Method for joining insertion port protective member and pipe

Abstract

The invention provides a pipe insertion protection member that prevents foreign matter from adhering to the outer surface of the pipe insertion opening during joining operations within a groove, and that can be easily attached to and detached from the pipe insertion opening. [Solution] The insertion opening protection member 1 includes an outer peripheral member 10 that extends in the axial direction A of the pipe W1 so as to cover a part of the outer peripheral surface W111 of the insertion opening W11 of the pipe W1 and is formed in an arc shape when viewed in the axial direction A, and a first inner peripheral member 20 and a second inner peripheral member 30 that are each formed in an arc shape so as to follow the outer peripheral surface W111 when viewed in the axial direction A, and are arranged on the inner peripheral side of the outer peripheral member 10 so as to be movable in the circumferential direction C1 relative to the outer peripheral member 10. The outer peripheral member 10 has guide portions 13 that guide the movement of the first inner peripheral member 20 and the second inner peripheral member 30 in the circumferential direction C so that they move to a predetermined position POS that covers the part of the outer peripheral surface W111 that is not covered by the outer peripheral member 10.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an insertion port protection member for a pipe to be joined to a joined pipe and a pipe joining method.

Background Art

[0002] For example, in the construction work of laying water pipes, a pipe joining operation for joining a pipe is performed on a joined pipe arranged in a trench in the ground. In this pipe joining operation, first, a pipe having an insertion port is suspended in a trench in which a joined pipe having a receiving port is arranged. Then, an operator aligns the pipe and the joined pipe in the trench, inserts the insertion port of the pipe into the receiving port of the joined pipe using a chain block or the like, and joins the insertion port and the receiving port.

[0003] Also, a sealing member for sealing between the inner peripheral surface of the receiving port and the outer peripheral surface of the insertion port in the joined state of the pipe and the joined pipe is known. The sealing member is arranged, for example, in the receiving port of the joined pipe. Further, in the pipe joining operation, in order to reduce the insertion force when inserting the insertion port of the pipe into the joined pipe, for example, an operation of applying a lubricant to the sealing member arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion port of the pipe and in the receiving port of the joined pipe is performed.

[0004] In the pipe joining operation, when suspending the pipe or the joined pipe in the trench and after suspension, foreign matters such as earth and sand may adhere to the insertion port. Also, when a long time has passed after applying a lubricant to the outer peripheral surface of the pipe, the lubricant may dry and the lubricity of the lubricant may be impaired.

[0005] [[ID=,23]] Also, there is a construction method in which a pipeline is formed in a pipeline laying pit formed horizontally from a starting shaft excavated on the ground using a shield tunneling machine or the like. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a pipe joining method in which a lubricant applied to a sealing member arranged in the insertion port of a front pipe or the receiving port of a joined pipe is covered with a curing member such as a film to prevent adhesion of foreign matters or drying of the lubricant.

Prior Art Documents

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6956285 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] As described above, the pipe joining method described in Patent Document 1 is based on the premise that the work is performed in a pipeline laying tunnel formed laterally from a launching shaft using a shield drilling machine or the like. Specifically, in the pipe joining method described in Patent Document 1, a removal rope is attached with tape to a protective member that is attached so as to cover the lubricant applied to the outer surface of the pipe, and before inserting the insertion end of the pipe into the receiving end of the pipe to be joined, the protective member is removed from the outer surface of the insertion end of the pipe by pulling the removal rope from the launching shaft side. For this reason, the pipe joining method described in Patent Document 1 does not envision pipe joining work in which the pipe is lowered into the groove where the pipe to be joined is located.

