Pipe insertion device and pipe insertion method

Abstract

To provide a pipe insertion device with a compact configuration, capable of easily inserting an insertion port of a pipe into a socket of a pipe to be joined.SOLUTION: A pipe insertion device 1 has: a pair of gripping members 31, 32 of a pipe gripping part 3 that grips an insertion port W1a side of a pipe W1; a pipe to be joined mounting part 2 that is attached to a pipe to be joined W2; and a movable part 4 that is connected to axial base end parts 31a, 32a of the pair of gripping members 31, 32 of the pipe W1, and moves the pair of gripping members 31, 32 in the axial direction so that the pair of gripping members 31, 32 and the pipe to be joined mounting section 2 approach each other. The pair of gripping members 31, 32 extends from the base end parts 31a, 32a connected to the movable part 4 toward the opening side of the insertion port W1a and contacts the outer peripheral surface of the pipe W1, and tips 31b, 32b axially contact an insertion port protrusion part W1c located at the opening end of the insertion port W1a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pipe insertion device and a pipe insertion method for inserting an insertion port of a pipe into a receiving port of a pipe to be joined that is 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, a pipe joining operation for joining a pipe to a pipe to be joined disposed in a trench in the ground is performed. In this pipe joining operation, an operator first needs to suspend the pipe to be joined to the pipe to be joined in the trench. Thereafter, the operator needs to align the pipe and the pipe to be joined in the trench, insert the insertion port of the pipe into the receiving port of the pipe to be joined, and join the insertion port and the receiving port.

[0003] In such a conventional pipe joining operation, the operator needs to suspend the pipe in the trench while checking the position of the pipe with respect to the pipe to be joined in the trench. Further, the operator needs to manually align the pipe and the pipe to be joined in the trench.

[0004] As described above, in the conventional pipe joining operation, since the work load of 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, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a pipe joining attachment for a working machine having a gripping portion for gripping a pipe and a pipe-to-be-joined contact portion that is located in the axial direction of the insertion port of the pipe gripped by the gripping portion and contacts an outer peripheral surface on the receiving port side of a pipe to be joined that is joined to the pipe. By using this pipe joining attachment, the pipe can be gripped and the insertion port of the pipe can be inserted into the receiving port of the pipe to be joined. The pipe joining attachment is attached to an arm of the working machine.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006] Patent Document 1 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-62320 Summary of the Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] By the way, the attachment for pipe joining disclosed in the above Patent Document 1 inserts the insertion port of the pipe in a state where the pipe is gripped into the receiving port of the pipe to be joined. Therefore, the attachment for pipe joining has a complicated structure, is large-sized and heavy. Thus, the working machine to which the attachment for pipe joining for gripping the pipe is attached also becomes large-sized. Therefore, in a narrow construction site or the like, it may not be possible to use the attachment for pipe joining for pipe joining work.

[0008] Therefore, there is a demand for a compact pipe insertion device that can easily insert the insertion port of the pipe into the receiving port of the pipe without the operator working in the trench.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a pipe insertion device having a compact configuration that can easily insert the insertion port of a pipe into the receiving port of a pipe to be joined. Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] A pipe insertion device according to an embodiment of the present invention is a pipe insertion device that inserts the insertion port of a pipe having an insertion port and a receiving port into the receiving port of a pipe to be joined to the pipe. This pipe insertion device includes a pipe gripping portion that grips the insertion port side of the pipe, a pipe-to-be-joined attachment portion that is attached to the pipe to be joined, and is connected to an end portion in the axial direction of the pipe in the pipe gripping portion, and at least one of the pipe gripping portion and the pipe-to-be-joined attachment portion is moved in the axial direction so that the pipe gripping portion and the pipe-to-be-joined attachment portion approach each other. The pipe gripping portion extends from the end portion connected to the moving portion toward the opening side of the insertion port and contacts the outer peripheral surface of the pipe, and the tip thereof axially contacts an insertion port protrusion located at the opening end of the insertion port (first configuration).

[0011] By bringing the tip of the tube gripping portion into axial contact with the insertion port protrusion of the tube, the tube gripping portion and the tube attachment portion to be joined can be relatively moved. As a result, the tube gripping portion and the tube attachment portion to be joined can be easily brought closer to each other.

