which the
existing pipe has been rehabilitated using the segments described
above, the seam portions or portions in the vicinities of the seams
will rupture under the tension in the rehabilitating pipe
integrated with the existing pipe. This is because the width
dimension of the segment constituting the rehabilitating pipe is
fixed and cannot be expanded or contracted by tension. In the case
that the existing pipe is a sewerage pipe, external liquefied
sediment flows in through ruptured portions of the sewerage pipe
between separated seams of the sewerage pipe, compromising the
function of the sewerage pipe.
[0007] When a curved existing pipe is being rehabilitated, the
segment requires special machining as well, such as cutting the
segment at a slant in relation to the curve, and there have been
problems in that the curved rehabilitating pipe cannot be assembled
in a simple manner.
[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a rehabilitating pipe segment that makes it possible both
to construct a composite pipe that suffers no functional loss even
when a large impact acts externally and to rehabilitate even a
curved existing pipe in a simple manner; and also to provide an
existing pipe rehabilitation method using this segment.
[0009] The present invention provides a rehabilitating pipe segment
adapted for use to assemble a rehabilitating pipe inside an
existing pipe, the rehabilitating pipe having a smaller outside
diameter than the inside diameter of the existing pipe. The
rehabilitating pipe segment is composed of a first segment half and
a second segment half, which are capable of moving relative to each
other in the pipe length direction to make the width of the segment
of the first and second segment halves variable in the pipe length
direction.
[0010] In the segment of the present invention, the
pipe-length-direction width of the segment composed of the first
and second segment halves increases when tension of a predetermined
value or greater is applied in the width direction corresponding to
the pipe length direction of the rehabilitating pipe.
[0011] The first segment half has an internal surface plate
constituting the internal peripheral surface of the segment, a
convex plate extending parallel to the internal surface plate, and
a side plate extending perpendicular to the internal surface plate
and constituting one side plate of the segment. The second segment
half has an internal surface plate constituting the internal
peripheral surface of the segment, an internal plate for forming a
concavity, the internal plate extending parallel to the internal
surface plate, and the other side plate of the segment extending
perpendicular to the internal surface plate. The convex plate of
the first segment half and a braking member for braking the first
and second segment halves from separating are fitted into the
concavity of the second segment half so as to link the first and
second segment halves together.
[0012] In the present invention, a rehabilitating pipe segment that
does not use the braking member is also proposed.
[0013] A rehabilitation method for rehabilitating an existing pipe
comprises the steps of linking first and second segment halves
together to provide a variable-width segment whose width in the
pipe length direction is variable; linking the variable-width
segments together in the circumferential direction to provide a
first pipe unit; linking fixed-width segments together in the
circumferential direction to provide a second pipe unit; and
linking the first and second pipe units together in the pipe length
direction so as to assemble a rehabilitating pipe inside an
existing pipe.
[0014] The first pipe units are preferably disposed at the seam
portions of the existing pipe or in the vicinities thereof.
[0015] Alternatively, the first pipe units are disposed at the
curved portions of the existing pipe, and the widths of the
variable-width segments constituting the first pipe units increase
progressively from one end to the other end in the circumferential
direction so as to be at a minimum in the internal periphery of the
curved portions and a maximum in the external periphery of the
curved portions.
[0016] The width dimensions in the rehabilitating pipe segment of
the present invention increase when tension of a specific value or
greater acts in the width direction corresponding to the pipe
length direction of the rehabilitating pipe. This allows pipe
earthquake resistance to be improved when a rehabilitating pipe is
assembled using the rehabilitating pipe segment of the present
invention. A curved rehabilitating pipe can also be assembled in a
simple manner using the rehabilitating pipe segment of the present
invention.
[0017] Specifically, if an earthquake or some other severe external
shock occurs and tension acts on the pipe so as to separate the
seams of the existing pipe, width varies accordingly in the
rehabilitating pipe segments disposed at the seams, thereby
preventing the rehabilitating pipe from rupturing.
[0018] The width in the pipe length direction can be varied in the
rehabilitating pipe segment of the present invention. Therefore,
the rehabilitating pipe can be curved merely by adjusting the width
of the segment, requiring no special machining of the segment. This
enables a curved rehabilitating pipe to be assembled in a simple
manner and in a short amount of time. Increases in the width of the
rehabilitating pipe segment also prevent ruptures in the
rehabilitating pipe even if tension acts in the increased width
portions.
