Socket cover, lubricant supply device, and lubricant supply method

Abstract

To realize a configuration of a lubricant supply device which enables improvement of work efficiency of lubricant supply work to a seal member.SOLUTION: A lubricant supply device 1 includes: a socket cover 2 attached to a socket W2a of a joined pipe W2; and a lubricant supply part 3 which supplies a lubricant to the socket cover 2. The socket cover 2 includes: a socket cover body 21 which covers an opening of the socket W2a of the joined pipe W2; and a socket cover insertion part 22 having a columnar shape which may be inserted into the socket W2a and connected at a base end part 22a to the socket cover body 21. The socket cover insertion part 22 has a lubricant supply path 25 which is open on an outer peripheral surface so as to supply a lubricant onto an inner peripheral surface of a rubber seal S attached to an inner peripheral surface of the socket W2a. The socket cover body 21 has a supply port 25a for supplying the lubricant to the lubricant supply path 25.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a socket cover attached to a socket of a joined pipe into which a socket of a pipe having a socket and a receiving port is inserted, a lubricant supply device for supplying a lubricant to a seal member attached to the inner peripheral surface of the socket of the joined pipe, and a lubricant supply method.

Background Art

[0002] A seal member for sealing between the outer peripheral surface of the socket of a pipe and the inner peripheral surface of the socket of a joined pipe to which the pipe is joined is known. As such a seal member, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a rubber ring including a heel portion that fits and engages in a locking groove formed on the peripheral surface of a rubber ring arrangement recess of the socket, and a valve portion that is compressed between the peripheral surface of the rubber ring arrangement recess and the outer peripheral surface of the socket to generate a seal surface pressure.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, the seal member fixes a part of the seal member in a groove provided on the inner peripheral surface of the socket of the joined pipe, and while inserting the socket of the pipe joined to the joined pipe into the socket, the remaining part is pushed inward, so that the seal member is disposed between the inner peripheral surface of the socket and the outer peripheral surface of the socket. Therefore, when inserting the socket into the socket, a high insertion force is required. In order to reduce the insertion force, for example, an operation of applying a lubricant to the seal member fixed in the socket is performed.

[0005] When applying a lubricant to a seal member fixed in the socket, dust or the like may enter the socket or adhere to the inside of the socket due to the operation of suspending the pipe into the groove in which the pipe is laid. The entry of dust or the like into the socket can be suppressed, for example, by attaching a socket cover to the socket. However, even in this case, when removing the socket cover, dust or the like accumulated on the outer peripheral surface of the socket cover may enter the socket.

[0006] When performing a pipe joining operation with dust or the like adhering to the inside of the socket, the seal member may be deformed or the like. Therefore, before applying the lubricant to the seal member, a work process of cleaning the inside of the socket is required. The lubricant application work and the cleaning work need to be performed by an operator in the groove where the pipes to be joined are laid, and the workability is not very good. Therefore, a configuration of a member or device that can prevent dust or the like from entering the socket and can efficiently apply the lubricant to the seal member is required.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to realize a configuration of a socket cover and a lubricant supply device that can prevent the entry of dust or the like into the socket and can improve the work efficiency of the lubricant supply work to the seal member.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] A socket cover according to an embodiment of the present invention is a socket cover attached to the socket of a pipe to be joined into which the insertion port of a pipe having an insertion port and a socket is inserted. This socket cover has a socket cover body that covers the opening of the socket of the pipe to be joined, and a socket cover insertion part that is columnar and can be inserted into the socket, and one end in the axial direction is connected to the socket cover body. The socket cover insertion part has a lubricant supply path that opens to the outer peripheral surface so as to supply a lubricant onto the inner peripheral surface of a seal member attached to the inner peripheral surface of the socket. The socket cover body has a supply port for supplying the lubricant to the lubricant supply path (first configuration).

[0009] In the above configuration, the socket cover attached to the socket of the pipe to be joined has a lubricant supply passage that supplies lubricant to the sealing member attached to the inner peripheral surface of the socket of the pipe to be joined, and a supply port that supplies lubricant to the lubricant supply passage. Thereby, lubricant can be supplied to the inner peripheral surface of the sealing member with the socket cover attached to the socket of the pipe to be joined.

[0010] Therefore, it is possible to realize a socket cover that can supply lubricant to the inner peripheral surface of the sealing member attached to the inner peripheral surface of the socket while preventing the entry of dust and the like into the socket. Thus, the working efficiency of the lubricant supply operation to the sealing member can be improved.

[0011] In the first configuration, on the outer peripheral surface of the socket cover insertion portion and on the axially distal end side of the opening of the lubricant supply passage, a first sealing portion that protrudes radially outward is provided so that the socket cover contacts the axially distal end of the sealing member in a state where the socket cover is attached to the opening of the pipe to be joined (second configuration).

[0012] Thereby, in a state where the socket cover is attached to the socket of the pipe to be joined, the gap between the socket cover insertion portion and the axially distal end of the sealing member can be axially sealed by the first sealing portion. Therefore, the first sealing portion can prevent the lubricant supplied from the lubricant supply passage of the socket cover onto the inner peripheral surface of the sealing member from flowing out into the socket. Thus, lubricant can be more reliably supplied onto the inner peripheral surface of the sealing member.