[0012] Moreover, in the above-described configuration, the tube is gripped by the tube gripping portion having a compact configuration inserted between the insertion port of the tube and the receiving port of the tube to be joined, and the insertion port of the tube is inserted into the receiving port of the tube to be joined. Therefore, a tube insertion device having a compact configuration that can easily insert the insertion port of the tube gripped by the tube gripping portion into the receiving port of the tube to which the tube attachment portion to be joined is attached can be realized.

[0013] In the first configuration, the tube gripping portion has a thickness equal to or smaller than the protruding height of the insertion port protrusion (second configuration).

[0014] Thereby, when inserting the insertion port of the tube into the receiving port of the tube to be joined, it is possible to prevent the tube gripping portion from interfering with the receiving port of the tube to be joined. Therefore, the insertion port of the tube can be easily inserted into the receiving port of the tube to be joined.

[0015] In the first configuration, the moving portion has a support portion that supports the end portion of the tube gripping portion so as to switch between a first state in which the tube gripping portion is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface and the tip is in contact with the insertion port protrusion, and a second state in which the tube gripping portion is separated from the outer peripheral surface (third configuration).

[0016] Thereby, it is possible to switch between a state in which the insertion port of the tube is gripped by the tube gripping portion and a state in which the insertion port of the tube is not gripped by the tube gripping portion. Therefore, the workability of the operation of gripping the tube by the tube gripping portion can be improved.

[0017] In the first configuration, the tube insertion device further has a detection portion that detects that a predetermined range of the tube gripping portion has been inserted into the receiving port of the tube to be joined (fourth configuration).

[0018] This makes it possible to easily confirm that the insertion port of the pipe has been inserted into the receiving port within a predetermined range. Therefore, the workability of the operation of inserting the insertion port of the pipe into the receiving port of the pipe to be joined can be improved.

[0019] A pipe insertion method according to an embodiment of the present invention is a pipe insertion method in which an insertion port of a pipe having an insertion port and a receiving port is inserted into a receiving port of a pipe to be joined that is joined to the pipe by a pipe insertion device having any one of the first to fourth configurations. This insertion method includes a contact step of bringing the pipe gripping portion into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the pipe and bringing the tip on the insertion port side into axial contact with the insertion port protrusion, and a moving step of moving at least one of the pipe gripping portion and the pipe to be joined mounting portion in the axial direction by a moving portion connected to an axial end portion of the pipe in the pipe gripping portion so that the pipe gripping portion and the pipe to be joined mounting portion approach each other, and a stopping step of stopping the movement of at least one of the pipe gripping portion and the pipe to be joined mounting portion by the moving portion when it is detected that a predetermined range of the pipe gripping portion has been inserted into the receiving port of the pipe to be joined (the first method).

[0020] By bringing the tip of the pipe gripping portion into axial contact with the insertion port protrusion of the pipe, the pipe gripping portion and the pipe to be joined mounting portion can be relatively moved. Thereby, the pipe gripping portion and the pipe to be joined mounting portion can be easily brought closer to each other. Also, when a predetermined range of the insertion port has been inserted into the receiving port, the insertion operation can be stopped. Therefore, it is possible to provide a pipe insertion method that can easily insert the insertion port of the pipe into the receiving port of the pipe to be joined and can improve the workability of the insertion operation.

Advantages of the Invention

[0021] The pipe insertion device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a pipe gripping portion that grips the insertion port side of a pipe, a joined pipe attachment portion that is attached to a joined pipe, and is connected to an axial end portion of the pipe in the pipe gripping portion, and at least one of the pipe gripping portion or the joined pipe attachment portion is moved in the axial direction so that the pipe gripping portion and the joined pipe attachment portion approach each other. The pipe gripping portion extends from the end portion connected to the moving portion toward the opening side of the insertion port and contacts the outer peripheral surface of the pipe, and the tip thereof axially contacts an insertion port protrusion located at the opening end of the insertion port.

[0022] The pipe insertion device having the above-described configuration can grip the pipe by the pipe gripping portion having a compact configuration inserted between the insertion port of the pipe and the receiving port of the joined pipe, and insert the insertion port of the pipe into the receiving port of the joined pipe. Therefore, it is possible to realize a pipe insertion device having a compact configuration that can easily insert the insertion port of the pipe gripped by the pipe gripping portion into the receiving port of the joined pipe to which the joined pipe attachment portion is attached.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0023]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] Hereinafter, each embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In each figure, the same reference numerals are assigned 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.