[0008] Therefore, in joining operations within grooves as described above, there is a need for a socket protection member that can prevent foreign matter from adhering to the outer surface of the pipe socket and that can be more easily attached to and detached from the pipe socket.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide a pipe insertion protection member that can prevent foreign matter from adhering to the outer surface of the pipe insertion opening during joining work in a groove, and that can be easily attached to and detached from the pipe insertion opening. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] An insertion opening protection member according to one embodiment of the present invention is a member that protects the outer circumferential surface of an insertion opening of a pipe. The insertion opening protection member includes an outer circumferential member that extends in the axial direction of the pipe so as to cover a part of the outer circumferential surface of the insertion opening of the pipe and is formed in an arc shape when viewed in the axial direction, and a first inner circumferential member and a second inner circumferential member that are each formed in an arc shape so as to follow the outer circumferential surface when viewed in the axial direction, and are arranged on the inner circumferential side of the outer circumferential member so as to be movable in the circumferential direction relative to the outer circumferential member. The outer circumferential member has guide portions that guide the movement of the first inner circumferential member and the second inner circumferential member in the circumferential direction so as to move to predetermined positions where the first inner circumferential member and the second inner circumferential member move to cover a portion of the outer circumferential surface that is not covered by the outer circumferential member (first configuration).

[0011] In the above configuration, the first inner circumferential member and the second inner circumferential member are moved to a predetermined position where they cover the portion of the outer circumferential surface of the pipe's insertion opening that is not covered by the outer circumferential member. This allows the outer circumferential surface of the pipe's insertion opening to be covered by the outer circumferential member, the first inner circumferential member, and the second inner circumferential member. This prevents foreign matter from adhering to the outer circumferential surface of the pipe's insertion opening during the joining process between the pipe and the pipe to be joined, which has a receiving opening into which the pipe's insertion opening is inserted.

[0012] Furthermore, in the above-described configuration, if the first inner circumferential member and the second inner circumferential member are arranged on the inner circumferential side of the outer circumferential member, the insertion opening protection member can be attached to and detached from the insertion opening of the pipe.

[0013] Therefore, according to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from adhering to the outer surface of the pipe's insertion opening during joining work in the groove, and to realize an insertion opening protection member that can be easily attached to and detached from the pipe's insertion opening.

[0014] In the first configuration, the guide portion has a through groove that penetrates the outer peripheral member in the thickness direction and extends in the circumferential direction. The first inner peripheral member and the second inner peripheral member each have a movable portion that is inserted into the through groove in the thickness direction (second configuration).

[0015] In the above configuration, the movable parts of the first inner circumferential member and the second inner circumferential member move in the circumferential direction within the through groove of the guide section. This makes it possible to realize a configuration in which the first inner circumferential member and the second inner circumferential member move in the circumferential direction.

[0016] In the second configuration, the device further comprises a base portion located away from the outer peripheral member in one direction, a handle portion attached to the base portion, a first connecting member having one end connected to the base portion and the other end connected to the movable portion of the first inner peripheral member, and a second connecting member having one end connected to the base portion and the other end connected to the movable portion of the second inner peripheral member. The first and second connecting members constitute a link mechanism that moves the first and second inner peripheral members from a predetermined position along the circumferential direction in that direction by moving the handle portion in that direction (third configuration).

[0017] The above-described configuration includes a link mechanism composed of a first connecting member and a second connecting member that are connected to the base portion and the movable portion of the first inner circumferential member and the second inner circumferential member.

[0018] Therefore, by moving the handle attached to the base in one direction, the movable parts of the first inner circumferential member and the second inner circumferential member can be moved along the circumferential direction in that one direction via the link mechanism. This makes the pipe joining work more efficient.

[0019] In the first configuration, at least one of the outer peripheral member, the first inner peripheral member, or the second inner peripheral member further has a buffer member attached to its inner peripheral side (fourth configuration).

[0020] In the above configuration, for example, the buffer member is located on the inner circumference side of the outer circumference member, the first inner circumference member, or the second inner circumference member. With the insertion opening protection member attached to the outer circumference surface of the insertion opening of the pipe, the buffer member can seal the gap between the insertion opening protection member and the outer circumference surface of the insertion opening of the pipe. This prevents foreign matter from entering through the gap.

[0021] Furthermore, since the buffer member is located on the inner circumference side of, for example, the outer circumference member, the first inner circumference member, or the second inner circumference member, even if the socket protection member comes into contact with the outer circumference surface of the socket of the pipe when attaching the socket protection member to the outer circumference surface of the socket of the pipe during pipe joining work, the impact can be mitigated by the buffer member.