[0013] In the second configuration, on the outer peripheral surface of the socket cover insertion portion and on the socket cover body side, a second sealing portion that seals the space between the inner peripheral surface of the opening of the socket and the outer peripheral surface of the socket cover insertion portion is provided in a state where the socket cover is attached to the socket of the pipe to be joined (third configuration).

[0014] As a result, in a state where the receiving port cover is attached to the receiving port of the pipe to be joined, the space between the inner peripheral surface of the opening of the receiving port and the outer peripheral surface of the receiving port cover insertion portion can be axially sealed by the second sealing portion. Therefore, the second sealing portion can prevent the lubricant supplied onto the inner peripheral surface of the sealing member from flowing out to the outside from the opening of the receiving port.

[0015] Moreover, a space axially sealed by the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion can be formed between the outer peripheral surface of the receiving port cover insertion portion and the sealing member. Thus, the lubricant can be supplied more reliably onto the inner peripheral surface of the sealing member.

[0016] In the third configuration, at least one of the first sealing portion or the second sealing portion has air holes through which lubricant cannot pass but air can pass (fourth configuration).

[0017] As a result, at least one of the first sealing portion or the second sealing portion located at the axial end of the space formed between the receiving port cover insertion portion and the sealing member has air holes. Therefore, when filling the space with lubricant, the air in the space can be discharged to the outside. Therefore, the lubricant can be supplied more reliably onto the inner peripheral surface of the sealing member.

[0018] A lubricant supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention is a lubricant supply device that supplies lubricant to the inner peripheral surface of a seal member attached to the inner peripheral surface of a receiving port of a joined pipe having an insertion port and a receiving port. This lubricant supply device includes a receiving port cover attached to the receiving port of the joined pipe, and a lubricant supply unit that supplies lubricant to the receiving port cover. The receiving port cover includes a receiving port cover body that covers the opening of the receiving port of the joined pipe, and a receiving port cover insertion portion that is columnar and can be inserted into the receiving port, with one end in the axial direction connected to the receiving port cover body. The receiving port cover insertion portion has a lubricant supply path that opens to the outer peripheral surface so as to supply lubricant to the inner peripheral surface of the seal member attached to the inner peripheral surface of the receiving port. The receiving port cover body has a supply port for supplying the lubricant to the lubricant supply path (fifth configuration).

[0019] Thereby, it is possible to provide a lubricant supply device capable of supplying lubricant to the inner peripheral surface of the seal member attached to the inner peripheral surface of the receiving port by using the receiving port cover. Therefore, it is possible to realize a configuration capable of supplying lubricant to the inner peripheral surface of the seal member attached to the inner peripheral surface of the receiving port while preventing the entry of dust and the like into the receiving port. Thus, it is possible to prevent the entry of dust and the like into the receiving port and improve the working efficiency of the lubricant supply operation to the seal member.

[0020] In the fifth configuration, the lubricant supply unit includes a storage portion in which lubricant is stored, and a supply pipe portion whose tip can be inserted into the supply port and that can supply lubricant from the storage portion to the supply port (sixth configuration).

[0021] Thereby, it is possible to realize the configuration of a lubricant supply device that supplies lubricant to the inner peripheral surface of the seal member attached to the inner peripheral surface of the receiving port.

[0022] In the sixth configuration, the lubricant supply unit includes a support member that rotatably supports the supply pipe portion about its base end portion. The supply pipe portion is configured to be removable from the receiving port by rotating about the base end portion with the tip end portion inserted into the supply port of the receiving port cover body (seventh configuration).

[0023] Accordingly, the receiving port cover can be removed from the receiving port by using the supply pipe portion of the lubricant supply unit that supplies lubricant to the inner peripheral surface of the seal member attached to the inner peripheral surface of the receiving port. Therefore, the working efficiency of the lubricant supply operation to the seal member can be improved.

[0024] In the fifth configuration, it further includes a receiving port cover removing unit that removes the receiving port cover from the receiving port (eighth configuration). Accordingly, the receiving port cover attached to the opening of the receiving port can be easily removed from the receiving port.

[0025] In the fifth configuration, it further includes a detection unit configured to be able to detect the supply amount or supply pressure of the lubricant to the seal member (ninth configuration).

[0026] Accordingly, when supplying lubricant to the inner peripheral surface of the seal member, the supply amount or supply pressure of the lubricant can be detected, so that a predetermined amount of lubricant can be supplied more reliably. Moreover, by detecting the supply amount or supply pressure of the lubricant, it becomes possible to detect the completion of the lubricant supply. Therefore, the working efficiency of the lubricant supply operation to the seal member can be improved.

[0027] The lubricant supply method according to an embodiment of the present invention is a lubricant supply method for supplying lubricant to the inner peripheral surface of a seal member attached to the inner peripheral surface of the receiving port of the pipe to be joined by a lubricant supply device having any one of the fifth to ninth configurations. This lubricant supply method includes a supply pipe insertion step of inserting the tip of a supply pipe into the supply port formed in the receiving port cover, and a lubricant supply step of supplying lubricant from a storage portion storing the lubricant to the inner peripheral surface of the seal member attached to the inner peripheral surface of the receiving port of the pipe to be joined through the supply pipe (the first method).

