Laying pipe pulling tool, laying pipe installation method, and program

Abstract

To provide a laying pipe pulling tool or the like capable of properly pulling in one laying pipe.SOLUTION: The laying pipe lead-in tool includes a plurality of detachably connected connection rods 210, and the connection rod 210 has a male screw part provided at a first end, a female screw part provided at a second end and having a shape corresponding to the male screw part, and a bent part 26 provided between the male screw part and the female screw part. The laying pipe pull-in tool is provided with an attachment part attached to the propulsion head when the propulsion head is pulled back at a first end part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pipe pulling tool, a pipe installation method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] A method for simultaneously installing multiple pipes underground has been proposed (Patent Document 1), in which a head is advanced to the ground using a jacking method, and then an expanding reamer and multiple pipes are connected to the head and pulled back, thereby simultaneously installing multiple pipes underground. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-357082 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In Patent Document 1, a wire for pulling in is placed in the center of a pipe pillow that prevents the laid pipes from contacting each other. With the method in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to pull in and install only one laid pipe underground.

[0005] In one aspect, an object is to provide a pipe pulling tool or the like that can properly pull in a single pipe. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The pipe pulling device comprises a plurality of connecting rods that are detachably connected, each of which has a male threaded portion at a first end, a female threaded portion at a second end that has a shape corresponding to the male threaded portion, and a bending portion that is provided between the male threaded portion and the female threaded portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] In one aspect, it is possible to provide a pipe pulling tool or the like that can properly pull in a single pipe. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an outline of the procedure for installing a laying pipe. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the procedure for installing the laying pipe. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the procedure for installing the laying pipe. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of part IV in FIG. [Figure 5] 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the structure of a connection portion between an expansion reamer and an attachment portion. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a structure in the vicinity of a connection portion. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of the vicinity of the tip of the connecting rod connector. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams illustrating the operation of a bending portion. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating how to use the pipe pulling tool. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating how to use the pipe pulling tool. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating how to use the pipe pulling tool. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating how to use the pipe pulling tool. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating how to use the pipe pulling tool. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating how to use the pipe pulling tool. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating how to use the pipe pulling tool. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating how to use the pipe pulling tool. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of a pipe pulling-in tool according to a second embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a connecting rod according to a second embodiment. [Figure 20]FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of a pipe pulling-in tool according to a third embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 11 is a side view of a connecting rod according to a third embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of a non-bending connecting rod. [Figure 23] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the shape of a driving hole. [Figure 24] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing system. [Figure 25] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing of a program. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [Embodiment 1] In urban areas, the trend toward burying power cables underground and eliminating utility poles is being promoted. Drop lines branching from the power cables are drawn into the premises of customers, such as homes, factories, and commercial facilities.

[0010] It is desirable to install a hollow power pipe between the customer's home and the branch point where the service line branches off from the power cable. The service line is placed inside the power pipe. Because the service line is protected by the power pipe, leakage and disconnection are prevented, and a stable power supply is safely provided to the customer. In other words, the power pipe contributes to enabling the use of stable, modern energy at low cost and improving energy efficiency.

[0011] The jacking method is suitable for laying pipes because it has minimal impact on the ground surface. Below are some of the benefits of using the jacking method. First, unlike the so-called open-cut method, which involves digging up the ground along the route the pipe will be laid, there is no need to dismantle obstacles on the ground to lay the pipe. The jacking method also reduces noise pollution compared to the open-cut method. Therefore, it contributes to creating a town where everyone can live safely and is resilient to disasters.

[0012] The jacking method reduces the impact on existing roadside trees and other vegetation, thereby contributing to protecting the Earth from climate change and preserving the land's richness. Because the jacking method requires less soil and sand to be excavated, it also contributes to significantly reducing the amount of waste generated.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram outlining the procedure for installing a laying pipe 40 (see FIG. 3). FIG. 1A shows a state in the middle of excavating a driving hole 55 (see FIG. 23) using a driving device 51 (see FIG. 2). A driving pipe 53 with a driving head 52 attached to its tip is pushed from the left side to the right side of FIG. 1 by the driving device 51. The driving head 52 is a so-called beveled head, having a substantially cylindrical surface with approximately the same outer diameter as the driving pipe 53 and a beveled surface 521 that is inclined relative to the central axis of the substantially cylindrical surface.

[0014] As the propulsion pipe 53 is pushed in, a reaction force perpendicular to the surface is applied to the beveled surface 521. For example, in the state shown in FIG. 1A, a force directed diagonally downward to the left in FIG. 1 is applied to the beveled surface 521, causing the direction of travel of the propulsion head 52 to bend downward. The operator of the propulsion device 51 appropriately rotates the propulsion pipe 53 so that the propulsion pipe 53 moves in the desired direction. Therefore, the propulsion hole 55 excavated by the propulsion device 51 meanders.

[0015] 1B shows the state in which the thrust head 52 has reached the reach section 59. The reach section 59 may be a pre-drilled vertical hole-shaped reach section, or may be located halfway up a cliff-like terrain. The thrust hole 55 may be excavated so as to gradually descend to the ground surface, and the reach section 59 may be formed on the ground surface.

