Supporting device for non-averaged force

A supporting device for non-averaged force in a pipeline comprised of a frame that is fixed to a supporting portion and a fixing mechanism for fixing a pipe body to the frame, wherein wedge bodies capable of blocking movements of the pipe body in a pipe axial direction with respect to the frame are provided when being pressed against an outer surface of the pipe body through pressing force acting from the frame towards the pipe body.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a supporting device for non-averaged force in a pipeline.

2. Description of the Related Art

It is generally the case with a bent pipeline2as exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 47that non-averaged force acts onto to joint portions4of a plurality of pipe bodies3comprising the pipeline2which is caused through hydrostatic pressure within the pipes. Since force acts onto joint portions of the pipeline in an axial core direction of the pipe bodies3(hereinafter referred to as “pipe axial direction”) owing to the non-averaged force, a supporting structure for supporting the pipeline2will be necessary.

For supporting the above pipeline2, it was conventionally performed that the pipe bodes3within a utility tunnel1was fixed by means of a body5made of reinforced concrete (wherein6denote reinforcements) as illustrated inFIG. 48. Such a supporting structure was disadvantaged in that construction of reinforced concrete was difficult to be performed within a small space such as the utility tunnel1and in that construction was troublesome.

A technique in which steel-made belts are wound and fixed around pipe bodies through bolts has been proposed as one technique for solving the above problem. However, since movements of the pipe bodies in pipe axial directions are prevented through frictional resistance between the belts and pipe bodies, it is difficult to firmly support non-averaged force in the pipeline.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has thus been made in view of the above problems present in the prior art, and it is an object thereof to support non-averaged force in a pipeline for achieving protection.

More particularly, the characteristic components of the supporting device for non-averaged force according to the present invention are:a frame, which is fixed to a supporting portion, anda fixing mechanism, which serves to fix pipe bodies to the frame,wherein the fixing mechanism is arranged in that a wedge body is provided that is capable of blocking movements of the pipe body in a pipe axial direction with respect to the frame upon being pressed against an outer surface of the pipe body through pressing force acting from the frame towards the pipe body.

According to this arrangement, the pipe body and the frame may be integrated through the wedge bodies that are pressed against the outer surface of the pipe body. Moreover, movements of the pipe body in the pipe axial direction owing to non-averaged force may be blocked through the wedge actions of the wedge bodies. With this arrangement, it is possible to comprise a firm protection work.

It was accordingly possible to provide a supporting device for non-averaged force in a pipeline with which it is possible to support non-averaged force in a pipeline and to achieve protection.

Further characteristic components of the supporting device for non-averaged force according to the present invention are:a frame, which is fixed to a supporting portion, anda fixing mechanism, which serves to fix pipe bodies to the frame,wherein the fixing mechanism is arranged in that the frame is provided with an edge portion for receiving an outer surface of the pipe body from one side in a radial direction of the pipe body by pinching the pipe body, and in that a wedge body is provided that is capable of blocking movements of the pipe body in a pipe axial direction with respect to the frame by being pressed against an outer surface of the pipe body from the other side in the radial direction of the pipe body through pressing force acting from the frame towards the pipe body.

According to this arrangement, the pipe body and the frame may be integrated through the edge portion and the wedge body that is pressed against the outer surface of the pipe body. Moreover, movements of the pipe body in the pipe axial direction owing to non-averaged force may be blocked through the wedge actions of the wedge body and the cutting-in actions of the edge portion with respect to the outer surface of the pipe body. With this arrangement, it is possible to comprise a firm protection work.

It was accordingly possible to provide a supporting device for non-averaged force in a pipeline with which it is possible to support non-averaged force in a pipeline and to achieve protection.

It is preferable to dispose a plurality of wedge bodies at specified intervals in the pipe axial direction and to set a posture of the respective wedge bodies such that directions of wedge actions of one pair of wedge bodies adjoining in the pipe axial direction are opposite to each other in the pipe axial direction.

According to this arrangement, either of the wedge bodies may act in case the pipe body tries to move in any one of the pipe axial directions whereby it is possible to block movements of the pipe body and to receive non-averaged force. It is accordingly possible to comprise a firm protection work and is thus comfortable.

Still further characteristic components of the supporting device for non-averaged force according to the present invention are:a frame, which is fixed to a supporting portion, anda fixing mechanism, which serves to fix a pipe body to the frame,wherein the fixing mechanism is arranged in that male screw members are provided that are capable of blocking movements of the pipe body in a pipe axial direction by pressing an outer surface of the pipe body at their tip end portions in a condition in which they are screwed into female screw portions formed in the frame.

According to this arrangement, the pipe body and the frame may be integrated through the male screw members that are pressed against the outer surface of the pipe body. It is possible to block movements of the pipe body in the pipe axial direction owing to non-averaged force through pressing force of the male screw members. It is accordingly possible to comprise a firm protection work.

It was accordingly possible to provide a supporting device for non-averaged force in a pipeline with which it is possible to support non-averaged force in a pipeline and to achieve protection.

Still further characteristic components of the supporting device for non-averaged force according to the present invention are:a frame, which is fixed to a supporting portion, anda fixing mechanism, which serves to fix a pipe body to the frame,wherein the fixing mechanism is arranged in that the frame is provided with edge portions for receiving an outer surface of pipe body from one side in a radial direction of the pipe body by pinching the pipe body, and in that male screw members are provided that are capable of blocking movements of the pipe body in a pipe axial direction with respect to the frame by pressing an outer surface of the pipe body with their tip end portions in a condition in which they are screwed into female screw portions formed in the frame.