[0022] In any one of the first to fourth configurations, at least one of the outer peripheral member, the first inner peripheral member, or the second inner peripheral member further has an end cover on its inner peripheral side that covers a portion of the opening end of the pipe insertion port (fifth configuration).

[0023] In the above configuration, the end cover can cover the open end of the pipe's insertion point, thus preventing foreign matter from entering.

[0024] A method for joining pipes according to an embodiment of the present invention is a method for joining a pipe and a pipe to be joined having a receiving port into which an insertion port of the pipe is inserted. The pipe joining method includes an insertion port protection member attaching step of attaching an insertion port protection member for protecting an outer peripheral portion of the insertion port of the pipe to an outer peripheral surface of the insertion port of the pipe, a pipe installation step of installing the pipe with the insertion port protection member attached thereto in a groove in which the pipe to be joined is disposed, an insertion port protection member removing step of removing the insertion port protection member from the pipe installed in the groove, and a joining step of joining the pipe to the pipe to be joined. The insertion port protection member includes an outer peripheral member formed in an arc shape when viewed in the axial direction of the pipe so as to cover a part of the outer peripheral surface of the insertion port of the pipe, and a first inner peripheral member and a second inner peripheral member each formed in an arc shape so as to follow the outer peripheral surface when viewed in the axial direction and disposed on the inner peripheral side of the outer peripheral member so as to be movable in the circumferential direction with respect to the outer peripheral member. In the insertion port protection member attaching step, the pipe is positioned on the inner peripheral side of the outer peripheral member of the insertion port protection member, and the first inner peripheral member and the second inner peripheral member are each moved downward along the circumferential direction to a predetermined position where the first inner peripheral member and the second inner peripheral member cover a portion of the outer peripheral surface not covered by the outer peripheral member, whereby the insertion port protection member is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the insertion port of the pipe. In the insertion port protection member removing step, after the first inner peripheral member and the second inner peripheral member are moved upward along the circumferential direction so that the lower part of the outer peripheral surface is exposed, the insertion port protection member is removed upward (the sixth configuration).

[0025] With the above-described configuration, the insertion port protection member can be easily attached to and detached from the insertion port of the pipe. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently perform the pipe joining operation while preventing foreign matter from adhering to the outer peripheral surface of the insertion port of the pipe.

[0026] In the sixth configuration, the insertion port protection member includes a base portion that is positioned away from the outer peripheral member in one direction, an engagement portion that is attached to the base portion, a first connecting member having one end connected to the base portion and the other end connected to the moving portion of the first inner peripheral member, and a second connecting member having one end connected to the base portion and the other end connected to the moving portion of the second inner peripheral member. The first connecting member and the second connecting member constitute a link mechanism that moves the first inner peripheral member and the second inner peripheral member in the one direction along the circumferential direction from the predetermined position by moving the engagement portion in the one direction. In the insertion port protection member removal step, after engaging a recovery jig attached to the tip of the arm of the working machine with the engagement member, the first inner peripheral member and the second inner peripheral member are moved upward along the circumferential direction so that the lower part of the outer peripheral surface is exposed by moving the arm of the working machine upward in the one direction, which is upward, to remove the insertion port protection member upward (seventh configuration).

[0027] In the above configuration, both the movement of the gripping portion to the predetermined position and the engagement of the recovery jig with the insertion port protection member can be performed. Therefore, the pulling-out procedure can be performed efficiently.

Advantages of the Invention

[0028] The insertion port protection member according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an outer peripheral member that extends in the axial direction of the pipe so as to cover a part of the outer peripheral surface of the insertion port of the pipe and is formed in an arc shape when viewed in the axial direction, and a first inner peripheral member and a second inner peripheral member that are each formed in an arc shape so as to follow the outer peripheral surface when viewed in the axial direction and are arranged so as to be movable in the circumferential direction with respect to the outer peripheral member on the inner peripheral side of the outer peripheral member. The outer peripheral member has a guide portion that guides the movement of the first inner peripheral member and the second inner peripheral member in the circumferential direction so that the first inner peripheral member and the second inner peripheral member each move to a predetermined position that covers a portion of the outer peripheral surface that is not covered by the outer peripheral member.