[0028] By the above method, it is possible to supply lubricant to the seal member attached to the inner peripheral surface of the receiving port with the receiving port cover attached to the receiving port of the pipe to be joined. Therefore, lubricant can be supplied to the inner peripheral surface of the seal member in a state where entry of dust and the like into the receiving port is prevented. Thus, it is possible to provide a lubricant supply method capable of preventing entry of dust and the like into the receiving port and improving the work efficiency of the lubricant supply operation to the seal member.

[0029] In the first method, after completion of the supply of lubricant to the seal member by the lubricant supply step, the method further includes a receiving port cover removal step of removing the receiving port cover from the receiving port (the second method).

[0030] Thereby, the receiving port cover can be removed from the receiving port after completion of the supply of lubricant. Thus, the work efficiency of the lubricant supply operation to the seal member can be further improved.

Effect of the Invention

[0031] A lubricant supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a receiving port cover attached to the receiving port of a pipe to be joined, and a lubricant supply unit that supplies lubricant to the receiving port cover. The receiving port cover insertion portion of the receiving port cover has a lubricant supply path that opens to the outer peripheral surface so as to supply lubricant to the inner peripheral surface of a seal member attached to the inner peripheral surface of the receiving port, and the receiving port cover body has a supply port for supplying the lubricant to the lubricant supply path.

[0032] Accordingly, by using the receiving port cover, a lubricant supply device capable of supplying lubricant to the inner peripheral surface of the seal member attached to the inner peripheral surface of the receiving port can be provided. Therefore, it is possible to realize a configuration capable of supplying lubricant to the inner peripheral surface of the seal member attached to the inner peripheral surface of the receiving port while preventing the entry of dust and the like into the receiving port. Thus, it is possible to provide a configuration of a lubricant supply device that can prevent the entry of dust and the like into the receiving port and improve the working efficiency of the lubricant supply operation to the seal member.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0033]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0034] Hereinafter, each embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In each figure, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, 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.

[0035] In the following description, the axial direction means the direction in which the axis L2 of the joined pipe 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 up - down direction.

[0036] Also, in the following description, expressions such as "fix", "connect", and "attach" (hereinafter, "fixing, 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 expressions of fixing, etc. include the meanings of direct and indirect fixing, etc. between members.

[0037] (Lubricant supply device) FIG. 1 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of a lubricant supply device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a view for explaining a rubber seal S (sealing member) to which lubricant is supplied by the lubricant supply device 1. FIG. 3 is a view schematically showing a state where the lubricant supply device 1 supplies lubricant to the inner peripheral surface of the rubber seal S. FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged cross - sectional view of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a view for explaining an axially sealed space R formed by a first sealing portion 23 and a second sealing portion 24. FIG. 6 is a view schematically showing a state where the receiving port cover 2 is removed from the receiving port W2a of the joined pipe W2 by the supply pipe portion 32.

[0038] First, with reference to FIG. 2, the rubber seal S to which lubricant is supplied will be briefly described. As shown in FIG. 2, the rubber seal S is a rubber member that seals between the outer peripheral surface of the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 and the inner peripheral surface of the receiving port W2a of the joined pipe W2. Note that as long as it is possible to seal between the outer peripheral surface of the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 and the inner peripheral surface of the receiving port W2a of the joined pipe W2, the sealing member may be made of a material other than rubber.

[0039] The pipe W1 and the pipe to be joined W2 are, for example, water pipes. The pipe W1 and the pipe to be joined W2 may be pipes other than water pipes, such as sewer pipes, agricultural water pipes, and gas pipes. The pipe W1 and the pipe to be joined W2 may be ductile iron pipes, other metal pipes, or resin pipes.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 1, the lubricant supply device 1 includes a socket cover 2, a lubricant supply unit 3, and a detection unit 4. The lubricant supply device 1 is configured such that the lubricant supply unit 3 can supply lubricant to the rubber seal S with the socket cover 2 attached to the socket W2a of the pipe to be joined W2.

[0041] The socket cover 2 can be attached to the socket W2a so as to cover the opening of the socket W2a of the pipe to be joined W2. The socket cover 2 prevents dust and the like from entering the socket W2a of the pipe to be joined W2. The socket cover 2 includes a socket cover body 21, a socket cover insertion portion 22 inserted into the socket W2a, a first sealing portion 23, and a second sealing portion 24.

[0042] The socket cover body 21 is disc-shaped. The socket cover body 21 covers the opening W2c of the socket W2a of the pipe to be joined W2. The socket cover body 21 has a tapered portion 21a on its outer peripheral portion. Thereby, it is possible to prevent dust from accumulating on the outer peripheral surface of the socket cover 2. Therefore, when removing the socket cover 2 from the socket W2a as described later, it is possible to suppress the entry of dust and the like into the socket W2a.

[0043] The socket cover body 21 has a hole penetrating in the thickness direction. As described later, the lubricant supplied to the rubber seal S is supplied into this hole. That is, the hole is the lubricant supply port 25a.

[0044] The receiving port cover insertion part 22 is columnar. One end of the receiving port cover insertion part 22 in the axial direction is connected to the receiving port cover main body 21. The receiving port cover insertion part 22 is inserted into the receiving port W2a. Hereinafter, the end of the receiving port cover insertion part 22 that is connected to the receiving port cover main body 21 will be referred to as the base end part 22a.