According to this arrangement, the pipe body and the frame may be integrated through the edge portions and the male screw members that are pressed against the outer surface of the pipe body. Moreover, it is possible to block movements of the pipe body in the pipe axial direction owing to non-averaged force through the pressing actions of the male screw members and the cutting-in actions of the edges with respect to the outer surface of the pipe body. With this arrangement, it is possible to comprise a firm protection work.

It was accordingly possible to provide a supporting device for non-averaged force in a pipeline with which it is possible to support non-averaged force in a pipeline and to achieve protection.

It is preferable that the tip end portions of the male screw members are indented.

According to this arrangement of indenting the tip end portions of the male screw members, the tip end portions of the male screw members can easily cut into the outer surface of the pipe body and is thus comfortable.

Still further characteristic components of the supporting device for non-averaged force according to the present invention are:a frame, which is fixed to a supporting portion, anda fixing mechanism, which serves to fix a pipe body to the frame,wherein the fixing mechanism is arranged in that a movement blocking body is provided that is capable of blocking movements of the pipe bodies in a pipe axial direction by being pressed against an outer surface of the pipe body through pressing force acting from the frame towards the pipe body,

the movement blocking body being comprised with a pair of edge portions that are pressed against the outer surface of the pipe body and that are provided in a condition in which they are located at a specified interval in the pipe axial direction.

According to this arrangement, the pipe body and the frame may be integrated through the movement blocking body that is pressed against the outer surface of the pipe body.

Since the movement blocking body is comprised with a pair of edge portions that are pressed against an outer surface of the pipe body and that are provided in a condition in which they are located at a specified interval in the pipe axial direction, movements of the pipe body in the pipe axial direction owing to non-averaged force may be blocked through the cutting-in actions of either one edge portion with respect to the pipe body even when the pipe body tries to move in any one direction in the pipe axial directions. With this arrangement, it is possible to block movements of the pipe body and to receive non-averaged force. It is accordingly possible to comprise a firm protection work.

It was accordingly possible to provide a supporting device for non-averaged force in a pipeline with which it is possible to support non-averaged force in a pipeline and to achieve protection.

Still further characteristic components of the supporting device for non-averaged force according to the present invention are:a frame, which is fixed to a supporting portion, anda fixing mechanism, which serves to fix a pipe body to the frame,wherein the fixing mechanism is arranged in that the frame is provided with a first receiving portion provided with an edge portion for receiving an outer surface of the pipe body from one side in a radial direction of the pipe body by pinching the pipe body, and in that a second receiving portion, which is provided with an edge portion for receiving an outer surface of the pipe body from the other side in the radial direction of the pipe body, is provided to be freely coupled to and released from the coupling with respect to the first receiving portion.

According to this arrangement, the first receiving portion and the second receiving portion are linked in a condition in which the first receiving portion and the second receiving portion provided at the frame pinch the pipe body between.

As a result, the edge portion of the first receiving portion and the edge portions of the second receiving portion act to cut into the pipe body so as to block movements of the pipe body and to receive the non-averaged force. With this arrangement, it is possible to comprise a firm protection work.

It was accordingly possible to provide a supporting device for non-averaged force in a pipeline with which it is possible to support non-averaged force in a pipeline and to achieve protection.

It is preferable that the edge portion is set in a posture in which it is in line with a peripheral direction of the first receiving portion or the second receiving portion, and that a plurality thereof is disposed at specified intervals in the peripheral and an axial core direction of the first receiving portion or the second receiving portion.

According to this arrangement, since the edge portion is set in a posture in which it is in line with the peripheral direction of the first receiving portion or the second receiving portion, and a plurality thereof is disposed at specified intervals in the peripheral and the axial core direction of the first receiving portion or the second receiving portion, forming of the edge portions will not be troublesome, and it is moreover possible to prevent cases in which the edge portions cut into only a part of the pipe body or in which the edge portions cut into some part of the pipe body at a force weaker than a specified force. It is also possible to effectively prevent movements of the pipe body in the axial core direction.

It was accordingly possible to provide a supporting device for non-averaged force in a pipeline with which it is possible to more reliably support non-averaged force in a pipeline and to achieve protection.

It is preferable that the edge portion is set in a posture in which it is in line with a peripheral direction of the first receiving portion or the second receiving portions, and that a plurality thereof is disposed at specified intervals in an axial core direction of the first receiving portion or the second receiving portion.

According to this arrangement, since the edge portion is set in a posture in which it is in line with the peripheral direction of the first receiving portion or the second receiving portion, and a plurality thereof is disposed at specified intervals in the axial core direction of the first receiving portion or the second receiving portion, forming of the edge portions will not be troublesome, and it is moreover possible to prevent cases in which the edge portions cut into only a part of the pipe bodies or in which the edge portions cut into some part of the pipe body at a force weaker than a specified force. It is also possible to effectively prevent movements of the pipe body in the axial core direction.

It was accordingly possible to provide a supporting device for non-averaged force in a pipeline with which it is possible to more reliably support non-averaged force in a pipeline and to achieve protection.

It is preferable that the edge portion is set in a posture in which it is inclined with respect to an axial core direction of the first receiving portion or the second receiving portion, and that a plurality thereof is disposed at specified intervals in the peripheral and the axial core direction of the first receiving portion or the second receiving portion.