[0019] Further features of the invention, its nature and various
advantages will be more apparent from the accompanying drawings and
following detailed description of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the structure of a
fixed-width segment used to assemble a rehabilitating pipe;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view along the line A-A in FIG.
1, showing the structure of two segments linked together in the
circumferential direction;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which
segments have been linked together in the circumferential direction
so as to assemble a pipe unit;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a segment top view showing a state in which
segments have been linked together in the pipe length
direction;
[0024] FIGS. 5a through 5f are illustrative views showing a method
for linking segments together in the pipe length direction;
[0025] FIGS. 6a through 6c are cross-sectional views showing the
structure of a variable-width segment;
[0026] FIG. 6d is an end surface view showing the end surface of
the variable-width segment;
[0027] FIGS. 7a and 7b are enlarged views of areas a and b,
respectively, in FIG. 6;
[0028] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement and
linking structure in the pipe length direction of a variable-width
segment in a rehabilitating pipe inside an existing pipe;
[0029] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of
a variable-width segment in a rehabilitating pipe inside an
existing pipe;
[0030] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view along the line A-A in FIG.
9;
[0031] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of a
variable-width segment when the seams of an existing pipe have
separated due to an earthquake;
[0032] FIG. 12a is a cross-sectional view showing the
cross-sectional shape and dimensions of a braking rubber;
[0033] FIG. 12b is an enlarged view of area d in FIG. 11;
[0034] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a rehabilitating pipe
when a curved rehabilitating pipe is assembled using variable-width
segments;
[0035] FIGS. 14a and 14b are enlarged views of areas e and f,
respectively, in FIG. 13;
[0036] FIGS. 15a through c are cross-sectional views showing the
structure and assembly of another embodiment of a variable-width
segment;
[0037] FIG. 15d is an end surface view showing the end surface of
the variable-width segment;
[0038] FIGS. 16a through 16c are cross-sectional views showing the
structure and assembly of still another embodiment of a
variable-width segment;
[0039] FIG. 16d is an end surface view showing the end surface of
the variable-width segment;
[0040] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a rehabilitating pipe
when a curved rehabilitating pipe is assembled using the
variable-width segment in FIG. 16; and
[0041] FIG. 18 is a segmented perspective view showing a state in
which a rehabilitating pipe is assembled inside an existing pipe
using fixed-width segments.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0042] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail
hereinafter with reference to the attached drawings. The
rehabilitating pipe segment of the present invention is used as a
segment'for rehabilitating a sewerage pipe, a waterworks pipe, an
agricultural water pipe, or some other existing pipe, and an
existing pipe is rehabilitated using this rehabilitating pipe
segment.
[0043] FIG. 1 shows the structure of a rehabilitating pipe segment
1 (hereinafter referred to simply as a segment), which is used as
an assembly unit of a rehabilitating pipe for rehabilitating an
existing pipe. The segment 1 is an integrally molded block-shaped
member made of a plastic material and composed of an internal
surface plate 101 constituting the internal peripheral surface of
the rehabilitating pipe, side plates 102, 103 erected vertically at
both sides extending in the circumferential direction of the
internal surface plate 101, and end plates 104, 105 erected
vertically at both ends extending in the pipe length direction of
the internal surface plate 101. The side plates 102, 103 and end
plates 104, 105 are on four sides at the same height and constitute
outer wall plates surrounding the peripheral edges of the internal
surface plate 101. In the present embodiment, the segment 1 has a
shape curved into an arc obtained by dividing the circumference
into, e.g., five equal parts at predetermined angles) (72.degree.).
The segment is not limited to an arc or fan shape, and can also be
a rectangular parallelepiped, a curved shape made by providing
roundness to right angles, or another shape in accordance with the
cross-sectional shape of the existing pipe, the size thereof, or
the maintenance locations of the existing pipe.
[0044] In cases of reinforcing the mechanical strength of the
segment 1, a plurality of internal plates 106, 107 similar to the
side plates 102, 103 are erected on the top surface of the internal
surface plate 101 inside of the side plates 102, 103. On the inside
surfaces of the side plates 102, 103 and on both side surfaces of
the internal plates 106, 107 are formed convex plates 103b, 106b,
107b projecting to the sides at a plurality of locations in order
to prevent deformation, creating a rib structure and increasing the
strength of the segment 1.
[0045] The internal surface plate 101, the side plates 102, 103,
the end plates 104, 105, the internal plates 106, 107, and the
convex plates are all made of the same transparent,
semitransparent, or nontransparent plastic, and are integrally
molded using a conventional molding technique.
