Pipe positioning device and pipe positioning method

Abstract

To provide a pipe positioning device capable of easily positioning an insertion port of a pipe and a socket of a pipe to be joined so that they can be joined to each other, without hanging the pipe.SOLUTION: A pipe positioning device 1 has: a pipe to be joined mounting part 10 that is attached to a socket W2a side of a pipe to be joined W2; and a pipe installation part 20 that is integrally connected to the pipe to be joined mounting part 10, and on which an insertion port W1a side of a pipe W1 is installed so as to position an axial line L1 of the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1 relative to an axial line L2 of the socket W2a side of the pipe to be jointed W2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pipe positioning device and a pipe positioning method for positioning an insertion port of a pipe and a receiving port of a pipe to be joined to the pipe.

Background Art

[0002] In laying work of ductile cast iron pipes (an example of water pipes) having an insertion port and a receiving port, when joining a pipe to a pipe to be joined arranged in a trench in the ground, a pipe positioning operation is performed to position the pipe so that it can be joined to the pipe to be joined. In this pipe positioning operation, first, the operator needs to hang the pipe to be joined to the pipe in the trench. Then, the operator needs to position the axis of the pipe and the axis of the pipe to be joined in the trench so that they can be joined.

[0003] In such a conventional pipe positioning operation, the operator needs to hang the pipe in the trench while checking the position of the pipe with respect to the pipe to be joined in the trench. Also, the operator needs to manually position the pipe and the pipe to be joined in the trench.

[0004] As described above, in the conventional pipe positioning operation, since the work burden on the operator is large and the work needs to be performed in a narrow trench, the workability is not very good.

[0005] On the other hand, when joining the insertion port of the pipe and the receiving port of the pipe to be joined, a device for positioning the insertion port of the pipe and the receiving port of the pipe to be joined is known.

[0006] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a pipe joining attachment having a gripping portion for gripping a pipe and a joined pipe contact portion that is located in the axial direction of the insertion port of the pipe gripped by the gripping portion and contacts the outer peripheral surface of the receiving port side of the joined pipe that is joined to the pipe. By using this pipe joining attachment, with the pipe gripped by the gripping portion, the insertion port of the pipe can be easily positioned with respect to the receiving port of the joined pipe by bringing the joined pipe contact portion into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the receiving port side of the joined pipe.

[0007] For example, Patent Document 2 discloses a pipe positioning device that clamps the receiving port of one pipe and the insertion port of the other pipe and inserts the insertion port into the inside of the receiving port. This pipe positioning device positions the insertion port so that it can be inserted into the inside of the receiving port by clamping the receiving port of the pipe and the insertion port of the pipe from above.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0008]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] By the way, in the pipe joining attachment of Patent Document 1 and the pipe positioning device of Patent Document 2, with the insertion port side of the pipe gripped from above the pipe, the insertion port is positioned with respect to the receiving port of the joined pipe joined to the pipe. For this reason, when the pipe is suspended, a positioning operation is required to align the axis of the insertion port side of the pipe with the axis of the receiving port side of the connected pipe.

[0010] However, in the positioning operation, since it is necessary to perform the operation while suspending the pipe, the positioning of the pipe is not stable, and as a result, an operator may assist the positioning operation in the groove. Therefore, a device that can more easily position the pipe and the pipe to be connected so that they can be joined in a state where the pipe is lowered into the groove is desired.

[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide a pipe positioning device that can easily position the insertion port of the pipe and the receiving port of the pipe to be joined so that they can be joined, instead of in a state where the pipe is suspended.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0012] A pipe positioning device according to an embodiment of the present invention is a device for positioning the insertion port of a pipe having an insertion port and a receiving port and the receiving port of a pipe to be joined to the pipe. This pipe positioning device includes a pipe to be joined mounting portion attached to the receiving port side of the pipe to be joined, and a pipe mounting portion integrally connected to the pipe to be joined mounting portion and on which the insertion port side of the pipe is placed so as to position the axis of the insertion port side of the pipe with respect to the axis of the receiving port side of the pipe to be joined (first configuration).

[0013] In the above configuration, by attaching the pipe to be joined mounting portion to the receiving port side of the pipe to be joined and placing the insertion port side of the pipe on the pipe mounting portion, the axis of the insertion port of the pipe can be positioned with respect to the axis of the receiving port of the pipe to be joined so that the insertion port of the pipe and the receiving port of the pipe to be joined can be joined.

[0014] Therefore, when joining the pipe and the pipe to be joined, the operation of positioning the axis of the insertion port of the pipe with respect to the axis of the receiving port of the pipe to be joined while suspending the pipe becomes unnecessary.

[0015] Thus, it is possible to provide a pipe positioning device that can easily position the insertion port of the pipe and the receiving port of the pipe to be joined so that they can be joined, instead of in a state where the pipe is suspended.

[0016] In the first configuration, the joined pipe mounting portion has a pair of mounting members that sandwich the joined pipe. The pipe placement portion has a pair of positioning members that position the insertion port of the pipe with respect to the receiving port of the joined pipe in a state where the pipe is placed. One of the pair of mounting members is connected to one of the pair of positioning members. The other of the pair of mounting members is connected to the other of the pair of positioning members. The pair of mounting members and the pair of positioning members are configured to be switchable between a closed state in which the pipe can be placed such that the pair of mounting members sandwich the joined pipe and the pair of positioning members position the insertion port of the pipe with respect to the receiving port of the joined pipe, and an open state in which they are separated from the joined pipe and the pipe (second configuration).

[0017] In the above configuration, the pair of mounting members of the joined pipe mounting portion and the pair of positioning members of the pipe placement portion are each connected. Therefore, by switching the pair of mounting members and the pair of positioning members to the closed state, the joined pipe mounting portion can be attached to the joined pipe, and the pipe can be placed in a state where it can be placed on the pipe placement portion.

[0018] As a result, the joined pipe mounting portion can be easily attached to the joined pipe, and the pipe placement portion can be easily changed to a state where the pipe can be placed. Therefore, the joining operation between the insertion port of the pipe and the receiving port of the joined pipe can be performed efficiently.