According to this arrangement, since the edge portion is set in a posture in which it is inclined with respect to the peripheral direction of the first receiving portion or the second receiving portion, and a plurality thereof is disposed at specified intervals in the peripheral and the axial core direction of the first receiving portion or the second receiving portion, it will be easier to block movements of the pipe body in the axial core direction, and it is moreover possible to prevent cases in which the edge portions cut into only a part of the pipe body or in which the edge portions cut into some part of the pipe body at a force weaker than a specified force. It is also possible to effectively prevent rotation of the pipe body about the axial core.

It was accordingly possible to provide a supporting device for non-averaged force in a pipeline with which it is possible to more reliably support non-averaged force in a pipeline and to achieve protection.

It is alternatively possible that the edge portions of a posture that is in line with the peripheral direction of the first receiving portion or the second receiving portion and the edge portions of a posture that is inclined with respect to the axial core direction of the first receiving portion or the second receiving portion are mixed.

According to this arrangement, since both of the edge portions of a posture that is in line with the peripheral direction of the first receiving portion or the second receiving portion and the edge portions of a posture that is inclined with respect to the axial core direction of the first receiving portion or the second receiving portion are mixed, it will be easier to block movements of the pipe body in the axial core direction, and it is moreover possible to prevent cases in which the edge portions cut into only a part of the pipe body or in which the edge portions cut into some part of the pipe body at a force weaker than a specified force. It is also possible to effectively prevent rotation of the pipe body about the axial core.

It was accordingly possible to provide a supporting device for non-averaged force in a pipeline with which it is possible to more reliably support non-averaged force in a pipeline and to achieve protection.

Still further characteristic components of the supporting device for non-averaged force according to the present invention are:a frame, which is fixed to a supporting portion, anda fixing mechanism, which serves to fix a pipe body to the frame,wherein the fixing mechanism is arranged in that a movement blocking body is provided that is capable of blocking movements of the pipe body in a pipe axial direction upon being pressed against an outer surface of the pipe body through pressing force acting from the frame towards the pipe body,the movement blocking body being arranged in that three or more edge portions, which are pressed against the outer surface of the pipe body, are provided on a blocking main body portion in a condition in which they are located at specified intervals in the pipe axial direction, or alternatively, one edge portion, which is pressed against the outer surface of the pipe body, is provided on the blocking main body portion.

According to this arrangement, the pipe body and the frame may be integrated through the movement blocking body that is pressed against the outer surface of the pipe body.

Since the movement blocking body is arranged in that three or more edge portions, which are pressed against the outer surface of the pipe body, are provided on a blocking main body portion in a condition in which they are located at specified intervals in the pipe axial direction, or alternatively, one edge portion, which is pressed against the outer surface of the pipe body, is provided on the blocking main body portion, movements of the pipe body in the pipe axial direction owing to non-averaged force may be blocked through the cutting-in actions of the edge portions with respect to the pipe bodies even when the pipe body tries to move in any one direction in the pipe axial direction, and it is thus possible to block movements of the pipe body and to receive non-averaged force. It is accordingly possible to comprise a firm protection work.

It was accordingly possible to provide a supporting device for non-averaged force in a pipeline with which it is possible to support non-averaged force in a pipeline and to achieve protection.

Still further characteristic components of the supporting device for non-averaged force according to the present invention are:a ring body, which encloses a pipe body,a plurality of pressing portions, which press the pipe body from outside in a radial direction while being dispersed in a peripheral direction of the ring body,a frame, which is provided as a separate body than the ring body and is fixed to a fixing portion, anda supporting portion, which is provided at the frame for supporting the ring body.

According to this arrangement, the ring body may be integrated to the pipe body upon pressing the pipe body from outside in a radial direction by means of the plurality of pressing portions of the ring body while the ring body may be supported through the supporting portion provided at the frame that is fixed to the fixing portion.

With this arrangement, it is possible to block movements of the pipe body in a pipe axial direction owing to non-averaged force and to comprise a firm protection work.

In an arrangement in which the ring body is integrally formed with the frame body and the integral body is to be formed through casting or similar methods, the mold will be of complicated shape so that manufacture thereof will be troublesome, whereas the present arrangement is such that the ring body is provided separate from the frame so that the mold may be of simple shape to enable easy manufacture (even if manufacture is performed through methods other than casting, it is possible to perform easy manufacture similar to the above case when employing the above arrangement).

It was accordingly possible to provide a supporting device for non-averaged force in a pipeline with which it is possible to support non-averaged force in a pipeline and to achieve protection while manufacture thereof may be performed in an easy and less costly manner.

It is preferable that a belt body for fastening the pipe body is provided and that the frame, which is formed to be separate from the belt body and which is fixed to a fixing portion, is provided with a supporting portion for supporting the belt body.

According to this arrangement, the belt body may be integrated with the pipe bodies upon fastening the pipe body through the belt body and the belt body is supported by the supporting portion provided at the frame that is fixed to the fixing portion.

With this arrangement, movements of the pipe body in the pipe axial direction owing to non-averaged force may be blocked, and it is possible to comprise a firm protection work.

In an arrangement in which the belt body is integrally formed with the frame body and the integral body is to be formed through casting or similar methods, the mold will be of complicated shape so that manufacture thereof will be troublesome, whereas the present arrangement is such that the belt body is provided separate from the frame so that the mold may be of simple shape to enable easy manufacture (even if manufacture is performed through methods other than casting, it is possible to perform easy manufacture similar to the above case when employing this arrangement).