[0016] 1C shows the state in which the expansion reamer 61 is attached to the thrust head 52. The expansion reamer 61 has a roughly truncated cone portion with a large diameter at the tip and a roughly cylindrical portion provided on the large diameter side of the truncated cone portion. The pipe pulling tool 20 is connected to the end face of the roughly circular central portion.

[0017] The pipe pulling tool 20 is long and has a connecting rod connector 21, an attachment part 28, and a push plate part 29. In the following description, the attachment part 28 side of the pipe pulling tool 20 may be referred to as the first end, and the push plate part 29 side may be referred to as the second end.

[0018] The mounting portion 28 is attached to the thrust head 52 via an expanding reamer 61. The mounting portion 28 has a generally truncated cone portion with a small diameter on the side connected to the expanding reamer 61, and a generally cylindrical portion provided on the larger diameter side of the truncated cone portion. A rod-shaped connecting rod connector 21 extends from the bottom surface of the generally cylindrical portion. A push plate portion 29 is inserted into the end of the connecting rod connector 21. The push plate portion 29 is detachable from the connecting rod connector 21.

[0019] A laying pipe 41 to be pulled into the borehole is inserted into the connecting rod connector 21. The laying pipe 41 surrounds the connecting rod connector 21 and is fixed in place by being sandwiched between the mounting part 28 and the push plate part 29. The configuration of the laying pipe pulling tool 20 will be described in detail later.

[0020] 1D shows the state in which the pushing pipe 53 has been pulled back toward the pushing device 51. As the expanding reamer 61 is pulled into the pushing hole 55, it expands the pushing hole 55. The mounting part 28 is pulled by the expanding reamer 61 and pulled into the pushing hole 55. Therefore, the pipe pulling tool 20 is pulled into the pushing hole 55. The pipe 40 is also pulled into the pushing hole 55 by being pushed by the push plate part 29.

[0021] The operator of the propulsion device 51 stops the propulsion device 51 before the push plate section 29 is pulled into the ground. The connecting rod connector 21 is extended on the reach section 59 side. A new laying pipe 41 is attached between the attachment section 28 and the push plate section 29. The operator then operates the propulsion device 51 to resume pulling back the propulsion pipe 53.

[0022] By repeating the above steps, a laying pipe 40 in which a plurality of laying pipes 41 are arranged continuously along the driving hole 55 is installed.

[0023] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the procedure for installing the laying pipe 40. FIG. 2 shows the same stage as FIG. 1B. The propulsion device 51 is disposed inside the launch section 58. The launch section 58 is, for example, a vertical hole created by excavation work. A special section or branch section through which the power cable passes may also serve as the launch section 58.

[0024] The propulsion pipe 53 penetrates from the departure section 58 to the arrival section 59, forming a slightly meandering propulsion hole 55. Although not shown in the figure, the propulsion hole 55 meanders three-dimensionally, including in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the paper surface. The shape of the propulsion hole 55 is difficult to accurately predict in advance, as it is affected by the ground conditions and the operations performed by the operator of the propulsion device 51. Unless there are any particular obstacles buried, the operator will operate the propulsion device 51 so as to minimize the meandering of the propulsion hole 55. However, as long as a bevel-head type propulsion head 52 is used, meandering will occur in principle.

[0025] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the procedure for installing the installation pipes 40. FIG. 3 shows the same stage as FIG. 1D. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of part IV in FIG. 3. In FIGS. 3 and 4, four installation pipes 41 are sandwiched between the mounting part 28 and the push plate part 29. The installation pipes 41 are connected to each other by connectors 42.

[0026] The end face of the right-end installation pipe 41 is covered by the push plate 29. As explained using Figure 1D, when the installation pipe 40 is being pulled in, the attachment part 28 and the push plate 29 are connected by the connecting rod connector 21. Figures 3 and 4 show the work of attaching a new installation pipe 41 between the attachment part 28 and the push plate 29, so the connection between the connecting rod connector 21 and the push plate 29 has been released.

[0027] The connecting rod connector 21 includes a plurality of connecting rods 210 that are detachably connected in the longitudinal direction. The length of one connecting rod 210 is approximately the same as the length of the installation pipe 41. Therefore, in Figures 3 and 4, the connecting rod connector 21 includes four connecting rods 210.

[0028] As the pushing pipe 53 is pulled toward the pushing device 51, the expanding reamer 61 is also pulled toward the pushing device 51. The expanding reamer 61 expands the inner diameter of the pushing hole 55, and the mounting portion 28, connecting rod connector 21, and push plate portion 29 are also pulled toward the pushing device 51. Note that the maximum diameter of the mounting portion 28 may be larger than the maximum diameter of the expanding reamer 61, so that the mounting portion 28 further expands the inner diameter of the pushing hole 55. The push plate portion 29 pushes the laying pipe 41 and connector 42 toward the pushing device 51.

[0029] The expanding reamer 61 is pulled by the driving pipe 53, and moves while scraping the curved inner wall of the driving hole 55. As a result, the laying pipe 40 becomes serpentine, although to a lesser extent than the driving hole 55. If the connecting rod 210 were a simple rod, the connecting rod 210 at the right end of Figure 4 would be connected in the direction indicated by the two-dot chain line indicated by symbol P, causing interference between the laying pipe 40 and the connecting rod 210. In this state of interference, only one of the connecting rod 210 and the laying pipe 41 can be connected, and therefore the installation of the laying pipe 40 cannot be completed. In this embodiment, a configuration of the connecting rod 210 that can avoid such a situation is described.