[0019] In the second configuration, the pair of mounting members are configured to sandwich the joined pipe from above (third configuration).

[0020] As a result, the pair of mounting members can sandwich the joined pipe from above. Therefore, for example, the pair of mounting members can be easily attached to the joined pipe installed in the groove.

[0021] In the third configuration, one of the pair of positioning members is connected to the lower end side of one of the pair of mounting members. The other of the pair of positioning members is connected to the lower end side of the other of the pair of mounting members (fourth configuration).

[0022] Thereby, the pair of positioning members can be switched between an open state and a closed state in conjunction with the pair of mounting members. Therefore, since a driving device or the like for driving the pair of positioning members becomes unnecessary, the pipe positioning device can be miniaturized.

[0023] In the second configuration, the pipe positioning device further has a mounting member driving unit that switches the pair of mounting members between the closed state and the open state (fifth configuration).

[0024] Thereby, the mounting member driving unit can attach the pipe mounting portion to the pipe to be joined or remove the pipe mounting portion from the pipe to be joined. Therefore, the joining operation between the insertion port of the pipe and the receiving port of the pipe to be joined can be efficiently performed.

[0025] In the configuration according to any one of the second to fifth, the pipe placement portion has a pair of guide portions whose lower ends are connected to a pipe contact portion that contacts the pipe among the pair of positioning members and that are configured to be separated from each other as they go upward (sixth configuration).

[0026] Thereby, the pipe can be placed on the pipe placement portion along the guide portion. Therefore, the pipe can be positioned more easily.

[0027] The pipe positioning method according to an embodiment of the present invention is a pipe positioning method for positioning the insertion port of a pipe with respect to the receiving port of a pipe to be joined that is joined to the pipe. The pipe positioning method includes a step of attaching a pipe-to-be-joined mounting portion to the receiving port side of the pipe to be joined, and a pipe placement step of placing the insertion port side of the pipe on a pipe placement portion that is integrally connected to the pipe-to-be-joined mounting portion so as to position the axis on the insertion port side of the pipe with respect to the axis on the receiving port side of the pipe to be joined (first method).

[0028] In the above method, by attaching the pipe-to-be-joined mounting portion to the receiving port side of the pipe to be joined and placing the insertion port side of the pipe on the pipe placement portion, the axis of the insertion port of the pipe can be aligned with the axis of the receiving port of the pipe to be joined so that the insertion port of the pipe and the receiving port of the pipe to be joined can be joined.

[0029] Therefore, when joining the pipe and the pipe to be joined, the operation of positioning the axis of the insertion port of the pipe with respect to the axis of the receiving port of the pipe to be joined while suspending the pipe becomes unnecessary.

[0030] Thus, it is possible to provide a pipe positioning method that can easily position the insertion port of the pipe and the receiving port of the pipe to be joined so that they can be joined, rather than in a state where the pipe is suspended.

[0031] In the first method, in the step of attaching the pipe to be joined, a pair of attachment members in the pipe-to-be-joined attachment portion and a pair of positioning members in the pipe placement portion are brought into a closed state in which the pair of attachment members sandwich the pipe to be joined and the pair of positioning members can place the pipe so as to position the insertion port of the pipe with respect to the receiving port of the pipe to be joined. In the pipe placement step, the pipe is placed on the pair of positioning portions in the closed state (second method).

[0032] In the above method, by bringing the pair of attachment members and the pair of positioning members into a closed state, the pipe-to-be-joined attachment portion can be attached to the pipe to be joined, and the pipe can be placed on the pipe placement portion.

[0033] This enables the easy attachment of the joined pipe attachment portion to the joined pipe, and also enables the easy change of the pipe placement portion to a state where the pipe can be placed thereon. Therefore, the joining operation between the insertion port of the pipe and the receiving port of the joined pipe can be efficiently performed.

[0034] In the second method, in the pipe placement step, with the pipe supported by a support base whose height can be adjusted, the height of the support base is lowered to place the pipe on the pipe placement portion (third method).

[0035] This enables the easy positioning of the insertion port side of the pipe placed on the pipe placement portion by lowering the height of the support base that supports the pipe. Therefore, the joining between the insertion port of the pipe and the receiving port of the joined pipe can be realized with a simple configuration.

[0036] In the third method, in the pipe placement step, by lowering the height of the support base, the pipe is moved along the inner surfaces of a pair of guide portions configured such that the lower end is connected to a pipe contact portion that contacts the pipe among the pair of positioning members and the guide portions separate from each other as they go upward, and the insertion port side of the pipe is placed on the pipe placement portion (fourth method).

[0037] This enables the movement of the pipe along the inner surfaces of the pair of guide portions by lowering the height of the support base, and the insertion port side of the pipe can be placed on the pipe placement portion. Therefore, the pipe can be placed on the pipe placement portion more easily and surely.

Advantages of the Invention

[0038] A pipe positioning device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a joined pipe attachment portion attached to the receiving port side of a joined pipe, and a pipe placement portion integrally connected to the joined pipe attachment portion and on which the insertion port side of the pipe is placed so as to position the axis of the insertion port side of the pipe with respect to the axis of the receiving port side of the joined pipe.

[0039] The pipe positioning device having the above configuration eliminates the need for positioning the axis of the insertion port of the pipe with respect to the axis of the receiving port of the joined pipe when joining the pipe and the joined pipe. Therefore, it is possible to provide a pipe positioning device that can be easily positioned so that the insertion port of the pipe and the receiving port of the joined pipe can be joined.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0040]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] Hereinafter, each embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In each figure, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts, and the description of the same parts will not be repeated. Note that the dimensions of the constituent members in each figure do not faithfully represent the actual dimensions of the constituent members and the dimensional ratios of the constituent members.

[0042] In the following description, the axial direction means the direction in which the axis L2 of the pipe to be joined W2 extends. The left-right direction means the horizontal direction and is perpendicular to the axial direction. The horizontal direction includes not only the strict horizontal direction but also the direction intersecting the vertical direction.

[0043] Also, in the following description, expressions such as "fix", "connect", and "attach" (hereinafter, fix, etc.) include not only the case where members are directly fixed, etc., but also the case where they are fixed, etc. via other members. That is, in the following description, the expression of fix, etc. includes the meaning of direct and indirect fixing, etc. of members to each other.