It was accordingly possible to provide a supporting device for non-averaged force in a pipeline with which it is possible to support non-averaged force in a pipeline and to achieve protection while manufacture may be performed in an easy and less costly manner.

It is preferable that the supporting portion is arranged in that a concave portion for receiving and accumulating a portion of the ring body portion or a portion of the belt body is provided at the frame.

According to this arrangement, the supporting portion is arranged in that a concave portion for receiving and accumulating a portion of the ring body portion or a portion of the belt body is provided at the frame so that operations for supporting the portion of the ring body portion or the portion of the belt body at the concave portion (that is, for accumulating the portion of the ring body portion or the portion of the belt body into the concave portion) may be easily performed.

It is preferable that the frame is arranged by mutually coupling a pair of separated frames made of an angle member disposed in a condition in which they are aligned in the pipe axial direction of the pipe body, and that the supporting portion is arranged in that a first restricting portion for receiving and restricting the ring body in vertical directions, a second restricting portion for receiving and restricting the same from outside in lateral directions, and a third restricting portion for receiving and restricting the same in the axial core direction of the pipe body are provided at the respective separated frames.

With this arrangement, the ring body may be integrated with the pipe body upon pressing the pipe body from outside in the radial direction by means of the plurality of pressing portions of the ring body while the ring body is supported by the supporting portion provided at the frame that is fixed at the fixing portion.

That is, the ring body is received and restricted in vertical directions by the first restricting portion, received and restricted from outside in lateral directions by the second restricting portion, and received and restricted in the axial core direction of the pipe body by the third restricting means that are provided at the respective separated frames. The pair of separated frames is then coupled with each other.

With this arrangement, movements of the pipe body in the pipe axial direction owing to non-averaged force may be blocked, and it is possible to comprise a firm protection work.

In an arrangement in which the ring body is integrally formed with the frame body and the integral body is to be formed through casting or similar methods, the mold will be of complicated shape so that manufacture thereof will be troublesome, whereas the present arrangement is such that the ring body is provided separate from the frames and that the frames are formed by using an angle member so that the ring body and the frames may be easily manufactured.

In case the frames are formed of an angle member, the frames may be easily manufactured on-site while the height of the supporting portion may also be easily set to meet the height of the pipe body at the site.

It was accordingly possible to provide a supporting device for non-averaged force in a pipeline with which it is possible to support non-averaged force in a pipeline and to achieve protection manufacture may be performed in an easy and less costly manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be explained with reference to the drawings.

First Embodiment

A pipeline2comprised of pipe bodies3provided with joint portions4is disposed within a utility tunnel as illustrated inFIG. 46. The pipe bodies3are supported by the supporting device for non-averaged force in a pipeline according to the present embodiment.

The supporting device for non-averaged force in a pipeline will now be explained. As illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 4, the supporting device for non-averaged force in a pipeline is comprised by providing a frame11made of cast iron that is fixed onto a base concrete12of a utility tunnel (which comprises a supporting portion) and a fixing mechanism23for fixing a pipe body3to the frame11.

The fixing mechanism23is provided with metallic wedge bodies20which are capable of blocking movements of the pipe body3with respect to the frame11in the pipe axial direction when being pressed against an outer surface of the pipe body3through pressuring force acting from the frame11onto the pipe body3.

The frame11is comprised by integrally forming a plate-like mounting seat portion14, a pipe supporting portion15rising up from the mounting seat portion14, and a rib16that is in line with the pipe axial direction. A round hole portion17for piercing the pipe bodies3through is formed through the pipe supporting portion15.

<Structure of the Fixing Mechanism23>

The fixing mechanism23will be further explained in details. A plurality of wedge body accumulating portions18A,18B are integrally formed at peripheries of hole portions17on both end portion sides of the pipe supporting portion15in the pipe axial direction. Each of the wedge body accumulating portions18A,18B is formed to project from the pipe supporting portion15in the pipe axial direction, and wedge body accumulating concave portions19facing the outer surface of the pipe body3are formed in the interior thereof as illustrated inFIG. 2.

The wedge bodies20are accumulated in the respective wedge body accumulating concave portions19. That is, a plurality of the wedge bodies20are disposed at specified intervals in the pipe axial direction and the posture of the respective wedge bodies20is set such that directions of wedge actions of one pair of wedge bodies20adjoining in the pipe axial direction are directed in opposite directions with respect to each other in the pipe axial direction.

The wedge bodies20are pressed against tip end portions of pressing bolts21screwed into wall portions of the wedge body accumulating portions18A,18B. One surface of each wedge body20contacts an outer surface of the pipe body3. The pressing bolts21are inclined with respect to the pipe body3to correspond to the shape of the wedge bodies20.

Reference numerals22inFIG. 2denote caulking materials for filling clearances between the outer surface of the wedge body accumulating portions18A,18B and the outer surface of the pipe body3and thus achieving anti-corrosive effects.

The fixing mechanism23is arranged in this manner.

When the pipe body3is to be supported inside of the utility tunnel by the supporting device according to this embodiment, the frame11is fixed on a specified position of the base concrete12by using anchor bolts (reference numerals13denote anchor bolt piercing holes), and the pipeline2is laid in a condition in which the pipe body3is pierced through the hole portion17of the pipe supporting portion15of the frame11.