[0030] 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the structure of the connection between the expansion reamer 61 and the attachment portion 28. The expansion reamer 61 is fixed to the thrust head 52. The attachment portion 28 is attached to the right side of the expansion reamer 61 via the reamer shaft 62, the rotary shaft 65, and the attachment shaft 281. The part to the right of the attachment portion 28 is shown in cross section.

[0031] The configuration in which the mounting portion 28 is connected to the thrust head 52 via the expanding reamer 61 has been conventionally used, so it will be briefly described below. The expanding reamer 61 and the reamer shaft 62 are coaxial, and the reamer shaft 62 is rotatable about its central axis. The mounting shaft 281 and the mounting portion 28 are also coaxial, and the mounting portion 28 is rotatable about its central axis. The central axis of the rotation shaft 65 is perpendicular to the central axis of the reamer shaft 62 and the central axis of the mounting shaft 281. The reamer shaft 62 and the mounting shaft 281 are rotatable about the rotation shaft 65.

[0032] As described above, the expansion reamer 61 and the attachment portion 28 are connected by a so-called universal joint structure in which the angle formed by their central axes can be freely changed. Therefore, even if the expansion reamer 61 moves in a meandering direction, the attachment portion 28 can follow the expansion reamer 61.

[0033] As explained using Figure 1C, when viewed from the outside, the mounting portion 28 has a generally truncated cone portion with a small diameter on the side connected to the expansion reamer 61, and a generally cylindrical portion provided on the larger diameter side of the truncated cone portion. The generally truncated cone portion and the generally cylindrical portion are coaxial. The maximum outer diameter of the generally truncated cone portion and the outer shape of the generally cylindrical portion are generally the same.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 5, the substantially cylindrical portion is shaped like a pipe. That is, the attachment portion 28 is shaped like a cup that is open on the right side in Fig. 5. A female screw that is substantially coaxial with the substantially truncated cone portion is provided at the bottom of the cup.

[0035] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure near the connection portion. The explanation will continue using FIGS. 5 and 6. The connecting rod 210 is attached to a female thread provided on the mounting portion 28 via a mounting adapter 282. The mounting adapter 282 is approximately cylindrical. A male thread is formed on the mounting adapter 282 up to about half its length, and a female thread coaxial with the male thread is formed on the opposite side up to about one-third of its length. A setscrew for fixing the mounting adapter 282 is attached to a threaded hole that passes through from the side of the mounting portion 28 to the female thread. The mounting portion 28 and the mounting adapter 282 may be joined by welding, brazing, or the like.

[0036] The connecting rod 210 includes a rod body 211 having a male thread at one end, and a bending portion 26 attached to the other end of the rod body 211. The male thread of the rod body 211 is threadedly engaged with the female thread of the mounting adapter 282. The configuration of the bending portion 26 will be described later.

[0037] 5, a laying pipe 41 is inserted into the mounting portion 28 from the right side. The laying pipe 41 is, for example, a polyvinyl chloride pipe. The outer diameter of the laying pipe 41 is approximately the same as the inner diameter of the mounting portion 28.

[0038] A spacer 23 is attached to the end face of the mounting adapter 282. The spacer 23 is cylindrical and has a stepped hole that connects a portion corresponding to the outer diameter of the mounting adapter 282 with a portion corresponding to the outer diameter of the rod body 211. The spacer 23 is made of resin, such as nylon resin or polyethylene resin. The inner diameter of the spacer 23 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the mounting adapter 282. The spacer 23 is pressed into the mounting adapter 282 and is fixed to the mounting adapter 282 by frictional force.

[0039] Moving on to Figure 6, we will continue the explanation. A connector 42 is attached to the end of the installation pipe 41. The connector 42 is a pipe with an inner diameter that is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the installation pipe 41. The connector 42 has a stopper protrusion 421 on the inside of the longitudinal center, with the height approximately the same as the wall thickness of the installation pipe 41 around the entire circumference. The end face of the installation pipe 41 abuts against the stopper protrusion 421.

[0040] Another installation pipe 41 is inserted into the connector 42 from the right side and abuts against the stopper projection 421. In other words, two installation pipes 41 are connected by the connector 42. The connector 42 is made of, for example, polyvinyl chloride. The inner diameter of the connector 42 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the installation pipe 41, and the two are fixed by being pushed together. Furthermore, an adhesive (not shown) is also used to firmly fix the installation pipe 41 and the connector 42. In places where the driving hole 55 is excavated in a serpentine manner, the elastic deformation of the installation pipe 41 and the connector 42 allows the installation pipe 40 to conform to the shape of the inner surface of the hole.

[0041] The male thread of another connecting rod 210 is threaded into the female thread provided at the end of the bent portion 26. By repeating the configuration shown in Figure 6, the laying pipe 40 and the connecting rod connector 21 can be extended to the required length.