[0045] The receiving port cover insertion part 22 has at least one lubricant supply passage 25 inside. The supply port 25a of the receiving port cover main body 21 is connected to the lubricant supply passage 25. The lubricant supply passage 25 opens to the outer peripheral surface 26 of the receiving port cover insertion part 22.

[0046] The tip of the supply pipe part 32 of the lubricant supply part 3 described later can be inserted into the supply port 25a. The supply port 25a has a size that allows the tip of the supply pipe part 32 of the lubricant supply part 3 to be fitted. Thus, as will be described later, the receiving port cover 2 can be recovered from the receiving port W2a of the pipe to be joined W2 by using the supply pipe part 32 of the lubricant supply part 3.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in a state where the receiving port cover 2 is attached to the receiving port W2a of the pipe to be joined W2, the outer peripheral surface 26 of the receiving port cover insertion part 22 faces the rubber seal S. Therefore, the lubricant supplied to the supply port 25a passes through the lubricant supply passage 25 and is output from the opening 25b of the outer peripheral surface 26 of the receiving port cover insertion part 22 and supplied onto the inner peripheral surface of the rubber seal S (solid arrows in FIGS. 3 and 4).

[0048] The first sealing part 23 is provided on the outer peripheral surface 26 of the receiving port cover insertion part 22 and on the side of the axial tip 22b rather than the opening 25b of the lubricant supply passage 25. The first sealing part 23 projects radially from the outer peripheral surface 26 of the receiving port cover insertion part 22. The first sealing part 23 is configured to contact the axial tip Sa of the rubber seal S in a state where the receiving port cover 2 is attached to the receiving port W2a of the pipe to be joined W2.

[0049] As a result, with the receiving port cover 2 attached to the receiving port W2a of the pipe to be joined W2, the gap between the receiving port cover 2 and the axial tip Sa of the rubber seal S can be axially sealed by the first sealing portion 23. Therefore, the first sealing portion 23 can prevent the lubricant supplied onto the inner peripheral surface of the rubber seal S from the lubricant supply passage 25 of the receiving port cover 2 from flowing out into the inside of the receiving port W2a.

[0050] The second sealing portion 24 is provided on the outer peripheral surface 26 of the receiving port cover insertion portion 22 and on the base end portion 22a side. The second sealing portion 24 seals the space between the inner peripheral surface of the opening W2c of the receiving port W2a and the outer peripheral surface 26 of the receiving port cover insertion portion 22 with the receiving port cover 2 attached to the receiving port W2a of the pipe to be joined W2.

[0051] As a result, with the receiving port cover 2 attached to the receiving port W2a of the pipe to be joined W2, the space between the inner peripheral surface of the opening W2c of the receiving port W2a and the outer peripheral surface of the receiving port cover insertion portion 22 can be axially sealed by the second sealing portion 24. Therefore, the second sealing portion 24 can prevent the lubricant supplied onto the inner peripheral surface of the rubber seal S from the lubricant supply port 25a provided in the receiving port cover main body 21 from flowing out to the outside through the opening W2c of the receiving port W2a.

[0052] With the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 5, a space R axially sealed by the first sealing portion 23 and the second sealing portion 24 can be formed between the outer peripheral surface of the receiving port cover insertion portion 22 and the rubber seal S. Therefore, the space R can be filled with the lubricant supplied from the lubricant supply port 25a provided in the receiving port cover main body 21. Thereby, the lubricant can be more reliably supplied to the inner peripheral surface of the rubber seal S.

[0053] In the present embodiment, the first sealing portion 23 and the second sealing portion 24 are made of a material through which the lubricant cannot pass and through which air can pass. The material is a porous body such as a rubber sponge, for example. Thereby, when filling the space R with the lubricant, the air in the space R can be discharged to the outside.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 1, the lubricant supply unit 3 includes a storage unit 31, a supply pipe unit 32, and a support member 33. The storage unit 31 stores lubricant. The storage unit 31 supplies the lubricant to the supply pipe unit 32.

[0055] The supply pipe unit 32 is a pipe through which the lubricant can pass. The tip of the supply pipe unit 32 is configured to be insertable into the supply port 25a of the receiving port cover 2. The supply pipe unit 32 supplies the lubricant in the storage unit 31 to the lubricant supply path 25 with the tip inserted into the supply port 25a of the receiving port cover 2.

[0056] The supply pipe unit 32 is rotatably supported by the support member 33. Thus, by rotating the supply pipe unit 32 relative to the support member 33, the tip of the supply pipe unit 32 can be inserted into the supply port 25a of the receiving port cover 2 that covers the opening of the receiving port W2a of the pipe to be joined W2, or the tip of the supply pipe unit 32 can be removed from the supply port 25a of the receiving port cover 2.

[0057] Moreover, with the tip of the supply pipe unit 32 inserted into the supply port 25a of the receiving port cover 2, as shown in FIG. 6, by rotating the supply pipe unit 32 relative to the support member 33, the receiving port cover 2 can be removed from the opening of the receiving port W2a of the pipe to be joined W2. Therefore, the lubricant supply unit 3 also functions as a receiving port cover removing unit that removes the receiving port cover 2 from the opening of the receiving port W2a of the pipe to be joined W2.

[0058] The detection unit 4 is configured to be able to detect the completion of lubricant supply. For example, the detection unit 4 is configured to be able to detect the supply amount or supply pressure of the lubricant to the rubber seal S.