[0046] A plurality of openings 101a for linking segments 1 in the
circumferential direction are formed at both ends of the internal
surface plate 101, and in order to link the segments 1 in the pipe
length direction, a plurality of holes 102a, 103a, and 106a are
formed in the side plates 102, 103 and internal plate 106, and a
plurality of grooves 107a are formed in the internal plates
107.
[0047] Bolts 6 are inserted into insertion holes 104a, 105a from
the openings 101a of the segments 1, and nuts 7 are threaded over
the bolts 6 in order to fasten the end plates 104, 105 together and
link the segments 1 in the circumferential direction, as shown in
FIG. 2. Concavities 104b, 104c are formed across the entire lengths
of the end plates 104 in the pipe length direction, and convexities
105b, 105c which fit into the concavities are similarly formed in
the end plates 105. Therefore, the operation of positioning and
firmly connecting the segments 1 when linking them together is made
easier. The watertightness of the linked portions can be increased
by coating the fitted portions with a seal material (not shown).
After the segments are finished being linked, the openings 101a are
closed using lids (not shown) or other means. The internal surfaces
of the lids at this time are continuous with the internal surfaces
of each internal surface plate 101 so as to form an even internal
surface. In cases in which it is easy to link the segments in the
circumferential direction by the bolts 6 and nuts 7, there is no
particular need for the openings 101a. Two sets of bolts and nuts
are used in FIG. 2, but in the case of segments used for
small-diameter existing pipes, the segments can be linked in the
circumferential direction by only one set of a bolt and nut.
[0048] When segments 1 are linked sequentially in the
circumferential direction to complete a full circle, a closed
ring-shaped short pipe 10 (hereinafter referred to as a pipe unit)
of a predetermined short length can be assembled, such as is shown
in FIG. 3. The pipe unit 10 has a shape obtained when a circular
pipe is cut into rings of a predetermined width D perpendicular to
the pipe length direction X, and the outside diameter thereof is a
value slightly less than the inside diameter of the existing pipe
to be rehabilitated. The segments 1 correspond to members obtained
when the pipe unit 10 is cut in the diametral direction R and
divided (preferably equally divided) into a plurality of units in
the circumferential direction.
[0049] The internal surface plates 101, side plates 102, 103, and
end plates 104, 105 are shown in FIG. 3 as primary structural
members of the segments 1, and the internal plates 106, 107, convex
plates, and other reinforcing structures are not shown for the sake
of avoiding complexity. In this Specification, the term "pipe
length direction" refers to the direction indicated by the arrow X
extending in the pipe length direction of the pipe unit 10 in FIG.
3, the term "diametral direction" refers to the radial direction
indicated by the arrow R pointing toward the center axis of the
pipe unit 10, and the term "circumferential direction" refers to
the circumferential direction of the circle formed by the pipe unit
10.
[0050] In the work of rehabilitating the existing pipe, first, a
plurality of segments 1 are linked in the circumferential direction
inside the existing pipe as described above so as to assemble the
pipe unit 10, and the segments of the pipe unit 10 are linked in
the pipe length direction so as to assemble a rehabilitating
pipe.
[0051] FIGS. 4 and 5 show segments as being linked in the pipe
length direction using nuts 12 and rod-shaped screw members 11
having screws 11a, 11b formed at both ends. The nuts 12 are shaped
so as to be capable of passing through the holes 102a, 103a in the
side plates 102, 103 of the segments 1, but not through the holes
106a in the internal plates 106. Flanges 14a of nuts 14 threaded
over the screws 11a of the screw members 11 are sized so as to be
capable of passing through the holes 102a in the side plates 102 of
the segments 1, but not through the holes 106a in the internal
plates 106. Flanges 13b of bolts 13 threaded over the nuts 12 have
larger diameters than the holes 106a in the internal plates 106,
and the diameters of the screw members 11 are smaller than the
diameters of the holes 106a in the internal plates 106.
[0052] A nut 12 is passed through a hole 102a in a side plate 102
of one segment 1 and brought in contact with the internal plate
106, and the bolt 13 is screwed into the nut 12 as shown in FIG.
5a. The nut 12 is then fastened to the internal plate 106 so as to
be fixed to the segment 1 as shown in FIG. 5b. The nuts 12 may be
fixed to the segments 1 after the segments 1 are linked in the
circumferential direction as shown in FIG. 3, or the segments may
be linked in the circumferential direction so as to constitute the
pipe unit 10 after the nuts 12 are first fixed to the segments
1.