[0044] [Embodiment 1] (Overall Configuration) FIG. 1 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of a pipe positioning device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a top view showing the schematic configuration of the pipe positioning device 1. FIG. 3 is a view of the pipe positioning device 1 seen axially from the side of the joined pipe W2. FIG. 4 is a view of the pipe placement portion 20 of the pipe positioning device 1 seen axially from the side of the pipe W1.

[0045] The pipe positioning device 1 is a device for positioning the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 so that it can be inserted into the receiving port W2a of the joined pipe W2 for joining. The pipe positioning device 1 is used in a groove in which the pipe W1 and the joined pipe W2 are laid. The pipe positioning device 1 is installed in the groove, for example, by a working machine. The pipe positioning device 1 has a size that can be installed in the groove.

[0046] The pipe W1 and the joined pipe W2 are, for example, water pipes. The pipe W1 and the joined pipe W2 may be pipes other than water pipes, such as sewer pipes, agricultural water pipes, and gas pipes. The pipe W1 and the joined pipe W2 may be ductile iron pipes, other metal pipes, or resin pipes.

[0047] The pipe positioning device 1 holds the axis L1 of the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 in a state where it is positionally adjusted with respect to the axis L2 of the receiving port W2a of the joined pipe W2 so that the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 can be inserted into the receiving port W2a of the joined pipe W2. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the pipe positioning device 1 has a joined pipe attachment portion 10 and a pipe placement portion 20.

[0048] (Joined pipe attachment portion) The joined pipe attachment portion 10 is attached to the receiving port W2a side of the joined pipe W2. Specifically, the joined pipe attachment portion 10 is attached to the receiving port W2a side of the straight pipe portion W2b of the joined pipe W2.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 3, the joined pipe attachment portion 10 includes a pair of attachment members 11 and 12 and an attachment member driving portion 13. The pair of attachment members 11 and 12 are attached to the straight pipe portion W2b of the joined pipe W2 by sandwiching the straight pipe portion W2b of the joined pipe W2 from above. The pair of attachment members 11 and 12 include pipe attachment portions 11a and 12a and driving force input portions 11b and 12b.

[0050] The pipe attachment portions 11a and 12a have a semi-circular shape that follows the outer peripheral surface of the straight pipe portion W2b of the joined pipe W2 when viewed in the axial direction. The pipe attachment portions 11a and 12a are attached to the outer peripheral surface of the straight pipe portion W2b of the joined pipe W2. The driving force input portions 11b and 12b are connected to the pipe attachment portions 11a and 12a so that the driving force input from the attachment member driving portion 13 can switch the pipe attachment portions 11a and 12a between a closed state in which the straight pipe portion W2b of the joined pipe W2 is sandwiched and an open state in which they are separated from the straight pipe portion W2b of the joined pipe W2. In the present embodiment, the driving force input portions 11b and 12b are connected to the upper ends of the pipe attachment portions 11a and 12a. The pair of attachment members 11 and 12 are rotatably connected at the connection portions between the pipe attachment portions 11a and 12a and the driving force input portions 11b and 12b, for example, by a rotating shaft, about an axis extending in the axial direction.

[0051] The attachment member driving portion 13 is provided between the driving force input portions 11b and 12b so as to be able to transmit a driving force to the driving force input portions 11b and 12b. The attachment member driving portion 13 applies a driving force to the driving force input portions 11b and 12b to switch the pipe attachment portions 11a and 12a between the open state and the closed state. In the present embodiment, the attachment member driving portion 13 switches the pipe attachment portions 11a and 12a between the open state and the closed state by expanding and contracting to change the distance between the driving force input portions 11b and 12b. The attachment member driving portion 13 is, for example, a hydraulic cylinder.

[0052] With the above configuration, the pair of mounting members 11 and 12 can be switched between the closed state in which the pipe mounting portions 11a and 12a sandwich the straight pipe portion W2b of the pipe to be joined W2 and the open state in which the pipe mounting portions 11a and 12a are separated from the straight pipe portion W2b of the pipe to be joined W2 by the driving force generated by the mounting member driving portion 13. In the state where the pipe to be joined mounting portion 10 is attached to the straight pipe portion W2b of the pipe to be joined W2, the pair of mounting members 11 and 12 sandwich the straight pipe portion W2b.

[0053] (Pipe placement portion) As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, on the pipe placement portion 20, the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1 is placed. Specifically, on the pipe placement portion 20, the insertion port W1a side of the straight pipe portion W1b of the pipe W1 is placed.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 4, the pipe placement portion 20 has a pair of positioning members 21 and 22. When the straight pipe portion W1b of the pipe W1 is placed, the pair of positioning members 21 and 22 position the straight pipe portion W1b by sandwiching it. The pair of positioning members 21 and 22 have pipe contact portions 21a and 22a and guide portions 21b and 22b.

[0055] The pipe contact portions 21a and 22a have an arc shape along the outer peripheral surface of the straight pipe portion W1b of the pipe W1 when viewed in the axial direction. When the straight pipe portion W1b of the pipe W1 is placed, the pipe contact portions 21a and 22a contact the straight pipe portion W1b to position the straight pipe portion W1b. The pair of positioning members 21 and 22 are configured to position the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 with respect to the receiving port W2a of the pipe to be joined W2 in the state where the pipe W1 is placed by the pipe contact portions 21a and 22a.

[0056] As shown in Fig. 2, the pipe contact portions 21a and 22a are integrally connected to the pipe attachment portions 11a and 12a of the pipe attachment portion 10 of the joint pipe via the connection portions 15 described below, and the axis L1 on the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1 placed on the pipe contact portions 21a and 22a is configured to coincide with the axis L2 on the receiving port W2a side of the joint pipe W2 attached to the joint pipe attachment portion 10. The pipe placement portion 20 having such pipe contact portions 21a and 22a can position the axis L1 on the insertion port W1a side of the placed pipe W1 with respect to the axis L2 on the receiving port W2a side of the joint pipe W2.