[0025] In the following description, the axial direction means the direction in which the axis L2 of the tube 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 up - down direction.

[0026] Also, in the following description, expressions such as "fix", "connect", and "attach" (hereinafter, fixing, etc.) include not only cases where members are directly fixed, etc., but also cases 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. of members to each other.

[0027] (Tube Insertion Device) FIG. 1 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of a pipe insertion device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a top view showing the schematic configuration of the pipe insertion device 1. FIG. 3 is a view of the pipe insertion device 1 as seen axially from the side of the pipe W2 to be joined. FIG. 4 is a top view showing a part of the pipe gripping portion 3 and the moving portion 4 in an enlarged manner. FIG. 5 is a top view showing a state in which the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 is inserted into the receiving port W2a of the pipe W2 to be joined by the pipe insertion device 1. FIG. 6 is a view for explaining the operation of the pipe gripping portion 3.

[0028] The pipe insertion device 1 is a device for inserting the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 into the receiving port W2a of the pipe W2 to be joined. The pipe insertion device 1 has a size that can be installed in a groove in which the pipe W1 and the pipe W2 to be joined are laid.

[0029] The pipe W1 and the pipe W2 to be joined are, for example, water pipes. The pipe W1 and the pipe W2 to be joined may be pipes other than water pipes, such as sewer pipes, agricultural water pipes, and gas pipes. The pipe W1 and the pipe W2 to be joined may be ductile cast iron pipes, other metal pipes, or resin pipes.

[0030] The pipe insertion device 1 grips the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1 and moves it toward the receiving port W2a of the pipe W2 to be joined, thereby inserting the insertion port W1a into the receiving port W2a. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pipe insertion device 1 includes a pipe W2 attachment portion 2, a pipe gripping portion 3, a moving portion 4, and a detection portion 5.

[0031] The pipe W2 attachment portion 2 is attached to the receiving port W2a of the pipe W2 to be joined. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the pipe W2 attachment portion 2 is configured to sandwich and hold the receiving port W2a of the pipe W2 to be joined. The pipe W2 attachment portion 2 supports a pair of axial movement portions 41 and 42 of the moving portion 4 described later. Thereby, as will be described later, when the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 is drawn toward the receiving port W2a of the pipe W2 by the moving portion 4, the reaction force generated can be received by the receiving port W2a of the pipe W2 to be joined.

[0032] In this embodiment, a drive unit 47 that drives a pair of axially moving units 41 and 42 is disposed in the joined pipe attachment portion 2. Note that the drive unit 47 may be disposed anywhere in the pipe insertion device 1 as long as it can apply a driving force to the pair of axially moving units 41 and 42.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, the pipe gripping portion 3 has a pair of gripping members 31 and 32. The pair of gripping members 31 and 32 sandwich and grip the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1. The pair of gripping members 31 and 32 are arc-shaped plate members that follow the outer peripheral surface on the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1 when viewed in the axial direction. The pair of gripping members 31 and 32 extend from the base end portions 31a and 32a toward the opening side of the insertion port W1a, and the tip ends 31b and 32b are configured to be axially contactable with the insertion port protrusion W1c located at the axial tip of the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1. The opposing surfaces in the thickness direction of the pair of gripping members 31 and 32 are configured to be contactable with the outer peripheral surface of the pipe W1.

[0034] The thickness of the pair of gripping members 31 and 32 is equal to or smaller than the radially protruding height of the insertion port protrusion W1c. Thereby, when the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 is inserted into the receiving port W2a of the joined pipe W2 while the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 is gripped by the pair of gripping members 31 and 32, it is possible to prevent the pair of gripping members 31 and 32 from interfering with the receiving port W2a.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 5, a seal member S for sealing 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 is attached to the inner peripheral surface of the receiving port W2a of the joined pipe W2. Therefore, when the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 is inserted into the receiving port W2a of the joined pipe W2, the pair of gripping members 31 and 32 come into contact with the seal member S attached to the inner peripheral surface of the receiving port W2a.