[0042] 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure near the tip of the connecting rod connector 21. A traction rod 219, which has male threads on both ends, is screwed into a female thread provided at the end of the bent portion 26. A cup-shaped push plate portion 29 is inserted into the connector 42, and the end face of the opening is abutted against a stopper protrusion 421. The traction rod 219 protrudes from a through-hole provided in the bottom of the connector 42. A circumferential protrusion is provided on the outer periphery of the bottom of the connector 42, surrounding the outer periphery of the end of the connector 42.

[0043] The push plate 29 is pressed against the end face of the stopper projection 421 by a nut 218 that is screwed onto the drawbar 219 from the right side. The drawbar 219, the push plate 29 and the nut 218 are made of metal such as steel.

[0044] 8 is a cross-sectional view of connecting rod 210. As described above, connecting rod 210 includes rod body 211 having a male thread at one end, and bent portion 26 attached to the other end of rod body 211. Bent portion 26 includes oscillator 24 and spherical shell portion 25. Oscillator 24 includes spherical portion 241 and rod-like portion 242. Spherical portion 241 has a substantially hemispherical shape. Rod-like portion 242 has a cylindrical shape that protrudes perpendicularly to the surface of the spherical portion of spherical portion 241.

[0045] In Fig. 8, the central axis of rod-shaped portion 242 and the flat surface of spherical portion 241 are approximately perpendicular to each other, but the central axis of rod-shaped portion 242 and the flat surface of spherical portion 241 may form any angle. The oscillator 24 is formed as a single unit. Note that spherical portion 241 may be larger than a hemisphere. Spherical portion 241 may be spherical.

[0046] The tip of rod-shaped portion 242 is inserted into the end of rod body 211 on the side where the male thread is not provided, and joined by any joining method such as welding or brazing. Spherical portion 241, rod-shaped portion 242, and rod body 211 may be formed integrally. That is, one end of rod-shaped portion 242 is connected to the male thread portion provided at the tip of rod body 211, and the other end of rod-shaped portion 242 is connected to spherical portion 241.

[0047] Spherical shell portion 25 includes a first spherical shell portion 251 and a second spherical shell portion 252. First spherical shell portion 251 has a substantially hemispherical recess capable of accommodating spherical portion 241, and a through-hole provided at the bottom of the recess. The inner diameter of the through-hole is larger than the outer diameter of rod-shaped portion 242. Second spherical shell portion 252 has a shallow circular recess that continues to the recess provided in first spherical shell portion 251, and a female screw that is coaxial with the recess.

[0048] The first spherical shell portion 251 and the second spherical shell portion 252 are joined by any joining method such as welding or brazing, with the spherical portion 241 slidably housed inside the recess. The outer shape of the spherical shell portion 25 is approximately cylindrical.

[0049] That is, the connecting rod 210 has a male threaded portion at a first end shown on the left side of Fig. 8, and a female threaded portion at a second end shown on the right side of Fig. 8. The female threaded portion at the second end has a shape corresponding to the male threaded portion at the first end. Specifically, multiple connecting rods 210 can be detachably connected to each other by screwing the male threaded portion at the first end into the female threaded portion at the second end.

[0050] Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of bending portion 26. With the structure described using Fig. 8, oscillator 24 and spherical shell portion 25 can oscillate within a range of several degrees. The through-hole provided in first spherical shell portion 251 and rod-shaped portion 242 limit the oscillating range.

[0051] 9, the central axis of spherical shell portion 25 is oscillated by about 2 degrees clockwise relative to the central axis of oscillator 24. Therefore, rod body 211 on the left side fixed to oscillator 24 and rod body 211 on the right side fixed to spherical shell portion 25 also form an angle of about 2 degrees.

[0052] As mentioned above, the spacer 23 is made of resin and serves to prevent the rod body 211 from buckling or breaking near the joint between the rod body 211 and the second spherical shell portion 252. Furthermore, when deformation of the rod body 211 or the swinging body 24 occurs, the spacer 23 comes into contact with the inner surface of the laying pipe 40, thereby preventing an increase in the amount of deformation and preventing damage to the laying pipe pulling tool 20 and the laying pipe 40.

[0053] 10 to 17 are explanatory diagrams illustrating how to use the pipe pulling tool 20. First, as explained using FIG. 1A, a driving hole 55 is formed by the driving head 52 and the driving pipe 53. As shown in FIG. 10, an expansion reamer 61 and a mounting part 28 are attached to the driving head 52, which protrudes into the air from the reach part 59. A mounting adapter 282 is attached to the mounting part 28. The work on the reach part 59 side, which will be explained using FIGS. 10 to 17, is performed by a construction worker. The work may be performed by a robot operated by a construction worker or an autonomous robot.

[0054] The explanation will continue with reference to Figure 11. The spacer 23 is attached to the mounting adapter 282. Note that the attachment of the spacer 23 may be omitted. The explanation will continue with reference to Figure 12. The connecting rod 210 is attached to the mounting adapter 282. The explanation will continue with reference to Figure 13. The installation pipe 41 is inserted into the attachment portion 28. The bent portion 26 protrudes from the end of the installation pipe 41.

[0055] The explanation will continue with reference to Figure 14. The construction worker inserts the connector 42 into the end of the installation pipe 41. The end face of the installation pipe 41 and the stopper protrusion 421 are butted together. The explanation will continue with reference to Figure 15. The spacer 23 and the connecting rod 210 are attached to the bent portion 26. As mentioned above, the attachment of the spacer 23 to the mounting adapter 282 shown in Figures 11 to 13 may be omitted, but the attachment of the spacer 23 to the bent portion 26 shown in Figure 15 is not omitted.