[0057] As shown in Fig. 4, the guide portions 21b and 22b are connected to the upper ends of the pipe contact portions 21a and 22a. The guide portions 21b and 22b are formed such that the distance between them increases from the lower end to the upper end when viewed in the axial direction. That is, the guide portions 21b and 22b are configured such that the lower ends are connected to the pipe contact portions 21a and 22a and they separate from each other as they go upward. Thereby, the straight pipe portion W1b of the pipe W1 inserted between the guide portions 21b and 22b can be smoothly guided between the pipe contact portions 21a and 22a.

[0058] (Connection portion) As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the pipe positioning device 1 has connection portions 15 and 16. The joint pipe attachment portion 10 and the pipe placement portion 20 are axially connected by the connection portions 15 and 16.

[0059] The connection portions 15 and 16 connect the pipe contact portions 21a and 22a of the pipe placement portion 20 and the pipe attachment portions 11a and 12a of the joint pipe attachment portion 10 so as to adjust the position of the axis L1 of the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 placed on the pipe placement portion 20 with respect to the axis L2 of the receiving port W2a of the joint pipe W2 to which the joint pipe attachment portion 10 is attached. In the present embodiment, the connection portions 15 and 16 connect the pipe contact portions 21a and 22a of the pipe placement portion 20 and the pipe attachment portions 11a and 12a of the joint pipe attachment portion 10 so that the axis L1 on the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1 placed on the pipe placement portion 20 coincides with the axis L2 on the receiving port W2a side of the joint pipe W2 attached to the joint pipe attachment portion 10.

[0060] Specifically, among the pair of mounting members 11 and 12 in the joined pipe mounting portion 10, one mounting member 11 is axially connected to one positioning member 21 among the pair of positioning members 21 and 22 in the pipe placement portion 20 via the connecting portion 15. The other mounting member 12 among the pair of mounting members 11 and 12 is axially connected to the other positioning member 22 among the pair of positioning members 21 and 22 via the connecting portion 16. More specifically, the lower end side of the pipe contact portion 21a of one positioning member 21 is connected to the lower end side of the pipe mounting portion 11a of one mounting member 11 via the connecting portion 15. The lower end side of the pipe contact portion 22a of the other positioning member 22 is connected to the lower end side of the pipe mounting portion 12a of the other mounting member 12 via the connecting portion 16.

[0061] When the pair of mounting members 11 and 12 are in the open state by the connecting portions 15 and 16, the pair of positioning members 21 and 22 are also in the open state. When the pair of mounting members 11 and 12 are in the closed state, the pair of positioning members 21 and 22 are also in the closed state. Therefore, it is not necessary to drive and control the pair of mounting members 11 and 12 and the pair of positioning members 21 and 22 separately.

[0062] Note that the connecting portions 15 and 16 have a length such that the pipe placement portion 20 is connected to the joined pipe mounting portion 10 at a predetermined interval in the axial direction. The predetermined interval is a distance that allows the pipe positioning device 1 of the present embodiment to perform an operation of inserting and coupling the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 into the receiving port W2a of the joined pipe W2.

[0063] With the above configuration, the pair of mounting members 11 and 12 and the pair of positioning members 21 and 22 can be switched between a closed state in which the pair of mounting members 11 and 12 sandwich the joined pipe W2 and the pair of positioning members 21 and 22 can position the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 with respect to the receiving port W2a of the joined pipe W2 so that the pipe W1 can be placed, and an open state in which they are separated from the joined pipe W2 and the pipe W1, by the connecting portions 15 and 16.

[0064] The pipe positioning device 1 according to this embodiment positions the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 and the receiving port of the pipe W2 joined to the pipe W1 in a pipe W1 having an insertion port W1a and a receiving port. This pipe positioning device 1 includes a joined pipe attachment portion 10 attached to the receiving port W2a side of the joined pipe W2, and is integrally connected to the joined pipe attachment portion 10, and the axis L1 on the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1 is positioned with respect to the axis L2 on the receiving port W2a side of the joined pipe W2. It has a pipe placement portion 20 on which the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1 is placed.

[0065] In the above configuration, by attaching the joined pipe attachment portion 10 to the receiving port W2a side of the joined pipe W2 and placing the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1 on the pipe placement portion 20, the axis L1 of the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 can be positioned with respect to the axis L2 of the receiving port W2a of the joined pipe W2 so that the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 and the receiving port W2a of the joined pipe W2 can be joined.

[0066] Therefore, when joining the pipe W1 and the joined pipe W2, the operation of positioning the axis L1 of the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 with respect to the axis L2 of the receiving port W2a of the joined pipe W2 while suspending the pipe W1 becomes unnecessary.

[0067] Thus, it is possible to provide a pipe positioning device 1 that can be easily positioned so that the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 and the receiving port W2a of the joined pipe W2 can be joined, rather than in a state where the pipe W1 is suspended.

[0068] In addition, in the present embodiment, the joined pipe mounting portion 10 has a pair of mounting members 11 and 12 that sandwich the joined pipe W2. The pipe placement portion 20 has a pair of positioning members 21 and 22 that position the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 with respect to the receiving port W2a of the joined pipe W2 in a state where the pipe W1 is placed. One of the pair of mounting members 11 and 12 is connected to one of the pair of positioning members 21 and 22. The other of the pair of mounting members 11 and 12 is connected to the other of the pair of positioning members 21 and 22. The pair of mounting members 11 and 12 and the pair of positioning members 21 and 22 are configured to be switchable between a closed state in which the pipe W1 can be placed such that the pair of mounting members 11 and 12 sandwich the joined pipe W2 and the pair of positioning members 21 and 22 position the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 with respect to the receiving port W2a of the joined pipe W2, and an open state in which they are separated from the joined pipe W2 and the pipe W1.

[0069] In the above configuration, the pair of mounting members 11 and 12 of the joined pipe mounting portion 10 and the pair of positioning members 21 and 22 of the pipe placement portion 20 are respectively connected. Therefore, by switching the pair of mounting members 11 and 12 and the pair of positioning members 21 and 22 between the open state and the closed state, the joined pipe mounting portion 10 can be attached to the joined pipe W2, and the pipe W1 can be placed in a state where it can be placed on the pipe placement portion 20.