[0053] A. nut 12 is passed through a hole 103a in a side plate 103
of another segment 1 as shown in FIGS. 5c and 5d in order to bring
the two segments 1 together. In this state, the screw member 11 is
passed through the hole 102a in the side plate 102 of the segment
1, the holes 106a in the internal plates 106, and the grooves 107a
in the internal plates 107 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5e, and the
screw 11b is threaded through the nut 12 fixed to one segment 1.
The screw member 11 and the nut 12 are thereby linked together. The
nut 14 is then threaded until the flange 14a of the nut 14 is
pressed against the internal plate 106 as shown in FIG. 5f. This
enables the two segments 1, 1 to be fastened together and fixed in
place.
[0054] In FIG. 4, the linking of segments in the circumferential
direction is accomplished via one set of bolts and nuts, and one
bolt 6 is shown in FIG. 4.
[0055] A rehabilitating pipe 8 can be assembled inside an existing
pipe 9 as shown in FIG. 18 by linking the segments of the pipe unit
in the pipe length direction in the manner described above. Grout
or another type of filler 8' is filled in the gap between the
existing pipe 9 and the rehabilitating pipe 8 to integrate the
existing pipe 9 and rehabilitating pipe 8 and construct a composite
pipe.
[0056] In FIG. 18, the structures of the segments 1 and their
linking in the circumferential direction and pipe length direction
would complicate the drawing and are therefore omitted. In FIG. 18,
linked portions 1a between segments 1 in the circumferential
direction are offset by a predetermined amount in the
circumferential direction from linked portions 1a of segments
adjacent in the pipe length direction. There is none of such
offsets in the example in FIG. 4.
[0057] In the embodiment as described above, the width (D in FIG.
3) of a segment 1 in the pipe length direction is constant. This
means that the segment 1 can be said to be a fixed-width segment.
On the other hand, FIG. 6 shows a segment whose width can be varied
in the pipe length direction of the segment (hereinafter referred
to as a variable-width segment). FIGS. 6a through 6c are
cross-sectional views when a variable-width segment is cut in the
diametral direction, and FIG. 6d is an end surface view showing an
end plate of a variable-width segment.
[0058] A variable-width segment 2 is composed of first and second
segment halves 3, 4, and a braking rubber 5 is attached as a
braking member between the segment halves 3, 4.
[0059] The segment half 3 is configured from an internal surface
plate 301, a convex plate 302, a side plate 303, internal plates
304, 305, an end plate 306, and other components, wherein the
plates 301 to 306 are all integrally molded using the same plastic
material as the segment 1. The convex plate 302 extends parallel to
and at a different height from the internal surface plate 301. The
side plate 303, internal plates 304, 305, and end plate 306 extend
perpendicular to the internal surface plate 301.
[0060] Recesses 301a, 301b are formed on both sides of the internal
surface plate 301, and a ridge 302a is formed on the side of the
convex plate 302 facing the segment half 4. A linking hole 303a is
formed in the side plate 303.
[0061] The braking rubber 5 has a belt shape of a predetermined
width W1 and predetermined thickness T1 as shown in FIG. 12a, and
has a length corresponding to the entire circumferential length of
the segment half 3. The braking rubber 5 is held between the ridge
302a of the convex plate 302 and the internal plate 305. The
braking rubber 5 may also be a belt-shaped braking member composed
of plastic or another elastic material other than rubber.
[0062] The segment half 4 is configured from an internal surface
plate 401, a side plate 403, internal plates 402, 404, 405, an end
plate 406, and other components. The plates 401 through 406 are all
integrally molded using the same plastic material as the segment 1.
The side plate 403, the internal plates 404, 405, and the end plate
406 extend perpendicular to the internal surface plate 401, and the
internal plate 402 extends parallel to the internal surface plate
401. A ridge 401a for fitting with the recess 301b of the segment
half 3 is formed on the side of the internal surface plate 401 near
the segment half 3, and on the opposite side a ridge 401b is
formed. In the side plate 403 is formed a protuberance 403a for
fitting with the holes 102a, 103a in the side plates 102, 103 of
the segment 1, or with the hole 303a in the segment half 3.