[0059] As described above, in this embodiment, the space R is formed by the receiving port cover insertion portion 22, the rubber seal S, the first sealing portion 23, and the second sealing portion 24. The volume of the space R can be calculated. Also, the volumes of the lubricant supply passage 25 and the supply pipe portion 32 can be calculated. Therefore, based on the supply amount of the lubricant detected by the detection unit 4, it is possible to determine whether the space R is filled with the lubricant. That is, the completion of the lubricant supply can be detected based on the detection result of the detection unit 4. Thereby, for example, based on the detection result of the detection unit 4, it is possible to control the lubricant supply unit 3 to stop the lubricant supply.

[0060] The receiving port cover 2 according to this embodiment is a receiving port cover 2 that is attached to the receiving port W2a of the pipe W2 into which the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 having the insertion port W1a and the receiving port W2a is inserted. The receiving port cover 2 includes a receiving port cover main body 21 that covers the opening W2c of the receiving port W2a of the pipe W2 to be joined, and a receiving port cover insertion portion 22 that is columnar and can be inserted into the receiving port W2a, and a base end portion 22a of which is connected to the receiving port cover main body 21. The receiving port cover insertion portion 22 has a lubricant supply passage 25 that opens to the outer peripheral surface so as to supply the lubricant onto the inner peripheral surface of the rubber seal S attached to the inner peripheral surface of the receiving port W2a. The receiving port cover main body 21 has a supply port 25a for supplying the lubricant to the lubricant supply passage 25.

[0061] In this configuration, the receiving port cover 2 attached to the receiving port W2a of the pipe W2 to be joined has a lubricant supply passage 25 that supplies the lubricant to the rubber seal S attached to the inner peripheral surface of the receiving port W2a of the pipe W2 to be joined, and a supply port 25a that supplies the lubricant to the lubricant supply passage 25. Thereby, in a state where the receiving port cover 2 is attached to the receiving port W2a of the pipe W2 to be joined, the lubricant can be supplied to the inner peripheral surface of the rubber seal S.

[0062] Therefore, it is possible to realize a receiving port cover 2 that can supply the lubricant onto the inner peripheral surface of the rubber seal S attached to the inner peripheral surface of the receiving port W2a while preventing the entry of dust and the like into the receiving port W2a. Thus, the working efficiency of the lubricant supply operation to the rubber seal S can be improved.

[0063] Further, on the outer peripheral surface 26 of the receiving port cover insertion portion 22 and on the axially distal end 22b side of the opening 25b of the lubricant supply passage 25, a first sealing portion 23 that protrudes radially outward is provided so as to contact the axially distal end Sa of the rubber seal S in a state where the receiving port cover 2 is attached to the opening W2c of the pipe W2 to be joined.

[0064] Thereby, in a state where the receiving port cover 2 is attached to the receiving port W2a of the pipe W2 to be joined, the gap between the receiving port cover insertion portion 22 and the axially distal end Sa of the rubber seal S can be axially sealed by the first sealing portion 23. Therefore, the first sealing portion 23 can prevent the lubricant supplied onto the inner peripheral surface of the rubber seal S from the lubricant supply passage 25 of the receiving port cover 2 from flowing out into the inside of the receiving port W2a. Thus, the lubricant can be supplied more reliably onto the inner peripheral surface of the rubber seal S.

[0065] Further, on the outer peripheral surface 26 of the receiving port cover insertion portion 22 and on the side of the receiving port cover main body 21, a second sealing portion 24 that seals the space between the inner peripheral surface of the opening W2c of the receiving port W2a and the outer peripheral surface 26 of the receiving port cover insertion portion 22 is provided in a state where the receiving port cover 2 is attached to the receiving port W2a of the pipe W2 to be joined.

[0066] Thereby, in a state where the receiving port cover 2 is attached to the receiving port W2a of the pipe W2 to be joined, the space between the inner peripheral surface of the opening W2c of the receiving port W2a and the outer peripheral surface 26 of the receiving port cover insertion portion 22 can be axially sealed by the second sealing portion 24. Therefore, the second sealing portion 24 can prevent the lubricant supplied onto the inner peripheral surface of the rubber seal S from the supply port 25a of the receiving port cover main body 21 from flowing out to the outside from the opening W2c of the receiving port W2a.

[0067] Moreover, a space R axially sealed by the first sealing portion 23 and the second sealing portion 24 can be formed between the outer peripheral surface of the receiving port cover insertion portion 22 and the rubber seal S. Thus, the lubricant can be supplied more reliably onto the inner peripheral surface of the rubber seal S.

[0068] In addition, in the present embodiment, the first sealing portion 23 and the second sealing portion 24 are formed of a porous body that cannot pass lubricant but can pass air.

[0069] With this configuration, air can be discharged to the outside from the first sealing portion 23 and the second sealing portion 24. That is, when filling the space formed between the receiving port cover insertion portion 22 and the rubber seal S with lubricant, the air in the space can be discharged to the outside. Therefore, the lubricant can be more reliably supplied onto the inner peripheral surface of the rubber seal S.