The pipe supporting portion15may be of a two-split arrangement in the radial direction of the hole portion17. In this case, construction is performed by first laying the pipeline2and then covering the upper half of the pipe supporting portion15onto the pipe body3.

Prior to piercing the pipe body3into the hole portion17, the wedge bodies20are preliminarily accumulated into the accumulating portions18A,18B and are temporarily fastened by using suitable means.

Thereafter, the pressing bolts21are operated in a rotating manner for pressing the wedge bodies20through the pressing bolts21whereupon the wedge bodies20will be pinched between the pressing bolts21and the pipe body3in a pressed condition.

That is, the wedge bodies20will be pinched between the frame11and the pipe body3through the wedge body accumulating portions18A,18B and the pipe supporting portion15in a pressed condition.

In case the non-averaged force becomes larger in the above supporting device, the pipe body3will act to slip off from the joint portion4whereupon the pipe body3tries to move in the pipe axial direction with respect to the frame11.

However, since the wedge bodies20are set in that the posture of the wedge bodies20is arranged in a condition in which the directions of wedge actions of one pair of wedge bodies20adjoining in the pipe axial direction will be opposite with respect to each other in the pipe axial direction, either one of the wedge bodies20will act even if the pipe body3tries to move in either direction.

It is accordingly possible to block such movements of the pipe body3and to receive non-averaged force.

Second Embodiment

The supporting device for non-averaged force in a pipeline according to this embodiment differs from the supporting device of the above first embodiment in the arrangement of the fixing mechanism (and the same applies also for the third embodiment, the fourth embodiment, the fifth embodiment and the sixth embodiment that will be described later). The different arrangement will now be explained.

As illustrated inFIGS. 5 to 7, the pipe supporting portion15of the frame11is two-split in the radial direction of the hole portion17and the pair of separated pipe supporting portions15A,15B are coupled together by means of coupling bolts25.

The fixing mechanism23is arranged in that a plurality of edge portion24for receiving an outer surface of the pipe body3from one side in the radial direction of the pipe body3while pinching the pipe body3is formed on an inner peripheral portion of the hole portion17of the lower separated pipe supporting portion15B at specified intervals in the peripheral direction. The edge portions24are set in a posture in which they are in line with the peripheral direction of the hole portion17.

The upper separated pipe supporting portion15A is provided with wedge bodies20. The wedge bodies20and their peripheral arrangements being identical to the arrangements of those of the first embodiment, explanations thereof will be omitted.

According to this arrangement, the pipe body3and the frame11will be integrated through the edge portions24and the wedge bodies20that are pressed against the outer surface of the pipe body3. Moreover, movements of the pipe body3in the pipe axial direction owing to non-averaged force may be blocked by the wedge actions of the wedge bodies20and the cutting-in actions of the edge portions24with respect to the outer surface of the pipe body3. With this arrangement, it is possible to obtain a firm protection work.

While the wedge bodies20of the second embodiment are pressed by tip end portions of pressing bolts21screwed into wall portions of the wedge body accumulating portions18A,18B, the following alternative arrangement may also be employed.

The wedge bodies20are pressed against an inner peripheral surface of wedge body accumulating concave portions19(reference should be made toFIG. 2) without providing pressing bolts21. In this case, pressing force acting on the wedge bodies20is generated through tightening force of the coupling bolts25with respect to the pair of separated pipe supporting portions15A,15B.

Third Embodiment

This embodiment is arranged in that the pipe supporting portion15of the frame11is two-split in the radial direction of the hole portion17as illustrated inFIGS. 8 to 11whereupon the pair of separated pipe supporting portions15A,15B are coupled with respect to each other through coupling bolts25.

The fixing mechanism23is arranged in that a plurality of male screw members26, which are capable of blocking movements of the pipe body3in the pipe axial direction with respect to the frame11in a condition in which they press the outer surface of the pipe body3at their tip end portions while being screwed into a plurality of female screw portions formed in the separated pipe supporting portions15A,15B, are provided to be dispersed in the peripheral direction while being aligned in rows of two in the pipe axial direction. The male screw members26are indented at their tip end portions so that they may easily cut into the outer surface of the pipe body3.

According to this arrangement, the pipe body3and the frame11are integrated through the male screw members26that are pressed against the outer surface of the pipe body3. Movements of the pipe body3with respect to the pipe axial direction owing to non-averaged force may be reliably blocked through the pressing force of the male screw members26. It is accordingly possible to obtain a firm protection work.

While the pipe supporting portion15of the frame11has been arranged to be of a two-split structure in the radial direction of the hole portion17in the third embodiment, it is alternatively possible to arrange the same of an integral structure without splitting the same into two.

Fourth Embodiment

This embodiment is arranged in that the pipe supporting portion15of the frame11is two-split in the radial direction of the hole portion17as illustrated inFIGS. 12 to 16whereupon the pair of separated pipe supporting portions15A,15B are coupled with respect to each other through coupling bolts25.

The fixing mechanism23is arranged in that a plurality of edge portions24for receiving the outer surface of the pipe body3from one side in the radial direction (downward side) of the pipe body3by pinching the pipe body3are formed on the inner peripheral portion of the hole portion17of the lower separated pipe supporting portion15B at specified intervals in the peripheral direction. The edge portions24are set in a posture in which they are in line with the peripheral direction of the pipe body3.

The upper separated pipe supporting portion15A is provided with male screw members26of the third embodiment. The male screw members26and their peripheral arrangements being identical to the arrangements of those of the third embodiment, explanations thereof will be omitted.