[0029] A pipe joining method according to one embodiment of the present invention is a method of joining a pipe and a pipe to be joined having a socket into which the slit of the pipe is inserted. The pipe joining method comprises: a slit protection member attachment step of attaching a slit protection member to the outer surface of the slit of the pipe to protect the outer circumferential portion of the slit of the pipe; a pipe installation step of installing the pipe with the slit protection member attached in a groove in which the pipe to be joined is located; a slit protection member removal step of removing the slit protection member from the pipe installed in the groove; and a joining step of joining the pipe to the pipe. The slit protection member comprises: an outer circumferential member formed in an arc shape when viewed in the axial direction of the pipe so as to cover a part of the outer circumferential surface of the slit of the pipe; and a first inner circumferential member and a second inner circumferential member, each formed in an arc shape along the outer circumferential surface when viewed in the axial direction, and arranged on the inner circumferential side of the outer circumferential member so as to be movable in the circumferential direction relative to the outer circumferential member. In the insertion opening protection member installation step, the pipe is positioned on the inner circumference side of the outer circumference member of the insertion opening protection member, and the first inner circumference member and the second inner circumference member are moved downward along the circumferential direction to a predetermined position where the portion of the outer circumference not covered by the outer circumference member is covered by the first inner circumference member and the second inner circumference member, thereby attaching the insertion opening protection member to the outer circumference surface of the pipe's insertion opening. In the insertion opening protection member removal step, the first inner circumference member and the second inner circumference member are moved upward along the circumferential direction so that the lower part of the outer circumference surface is exposed, and then the insertion opening protection member is removed upward.

[0030] This allows the Socket Protection Member to be easily attached to and detached from the Socket of the Pipe. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently perform the pipe joining work while preventing foreign matter from adhering to the outer surface of the Socket of the Pipe. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0031] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an external view showing a schematic configuration of the socket protection member according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an external view showing the socket protection member shown in Figure 1 with the first inner circumference member and the second inner circumference member moved to their predetermined positions. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a side view illustrating the process of attaching a spigot protection member to the outer surface of the spigot of a pipe. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a front view illustrating the process of attaching the socket protection member shown in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an external view showing the schematic configuration of the pipe gripping unit. [Figure 6] Figure 6 illustrates the pipe installation process using machinery. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows the pair of gripping claws in the open position during the insertion port protection member removal process. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows the process of removing the socket protection member by using a recovery jig to remove it upwards during the socket protection member removal process. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows the joining process. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is an external view showing a schematic configuration of a socket protection member according to a modified example 1 of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is an external view showing a schematic configuration of a socket protection member according to a modified example 2 of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is an external view showing a schematic configuration of a socket protection member according to a modified example 3 of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] The following describes each embodiment with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of those parts will not be repeated. Note that the dimensions of the components in each drawing do not faithfully represent the dimensions of the actual components or the dimensional ratios of each component.

[0033] In the following explanation, axial direction A refers to the direction in which the axis P1 of pipe W1 extends. In axial direction A, A1 is the direction in which pipe W1 is inserted into the pipe to be joined W2.

[0034] Furthermore, in the following explanation, the expressions "fix," "connect," and "attach" (hereinafter referred to as "fixing, etc.") include not only cases where components are directly fixed to each other, but also cases where they are fixed to each other via other components. In other words, in the following explanation, the expression "fixing, etc." includes both direct and indirect fixing of components to each other.

[0035] [Embodiment 1] (Schematic configuration) Figure 1 is an external view showing a schematic configuration of the socket protection member 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 2 is an external view showing the socket protection member 1 shown in Figure 1 with the first inner circumference member 20 and the second inner circumference member 30 moved to a predetermined position POS. Figures 1 and 2 show a side view and a front view of the socket protection member 1, respectively.

[0036] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the socket protection member 1 is a member that protects the outer surface W111 of the socket W11 of the pipe W1. The socket protection member 1 includes an outer surface member 10, a first inner surface member 20, a second inner surface member 30, a base portion 40, a handle portion 50, a first connecting member 60, and a second connecting member 70.