[0063] A concavity 407 for fitting with the braking rubber 5 and
the convex plate 302 of the segment half 3 is formed by the
internal plates 402, 405 and the internal surface plate 401. The
dimensions of these members are set so that a gap of a small
interval D1 is formed between the internal surface plate 401 and
the convex plate 302, and a gap of a small interval D2 is also
formed between the braking rubber 5 and the internal plate 402, as
shown FIG. 7a. These settings make it possible to smoothly insert
the braking rubber 5 and the convex plate 302 of the segment half 3
into the concavity 407 of the segment half 4 without applying a
load to any of the members, as shown by the arrows in FIGS. 6a and
6b.
[0064] The convex plate 302 and the braking rubber 5 are inserted
and fitted deep into the concavity 407 as shown in FIG. 6c. The
distal end of the braking rubber 5 comes in contact with an
inclined surface 402a of the internal plate 402, as shown in FIG.
7b. When a low-viscosity adhesive 5' is thinly applied in advance
over the inclined surface 402a and a level surface 402b of the
internal plate 402, the braking rubber 5 can be fixed to the
internal plate 402 of the segment half 4. Since the braking rubber
5 is held between the internal plate 305 and the ridge 302a of the
convex plate 302, the braking rubber 5 and the segment half 3 do
not move relative to each other and the segment halves 3, 4 remain
integrally coupled via the braking rubber 5 in the state shown in
FIG. 6c, as long as no strong force is applied. At this time, the
ridge 401a of the internal surface plate 401 and the recess 301b of
the internal surface plate 301 are fitted together, and the
internal surface plate 301 of the segment half 3 and the internal
surface plate 401 of the segment half 4 constitute an even surface
wherein the top surface in FIG. 6 has no height differences.
[0065] The variable-width segment 2 in the state shown in FIGS. 6c
and 6d has the same shape and structure as the fixed-width segment
1 such as is shown in FIG. 1. The internal surface plates 301 and
401 of the variable-width segment 2 correspond to the internal
surface plate 101 of the fixed-width segment 1 and constitute an
even internal surface when the rehabilitating pipe has been
assembled. The side plates 303, 403 of the variable-width segment 2
correspond to the side plates 102, 103 of the fixed-width segment
1, and the internal plates 304, 404 correspond to the internal
plates 106 and reinforce the strength of the variable-width segment
2. A plurality of holes 303a of the side plate 303 and
protuberances 403a of the side plate 403 are provided according to
the number of holes 102a, 103a formed in the side plates 102, 103
of the segment 1.
[0066] The width D' of the variable-width segment 2 in the pipe
length direction is the same as the width D (FIG. 3) of the
fixed-width segment 1, and the arcuate shape of the variable-width
segment 2 is an arcuate shape of 72.degree. divided
circumferentially into five equal parts, as is the arcuate shape of
the fixed-width segment 1. Therefore, the shapes of the side plates
303, 403 of the variable-width segment 2 coincide with those of the
side plates 102, 103 of the fixed-width segment 1, and all of the
plates 301, 302, 304, 305, 401, 402, 404, 405 of the variable-width
segment 2 as well as the braking rubber 5 and other components have
an arcuate shape of 72.degree. divided circumferentially into five
equal parts. The braking rubber 5 can also be a ring-shaped endless
belt rather than a segment shape.
[0067] Watertightness can be increased by applying a seal material
in advance over the internal surfaces of the concavity 407 of the
variable-width segment 2 and the top surface as seen in FIG. 6 of
the convex plate 302. The braking rubber 5 fixed to the internal
plate 402 also fulfills a sealing function due to the adhesive
5'.
[0068] The linking of variable-width segments 2 in the
circumferential direction is accomplished in the same manner as the
linking of segments 1 in the circumferential direction; i.e., in
the manner as shown in FIG. 2. In other words, two variable-width
segments 2 are linked in the circumferential direction by joining
the end plates 306, 406 together, passing bolts through the holes
306a, 406a (FIG. 6d) formed in the end plates 306, 406, and
fastening the two end plates of the two segments 2 together with
bolts and nuts. Thus, variable-width segments are linked
sequentially in the circumferential direction, and a pipe unit 20
composed of variable-width segments 2 is assembled (FIG. 10).