According to this arrangement, the pipe body3and the frame11are integrated through the edge portions24and the male screw members26that are pressed against the outer surface of the pipe body3. Moreover, movements of the pipe body3with respect to the pipe axial direction owing to non-averaged force may be reliably blocked through the pressing actions of the male screw members26and the cutting-in actions of the edge portions24with respect to the outer surface of the pipe body3. It is accordingly possible to obtain a firm protection work.

Fifth Embodiment

As illustrated inFIG. 17(a), the fixing mechanism23of this embodiment is arranged in that a movement blocking body27is provided that is capable of blocking movements of the pipe body3in the pipe axial direction with respect to the frame11when being pressed against the outer surface of the pipe body3through pressing force of a pressing screw26acting from the frame11towards the pipe body3. The movement blocking body27is comprised with a pair of edge portions29that are pressed against the outer surface of the pipe body3when being located at specified intervals in the pipe axial direction.

According to this arrangement, the pipe body3and the frame11may be integrated through the movement blocking body27that is pressed against the outer surface of the pipe body3.

Since the movement blocking body27is comprised with a pair of edge portions29that are pressed against the outer surface of the pipe body3when being located at specified intervals in the pipe axial direction, either one edge portion29will act even when the pipe body3tries to move in either direction of the pipe axial direction (reference should be made toFIG. 17(b)), so that movements of the pipe body3may be accordingly blocked to receive the non-averaged force.

Sixth Embodiment

As illustrated inFIG. 18, the fixing mechanism23of this embodiment is arranged in that a movement blocking body27is provided that is capable of blocking movements of the pipe body3in the pipe axial direction with respect to the frame11when being pressed against the outer surface of the pipe body3through pressing force of a pair of pressing screws26acting from the frame11towards the pipe body3. The movement blocking body27is comprised with a pair of edge portions29that are pressed against the outer surface of the pipe body3when being located at specified intervals in the pipe axial direction.

The pair of pressing edges26is set in an inclined posture in which they come closer in approaching tip end sides of the bolts in the pipe axial direction.

According to this arrangement, the pipe body3and the frame11may be integrated through the movement blocking body27that is pressed against the outer surface of the pipe body3.

Since the movement blocking body27is comprised with a pair of edge portions29that are pressed against the outer surface of the pipe body3when being located at specified intervals in the pipe axial direction, either one edge portion29will act even when the pipe body3tries to move in either direction of the pipe axial direction so that movements of the pipe body3may be accordingly blocked to receive the non-averaged force.

Modified Examples of the First to Sixth Embodiments

In the arrangement in which the pipe supporting portion15of the frame11is split into two in the radial direction of the hole portion17whereupon the pair of separated pipe supporting portions15A,15B are coupled by coupling bolts25, the direction of two-split is not limited in vertical directions, and it is alternatively possible to split the same into two in lateral directions to obtain a left-sided separated pipe supporting portion and a right-sided separated pipe supporting portion.

Alternatively, the edge portions24of the above second embodiment and the fourth embodiment may be formed on the upper separated pipe supporting portion15A while the wedge bodies20(or the male screw members26in the fourth embodiment) are formed on the lower separated pipe supporting portion15B.

As a modified example of the fifth embodiment, the edge portions24of the second embodiment and the fourth embodiment may be formed on either one of the separated pipe supporting portions (which reference numeral is15A or15B in the second and fourth embodiments) while the movement blocking body27and the pressing screw26are formed on the other separated pipe supporting portion to comprise the fixing mechanism23.

Seventh Embodiment

The supporting device for non-averaged force in a pipeline according to still another embodiment will now be explained.

As illustrated inFIGS. 19 and 20, this supporting device for non-averaged force in a pipeline is comprised by providing a frame11made of cast iron that is fixed onto a base concrete12of a utility tunnel (which comprises a supporting portion) and a fixing mechanism23for fixing the pipe body3to the frame11.

The fixing mechanism23is arranged in that the frame11is integrally provided with an arc-like first receiving portion41provided with a plurality of edge portions44for receiving the outer surface of pipe body3from one side (downward side) in the radial direction of the pipe body3by pinching the pipe body3, and in that an arc-like second receiving portion42, which is provided with a plurality of edge portions44for receiving the outer surface of the pipe body3from the other side (upward side) in the radial direction of the pipe body3, is provided to be freely coupled to and released from the coupling with respect to the first receiving portion.

The coupling structure between the second receiving portion42and the first receiving portion41is arranged as a bolt coupling mechanism in which bolt piercing holes are formed on a flange41A provided at the first receiving portion41and a flange42A provided at the second receiving portion42wherein bolts25are pierced through these bolt piercing holes whereupon nuts46are screwed to the bolts25.

The frame11is comprised of a plate-like mounting seat portion14, a pipe supporting portion15rising up from the mounting seat portion14and a rib16that is in line with the pipe axial direction.

As illustrated inFIGS. 21 and 22, for setting a pattern for disposing the plurality of edge portions44, a plurality of edge portions44of a posture that are in line with the peripheral direction of the first receiving portion41or the second receiving portion42is disposed at specified intervals in the peripheral and the axial core direction of the first receiving portion41or the second receiving portion42.

According to this arrangement, when the pipe body3is pinched by the arc-like first receiving portion41and the arc-like second receiving portion42provided at the frame11and the bolt coupling mechanism is tightened in this condition, the plurality of edge portions44of the first receiving portion41and the plurality of edge portions44of the second receiving portion42act to cut into the pipe body3. With this arrangement, movements of the pipe body3may be blocked for receiving the non-averaged force. It is accordingly possible to obtain a firm protection work.