[0036] In the present embodiment, when inserting the insertion port W1a into the receiving port W2a of the pipe W2 to be joined, since the pair of gripping members 31 and 32 have the above-described thickness, it is possible to suppress an increase in the surface pressure between the pair of gripping members 31 and 32 and the sealing member S. Therefore, the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 can be easily inserted into the receiving port W2a of the pipe W2 to be joined.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the base end portions 31a and 32a in the axial direction of the pair of gripping members 31 and 32 are supported by the support portions 43 and 44 of the moving portion 4 described later. In the present embodiment, a sensor 51 of the detection portion 5 described later is attached to one of the pair of gripping members 32.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the moving portion 4 moves the pair of gripping members 31 and 32 that grip the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 in the axial direction toward the receiving port W2a of the pipe W2 to be joined. Specifically, the moving portion 4 includes a pair of axially moving portions 41 and 42, a pair of support portions 43 and 44, a pair of elastic members 45 and 46, and a drive portion 47.

[0039] The base end sides of the pair of axially moving portions 41 and 42 are supported by the pipe-to-be-joined attachment portion 2 attached to the pipe W2 to be joined. The pair of axially moving portions 41 and 42 are each configured such that the tip end is axially movable with respect to the pipe-to-be-joined attachment portion 2. For example, the pair of axially moving portions 41 and 42 move axially via a rack and pinion (not shown) that operates by a driving force output from the drive portion 47.

[0040] Note that the pair of axially moving portions 41 and 42 may be configured by, for example, a hydraulic cylinder that expands and contracts in the axial direction. In the following description, even when only the tip ends of the pair of axially moving portions 41 and 42 are configured to move with respect to the pipe-to-be-joined attachment portion 2, the pair of axially moving portions 41 and 42 may be expressed as moving with respect to the pipe-to-be-joined attachment portion 2.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, a pair of support portions 43, 44 are connected to the end portions on the tip side of a pair of axially moving portions 41, 42. In the present embodiment, the pair of support portions 43, 44 rotatably support the pair of gripping members 31, 32 about an axis extending in the vertical direction. Further, the pair of support portions 43, 44 support the pair of gripping members 31, 32 such that the lateral interval between the base end portions 31a, 32a of the pair of gripping members 31, 32 changes.

[0042] Specifically, the pair of support portions 43, 44 support the pair of gripping members 31, 32 such that the lateral interval between the base end portions 31a, 32a of the pair of gripping members 31, 32 switches between a first state (see FIG. 4) equal to the outer diameter on the insertion port W1a side of the tube W1 in a top view and a second state (see FIG. 6) smaller than the outer diameter on the insertion port W1a side of the tube W1. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the lateral interval between the tips 31b, 32b of the pair of gripping members 31, 32 in the second state is larger than the lateral interval between the tips 31b, 32b of the pair of gripping members 31, 32 in the first state.

[0043] In this way, the pair of support portions 43, 44 rotatably support the pair of gripping members 31, 32 about the axis such that the smaller the lateral interval between the base end portions 31a, 32a of the pair of gripping members 31, 32, the larger the lateral interval between the tips 31b, 32b of the pair of gripping members 31, 32.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 4, in the first state, the pair of gripping members 31, 32 are in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the tube W1 and the tips 31b, 32b axially contact the insertion port protrusion W1c. That is, in the first state, the pair of gripping members 31, 32 grip the tube W1.

[0045] The elastic members 45 and 46 elastically support the pair of gripping members 31 and 32 with respect to the pair of axial movement parts 41 and 42. When no pipe W1 is arranged between the pair of gripping members 31 and 32, the elastic members 45 and 46 bias the proximal ends 31a and 32a of the pair of gripping members 31 and 32 so that the lateral distance therebetween becomes smaller. When a pipe W1 is arranged between the pair of gripping members 31 and 32, the elastic members 45 and 46 bias the pair of gripping members 31 and 32 toward the outer peripheral surface on the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1.

[0046] When the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1 is inserted between the pair of gripping members 31 and 32, the outer peripheral surface of the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1 contacts the proximal ends 31a and 32a of the pair of gripping members 31 and 32. Thereby, the pair of gripping members 31 and 32 rotate about the axis, and the tips 31b and 32b of the pair of gripping members 31 and 32 move toward the outer peripheral surface of the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1. At this time, the elastic members 45 and 46 bias the pair of gripping members 31 and 32 toward the outer peripheral surface of the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1. Thereby, the pair of gripping members 31 and 32 closely adhere to the outer peripheral surface of the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1.