[0070] Further, the lubricant supply device 1 of the present embodiment supplies lubricant to the inner peripheral surface of a rubber seal S attached to the inner peripheral surface of a receiving port W2a of a joined pipe W2 having an insertion port W1a and a receiving port W2a. The lubricant supply device 1 includes a receiving port cover 2 attached to the receiving port W2a of the joined pipe W2, and a lubricant supply portion 3 that supplies lubricant to the receiving port cover 2.

[0071] Thereby, a lubricant supply device 1 capable of supplying lubricant to the inner peripheral surface of the rubber seal S attached to the inner peripheral surface of the receiving port W2a can be provided using the receiving port cover 2. Therefore, a configuration capable of supplying lubricant to the inner peripheral surface of the rubber seal S attached to the inner peripheral surface of the receiving port W2a while preventing the entry of dust and the like into the receiving port W2a can be realized. Thus, the entry of dust and the like into the receiving port W2a can be prevented, and the working efficiency of the lubricant supply operation to the rubber seal S can be improved.

[0072] In addition, in the present embodiment, the lubricant supply portion 3 includes a storage portion 31 in which lubricant is stored, and a supply pipe portion 32 whose tip end can be inserted into the supply port 25a and that can supply lubricant from the storage portion 31 to the supply port 25a.

[0073] Thereby, the configuration of the lubricant supply device 1 that supplies lubricant to the inner peripheral surface of the rubber seal S attached to the inner peripheral surface of the receiving port W2a can be realized.

[0074] Further, in the present embodiment, the lubricant supply unit 3 has a support member 33 that rotatably supports the supply pipe portion 32 about its proximal end. The supply pipe portion 32 is configured to be removable from the receiving port W2a to the receiving port cover 2 by rotating about the proximal end with the tip portion inserted into the supply port 25a of the receiving port cover main body 21.

[0075] Thereby, the receiving port cover 2 can be removed from the receiving port W2a by using the supply pipe portion 32 of the lubricant supply unit 3 that supplies lubricant to the inner peripheral surface of the rubber seal S attached to the inner peripheral surface of the receiving port W2a. Therefore, the working efficiency of the lubricant supply operation to the rubber seal S can be improved.

[0076] Further, in the present embodiment, the lubricant supply device 1 further has a detection unit 4 configured to be able to detect the supply amount or supply pressure of the lubricant to the rubber seal S.

[0077] Thereby, a predetermined amount of lubricant can be more reliably supplied onto the inner peripheral surface of the rubber seal S. Moreover, by detecting the supply amount or supply pressure of the lubricant, it becomes possible to detect the completion of the lubricant supply. Therefore, the working efficiency of the lubricant supply operation to the rubber seal S can be improved.

[0078] Further, in the present embodiment, the lubricant supply device 1 has a supply pipe portion 32 that functions as a receiving port cover removing portion for removing the receiving port cover 2 that covers the opening of the receiving port W2a from the receiving port W2a of the pipe to be joined W2. Thereby, the receiving port cover 2 that covers the opening of the receiving port W2a of the pipe to be joined W2 can be easily removed from the receiving port W2a.

[0079] (Lubricant Supply Method) Next, a lubricant supply method for supplying lubricant to the inner peripheral surface of the rubber seal S attached to the inner peripheral surface of the receiving port W2a of the pipe to be joined W2 using the lubricant supply device 1 having the above-described configuration will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the lubricant supply method using the lubricant supply device 1. FIGS. 8 and 9 are diagrams schematically illustrating the lubricant supply method using the lubricant supply device 1.

[0080] Specifically, FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the receiving port W2a showing the state where the tip of the supply pipe portion 32 is inserted into the supply port 25a of the receiving port W2a. FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of the receiving port W2a showing the state where a lubricant is supplied to the inner peripheral surface of the rubber seal S.

[0081] In step S1 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, the tip of the supply pipe portion 32 is inserted into the supply port 25a formed in the receiving port cover 2. Note that the receiving port cover 2 is attached to the receiving port W2a of the pipe to be joined W2 before the pipe to be joined W2 is disposed in the groove in which the pipe to be joined W2 is laid.

[0082] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, first, a support member 33 for supporting the supply pipe portion 32 is attached to the pipe to be joined W2. Next, the supply pipe portion 32 is rotated about the support member 33 (solid arrow in FIG. 8), and the tip of the supply pipe portion 32 is inserted into the supply port 25a of the receiving port cover 2. Note that this step S1 may be performed before the pipe to be joined W2 is disposed in the groove in which the pipe to be joined W2 is laid, or may be performed after the pipe to be joined W2 is disposed in the groove in which the pipe to be joined W2 is laid.

[0083] In step S2 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, a lubricant is supplied onto the inner peripheral surface of the rubber seal S through the supply port 25a of the receiving port cover 2 and the lubricant supply path 25 by the lubricant supply unit 3.

[0084] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the lubricant is supplied from the storage portion 31 through the supply pipe portion 32 to the supply port 25a and the lubricant supply path 25 (solid arrows in FIGS. 3 and 4). The lubricant supplied to the supply port 25a and the lubricant supply path 25 is discharged from the opening 25b of the receiving port cover insertion portion 22. As shown in FIG. 9, the lubricant discharged from the opening 25b spreads on the outer peripheral surface 26 of the receiving port cover insertion portion 22 and is supplied to the inner peripheral surface of the rubber seal S.