For example, in case the flange41A on the first receiving portion41side and the flange42A on the second receiving portion42side would be abutting in a condition in which the bolt coupling mechanism is tightened, a drawback will be caused in that cutting-in actions of the plurality of edge portions44of the first receiving portion41and the plurality of edge portions44of the second receiving portion42into the pipe body3will become difficult. However, since a clearance is formed between the flange41A on the first receiving portion41side and the flange42A on the second receiving portion42side when the bolt coupling mechanism is tightened, such drawbacks may be eliminated.

Modified Example of the Seventh Embodiment

The plurality of edge portions44of a posture that is in line with the peripheral direction of the first receiving portion41or the second receiving portion42may alternatively be disposed in a staggered arrangement as illustrated inFIGS. 23(a) and (b).

As illustrated inFIGS. 22(a) and (b), the plurality of edge portions44of a posture that is inclined with respect to the axial core direction of the first receiving portion41or the second receiving portion42may alternatively be disposed at specified intervals in the peripheral and axial core direction of the first receiving portion or the second receiving portion.

Though not illustrated in the drawings, edge portions44of a posture that are in line with the peripheral direction of the first receiving portion41or the second receiving portion42and edge portions44of a posture that are inclined with respect to the axial core direction of the first receiving portion41or the second receiving portion42may be mixed in setting a pattern for disposing the plurality of edge portions44.

Eighth Embodiment

The “supporting device for non-averaged force in a pipeline” of the present embodiment differs from the supporting device of the seventh embodiment in the arrangement of the fixing mechanism23while the remaining arrangements are substantially identical to those of the supporting device of the seventh embodiment. The structure of the fixing mechanism23of the eighth embodiment will now be explained.

<Structure of the Fixing Mechanism>

As illustrated inFIGS. 25 to 27, an arc-like first receiving portion41provided with a plurality of edge portions44for receiving the outer surface of the pipe body3from one side (downward side) in the radial direction of the pipe body3upon pinching the pipe body3is formed integrally with the frame11whereas the arc-like second receiving portion42for receiving the outer surface of the pipe body3from the other side (upward side) of the radial direction of the pipe body3is provided to be freely coupled to and released from the coupling with the first receiving portion41(the coupling structure of the second receiving portion42and the first receiving portion41is identical to that of the seventh embodiment).

A plurality of pressing screws36that is screwed into a plurality of female screw portions formed in the second receiving portion42to be dispersed in the peripheral direction is provided in addition to movement blocking bodies47capable of blocking movements of the pipe body3in the pipe axial direction with respect to the frame11upon being pressed against the outer surface of the pipe body3through the pressing force of the pressing screws36. Each movement blocking body47is arranged in that one edge portion29that is pressed against the outer surface of the pipe body3is provided on one end side of a blocking main body portion30in the pipe axial direction.

According to this arrangement, the pipe body3and the frame11may be integrated through the movement blocking bodies47that are pressed against the outer surface of the pipe body3.

Since each movement blocking body47is arranged in that one edge portion29that is pressed against the outer surface of the pipe body3is provided on one end side of a blocking main body portion30in the pipe axial direction, the edge portions29will act in a cutting-in manner into the pipe body3even when the pipe body3tries to move in the pipe axial direction (reference should be made toFIG. 28) so as to block movements of the pipe body3and to receive the non-averaged force. It is accordingly possible to obtain a firm protection work.

Modified Example of the Eighth Embodiment

□ Each movement blocking body47may alternatively be arranged in that its edge portion29that is pressed against the outer surface of the pipe body3is provided in a central portion of the blocking main body portion30in the pipe axial direction.

□ As illustrated inFIGS. 31 and 32, each movement blocking body47may alternatively be arranged in that three or more edge portions29that are pressed against the outer surface of the pipe body3are provided on the blocking main body portion30in a condition in which they are located at specified intervals in the pipe axial direction.

□ The first receiving portion41side may be formed with a plurality of pressing screws36in addition to movement blocking bodies47capable of blocking movements of the pipe body3in the pipe axial direction with respect to the frame11upon being pressed against the outer surface of the pipe body3through the pressing force of the pressing screws36whereas the second receiving portion42side is provided with edge portions44.

□ A plurality of pressing screws36may be provided on the first receiving portion41side and the second receiving portion42side in addition to movement blocking bodies47capable of blocking movements of the pipe body3in the pipe axial direction with respect to the frame11upon being pressed against the outer surface of the pipe body3through the pressing force of the pressing screws36. In this case, the first receiving portion41and the second receiving portion42may alternatively be integrally formed.

Ninth Embodiment

Still another embodiment will now be explained.

The supporting device for non-averaged force in a pipeline according to this embodiment is arranged, as illustrated inFIGS. 33 to 36, in that a plurality of pressing portions54for pressing the pipe body3from outside in the radial direction are formed on a ring body53of two-split structure enclosing the pipe body3to be dispersed in the peripheral direction of the ring body53. The frame11made of cast iron that is fixed to the base concrete12of the utility tunnel (which corresponds to the fixing portion) through bolts is provided with a supporting portion for supporting the ring body53. Flange portions31are provided on both arc-like separated ring bodies wherein the flange portions31are coupled through bolt mechanisms43.