[0070] As a result, the joined pipe mounting portion 10 can be easily attached to the joined pipe W2, and the pipe placement portion 20 can be easily changed to a state where the pipe W1 can be placed. Therefore, the joining operation between the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 and the receiving port W2a of the joined pipe W2 can be performed efficiently.

[0071] In addition, in the present embodiment, the pair of mounting members 11 and 12 are configured to sandwich the joined pipe W2 from above.

[0072] As a result, the joined pipe W2 can be sandwiched from above by the pair of mounting members 11 and 12. Therefore, for example, the pair of mounting members 11 and 12 can be easily attached to the joined pipe W2 installed in the groove.

[0073] In addition, in the present embodiment, one of the pair of positioning members 21 and 22 is connected to the lower end side of one of the pair of mounting members 11 and 12. The other of the pair of positioning members 21 and 22 is connected to the lower end side of the other of the pair of mounting members 11 and 12.

[0074] Thereby, the pair of positioning members 21 and 22 can be interlocked with the pair of mounting members 11 and 12 and switched between an open state and a closed state. Therefore, since a driving device or the like for individually driving the pair of positioning members 21 and 22 is not required, the pipe positioning device 1 can be miniaturized.

[0075] In addition, in the present embodiment, the pipe positioning device 1 further includes a mounting member driving unit 13 that switches the pair of mounting members 11 and 12 between a closed state and an open state.

[0076] Thereby, the mounting member driving unit 13 can easily attach the pipe mounting portion 10 to the pipe to be joined W2 or remove the pipe mounting portion 10 from the pipe to be joined W2. Therefore, the joining operation between the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 and the receiving port W2a of the pipe to be joined W2 can be efficiently performed.

[0077] In addition, in the present embodiment, the pipe placement portion 20 has a pair of guide portions 21b and 22b whose lower ends are connected to the pipe contact portions 21a and 22a that contact the pipe W1 among the pair of positioning members 21 and 22 and are configured to separate from each other as they go upward.

[0078] Thereby, the pipe W1 can be placed on the pipe placement portion 20 along the guide portions 21b and 22b. Therefore, the pipe W1 can be positioned more easily.

[0079] (Pipe positioning method) Next, a pipe positioning method for joining the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 and the receiving port W2a of the pipe to be joined W2 using the pipe positioning device 1 having the above-described configuration will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the pipe positioning method using the pipe positioning device 1. FIGS. 6 to 13 are diagrams schematically explaining the pipe positioning method using the pipe positioning device 1.

[0080] Specifically, FIG. 6 is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 when the pair of attachment members 11 and 12 in the pipe-to-be-joined attachment portion 10 are in an open state. FIG. 7 is a view showing a state in which the pipe positioning device 1 is gripped by the gripping device X attached to the tip of the arm portion Ma of the working machine M and conveyed to the pipe W2 in the groove. FIG. 8 is a side view showing a state in which the pipe-to-be-joined attachment portion 10 of the pipe positioning device 1 is attached to the pipe W2. FIG. 9 is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 when the pair of attachment members 11 and 12 in the pipe-to-be-joined attachment portion 10 are closed by the attachment member drive portion 13. FIG. 10 is a side view showing a state in which the pipe W1 is supported and aligned at a predetermined height by a plurality of support bases T with respect to the pipe placement portion 20 of the pipe positioning device 1. FIG. 11 is a side view showing a state in which the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1 is placed on the pipe placement portion 20. FIG. 12 is a top view showing a state in which the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1 is placed on the pipe placement portion 20. FIG. 13 is a side view showing a state in which the pipe positioning device 1 is lifted by a working machine or the like and separated from the pipe W1 and the pipe to be joined W2.

[0081] In step S1 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, the pipe-to-be-joined attachment portion 10 of the pipe positioning device 1 is attached to the pipe W2.

[0082] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the pair of mounting members 11 and 12 of the joined pipe mounting portion 10 in the pipe positioning device 1 are in an open state. In this state, as shown in FIG. 7, the pipe positioning device 1 is carried into the groove for laying the pipe W1 by the working machine M. A gripping device X is attached to the tip of the arm portion Ma of the working machine M. The pipe positioning device 1 is gripped by the gripping device X attached to the tip of the arm portion Ma of the working machine M and carried into the groove. At this time, as shown in FIG. 8, the pipe positioning device 1 is arranged with respect to the joined pipe W2 so that the joined pipe mounting portion 10 is positioned on the receiving port W2a side of the straight pipe portion W2b of the joined pipe W2.

[0083] Note that the working machine M can perform various construction works and operations by replacing the attachment connected to the tip of the arm portion Ma. In the present embodiment, the working machine M is, for example, a mini backhoe which is a construction machine for excavation. Note that the working machine M may be a construction machine other than a mini backhoe, such as a truck crane.

[0084] Next, as shown in FIG. 9, the pair of mounting members 11 and 12 in the joined pipe mounting portion 10 are closed by the mounting member driving portion 13. In the present embodiment, when the mounting member driving portion 13 extends, the pair of mounting members 11 and 12 are driven so that the pipe mounting portions 11a and 12a of the pair of mounting members 11 and 12 contact the outer peripheral surface of the straight pipe portion W2b of the joined pipe W2. Thereby, the joined pipe mounting portion 10 can be attached to the receiving port W2a side of the joined pipe W2.

[0085] At this time, since the pair of positioning members 21 and 22 in the pipe placement portion 20 of the pipe positioning device 1 are connected to the pair of mounting members 11 and 12 via the connecting portions 15 and 16, the pair of positioning members 21 and 22 are also in a closed state, similar to the pair of mounting members 11 and 12.

[0086] Next, in step S2 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, the pipe W1 is positioned with respect to the pipe placement portion 20 of the pipe positioning device 1 while being held at a predetermined height by the support base T.

[0087] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, with the joined pipe attachment portion 10 attached to the receiving port W2a side of the joined pipe W2, the pipe W1 held at a predetermined height by a plurality of support bases T is positioned with respect to the pipe placement portion 20 of the pipe positioning device 1. Note that the plurality of support bases T support the pipe W1 at a plurality of positions in the axial direction. The support base T is configured to be able to change the support height. The support base T is constituted by, for example, a bag body that can change the support height according to the amount of fluid contained therein.