[0056] Thereafter, the laying pipe 41 is inserted into the connector 42, and the connector 42 is attached to the laying pipe 41. By repeating the above steps, the laying pipe 40 is extended to the desired length according to the space on the reaching section 59 side, etc.

[0057] The connection pitch between the installation pipes 41 is approximately the same as the connection pitch between the connecting rods 210. Therefore, even if the installation pipe 40 is long, the bent portion 26 is positioned inside the connector 42 as shown in Figures 6 and 9. Even if the bent portion 26 is bent significantly and the spacer 23 comes into contact with the installation pipe 41, the outer periphery of the installation pipe 41 is surrounded by the connector 42, preventing bending, breakage, etc. of the installation pipe 41.

[0058] The explanation will continue with reference to Figure 16. The traction bar 219 is attached to the bending portion 26. The explanation will continue with reference to Figure 17. The opening side of the push plate portion 29 is inserted into the connector 42. The end face of the push plate portion 29 and the stopper protrusion 421 come into contact with each other.

[0059] Returning to Figure 7, the explanation will continue. A nut 218 is attached to the tow bar 219. The nut 218 closes the gap between the push plate 29 and the tow bar 219. The nut 218 is further pushed in, compressing the installation pipe 41 in the longitudinal direction.

[0060] Thereafter, the operator of the propulsion device 51 retracts the propulsion pipe 53 toward the propulsion device 51. The propulsion pipe 53 retracts the enlarged reamer 61 and the pipe pulling tool 20. The push plate 29 pushes the pipe 40 in while compressing it in the longitudinal direction.

[0061] As explained using Figure 1, the operator stops the propulsion device 51 before the entire pipe pulling tool 20 is pulled into the ground. The nut 218, the push plate 29, and the tow rod 219 are removed in that order. Then, the spacer 23, the connecting rod 210, the installation pipe 41, and the connector 42 are attached in that order, and the installation pipe 40 is extended. After the installation pipe 40 has been extended to a predetermined length, the tow rod 219, the push plate 29, and the nut 218 are attached. As a result of the above, the connecting rod 210 is added between the end connecting rod 210 and the tow rod 219, and the installation pipe 41 and the connector 42 are added between the end connector 42 and the push plate 29.

[0062] By repeating the above steps, the installation pipe 40 is pulled in over its entire length from the arrival section 59 to the departure section 58. After the nut 218 and the push plate section 29 are removed, the installation pipe pulling tool 20 is pulled in further and removed from the installation pipe 40. This completes the installation of the installation pipe 40.

[0063] According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a pipe pulling tool 20 that can properly pull one pipe 40 into a jacking hole 55 excavated by the jacking method.

[0064] The through-hole provided in the first spherical shell portion 251 and the rod-shaped portion 242 limit the swing range of the bent portion 26, so there is no need to hold the bent portion 26 during the installation work of the spacer 23 and the subsequent work of connecting the connecting rod 210. Therefore, the work of burying the laying pipe 40 can be carried out efficiently.

[0065] As described above, the installation pipe 41 and the connector 42 are fixed by being pushed in, and are bonded together with an adhesive (not shown), which prevents water, earth, sand, etc. from getting inside the installation pipe 40 during burial work. Therefore, after installing the installation pipe 40, a drop wire, etc. can be quickly inserted inside to complete the wiring work. However, in this embodiment, the connection between the installation pipe 41 and the connector 42 is not completely waterproof.

[0066] The connecting rod 210 may have a male thread portion on the side of the bent portion 26 and a female thread portion on the side opposite the bent portion 26. Two types of connecting rods 210, that is, connecting rods 210 having male thread portions on both ends and connecting rods 210 having female thread portions on both ends, may be connected alternately.

[0067] [Embodiment 2] This embodiment relates to a pipe pulling tool 20 in which the male threaded portion at the tip of the rod body 211 is configured as a separate part. Explanation of parts common to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0068] Fig. 18 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of a pipe pulling tool 20 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a connecting rod 210 according to the second embodiment.

[0069] In this embodiment, the pipe pulling tool 20 is a straight pipe without any threads. A threaded rod 212 is joined to one end of the pipe pulling tool 20 by welding, brazing, or the like. The threaded rod 212 is a stepped round rod with a male thread on the larger diameter side.

[0070] This embodiment can provide a connecting rod 210 with higher strength than the first embodiment, in which a male thread is provided on the tubular rod body 211. For example, it can provide a pipe pulling tool 20 that is less likely to break even in ground that has a high resistance when pulling in the pipe 40.

[0071] [Embodiment 3] This embodiment relates to a pipe pulling tool 20 having a chain-shaped bent portion 26. Explanation of parts common to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0072] Figure 20 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of a pipe pulling tool 20 according to a third embodiment. Figure 21 is a side view of a connecting rod 210 according to the third embodiment. Figure 21 is a view of the connecting rod 210 in Figure 20 as viewed from the XXI direction. As shown in Figure 21, the connecting rod 210 according to this embodiment has a male threaded rod 221, a female threaded rod 222, and a bending portion 26. The bending portion 26 according to this embodiment is in the form of a chain made up of three or more links.