[0069] FIGS. 8 and 9 show a state in which fixed-width segments 1
are linked in the pipe length direction via the variable-width
segment 2. In FIG. 8, the variable-width segment 2 and a
fixed-width segment 1 on the right side thereof are linked together
by fixing a male linking tool 16 into the hole 103a in the side
plate 103 of the fixed-width segment 1, passing the male linking
tool 16 through the hole 303a in the side plate 303 of the
variable-width segment 2, and snap-fitting the male linking tool 16
into a female linking tool 17 fixed in the side plate 303 of the
variable-width segment 2. The variable-width segment 2 and a
fixed-width segment 1 on the left side thereof are linked together
by press-fitting the protuberance 403a of the variable-width
segment 2 into the hole 102a of the side plate 102 of the
fixed-width segment 1. Though not shown in the drawing, nuts 12
such as those shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 may also be fixed to the
variable-width segment 2, and the variable-width segment 2 and
fixed-width segment 1 on the left side may be linked together by
screw members 11 threaded with the nuts 12.
[0070] Thus, the variable-width segment 2 can be linked between the
two fixed-width segments 1, 1. The segments 1, 2 are linked in the
pipe length direction to assemble the rehabilitating pipe 8 so that
the pipe units 20 composed of variable-width segments 2 are
positioned in portions facing the seams 9a of the existing pipe 9,
and the pipe units 10 composed of fixed-width segments 1 are
positioned in the other portions, as shown in FIGS. 8 through 10.
After the rehabilitating pipe 8 is finished being assembled, mortar
or another filler 8' that begins as a liquid and cures over time is
filled in the gap between the external periphery of the
rehabilitating pipe 8 and the internal periphery of the existing
pipe 9, as was described in relation to FIG. 18. The curing of the
filler that has been filled in causes the rehabilitating pipe 8 to
be integrated with the existing pipe 9 via the filler, thus
constructing a strong, rehabilitated composite pipe.
[0071] Since the pipe units 20 composed of variable-width segments
2 are disposed in portions facing the seams 9a of the existing pipe
9, the performance of the composite pipe can be improved as
described hereinafter.
[0072] In the state shown in FIG. 8, a large amount of tension acts
externally on the existing pipe 9 due to an earthquake or the like,
and the seams 9a of the existing pipe 9 separate as shown in FIG.
11. Tension causing the segment halves 3, 4 to separate also acts
on the variable-width segments 2 integrated via the filler (not
shown) with the existing pipe 9. When this tension reaches a
predetermined value or greater, the segment halves 3, 4 also
separate as shown in FIG. 11, at which time the ridge 302a of the
convex plate 302 digs into the braking rubber 5 at a depth T2 about
1/3 of the thickness T1 of the braking rubber 5, elastically
deforming the braking rubber 5 as shown in FIG. 12b. The ridge 302a
of the convex plate 302 digging into the braking rubber 5 brakes
the segment halves 3, 4 from pulling apart. However, if the tension
is greater than this braking force, the segment halves 3, 4 move
relative to each other by a distance corresponding to the amount by
which the seams 9a have separated, and the pipe length of the pipe
unit 20 is elongated.
[0073] Even if the segment halves 3, 4 move relative to each other
in the direction in which they would separate, the rehabilitating
pipe 8 remains contiguous as long as the ridge 302a of the convex
plate 302 digs into the braking rubber 5, and even if the seams 9a
of the existing pipe 9 separate, liquefied sand or the like can be
prevented from flowing into the rehabilitating pipe 8 from these
portions 9a, thus improving the earthquake resistance of the
pipe.
[0074] FIGS. 13 and 14 show an embodiment in which variable-width
segments 2 are disposed in the curved locations of an existing pipe
so as to assemble a curved rehabilitating pipe.
[0075] Pipe units 20 composed of variable-width segments 2 are
linked between pipe units 10 composed of three fixed-width segments
1 in accordance with the curvature of the existing pipe in order to
assemble a curved rehabilitating pipe 8 as shown in FIG. 13.
[0076] In FIG. 13, the dimension of each pipe unit 10 in the pipe
length direction, i.e., the width of each fixed-width segment 1 in
the pipe length direction is denoted by D (FIG. 3), and the width
in the pipe length direction of each variable-width segment 2 shown
in FIG. 6c is also D (=D'). The width D of the variable-width
segment 2 in the pipe length direction can be varied by spreading
the segment halves 3, 4 relative to each other in the form of a
fan. For example, when the segment halves 3, 4 of the
variable-width segment 2 are relatively spread in the pipe length
direction from the state shown in FIG. 14b to the state in FIG.
14a, the ridge 302a of the convex plate 302 moves by an amount a in
the pipe length direction, and the width in the pipe length
direction of the variable-width segment 2 in this spread portion
becomes D+.alpha.. This also causes the ridge 401a of the internal
surface plate 401 and the recess 301b of the internal surface plate
301 to be angled and widened by an amount .theta.1.