[0088] Next, in step S3 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, the pipe W1 is placed on the pipe placement portion 20 of the pipe positioning device 1.

[0089] Specifically, the height of the support base T is gradually lowered, and the pipe W1 is brought into contact with the guide portions 21b, 22b of the pair of positioning members 21, 22 in the pipe placement portion 20 of the pipe positioning device 1. Thereby, the pipe W1 can be aligned in the left - right direction with respect to the pipe placement portion 20. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the pipe W1 aligned by the guide portions 21b, 22b comes into contact with and is held by the pipe contact portions 21a, 22a of the pipe placement portion 20. Thereby, the axis L1 of the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 is position - adjusted with respect to the axis L2 of the receiving port W2a of the joined pipe W2.

[0090] In step S4 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, by moving the pipe W1 in the axial direction, the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 is brought close to and inserted into the receiving port W2a of the joined pipe W2.

[0091] Specifically, with the pipe W1 placed on the pipe placement portion 20, by pushing the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 in the axial direction so that the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 approaches the receiving port W2a of the joined pipe W2, the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 is inserted into the receiving port W2a of the joined pipe W2. Thereby, the pipe W1 and the joined pipe W2 can be joined with the axis L1 of the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 aligned with the axis L2 of the receiving port W2a of the joined pipe W2.

[0092] Finally, in step S5 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, the pair of mounting members 11, 12 in the joined pipe mounting portion 10 and the pair of pipe contact portions 21a, 22a in the pipe placement portion 20 are opened, and the pipe positioning device 1 is removed from the joined pipe W2.

[0093] Specifically, after inserting the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 into the receiving port W2a of the joined pipe W2, by opening the pair of mounting members 11, 12 of the joined pipe mounting portion 10, the pair of pipe contact portions 21a, 22a of the pipe placement portion 20 are also opened. Then, as shown in FIG. 13, the pipe positioning device 1 is lifted by a working machine or the like and separated from the joined pipe W1 and the joined pipe W2.

[0094] Thereafter, the flow shown in FIG. 5 is terminated (END).

[0095] Here, step S1 corresponds to the joined pipe mounting process, and steps S2 and S3 correspond to the pipe placement process.

[0096] In the present embodiment, in a pipe positioning method for positioning the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 with respect to the receiving port W2a of the joined pipe W2 to be joined to the pipe W1, a joined pipe mounting process of attaching the joined pipe mounting portion 10 to the receiving port W2a side of the joined pipe W2, and positioning the axis L1 on the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1 with respect to the axis L2 on the receiving port W2a side of the joined pipe W2. A pipe placement process of placing the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1 on the pipe placement portion 20 integrally connected to the joined pipe mounting portion 10.

[0097] In the above method, by attaching the joined pipe mounting portion 10 to the receiving port W2a side of the joined pipe W2 and placing the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1 on the pipe placement portion 20, the axis L1 of the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 can be aligned with the axis L2 of the receiving port W2a of the joined pipe W2 so that the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 and the receiving port W2a of the joined pipe W2 can be joined.

[0098] Therefore, when joining the pipe W1 and the pipe W2 to be joined, the operation of positioning the axis L1 of the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 with respect to the axis L2 of the receiving port W2a of the pipe W2 to be joined while suspending the pipe W1 becomes unnecessary.

[0099] Therefore, it is possible to provide a pipe positioning method that can easily position the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 and the receiving port W2a of the pipe W2 to be joined so that they can be joined, rather than in a state where the pipe W1 is suspended.

[0100] Also, in the step of attaching the pipe to be joined, the pair of attachment members 11, 12 in the pipe attachment portion 10 to be joined and the pair of positioning members 21, 22 in the pipe placement portion 20 are set in a closed state in which the pair of attachment members 11, 12 sandwich the pipe W2 to be joined and the pair of positioning members 21, 22 position the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 with respect to the receiving port W2a of the pipe W2 to be joined so that the pipe W1 can be placed. In the pipe placement step, the pipe W1 is placed on the pair of positioning members 21, 22 in the closed state.

[0101] In the above method, by closing the pair of attachment members 11, 12 and the pair of positioning members 21, 22, the pipe attachment portion 10 to be joined can be attached to the pipe W2 to be joined, and the pipe W1 can be placed on the pipe placement portion 20.

[0102] Thereby, the pipe attachment portion 10 to be joined can be easily attached to the pipe W2 to be joined, and the pipe placement portion 20 can be easily changed to a state where the pipe W1 can be placed. Therefore, the joining operation between the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 and the receiving port W2a of the pipe W2 to be joined can be performed efficiently.

[0103] Also, in the pipe placement step, the pipe W1 is supported by a support base T whose height can be adjusted, and the height of the support base T is lowered to place the pipe W1 on the pipe placement portion 20.

[0104] By lowering the height of the support base T that supports the pipe W1, the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1 placed on the pipe placement portion 20 can be easily positioned. Therefore, the joining of the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 and the receiving port W2a of the pipe to be joined W2 can be realized with a simple configuration.

[0105] Also, in the pipe placement step, by lowering the height of the support base T, the pipe W1 is moved along the inner surfaces of a pair of guide portions 21b, 22b that are connected to the pipe contact portions 21a, 22a that contact the pipe W1 among the pair of positioning members 21, 22 at their lower ends and are configured to separate from each other as they go upward, and the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 is placed on the pipe placement portion 20.

[0106] Thereby, by lowering the height of the support base T, the pipe W1 can be moved along the inner surfaces of the pair of guide portions 21b, 22b, and the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1 can be placed on the pipe placement portion 20. Therefore, the pipe W1 can be placed on the pipe placement portion 20 more easily and surely.

[0107] (Other embodiments) The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the above-described embodiments are merely examples for implementing the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the above-described embodiments can be appropriately modified and implemented without departing from the spirit thereof.

[0108] In the above embodiment, the pipe positioning device 1 does not have a mechanism for moving the pipe W1 placed on the pipe placement portion 20 in the axial direction. However, the pipe positioning device may have a mechanism for moving the pipe placed on the pipe placement portion in the axial direction and inserting the insertion port of the pipe into the receiving port of the pipe to be joined.