[0037] The Socket W11 includes not only the open end edge of the Socket W11 of pipe W1, but also the portion of pipe W1 that is inserted into the receiving end W21 of the pipe to be joined W2 (see Figure 6, etc.). Similarly, the Receiving End W21 includes not only the open end edge of the Receiving End W21 of the pipe to be joined W2, but also the portion of pipe W2 into which the Socket W11 of pipe W1 is inserted.

[0038] The pipe W1 and the pipe to be joined, which has a socket W21 into which the spigot W11 of pipe W1 is inserted, are, for example, water pipes. Pipes W1 and W2 may be other types of pipes, such as sewer pipes, agricultural water pipes, or gas pipes. Pipes W1 and W2 may be ductile cast iron pipes, other metal pipes, or resin pipes.

[0039] The outer peripheral member 10 extends in the axial direction A of the pipe W1 so as to cover a portion of the outer peripheral surface W111 of the insertion opening W11 of the pipe W1. The outer peripheral member 10 may be made of, for example, a synthetic resin member or a metal member, or a combination of synthetic resin and metal members. As shown in Figure 1, the outer peripheral member 10 is formed in an arc shape when viewed in the axial direction A.

[0040] The outer peripheral member 10 has a guide portion 13 that guides the movement of the first inner peripheral member 20 and the second inner peripheral member 30 in the circumferential direction C, so that in Figure 1, the portion W112 of the outer peripheral surface W111 not covered by the outer peripheral member 10 moves to a predetermined position POS covered by the first inner peripheral member 20 and the second inner peripheral member 30, as shown in Figure 2.

[0041] The guide portion 13 has through grooves 121 and 131 that penetrate the outer peripheral member 10 in the thickness direction and extend in the circumferential direction C.

[0042] The first inner circumferential member 20 and the second inner circumferential member 30 extend in the axial direction A and are each formed in an arc shape so as to follow the outer circumferential surface W111 when viewed in the axial direction A. The first inner circumferential member 20 and the second inner circumferential member 30 may be made of, for example, synthetic resin or metal, or a combination of synthetic resin or metal.

[0043] As shown in Figure 1, the first inner circumferential member 20 and the second inner circumferential member 30 are each positioned on the inner side of the outer circumferential member 10 so as to be movable in the circumferential direction C relative to the outer circumferential member 10. The first inner circumferential member 20 is located on one circumferential direction C1 of the outer circumferential member 10. The second inner circumferential member 30 is located on the other circumferential direction C2 of the outer circumferential member 10.

[0044] The arc length of the outer surface of the first inner circumferential member 20 and the arc length of the outer surface of the second inner circumferential member 30 are both smaller than the arc length of the inner surface of the outer circumferential member 10. Furthermore, the sum of the arc lengths of the outer surface of the first inner circumferential member 20 and the second inner circumferential member 30 is, for example, smaller than the arc length of the inner surface of the outer circumferential member 10.

[0045] As a result, when the first inner circumferential member 20 and the second inner circumferential member 30 are positioned on the inner circumferential side of the outer circumferential member 10, the outer circumferential surfaces of the first inner circumferential member 20 and the second inner circumferential member 30 can be covered by the first inner circumferential member 20. However, the sum of the arc lengths of the outer circumferential surfaces of the first inner circumferential member 20 and the second inner circumferential surface of the second inner circumferential member 30 may be greater than the arc length of the inner circumferential surface of the outer circumferential member 10.

[0046] An opening is formed between the first inner circumferential member 20 and the second inner circumferential member 30, opening in one direction Z. The opening width WT1 from the inner surface of the first inner circumferential member 20 to the inner surface of the second inner circumferential member 30 is greater than the outer diameter of the pipe W1.

[0047] Therefore, the pipe W1 can be inserted into and removed from the opening between the inner surface of the first inner circumferential member 20 and the inner surface of the second inner circumferential member 30 in one direction Z. The outer circumferential member 10, the first inner circumferential member 20 and the second inner circumferential member 30 may be deformable in the width direction WD such that the opening width WT1 is wider than the outer diameter of the pipe W1, and in this case, the opening width WT1 may be smaller than the outer diameter of the pipe W1.