[0077] This spread amount (a) of the segment halves 3, 4 of the
variable-width segments 2 can be adjusted at the circumferential
position of each segment. Therefore, the widths of the
variable-width segments 2 are continuously varied as shown in FIG.
13 so that the spread amount increases progressively from one side
to the other along the circumferential direction of the
rehabilitating pipe 8 (from the bottom to the top in FIG. 13).
Specifically, the widths of the variable-width segments 2 in the
pipe length direction are continuously varied so as to be at a
minimum in the internal periphery of the curved portions (no spread
or offset in FIG. 14b) and a maximum spread (a) in the external
periphery of the curved portions (the top position as seen in the
diametral direction in FIG. 14a). By continuously varying the
segment width in this manner, the pipe units 20 can be curved at an
angle .theta.1, and the rehabilitating pipe 8 can be curved at an
angle .theta.1.
[0078] Even if the angle .theta.1 of curvature in one pipe unit 20
is small, the angle of curvature of the entire rehabilitating pipe
8 can be increased by linking pipe units 20 at a plurality of
locations. The variable-width segment 2 used in the present
embodiment is preferably one having a small circumferential length,
i.e., one having a length resulting from dividing the
rehabilitating pipe 8 circumferentially into numerous equal parts
(for example, eight or more equal parts). This is to ensure that
the amount of spread described above can be reasonably increased
continuously in the variable-width segments 2 of the pipe units
20.
[0079] Even if the amount of spread is varied as described above,
the variable-width segments 2 can be linked in the circumferential
direction by the method described above, i.e., by using bolts and
nuts, because the end plates 306, 406 of variable-width segments 2
adjacent in the circumferential direction are parallel and of the
same size. As for linking in the pipe length direction,
variable-width segments can be linked to each other by fitting
protuberances 403a of side plates 403 into holes 303a of adjacent
side plates 303, and variable-width segments 2 and fixed-width
segments 1 can be linked together in the manner shown in FIG.
8.
[0080] Though not shown in the drawings, also in this embodiment,
the gap between the internal periphery of the existing pipe and the
external periphery of the rehabilitating pipe 8 is filled with a
filler after the rehabilitating pipe 8 is assembled inside the
existing pipe. Thus, the existing pipe and rehabilitating pipe are
integrated, forming a composite pipe in the same manner as is
described above.
[0081] According to the present embodiment, a curved rehabilitating
pipe 8 can be assembled merely by linking pipe units 20 composed of
variable-width segments 2 at portions which will be curved and
adjusting the widths of the variable-width segments 2 of the pipe
units 20 as described above. Therefore, a curved rehabilitating
pipe can be assembled in a simple manner in a short amount of time
without the need for special machining of the segments at a work
site.
[0082] Since the variable-width segments 2 expand and contract in
the width direction as in the embodiment in FIGS. 6 through 11, the
curved rehabilitating pipe is prevented from rupturing in the
portions of the variable-width segments 2 even if an external force
acts from the exterior due to an earthquake or the like.
[0083] In the case that the rehabilitating pipe does not require
earthquake resistance, the braking rubber 5 can be omitted as shown
in FIGS. 15a through 15d.
[0084] In FIGS. 15a through 15d, components identical to those in
FIGS. 6a through 6d are denoted by the same numerical symbols and
are not described in detail. A convex plate 302' of the segment
half 3 corresponds to the convex plate 302 in FIGS. 6a through 6d,
and the ridge 302a' of the convex plate 302' formed at the distal
end is longer in the diametral direction in comparison with FIGS.
6a through 6d. An internal plate 402' of the segment half 4
corresponds to the internal plate 402 in FIGS. 6a through 6d, but
unlike FIGS. 6a through 6d, there is no inclined surface and a
level surface 402a' is formed.
[0085] The ridge 302a' of the convex plate 302' has a diametral
length such that the ridge 302a' can be inserted with room to spare
into the concavity 407 of the segment half 4. The convex plate 302'
of the segment half 3 is fitted into the concavity 407 of the
segment half 4 as shown in FIGS. 15a and 15b, and a variable-width
segment 2' having no rubber stop is formed as shown in FIG.
15c.
[0086] Such variable-width segments 2' are also linked in both the
circumferential direction and pipe length direction, as are the
variable-width segments 2 shown in FIGS. 6a through 6d, and are
used in the assembly of a curved rehabilitating pipe by the same
method as was described in connection with FIG. 13.