[0085] Note that the first sealing portion 23 and the second sealing portion 24 prevent the lubricant supplied through the lubricant supply path 25 from overflowing from the inner peripheral surface of the rubber seal S.

[0086] Next, in step S3 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, the receiving port cover 2 is removed from the receiving port W2a of the pipe W2 to be joined by the supply pipe portion 32 of the lubricant supply portion 3.

[0087] Specifically, when the detection unit 4 detects the completion of the supply of the lubricant, as shown in FIG. 6, the supply pipe portion 32 is rotated about the support member 33, so that the receiving port cover 2 into which the tip of the supply pipe portion 32 is inserted is removed from the receiving port W2a of the pipe W2 to be joined. Thereby, the receiving port cover 2 that covers the opening of the receiving port W2a of the pipe W2 to be joined can be removed by the supply pipe portion 32 of the lubricant supply portion 3.

[0088] Thereafter, the flow shown in FIG. 7 is terminated (END).

[0089] Here, step S1 corresponds to the supply pipe portion insertion process, step S2 corresponds to the lubricant supply process, and step S3 corresponds to the receiving port cover removal process.

[0090] The lubricant supply method according to the present embodiment is a lubricant supply method in which a lubricant is supplied to the inner peripheral surface of a rubber seal S attached to the inner peripheral surface of the receiving port W2a of the pipe W2 to be joined by a lubricant supply device 1. The lubricant supply method includes a supply pipe portion insertion step S1 of inserting the tip of the supply pipe portion 32 into the supply port 25a formed in the receiving port cover 2, and a lubricant supply step S2 of supplying a lubricant from the storage portion 31 storing the lubricant to the inner peripheral surface of the rubber seal S attached to the inner peripheral surface of the receiving port W2a of the pipe W2 to be joined through the supply pipe portion 32.

[0091] By the above method, it is possible to supply a lubricant to the rubber seal S attached to the inner peripheral surface of the receiving port W2a with the receiving port cover 2 attached to the receiving port W2a of the pipe W2 to be joined. Therefore, it is possible to supply the lubricant to the inner peripheral surface of the rubber seal S in a state where dust and the like are prevented from entering the receiving port W2a. Thus, it is possible to provide a lubricant supply method capable of preventing the entry of dust and the like into the receiving port W2a and improving the working efficiency of the lubricant supply operation to the rubber seal S.

[0092] In this embodiment, after the supply of the lubricant to the rubber seal S in the lubricant supply step S2 is completed, a receiving port cover removal step S3 of removing the receiving port cover 2 from the receiving port W2a is further provided. Thereby, the receiving port cover 2 can be removed from the receiving port W2a after the supply of the lubricant is completed. Therefore, the working efficiency of the lubricant supply operation to the rubber seal S can be further improved.

[0093] (Other embodiments) As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, the above-described embodiments are merely examples for implementing the present invention. Therefore, without being limited to the above-described embodiments, it is possible to appropriately modify and implement the above-described embodiments within the scope not departing from the gist thereof.

[0094] In the above embodiment, the lubricant supply device 1 is configured such that the receiving port cover 2 can be attached to and detached from the receiving port W2a by rotating the supply pipe portion 32 with respect to the support member 33. However, as shown in FIG. 10, the lubricant supply device 101 may be configured such that the receiving port cover 102 is attached to and detached from the receiving port W2a by a parallel link mechanism 106 having a support member 133 that rotatably supports the receiving port cover 102 and a link member. When the receiving port cover 102 is removed by the parallel link mechanism 106, the receiving port cover 102 moves in the vertical direction. Thereby, it is possible to more reliably prevent dust or the like adhering to the receiving port cover 102 from falling and entering the receiving port W2a. Note that the configuration of attaching and detaching the receiving port cover to and from the receiving port may be another configuration of attaching and detaching the cover to the tip of the cylindrical member.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the lubricant supply device 1 has the detection unit 4. However, the lubricant supply device may not have the detection unit.

[0096] In the above embodiment, the receiving port cover 2 has a first sealing portion 23 and a second sealing portion 24. However, the receiving port cover may not have the first sealing portion. The receiving port cover may not have the second sealing portion. In order to improve the supply accuracy of the lubricant, it is preferable that the receiving port cover has at least the first sealing portion.

[0097] In the above embodiment, the first sealing portion 23 and the second sealing portion 24 are made of a material that does not allow the lubricant to pass through but allows air to pass through. However, the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion may be made of a material that does not allow either the lubricant or air to pass through. In this case, at least one of the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion may have air holes that do not allow the lubricant to pass through but allow air to pass through. Thereby, when filling the space formed by the outer peripheral surface of the receiving port cover insertion portion, the rubber seal, the first sealing portion, and the second sealing portion with the lubricant, the air in the space can be discharged to the outside.

[0098] In the above embodiment, the lubricant supply portion 3 has a supply pipe portion 32 whose tip is inserted into the supply port 25a of the receiving port cover 2. However, the lubricant supply portion may supply the lubricant onto the inner peripheral surface of the rubber seal disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the receiving port of the pipe to be joined by a configuration other than the supply pipe.

[0099] In the above embodiment, the supply pipe portion 32 of the lubricant supply portion 3 removes the receiving port cover 2 from the receiving port W2a of the pipe to be joined W2. However, the lubricant supply device may not have a function of removing the receiving port cover. The lubricant supply device may separately have a receiving port cover removing portion for removing the receiving port cover.