[0109] FIG. 14 is a side view showing a state in which the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 is drawn closer to the receiving port W2a of the pipe to be joined W2 by the movement of the pipe moving mechanism 230 in the pipe positioning device 200. FIG. 15 is a top view showing a state in which the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 is drawn closer to the receiving port W2a of the pipe to be joined W2 by the movement of the pipe moving mechanism 230 in the pipe positioning device 200.

[0110] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the pipe positioning device 200 may further include a pipe moving mechanism 230. The pipe moving mechanism 230 grips the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1 and moves the insertion port W1a toward the receiving port W2a of the pipe to be joined W2, thereby inserting the insertion port W1a into the receiving port W2a. The pipe moving mechanism 230 includes a pair of pipe gripping portions 231, 232 and a moving portion 236.

[0111] The pair of pipe gripping portions 231, 232 grip the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1. The pair of pipe gripping portions 231, 232 may have any configuration as long as they can grip the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1. For example, the pair of pipe gripping portions 231, 232 may be arc-shaped plate members with one end supported by the axial moving portions 237, 238 of the moving portion 236 and following the outer peripheral surface of the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1 when viewed in the axial direction. The pair of pipe gripping portions 231, 232 having such a configuration can sandwich and grip the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1 placed on the pipe placement portion 20.

[0112] The thickness of the pair of pipe gripping portions 231, 232 is preferably configured to be equal to or smaller than the radially protruding height of the insertion port protrusion W1c provided on the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1. Thereby, when the insertion port W1a is inserted into the receiving port W2a of the pipe to be joined W2 while the pair of pipe gripping portions 231, 232 grip the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1, it is possible to prevent the pair of pipe gripping portions 231, 232 from interfering with the receiving port W2a.

[0113] The moving part 236 moves a pair of pipe gripping parts 231 and 232 that grip the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1 in the axial direction toward the receiving port W2a of the pipe to be joined W2. The moving part 236 may have any configuration as long as it can move a pair of pipe gripping parts 231 and 232 that grip the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1 in the axial direction toward the receiving port W2a of the pipe to be joined W2. For example, the moving part 236 may include a pair of axial moving parts 237 and 238 and a moving support part 239.

[0114] The pair of axial moving parts 237 and 238 are each configured such that their tips are axially movable relative to the moving support part 239. The pair of axial moving parts 237 and 238 may be, for example, hydraulic cylinders that expand and contract in the axial direction, or a mechanism that can move in the axial direction like a rack and pinion. The proximal ends of the pair of axial moving parts 237 and 238 are supported by the moving support part 239.

[0115] The moving support part 239 is connected to the pipe to be joined mounting part 10. The moving support part 239 may be connected, for example, to a rotating shaft that rotatably connects a pair of mounting members 11 and 12 in the pipe to be joined mounting part 10, or may be connected to the mounting member driving part 13.

[0116] Note that the moving part 236 may have a position detection sensor (not shown) for controlling the moving amounts of the pair of axial moving parts 237 and 238. The position detection sensor may be provided on at least one of the pair of axial moving parts 237 and 238 so as to be able to detect a state in which the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 is inserted to a predetermined position with respect to the receiving port W2a of the pipe to be joined W2.

[0117] According to the above configuration, the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 placed on the pipe placement portion 20 and gripped by the pipe gripping portions 231 and 232 can be moved to the receiving port W2a of the pipe to be joined W2 to which the pipe to be joined attachment portion 10 is attached, and joined to the receiving port W2a. Thereby, in a state where the axis L1 of the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 is positioned to align with the axis L2 of the receiving port W2a of the pipe to be joined W2, the pipe moving mechanism 230 can easily join the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 and the receiving port W2a of the pipe to be joined W2. Therefore, the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 and the receiving port W2a of the pipe to be joined W2 can be easily joined while centering them.

[0118] Note that the pipe moving mechanism may move the receiving port of the pipe to be joined with respect to the insertion port of the pipe. That is, the moving portion of the pipe moving mechanism may move so as to draw the pipe to be joined attachment portion toward a pair of gripping portions that grip the insertion port side of the pipe. The pipe moving mechanism may have a configuration other than the above-described configuration as long as at least one of the insertion port of the pipe and the receiving port of the pipe to be joined is configured to be movable.

[0119] In the above embodiment, the attachment member drive portion 13 is, for example, a hydraulic cylinder. However, the attachment member drive portion may be a stretchable actuator such as a piezoelectric element. The attachment member drive portion may have any configuration as long as it is configured to generate a driving force capable of switching the pipe attachment portion between an open state and a closed state.

[0120] In the above embodiment, the attachment member drive portion 13 opens or closes the pair of attachment members 11 and 12. Thereby, the pair of positioning members 21 and 22 in the pipe placement portion 20 connected to the pair of attachment members 11 and 12 also become open or closed. However, the pair of attachment members may be opened or closed by driving the pair of positioning members to be open or closed by a drive portion.

[0121] In the above embodiment, the lower end side of the pipe contact portion 21a of one positioning member 21 is connected to the lower end side of the pipe mounting portion 11a of one mounting member 11 via the connecting portion 15. The lower end side of the pipe contact portion 22a of the other positioning member 22 is connected to the lower end side of the pipe mounting portion 12a of the other mounting member 12 via the connecting portion 16. However, the connecting portion may connect portions of the pair of positioning members other than the lower end sides of the pipe contact portions and portions of the pair of mounting members other than the lower end sides of the pipe mounting portions. For example, the connecting portion may connect the upper end sides of the pipe contact portions in the pair of positioning members and the upper end sides of the pipe mounting portions in the pair of mounting members. For example, the connecting portion may connect a part of the pipe contact portion in the pair of positioning members and a part of the driving force input portion in the pair of mounting members. For example, the connecting portion may connect a part of the guide portion in the pair of positioning members and a part of the pipe mounting portion or a part of the driving force input portion in the pair of mounting members.

[0122] In the above embodiment, the pipe positioning device 1 has the connecting portions 15, 16. However, the pipe positioning device may have a single connecting portion. For example, the pipe positioning device may be configured such that the positioning member and the mounting member connected by a single connecting portion are interlocked.