Each pressing portion54is arranged in that a plurality of female screw portions are formed on the ring body53in rows of two and in a radial manner while being dispersed in the peripheral direction of the ring body53, and pressing bolts56are provided for pressing the pipe body3at their tip end portions in a condition in which they are screwed into the male screw portions.

The frame11is comprised by integrally forming a plate-like mounting seat portion14, a pipe supporting portion15rising up from the mounting seat portion14, and a rib16that is in line with the pipe axial direction.

A supporting portion for supporting the ring body53is comprised as a semi-arc-like concave portion15for receiving and accumulating the lower separated ring body from among the pair of separated ring bodies (corresponding to the ring body portion) formed on a rising portion14a.

With this arrangement, the ring body53may be integrated with the pipe body3by pressing the pipe body3through the plurality of pressing bolts56of the ring body53from outside in the radial direction thereof while the ring body53is accumulated and supported by the concave portion15formed in the frame11that is fixed to the base concrete12.

It is accordingly possible to block movements of the pipe body3in the pipe axial direction owing to non-averaged force and to obtain a firm protection work.

While the mounting seat portion14of the frame11is mounted to a horizontal mounting surface of the base concrete12in this embodiment, the mounting seat portion14may be mounted to a vertical mounting surface in some cases. In such a case, it is preferable that a ring body receiving bolt52for preventing drop is provided at the rising portion14aof the frame11so as to prevent the ring body53from dropping from the frame11.

Tenth Embodiment

The supporting device for non-averaged force in a pipeline according to this embodiment differs from the supporting device of the above ninth embodiment in the point that a belt body64of two-split structure for tightening the pipe body3is provided instead of the ring body53as illustrated inFIGS. 37 to 40. The structure of the frame11is substantially identical as illustrated inFIGS. 41 and 42.

A semi-arc-like concave portion55for receiving and accumulating the lower separated belt body (corresponding to the belt body portion) from among the pair of separated belt bodies is provided at the rising portion14aof the frame11. Bolt mechanisms43are provided at flange portions31provided at both separated belt bodies64and the pipe body3is tightened by both separated belt bodies64through the bolt mechanisms43.

The pipe body3is formed with a belt winding groove45(reference should be made toFIG. 39) such that movements of the pipe body3in the pipe axial direction may be easily prevented through the belt body64.

Eleventh Embodiment

The supporting device for non-averaged force in a pipeline according to this embodiment differs from the supporting device of the above ninth embodiment in the arrangement of Frame11as illustrated inFIGS. 43 to 45. The structure of the ring body53is substantially identical (explanations related to the structure of the ring body53will be omitted).

The frame11is comprised by coupling a pair of separated frames11A,11B that are disposed in a condition in which they are aligned in the pipe axial direction of the pipe body3through a steel plate34for coupling.

The separated frames11A,11B are arranged in that a plurality of angle members are welded and fastened in a frame-like manner to a bottom plate40with respect to the base concrete12of the utility tunnel whereupon a first restricting portion32for receiving and restricting the ring body53in vertical directions, a second restricting portion33for receiving and restricting right and left flange portions31provided on the ring body53from outside in lateral directions (outside from the right and left), and a third restricting portion35for receiving and restricting the ring body53in the axial core direction of the pipe body are provided at the respective separated frames11A,11B.

Upon restring the ring body53through the first, second and third restricting portions32,33,35of both separated frames11A,11B, both separated frames11A,11B are coupled by the steel plate34for coupling. The steel plate34for coupling is welded and fastened to both separated frames11A,11B.

Modified Examples of the Ninth and Tenth Embodiment

Though not illustrated in the drawings, the present invention is also applicable to a supporting device for non-averaged force in pipelines of the following types.

□ A supporting device for non-averaged force in which wedge bodies, which are capable of preventing movements of the pipe body3in the pipe axial direction with respect to the frame11when being pressed against the outer surface of the pipe body3through pressing force acting on the pipe body3are provided on the ring body53. In this arrangement, the wedge bodies correspond to the pressing portions.

□ A supporting device for non-averaged force in which a first receiving portion provided with edge portions for receiving the outer surface of the pipe body3from one side in the radial direction of the pipe body3upon pinching the pipe body3is provided at the frame11whereas a second receiving portion provided with edge portions (or pressing portions54of the ninth embodiment or the wedge bodies of above □) for receiving the outer surface of the pipe body3from the other side in the radial direction of the pipe body3is provided as a separate body than the frame11and to be coupled to and released from the coupling with the first receiving portion.

In this arrangement, the edge portions correspond to the pressing portions while the first receiving portion and the second receiving portion in the coupled condition correspond to the ring body.

Other Embodiments

(a) The pipe bodies3are not limited to metallic pipes but may also be resin pipes.

(b) The pipe bodies3may be a pipe body through which either one of gas, liquid or a mixture of gas and liquid communicate.

(c) While the pipe bodies3have been supported by the base concrete12through the supporting device according to the present invention, the present invention is also applicable in case the pipe bodies3are to be supported on side walls or to be supported on ceiling walls through the supporting device.

(d) The mounting seat portion14may be of warped shaped (in such a case, the mounting seat portion14may be outwardly fitted to a round pipe or similar).

(e) The number of wedge bodies20or that of the male screw members is not limited to the number according to the above embodiments.

(f) While only a single row of edge portions24is provided in the pipe axial direction in the above embodiments, a plurality of (e.g. two) rows of edge portions may be provided in the pipe axial direction at specified intervals.