[0047] In this way, the pair of support parts 43 and 44 can switch between a state in which the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 is gripped by the pair of gripping members 31 and 32 and a state in which the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 is not gripped by the pair of gripping members 31 and 32. Therefore, the workability of the operation of causing the pair of gripping members 31 and 32 to grip the pipe can be improved.

[0048] Note that the pair of gripping members 31 and 32 may be configured to generate an elastic restoring force toward the outer peripheral surface of the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1.

[0049] The drive part 47 outputs a driving force to the pair of axial movement parts 41 and 42. When the drive part 47 acquires a stop signal from the detection part 5 described later, the drive part 47 stops outputting the driving force.

[0050] The detection unit 5 is configured to be able to detect the completion of the insertion of the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 into the receiving port W2a of the pipe W2 to be joined. In the present embodiment, the detection unit 5 has a sensor 51 attached to one of the pair of gripping members 31, 32.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 5, the sensor 51 is attached to one of the pair of gripping members 31, 32, specifically, the gripping member 32. More specifically, the sensor 51 is attached to the position of the gripping member 32 corresponding to the boundary position between the portion inserted into the receiving port W2a of the pipe W2 to be joined in the pipe W1 and the portion not inserted.

[0052] The sensor 51 detects that another member has come into contact with the sensor 51. When the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 gripped by the pair of gripping members 31, 32 is inserted into the receiving port W2a up to the boundary position, the sensor 51 comes into contact with the open end of the pipe W2 to be joined. Thereby, the sensor 51 detects that a predetermined range of the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 has been inserted into the receiving port W2a of the pipe W2 to be joined. That is, the sensor 51 detects the completion of the insertion of the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 into the receiving port W2a of the pipe W2 to be joined.

[0053] Thereby, it is possible to easily confirm that a predetermined range of the insertion port W1a has been inserted into the receiving port W2a. Therefore, the workability of the operation of inserting the insertion port W1a into the receiving port W2a can be improved.

[0054] When the detection unit 5 detects the completion of the insertion of the pipe W1, the detection unit 5 outputs a stop signal for stopping the movement of the moving unit 4 with respect to the pipe W2 attachment unit 2 to the drive unit 47. Thereby, the movement of the pair of axially moving units 41, 42 stops.

[0055] The pipe insertion device 1 according to this embodiment is a pipe insertion device that inserts the insertion port W1a of a pipe W1 having an insertion port W1a and a receiving port W2a into the receiving port W2a of a pipe W2 to be joined that is joined to the pipe W1. The pipe insertion device 1 includes a pair of gripping members 31 and 32 that grip the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1, a pipe W2 to be joined attachment portion 2 attached to the pipe W2 to be joined, and is connected to the base end portions 31a and 32a in the axial direction of the pipe W1 in the pair of gripping members 31 and 32, and a moving portion 4 that moves at least one of the pipe gripping portion 3 or the pipe W2 to be joined attachment portion 2 in the axial direction so that the pair of gripping members 31 and 32 and the pipe W2 to be joined attachment portion 2 approach each other. The pair of gripping members 31 and 32 extend from the base end portions 31a and 32a connected to the moving portion 4 toward the opening side of the insertion port W1a and contact the outer peripheral surface of the pipe W1, and the tips 31b and 32b axially contact the insertion port protrusion W1c located at the opening end of the insertion port W1a.

[0056] By axially contacting the tips 31b and 32b of the pair of gripping members 31 and 32 with the insertion port protrusion W1c of the pipe W1, the pair of gripping members 31 and 32 and the pipe W2 to be joined attachment portion 2 can be relatively moved. Thereby, the pair of gripping members 31 and 32 and the pipe W2 to be joined attachment portion 2 can be easily brought closer to each other.

[0057] Moreover, in the above-described configuration, the pipe W1 is gripped by a pair of gripping members 31 and 32 having a compact configuration inserted between the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 and the receiving port W2a of the pipe W2 to be joined, and the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 is inserted into the receiving port W2a of the pipe W2 to which the pipe W2 to be joined attachment portion 2 is attached. Therefore, a pipe insertion device 1 having a compact configuration that can easily insert the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 gripped by the pair of gripping members 31 and 32 into the receiving port W2a of the pipe W2 to which the pipe W2 to be joined attachment portion 2 is attached can be realized.

[0058] Also, in this embodiment, the pair of gripping members 31 and 32 have a thickness equal to or smaller than the protruding height of the insertion port protrusion W1c.