[0100] In the above embodiment, the lubricant supply passage 25 opens to the outer peripheral surface 26 of the receiving port cover insertion portion 22. However, the lubricant supply passage may open to other portions of the receiving port cover insertion portion. Note that the lubricant supply passage 25 may have a plurality of openings.

[0101] The lubricant supply device 1 of the above embodiment may be provided in a pipe joining device for joining the insertion port of the pipe to the receiving port of the pipe to be joined to the pipe.

Industrial Applicability

[0102] The present invention can be used for a sealing member that seals between the outer peripheral surface of an insertion port of a pipe and the inner peripheral surface of a receiving port of a pipe to be joined to the pipe.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0103] 1, 101 Lubricant supply device 2, 102 Receiving port cover 21 Receiving port cover main body 21a Tapered portion 22 Receiving port cover insertion portion 22a Base end portion (one end in the axial direction) 22b Axial tip 23 First sealing portion 24 Second sealing portion 25 Lubricant supply path 25a Supply port 25b Opening 26 Outer peripheral surface 3 Lubricant supply portion 31 Storage portion 32 Supply pipe portion 33, 133 Support member 4 Detection portion 106 Parallel link mechanism S Rubber seal (sealing member) W1 Pipe W1a Insertion port W2 Pipe to be joined W2a Receiving port W2c Opening portion L2 Axis

Claims

1. A socket cover attached to a socket of a pipe to be joined into which the socket of a pipe having a socket and a socket is inserted, a socket cover body that covers an opening of the socket of the pipe to be joined, a socket cover insertion portion that is columnar and can be inserted into the socket, and one end in the axial direction is connected to the socket cover body, and has, the socket cover insertion portion, has a lubricant supply passage that opens to the outer peripheral surface so as to supply a lubricant to the inner peripheral surface of a seal member attached to the inner peripheral surface of the socket, the socket cover body, has a supply port for supplying the lubricant to the lubricant supply passage, socket cover.

2. In the socket cover according to Claim 1, on the outer peripheral surface of the socket cover insertion portion and on the axial tip side of the opening of the lubricant supply passage, a first sealing portion that protrudes radially outward is provided so as to contact the axial tip of the seal member in a state where the socket cover is attached to the opening of the pipe to be joined, socket cover.

3. In the socket cover according to Claim 2, on the outer peripheral surface of the socket cover insertion portion and on the socket cover body side, a second sealing portion is provided to seal a space between the inner peripheral surface of the opening of the socket and the outer peripheral surface of the socket cover insertion portion in a state where the socket cover is attached to the socket of the pipe to be joined, socket cover.

4. In the socket cover according to Claim 3, at least one of the first sealing portion or the second sealing portion, has air holes through which lubricant cannot pass but air can pass, socket cover.

5. A lubricant supply device for supplying a lubricant to the inner peripheral surface of a seal member attached to the inner peripheral surface of a socket of a pipe to be joined having a socket and a socket, a socket cover attached to the socket of the pipe to be joined, a lubricant supply portion for supplying a lubricant to the socket cover, and has, the socket cover, a socket cover body that covers an opening of the socket of the pipe to be joined, a socket cover insertion portion that is columnar and can be inserted into the socket, and one end in the axial direction is connected to the socket cover body, and has, the socket cover insertion portion, has a lubricant supply passage that opens to the outer peripheral surface so as to supply a lubricant to the inner peripheral surface of a seal member attached to the inner peripheral surface of the socket, the socket cover body, has a supply port for supplying the lubricant to the lubricant supply passage, lubricant supply device.

6. In the lubricant supply device according to Claim 5, the lubricant supply portion, a storage section in which a lubricant is stored, a supply pipe section whose tip can be inserted into the supply port and which can supply the lubricant from the storage section to the supply port, and a lubricant supply device.

7. In the lubricant supply device according to claim 6, the lubricant supply section has a support member that rotatably supports the supply pipe section about its base end, the supply pipe section is configured to be able to remove the receiving port cover from the receiving port by rotating about the base end in a state where the tip is inserted into the supply port of the receiving port cover body, a lubricant supply device.

8. In the lubricant supply device according to claim 5, further comprising a receiving port cover removal section for removing the receiving port cover from the receiving port, a lubricant supply device.

9. In the lubricant supply device according to claim 5, further comprising a detection section configured to be able to detect the supply amount or supply pressure of the lubricant to the seal member, a lubricant supply device.

10. A lubricant supply method for supplying a lubricant to the inner peripheral surface of a seal member attached to the inner peripheral surface of the receiving port of the to-be-joined pipe by the lubricant supply device according to any one of claims 5 to 9, a supply pipe section insertion step of inserting the tip of the supply pipe section into the supply port formed in the receiving port cover, a lubricant supply step of supplying the lubricant from the storage section storing the lubricant to the inner peripheral surface of the seal member attached to the inner peripheral surface of the receiving port of the to-be-joined pipe via the supply pipe section, and a lubricant supply method.

11. In the lubricant supply method according to claim 10, further comprising a receiving port cover removal step of removing the receiving port cover from the receiving port after completion of the supply of the lubricant to the seal member by the lubricant supply step, a lubricant supply method.

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