[0087] The variable-width segments are integrated and fixed in
place by the filler (mortar or the like) filled in between the
existing pipe and the rehabilitating pipe. Therefore, the segment
halves 3, 4 do not necessarily need to be fitted and linked
together as shown in FIGS. 15a through 15d. Segment halves can also
be superposed so as to constitute a variable-width segment as shown
in FIGS. 16a through 16d.
[0088] In FIGS. 16a through 16d, a segment half 50 is comprised of
an internal surface plate 501 corresponding to the internal surface
plate 301 in FIGS. 15a through 15d, a convex plate 502
corresponding to the convex plate 302', a side plate 503
corresponding to the side plate 303, internal plates 504, 505
corresponding to the internal plates 304, 305, an end plate 506
corresponding to the end plate 306, and the like. The plates 501
through 506 are all integrally molded using the same plastic
material as the segment 1. The convex plate 502 extends parallel to
the internal surface plate 501 at a different height therefrom, and
the side plate 503, internal plates 504, 505, and end plate 506
extend perpendicular to the internal surface plate 501.
[0089] A ridge 501a and a ledge 501b are formed on one and the
other side of the internal surface plate 501, and a ridge 502a is
formed on the side of the convex plate 502 facing a segment half
60. A hole 503a is formed in the side plate 503.
[0090] The segment half 60 is composed of an internal surface plate
601 corresponding to the internal surface plate 401, a side plate
603 corresponding to the side plate 403, internal plates 604, 605
corresponding to the internal plates 404, 405, an end plate 606
corresponding to the end plate 406, and other components. The
plates 601 through 606 are all integrally molded using the same
plastic material as the segment 1. The side plate 603, the internal
plates 604, 605, and the end plate 606 extend perpendicular to the
internal surface plate 601. A recess 601a for fitting with the
ridge 501a of the segment half 50 is formed in the internal surface
plate 601 on the side opposite the segment half 50, and a concavity
601b through which the ridge 502a of the convex plate 502 slides is
formed in the circumferential direction on the bottom surface of
the internal surface plate 601. Formed in the side plate 603 is a
protuberance 603a for fitting with the holes 102a, 103a in the side
plates 102, 103 of the segment 1, or with the hole 503a in the
segment half 50. Holes 506a, 606a for linking segments in the
circumferential direction are formed in the end plates 506,
606.
[0091] The segment halves 50, 60 configured in this manner are
moved so that the convex plate 502 of the segment half 50 and the
internal surface plate 601 of the segment half 60 are made to
overlap by sliding the ridge 502a of the convex plate 502 through
the concavity 601b of the segment half 60, as shown in FIGS. 16a
and 16b. The segment halves 50, 60 are moved relative to each other
until reaching the state in FIG. 16c in which the distal end of the
internal surface plate 601 comes in contact with the ledge 501b of
the internal surface plate 501 and the ridge 502a of the convex
plate 502 comes in contact with the internal plate 605. Thus, a
variable-width segment 40 is formed having a width of D' in the
pipe length direction. At this time, the internal surface plate 501
of the segment half 50 and the internal surface plate 601 of the
segment half 60 are coplanar.
[0092] Variable-width segments 40 can also be linked in the
circumferential direction and pipe length direction, similar to the
variable-width segments 2, 2', and the widths in the pipe length
direction can be adjusted at the circumferential position of each
segment. Therefore, a pipe unit 41 composed of variable-width
segments 40 can be assembled by the same method as is shown in FIG.
13, and the widths of the variable-width segments 40 can be
continuously increased progressively from one side to the other
along the circumferential direction of the rehabilitating pipe 8.
Thus, the widths of the variable-width segments 40 can be
continuously varied from D to D+.alpha., and the rehabilitating
pipe 8 can be curved at an angle .theta.1, as shown in FIG. 17.
[0093] Since the segment halves 50, 60 are merely superposed
together, there is a danger of them moving in the diametral
direction and separating. Therefore, after the positions of the
segments are adjusted in the width direction, the segment halves
50, 60 are preferably temporarily bonded or temporarily joined in a
superposed state. When the existing pipe and rehabilitating pipe
are integrated by the filler filled in between the two, the segment
halves 50, 60 can no longer move, and accordingly there is no
danger of the segment halves moving in the diametral direction.
[0094] The same effects can be achieved with the variable-width
segment 40 as with the variable-width segment 2', and the advantage
of the variable-width segment 40 is that the segment structure can
be made simpler than with the variable-width segment 2'.
* * * * *