[0059] Thus, when inserting the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 into the receiving port W2a of the pipe to be joined W2, it is possible to prevent the pair of gripping members 31, 32 of the pipe gripping portion 3 from interfering with the receiving port W2a of the pipe to be joined W2. Therefore, the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 can be easily inserted into the receiving port W2a of the pipe to be joined W2.

[0060] Further, in the present embodiment, the moving portion 4 switches between a first state in which the pair of gripping members 31, 32 are in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the pipe W1 and the tips 31b, 32b are in contact with the insertion port protrusion W1c, and a second state in which the pair of gripping members 31, 32 are separated from the outer peripheral surface, and has a pair of support portions 43, 44 that support the base end portions 31a, 32a of the pair of gripping members 31, 32.

[0061] Thereby, it is possible to switch between a state in which the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 is gripped by the pair of gripping members 31, 32 and a state in which the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 is not gripped by the pair of gripping members 31, 32. Therefore, the workability of the operation of gripping the pipe W1 by the pair of gripping members 31, 32 can be improved.

[0062] Further, in the present embodiment, the pipe insertion device 1 has a detection portion 5 that detects that a predetermined range of the pair of gripping members 31, 32 has been inserted into the receiving port W2a of the pipe to be joined W2.

[0063] Thereby, it is possible to easily confirm that a predetermined range of the insertion port W1a has been inserted into the receiving port W2a. Therefore, the workability of the operation of inserting the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 into the receiving port W2a of the pipe to be joined W2 can be improved.

[0064] (Pipe Insertion Method) Next, a pipe insertion method for inserting the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 into the receiving port W2a of the pipe to be joined W2 using the pipe insertion device 1 having the above-described configuration will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a pipe joining method using the pipe insertion device 1. FIGS. 8 to 12 are diagrams schematically explaining the pipe insertion method using the pipe insertion device 1.

[0065] Specifically, FIG. 8 is a side view showing a state where the joined pipe attachment portion 2 is attached to the joined pipe W2. FIG. 9 is a top view of FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a top view showing a state where the pipe gripping portion 3 grips the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1. FIG. 11 is a top view showing a state where the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 is drawn closer to the receiving port W2a of the joined pipe W2 through the pipe gripping portion 3 by the movement of the axial movement portions 41 and 42 of the moving portion 4. FIG. 12 is a side view showing a state where the pipe insertion device 1 is separated from the pipe W1 and the joined pipe W2.

[0066] In step S1 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, the joined pipe attachment portion 2 of the pipe insertion device 1 is attached to the receiving port W2a of the joined pipe W2. FIGS. 8 and 9 show a state where the joined pipe attachment portion 2 is attached to the joined pipe W2.

[0067] Next, in step S2 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1 is gripped by the pair of gripping members 31 and 32.

[0068] Specifically, the pipe W1 is inserted between the pair of gripping members 31 and 32. Thereby, the pair of gripping members 31 and 32 rotate about a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction at the support portions 43 and 44. Thus, the surfaces in the thickness direction facing each other in the pair of gripping members 31 and 32 come into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1. Also, the tips 31b and 32b of the pair of gripping members 31 and 32 come into contact with the insertion port protrusion W1c in the axial direction. Thereby, the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 is gripped by the pair of gripping members 31 and 32. Also, the pair of gripping members 31 and 32 are pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 by the elastic members 45 and 46.

[0069] Next, in step S3 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, the pair of gripping members 31 and 32 are axially moved by the moving portion 4, so that the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 is brought closer to and inserted into the receiving port W2a of the joined pipe W2.

[0070] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, a pair of axially moving parts 41 and 42 in the moving part 4 are moved in the axial direction. At this time, the tips 31b and 32b of the pair of gripping members 31 and 32 are in axial contact with the insertion port protrusion W1c of the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1. Therefore, due to the axial movement of the pair of axially moving parts 41 and 42 described above, the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 is pulled toward the receiving port W2a of the pipe to be joined W2 via the pair of gripping members 31 and 32. The pair of gripping members 31 and 32 are inserted into the receiving port W2a together with the insertion port W1a when the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 is inserted into the receiving port W2a of the pipe to be joined W2.

[0071] Next, in step S4 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, when the detection unit 5 detects the completion of the insertion of the pipe, the movement of the pair of axially moving parts 41 and 42 is stopped.