[0073] The male threaded rod 221 is a rod with a flange in the center. A male screw portion is formed on one side of the flange of the male threaded rod 221. The end of the bent portion 26 is connected to the opposite end of the flange. The female threaded rod 222 is also a rod with a flange in the center. A female screw portion is formed on one end of the female threaded rod 222. The end of the bent portion 26 is connected to the opposite end of the female threaded rod 222.

[0074] That is, one end of the chain-shaped bent portion 26 is connected to a male screw portion provided on the male screw rod 221 , and the other end is connected to a female screw portion provided on the female screw rod 222 .

[0075] In this embodiment, the spacer 23 is cylindrical with an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the part of the female threaded rod 222 where the female thread is provided, and an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the installation pipe 41. The spacer 23 is pressed onto the female threaded rod 222 and is fixed to the female threaded rod 222 by frictional force.

[0076] In this embodiment, the attachment portion 28 and the first connecting rod 210 are directly connected. The second and subsequent connecting rods 210 connected from the attachment portion 28 have male thread portions that correspond to the female thread portion of the female threaded rod 222. That is, in this embodiment, the first connecting rod 210 from the attachment portion 28 shown in Figures 20 and 21 has a thicker male thread portion than the second and subsequent connecting rods 210.

[0077] 12, the mounting portion 28 and the first connecting rod 210 may be connected via a mounting adapter 282. When the mounting adapter 282 is used, the first connecting rod 210 and the second and subsequent connecting rods 210 can be made common.

[0078] According to this embodiment, since chains are relatively inexpensive, it is possible to inexpensively manufacture the connecting rod 210. Furthermore, since the structure is simple, it is possible to provide a connecting rod 210 that is less likely to break down and is easy to maintain.

[0079] [Embodiment 4] This embodiment relates to a pipe pulling tool 20 in which a portion of the connecting rod 210 is replaced with a non-bendable connecting rod 215 that does not have a bent portion 26. In the description of this embodiment, the connecting rod 210 having the bent portion 26 described in embodiments 1 to 3 will be referred to as a bent connecting rod, and both the bent connecting rod and the non-bendable connecting rod 215 will be referred to as a connecting rod 210. Descriptions of parts common to embodiment 1 will be omitted.

[0080] 22 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the non-bending connecting rod 215. A connecting adapter 261 is connected to one end of the rod body 211 by welding, brazing, or the like. The connecting adapter 261 is a stepped rod that includes a small diameter portion having an outer diameter substantially the same as the inner diameter of the rod body 211, and a large diameter portion having a male thread portion that corresponds to the female thread portion of the rod body 211. The non-bending connecting rod 215 can be manufactured more inexpensively than a bending connecting rod, and is easier to maintain. The length of the non-bending connecting rod 215 is substantially the same as the length of the bending connecting rod.

[0081] FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram illustrating the shape of the thrust hole 55. As described above, the thrust hole 55 drilled using the thrust device 51 meanders three-dimensionally. Based on position information of the thrust head 52 measured using various sensors 92 (see FIG. 24) during drilling, the shape of the thrust hole 55 is measured and modeled three-dimensionally. Note that in FIG. 23, the meandering of the thrust hole 55 is exaggerated and shown schematically.

[0082] By analyzing a three-dimensional model of the driving hole 55 using known three-dimensional shape analysis technology, it is possible to detect bent portions and calculate the radius of curvature of each bent portion. In Figure 23, the solid arrows indicate portions of the driving hole 55 that are bent with a radius of curvature equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. In the following description, such portions that are bent with a radius of curvature equal to or less than the threshold will be referred to as "first bent portions." Problems when pulling in the laying pipe 40 tend to occur more easily at first bent portions.

[0083] In Figure 23, the dashed arrow indicates a portion where the driving hole 55 is bent with a radius of curvature larger than a predetermined threshold. In the following explanation, such a portion bent with a radius of curvature larger than the threshold will be referred to as a "second bent portion." Because the degree of bending is small at the second bent portion, problems such as pulling in the laying pipe 40 are unlikely to occur.

[0084] In FIG. 23, L1 is the distance between the reach portion 59 and the first bend portion closest to the reach portion 59. L2 is the distance between the first bend portion closest to the reach portion 59 and the adjacent first bend portion on the opposite side of the reach portion 59. L3 is the distance between the second first bend portion from the reach portion 59 and the starting portion 58. Note that if three or more first bend portions are detected, the lengths from L3 onwards are defined in the same manner as L1 and L2. In the following description, the lengths L1, L2, L3, etc. will be referred to as bend intervals, and the shortest length of the bend intervals will sometimes be referred to as the minimum bend interval.

[0085] In Figure 23, the bend interval is shown as the length along the ground surface. The bend interval may also be the length along the thrust hole 55. In the thrust jacking method, even when the intention is to excavate a straight thrust hole 55, meandering of the thrust hole 55 is unavoidable. However, if the excavation work is performed appropriately, the difference between the length measured along the ground surface and the length measured along the thrust hole 55 can be evaluated as an error.