[0123] In the above embodiment, the pair of mounting members 11, 12 and the pair of positioning members 21, 22 are interlocked. However, the pair of mounting members and the pair of positioning members do not necessarily have to be interlocked. The pair of mounting members or the pair of positioning members may be configured to be individually switchable between an open state and a closed state.

[0124] In the above embodiment, the pair of positioning members 21, 22 in the pipe placement portion 20 have the pipe contact portions 21a, 22a and the guide portions 21b, 22b. However, the positioning member does not necessarily have to have a guide portion.

[0125] In the above-described embodiment, the pipe positioning device 1 positions the axis L1 of the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 so as to coincide with the axis L2 of the receiving port W2a of the pipe W2 to be joined. However, the pipe positioning device may position the axis of the insertion port of the pipe so as to intersect the axis of the receiving port of the pipe to be joined. That is, the pipe positioning device may position the pipe and the pipe to be joined in a bent state.

[0126] In the above-described embodiment, before the pipe W1 is positioned by the pipe placement portion 20, the pipe W1 is supported by a plurality of support bases T. However, the pipe may be positioned with respect to the pipe placement portion by another device.

[0127] In the above-described embodiment, the pipe positioning device 1 is carried into the groove in which the pipe W1 is laid by the working machine M and attached to the pipe W2 to be joined. However, the pipe positioning device may be carried into the groove in a state of being attached to the insertion port of the pipe. Further, the pipe positioning device may be attached to the receiving port of the pipe to be joined and the insertion port of the pipe, respectively. In this case, the pipe positioning device attached to the insertion port of the pipe may be carried into the groove in a state of being attached to the insertion port of the pipe.

Industrial Applicability

[0128] The present invention can be used in a pipe positioning device that positions the insertion port of a pipe and the receiving port of a pipe to be joined to the pipe.

Explanation of Signs

[0129] 1, 200 Pipe positioning device 10 Pipe attachment portion for pipe to be joined 11, 12 Attachment members 11a, 12a Pipe attachment portions 11b, 12b Driving force input portions 13 Attachment member driving portion 15, 16 Connecting portions 20 Pipe placement portion 21, 22 Positioning members 21a, 22a Pipe contact portions 21b, 22b Guide portions 230 Pipe Moving Mechanism 231 and 232 Pipe Gripping Parts 236 Moving Part 237 and 238 Axial Moving Parts 239 Moving Support Part W1 Pipe W1a Insertion Port W1b Straight Pipe Part W1c Insertion Port Protrusion W2 Pipe to be Joined W2a Receiving Port W2b Straight Pipe Part M Working Machine Ma Arm Part X Gripping Device T Support Stand L1 and L2 Axes

Claims

1. A pipe positioning device for positioning the insertion port of a pipe having an insertion port and a receiving port and the receiving port of a pipe to be joined joined to the pipe, a pipe to be joined attachment part attached to the receiving port side of the pipe to be joined, a pipe placement part that is integrally connected to the pipe to be joined attachment part and on which the insertion port side of the pipe is placed so as to position the axis on the insertion port side of the pipe with respect to the axis on the receiving port side of the pipe to be joined, A pipe positioning device having.

2. In the pipe positioning device according to claim 1, the pipe to be joined attachment part has a pair of attachment members that sandwich the pipe to be joined, the pipe placement part has a pair of positioning members that position the insertion port of the pipe with respect to the receiving port of the pipe to be joined in a state where the pipe is placed, one of the pair of attachment members is connected to one of the pair of positioning members, the other of the pair of attachment members is connected to the other of the pair of positioning members, the pair of attachment members and the pair of positioning members are configured to be switchable between a closed state in which the pipe can be placed such that the pair of attachment members sandwich the pipe to be joined and the pair of positioning members position the insertion port of the pipe with respect to the receiving port of the pipe to be joined, and an open state in which they are separated from the pipe to be joined and the pipe, Pipe positioning device.

3. In the pipe positioning device according to claim 2, the pair of attachment members, is configured to sandwich the pipe to be joined from above, Pipe positioning device.

4. In the pipe positioning device according to claim 3, one of the pair of positioning members is connected to the lower end side of one of the pair of attachment members, the other of the pair of positioning members is connected to the lower end side of the other of the pair of attachment members, Pipe positioning device.

5. In the pipe positioning device according to claim 2, further having an attachment member drive part for switching the pair of attachment members between the closed state and the open state, Pipe positioning device.

6. In the pipe positioning device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, the pipe placement part, has a pair of guide parts whose lower ends are connected to the pipe contact parts that contact the pipe among the pair of positioning members and are configured to separate from each other as they go upward, Pipe positioning device.

7. A pipe positioning method for positioning the insertion port of a pipe with respect to the receiving port of a pipe to be joined to the pipe, a pipe to be joined attachment step of attaching a pipe to be joined attachment part to the receiving port side of the pipe to be joined, A tube placement step of placing the insertion port side of the tube on a tube placement portion integrally connected to the joined tube mounting portion so as to position the axis on the insertion port side of the tube with respect to the axis on the receiving port side of the joined tube, having, a tube positioning method.

8. In the tube positioning method according to Claim 7, in the joined tube mounting step, a pair of mounting members in the joined tube mounting portion and a pair of positioning members in the tube placement portion are in a closed state in which the pair of mounting members sandwich the joined tube and the pair of positioning members can place the tube so as to position the insertion port of the tube with respect to the receiving port of the joined tube, in the tube placement step, the tube is placed on the pair of positioning portions in the closed state. a tube positioning method.

9. In the tube positioning method according to Claim 8, in the tube placement step, with the tube supported by a support base whose height can be adjusted, the height of the support base is lowered to place the tube on the tube placement portion. a tube positioning method.

10. In the tube positioning method according to Claim 9, in the tube placement step, by lowering the height of the support base, the tube is moved along the inner surfaces of a pair of guide portions configured to be connected to a tube contact portion that contacts the tube among the pair of positioning members at the lower end and separate from each other upward, and the insertion port side of the tube is placed on the tube placement portion. a tube positioning method.

Images