[0072] Specifically, when a predetermined range of the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 is inserted into the receiving port W2a of the pipe to be joined W2, the detection unit 5 detects the completion of the insertion of the pipe W1 and outputs a stop signal to the drive unit 47. When the drive unit 47 acquires the stop signal, it stops outputting the driving force. As a result, the movement of the pair of gripping members 31 and 32 stops.

[0073] Finally, in step S5 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, the pipe to be joined attachment part 2 is removed from the pipe to be joined W2.

[0074] Specifically, by moving the axially moving parts 41 and 42 of the moving part 4 in the axial direction and in a direction away from the pipe to be joined attachment part 2, the pair of gripping members 31 and 32 are withdrawn from the receiving port W2a of the pipe to be joined W2. Next, the pipe to be joined attachment part 2 is removed from the pipe to be joined W2, and the pipe insertion device 1 is separated from the pipes W1 and the pipe to be joined W2.

[0075] After that, the flow shown in FIG. 7 is ended (END).

[0076] Here, step S2 corresponds to the contact process, step S3 corresponds to the movement process, and step S4 corresponds to the stop process.

[0077] That is, the tube insertion method according to the present embodiment is a tube insertion method in which the insertion port W1a of the tube W1 having the insertion port W1a and the receiving port W2a is inserted into the receiving port W2a of the tube W2 to be joined to the tube W1 by the tube insertion device 1. The tube insertion method includes a contact step of bringing a pair of gripping members 31 and 32 constituting the tube gripping portion 3 into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the tube W1 and bringing the tips 31b and 32b on the insertion port W1a side into axial contact with the insertion port protrusion W1c, and a moving portion 4 connected to the axial end portion of the tube W1 in the pair of gripping members 31 and 32. A moving step of moving the pair of gripping members 31 and 32 in the axial direction so that the pair of gripping members 31 and 32 and the tube-to-be-joined attachment portion 2 approach each other, and when it is detected that a predetermined range of the pair of gripping members 31 and 32 has been inserted into the receiving port W2a of the tube-to-be-joined W2, A stop step of stopping the movement of the pair of gripping members 31 and 32 by the moving portion 4.

[0078] By bringing the tips 31b and 32b of the pair of gripping members 31 and 32 into axial contact with the insertion port protrusion W1c of the tube W1, the pair of gripping members 31 and 32 and the tube-to-be-joined attachment portion 2 can be relatively moved. Thereby, the pair of gripping members 31 and 32 and the tube-to-be-joined attachment portion 2 can be easily brought closer to each other. Therefore, the insertion port W1a of the tube W1 gripped by the pair of gripping members 31 and 32 can be easily inserted into the receiving port W2a of the tube-to-be-joined W2 to which the tube-to-be-joined attachment portion 2 is attached, and when a predetermined range of the insertion port W1a is inserted into the receiving port W2a, the insertion operation can be stopped. Therefore, it is possible to provide a tube insertion method capable of improving the workability of the operation of inserting the insertion port W1a of the tube W1 into the receiving port W2a of the tube-to-be-joined W2.

[0079] (Other Embodiments) As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, the above-described embodiments are merely examples for carrying out the present invention. Therefore, without being limited to the above-described embodiments, the above-described embodiments can be appropriately modified and implemented within a range not departing from the gist thereof.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the tube insertion device 1 has a detection unit 5. The detection unit 5 detects that a predetermined range of the pair of gripping members 31, 32 has been inserted into the receiving port W2a of the tube to be joined W2. However, the tube insertion device may not have a detection unit. For example, when an operator confirms that a predetermined range of the tube has been inserted into the receiving port of the tube to be joined, the operation of the moving unit may be stopped.

[0081] In the above embodiment, the tube gripping portion 3 is constituted by a pair of gripping members 31, 32. However, the tube gripping portion may be constituted by one or three or more gripping members.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the pair of gripping members 31, 32 are arcuate plate members. However, the pair of gripping members may have any configuration as long as they are configured to grip the tube so as to be movable in the axial direction.