[0086] Generally, the farther away from the propulsion device 51 is, the more difficult it is for force to be transmitted from the propulsion device 51 to the propulsion head 52 due to frictional forces acting between the ground and the propulsion pipe 53, and so the propulsion hole 55 is more likely to bend. Therefore, the first bend is more likely to occur the farther away from the propulsion device 51 is. Therefore, L1 is shorter than L2 and L3, and it is highly likely that the length of L1 is the minimum bend interval.

[0087] When connecting bent connecting rods and non-bent connecting rods 215 to form a connecting rod connector 21, it is desirable that one or more bent connecting rods be included within the range of the minimum bending interval, so that the connecting rod connector 21 is bendable. In other words, it is desirable that the number of bent connecting rods be equal to or less than the value obtained by dividing the minimum bending interval by the length of the non-bent connecting rods 215.

[0088] As mentioned above, since the non-bending connecting rods 215 are cheaper and stronger than the bending connecting rods, it is desirable not to use too many connecting rods 210. Based on the above, a program for calculating the number of non-bending connecting rods 215 and connecting rods 210 to be used will be described.

[0089] 24 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of an information processing system 100. The information processing system 100 includes an information processing device 10, a propulsion device 51, and a sensor 92. The information processing device 10, the propulsion device 51, and the sensor 92 are connected via wireless or wired network communication.

[0090] The information processing device 10 includes a control unit 11, a main memory device 12, an auxiliary memory device 13, a communication unit 14, a display unit 15, an input unit 16, a reading unit 19, and a bus. The control unit 11 is an arithmetic and control device that executes the program of this embodiment. The control unit 11 uses one or more central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), multi-core CPUs, or the like. The control unit 11 is connected to each hardware unit that constitutes the information processing device 10 via the bus.

[0091] The main memory device 12 is a storage device such as an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), a flash memory, etc. The main memory device 12 temporarily stores information required during processing performed by the control unit 11 and programs currently being executed by the control unit 11.

[0092] The auxiliary storage device 13 is a storage device such as an SRAM, a flash memory, a hard disk, or a magnetic tape. The auxiliary storage device 13 stores programs to be executed by the control unit 11 and various data required for executing the programs. The communication unit 14 is an interface for communicating with a network or other devices.

[0093] Display unit 15 is, for example, a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL (electro-luminescence) panel. Input unit 16 is, for example, a keyboard or a mouse. Display unit 15 and input unit 16 may be stacked to form a touch panel. Reading unit 19 is an interface that reads portable recording medium 96 such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory.

[0094] The program 97 is recorded on a portable recording medium 96. The control unit 11 reads the program 97 via the reading unit 19 and stores it in the auxiliary storage device 13. The control unit 11 may also read the program 97 stored in a semiconductor memory 98, such as a flash memory, implemented in the information processing device 10. Furthermore, the control unit 11 may download the program 97 from a server computer (not shown) connected via the communication unit 14 and a network (not shown), and store it in the auxiliary storage device 13.

[0095] The program 97 is installed as a control program for the information processing device 10, and is loaded into the main storage device 12 and executed.

[0096] The propulsion device 51 successively transmits information detected by various built-in sensors and information regarding the travel distance of the propulsion head 52, etc. to the information processing device 10. The sensor 92 is, for example, a microwave receiving antenna. The microwave receiving antenna is installed on the ground near the propulsion head 52 and is used to detect the position of a microwave generator installed inside or near the propulsion head 52. Construction workers change the installation position of the microwave receiving antenna as appropriate as the excavation progresses.

[0097] The sensor 92 is not limited to a microwave receiving antenna. Any type of sensor that can detect the position of the propulsion head 52 or the shape of the propulsion hole 55 can be used. Information regarding the position of the propulsion head 52 or the shape of the propulsion pipe 53 is sequentially transmitted from the sensor 92 to the information processing device 10.

[0098] The control unit 11 generates a three-dimensional model of the shape of the propulsion hole 55 based on the received information. Since the method of generating a three-dimensional model based on information acquired from the sensor 92 and the like is well known, detailed explanation will be omitted. The control unit 11 may display the generated three-dimensional model on a display device that can be viewed by the operator of the propulsion device 51. The operator can operate the propulsion device 51 while referring to the three-dimensional model.

[0099] 25 is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow of the program 97. The control unit 11 acquires a three-dimensional model of the shape of the drive hole 55 generated during drilling (step S501). The control unit 11 detects the bent portion of the drive hole 55 based on a known technique such as pattern recognition (step S502).

[0100] The control unit 11 calculates the radius of curvature for each of the bent portions detected in step S502, and extracts first bent portions having a radius of curvature equal to or less than a predetermined threshold (step S503). As described with reference to Fig. 23, the control unit 11 calculates the distance between the arrival portion 59 and the first bent portion, the distance between adjacent first bent portions, and the distance between the first bent portion and the departure portion 58 (step S504). The control unit 11 extracts the minimum bent distance (step S505).

[0101] The control unit 11 calculates N using equation (1) (step S506). Note that the control unit 11 may round down the calculated N to an integer. N = minimum bending interval / length of connecting rod (1)

[0102] The control unit 11 outputs the calculated N to the worker working in the reaching unit 59 (step S507). The output is performed by voice through a speaker installed in the reaching unit 59. The output may also be performed through a display device installed in the reaching unit 59 or a smartphone or the like carried by the worker. Thereafter, the control unit 11 ends the processing.

[0103] For example, if N is 3, the worker uses a bent tie rod for one of the three tie rods 210 and non-bent tie rods 215 for the remaining two.

[0104] According to this embodiment, by limiting the use of the connecting rods 210, which have a higher risk of breakage than the non-bending connecting rods 215, to the minimum necessary, it is possible to save on the maintenance costs of construction equipment.

[0105] As mentioned above, the driving hole 55 tends to bend most easily near the reaching portion 59. Therefore, the control unit 11 may calculate only the distance between the reaching portion 59 and the first bending portion adjacent to the reaching portion 59 in step S504, and use this distance as the minimum bending distance extracted in step S505. A program for calculating N with a small amount of calculation can be provided.

[0106] Program 97 is an example of a program product. A computer program can be deployed to be executed on a single computer or on multiple computers that are located at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network.

[0107] The technical features (constituent elements) described in each embodiment can be combined with each other, and by combining them, new technical features can be formed. The embodiments disclosed herein are to be considered as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above meaning, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0108] Independent and dependent claims may be combined with each other in any combination, regardless of the reference format. Furthermore, while the claims may be written in a format in which a claim references two or more other claims (multiple claim format), this is not a limitation. Multiple claims that reference at least one other claim (multiple multiple claim format) may also be written. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 10. Information processing equipment 11 Control section 12 Main storage 13 Auxiliary storage device 14 Communications Department 15 Display 16 Input section 19 Reading unit 20 Pipe laying equipment 21 Connecting rod connector 210 Connecting rod 211 Rod 212 Threaded rod 215 Non-bending connecting rod 219 Towbar 221 Male threaded rod 222 female threaded rod 23 Spacer 24 Oscillator 241 Sphere 242 Rod-shaped part 25 Spherical shell part 251 First spherical shell part 252 Second spherical shell part 26 Bend 261 Connection adapter 28 Mounting part 281 Mounting shaft 282 Mounting adapter 29 Push plate part 40 Laying pipe 41 Laying pipe 42 Connectors 421 Stopper protrusion 51 Propulsion device 52 Propulsion Head 521 Beveled surface 53 Propulsion tube 55 Propulsion hole 58 Launching section 59 Reach section 61 Expanding Reamer 62 Reamer shaft 65 Rotating shaft 92 Sensors 96 Portable recording media 97 Programs 98 Semiconductor Memory 100 Information Processing Systems

Claims

1. A plurality of connecting rods are detachably connected to each other, The connecting rod is a male thread portion provided at the first end; a female screw portion provided at a second end and having a shape corresponding to the male screw portion; A bent portion is provided between the male screw portion and the female screw portion. Pipe laying equipment.

2. The thruster head has a mounting portion at the first end that is attached to the thruster head when the thruster head is retracted. The pipe pulling tool according to claim 1.

3. The device is provided with a push plate that is detachably attached to the second end and covers the end face of the laying pipe to be pulled in. The pipe pulling tool according to claim 2.

4. The connecting rod is a bending connecting rod having the male thread portion, the female thread portion, and the bending portion; a non-bending connecting rod having the male thread portion and the female thread portion and not having the bent portion; The pipe pulling tool according to claim 1.

5. The bent portion is a rod-shaped portion having one end connected to the female screw portion; a spherical portion connected to the other end of the rod-shaped portion; a spherical shell portion having a through hole through which the rod-shaped portion passes and slidably covering the spherical portion, The spherical shell portion has the female screw portion. The pipe pulling tool according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The bent portion is A chain having one end connected to the male screw portion and the other end connected to the female screw portion. The pipe pulling tool according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. Using the jacking method, a jacking hole is excavated from the starting point to the reaching point. an expanding reamer and a mounting portion to be pulled by the expanding reamer are attached to a thrust head projecting from the reaching portion; A connecting rod having a male screw portion and a female screw portion having a shape corresponding to the male screw portion, a laying pipe surrounding the periphery of the connecting rod, and a connector connected to an end of the laying pipe are attached to the mounting portion, a push plate portion that covers an end face of the connector is attached to a traction rod extending from the end of the connecting rod; By pulling back the expansion reamer, the connector and the laying pipe are pulled into the driving hole via the expansion reamer, the attachment portion, the connecting rod, the towing rod, and the push plate portion; Before the push plate portion is retracted into the drive hole, Add the connecting rod between the connecting rod and the traction rod; The installation pipe and the connector are added between the connector and the push plate portion, Repeat the operation of pulling back the expansion reamer, A bent connecting rod having a bent portion between the male screw portion and the female screw portion is used as a part of the connecting rod, The laying pipe in which the laying pipe and the connecting tool are alternately arranged is installed along the driving hole. Laying pipe installation method.

8. Obtain information on the shape of the jacking hole excavated from the starting point to the reaching point using the jacking method, Obtaining the bending portion of the driving hole; a minimum bending interval that is the minimum of the length from the reach portion to the bending portion closest to the reach portion and the interval between adjacent bending portions; Obtain the length of the connecting rod that constitutes the laying pipe pulling tool; The value obtained by dividing the minimum bending interval by the length of the connecting rod is output. A program that causes a computer to perform a process.

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