[0083] In the above embodiment, the moving unit 4 moves the insertion port W1a of the tube W1 to the receiving port W2a of the tube to be joined W2. However, the moving unit may move the receiving port of the tube to be joined with respect to the insertion port of the tube. That is, the moving unit may move so as to draw the tube to be joined attachment portion toward a pair of gripping portions that grip the insertion port side of the tube. The moving unit only needs to be configured to be able to move at least one of the insertion port of the tube and the receiving port of the tube to be joined.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the pair of support portions 43, 44 rotatably support the pair of gripping members 31, 32 about an axis extending in the vertical direction. However, the pair of support portions do not have to rotatably support the pair of gripping members as long as they support the pair of gripping members so as to switch between a state in which the tube is gripped by the pair of gripping members and a state in which it is not gripped.

[0085] In the above embodiment, the pair of gripping members 31, 32 are switched between a first state and a second state by the pair of support portions 43, 44. However, the pair of gripping members may be switched between the first state and the second state by other members.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the moving part 4 has elastic members 45 and 46 that bias the pair of gripping members 31 and 32 toward the outer peripheral surface on the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1. However, the moving part may not have an elastic member.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the detection part 5 detects the completion of insertion of the pipe by the sensor 51 attached to the position of the gripping member 32 corresponding to the boundary position between the part inserted into the receiving port W2a of the pipe W2 to be joined in the pipe W1 and the part not inserted. However, the detection part may detect the completion of insertion of the pipe by a sensor installed at a position away from the pipe and configured to be able to detect the boundary position.

[0088] In the above embodiment, the detection part 5 detects the boundary position of the pipe W1. However, the detection part may detect the amount of movement of the axially moving part in the moving part.

Industrial Applicability

[0089] The present invention can be used in a pipe insertion device that inserts the insertion port of a pipe into the receiving port of a pipe to be joined to the pipe.

Explanation of Signs

[0090] 1 Pipe insertion device 2 Pipe to be joined attachment part 3 Pipe gripping part 31, 32 Gripping members 31a, 32a Base ends (ends of the pipe gripping part) 31b, 32b Tips 4 Moving part 41, 42 Axially moving parts 43, 44 Support parts 45, 46 Elastic members 47 Driving part 5 Detection part 51 Sensor W1 Pipe W1a Insertion port W1b Straight pipe part W1c Insertion port protrusion W2 Pipe to be joined W2a receiving port W2b straight pipe section S sealing member L1, L2 axes

Claims

1. A pipe insertion device for inserting the insertion port of a pipe having an insertion port and a receiving port into the receiving port of a pipe to be joined that is joined to the pipe, comprising: a pipe gripping portion that grips the insertion port side of the pipe; a pipe to be joined attachment portion attached to the pipe to be joined; a moving portion connected to an axial end portion of the pipe in the pipe gripping portion and moving at least one of the pipe gripping portion or the pipe to be joined attachment portion in the axial direction so that the pipe gripping portion and the pipe to be joined attachment portion approach each other; and having the pipe gripping portion extends from the end portion connected to the moving portion toward the opening side of the insertion port and contacts the outer peripheral surface of the pipe, and the tip axially contacts the insertion port protrusion located at the opening end of the insertion port; pipe insertion device.

2. In the pipe insertion device according to claim 1, the pipe gripping portion has a thickness equal to or smaller than the protruding height of the insertion port protrusion; pipe insertion device.

3. In the pipe insertion device according to claim 1, the moving portion has a support portion that supports the end portion of the pipe gripping portion so as to switch between a first state in which the pipe gripping portion is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface and the tip contacts the insertion port protrusion, and a second state in which the pipe gripping portion is separated from the outer peripheral surface; pipe insertion device.

4. In the pipe insertion device according to claim 1, further comprising a detection portion that detects that a predetermined range of the pipe gripping portion has been inserted into the receiving port of the pipe to be joined; pipe insertion device.

5. A pipe insertion method for inserting the insertion port of a pipe having an insertion port and a receiving port into the receiving port of a pipe to be joined that is joined to the pipe by the pipe insertion device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising: a contact step of bringing the pipe gripping portion into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the pipe and bringing the tip on the insertion port side into axial contact with the insertion port protrusion; a moving step of moving at least one of the pipe gripping portion or the pipe to be joined attachment portion in the axial direction by a moving portion connected to an axial end portion of the pipe in the pipe gripping portion so that the pipe gripping portion and the pipe to be joined attachment portion approach each other; a stopping step of stopping the movement of at least one of the pipe gripping portion or the pipe to be joined attachment portion by the moving portion when it is detected that a predetermined range of the pipe gripping portion has been inserted into the receiving port of the pipe to be joined; and having, pipe insertion method.

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