[0048] The first inner circumferential member 20 and the second inner circumferential member 30 each have movable parts 23 and 33 that are inserted in the thickness direction within the through grooves 121 and 131, respectively.

[0049] In the above configuration, the movable parts 23 and 33 of the first inner circumferential member 20 and the second inner circumferential member 30 move in the circumferential direction C within the through grooves 121 and 131 of the guide portion 13. This makes it possible to realize a configuration in which the first inner circumferential member 20 and the second inner circumferential member 30 move in the circumferential direction C.

[0050] The base portion 40 is located away from the outer peripheral member 10 in one direction Z. The base portion 40 is, for example, a flat plate.

[0051] The handle portion 50 is attached to one side of the base portion 40. The handle portion 50 is configured as an annular shape having an axis parallel to the axial direction A. The handle portion 50 also functions as an engagement portion for the retrieval jig 1130, which will be described later.

[0052] The first connecting member 60 has one end connected to one end 41 in the width direction of the base portion 40, and the other end connected to the movable portion 23 of the first inner circumferential member 20. More specifically, one end of the first connecting member 60 is rotatably connected to the one end 41 in the width direction of the base portion 40 about an axis parallel to the axial direction A. The other end of the first connecting member 60 is rotatably connected to the movable portion 23 of the first inner circumferential member 20 about an axis parallel to the axial direction A.

[0053] The second connecting member 70 has one end connected to the other end 42 in the width direction of the base portion 40, and the other end connected to the movable portion 33 of the second inner circumferential member 30. More specifically, one end of the second connecting member 70 is rotatably connected to the other end 42 in the width direction of the base portion 40 about an axis parallel to the axial direction A. The other end of the second connecting member 70 is rotatably connected to the movable portion 33 of the second inner circumferential member 30 about an axis parallel to the axial direction A.

[0054] The first connecting member 60 and the second connecting member 70 constitute a link mechanism LNK1 that moves the first inner circumferential member 20 and the second inner circumferential member 30 from a predetermined position POS along the circumferential direction C in one direction Z by moving the handle portion 50 in the one direction Z.

[0055] As described above, in the above configuration, the first inner circumferential member 20 and the second inner circumferential member 30 can be moved to a predetermined position POS where they cover the portion W112 of the outer circumferential surface W111 of the pipe W11 that is not covered by the outer circumferential member 10. As a result, the outer circumferential surface W111 of the pipe W11 can be covered by the outer circumferential member 10, the first inner circumferential member 20 and the second inner circumferential member 30.

[0056] This prevents foreign matter from adhering to the outer surface W111 of the insertion port W11 of pipe W1 during the joining process between pipe W1 and pipe W2 to be joined, which has a receiving port W21 into which the insertion port W11 of pipe W1 is inserted.

[0057] Furthermore, in the above configuration, if the first inner circumferential member 20 and the second inner circumferential member 30 are arranged on the inner circumferential side of the outer circumferential member 10 as shown in Figure 1, the insertion opening protection member 1 can be attached to and detached from the insertion opening W11 of the pipe W1.

[0058] Therefore, with the above configuration, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from adhering to the outer surface W111 of the insertion opening W11 of the pipe W1 during joining work in the groove, and to realize an insertion opening protection member 1 that can be easily attached to and detached from the insertion opening W11 of the pipe W1.

[0059] Furthermore, the above-described configuration includes a link mechanism LNK1 which is composed of a first connecting member 60 and a second connecting member 70 that are connected to the base portion 40 and the movable portions 23 and 33 of the first inner circumferential member 20 and the second inner circumferential member 30.

[0060] Therefore, by moving the handle portion 50 attached to the base portion 40 in one direction Z, the movable portions 23 and 33 of the first inner circumferential member 20 and the second inner circumferential member 30 can be moved in one direction Z along the circumferential direction C via the link mechanism LNK1. This makes the joining work of the pipe W1 more efficient.

[0061] (Method of joining pipes) Referring to Figures 3 to 9, a pipe joining method S1 for joining a pipe W1 and a pipe to be joined, which has a receiving end W21 into which the insertion end W11 of pipe W1 is inserted, will be described.

[0062] (Installation process for socket protection component) Figure 3 is a side view illustrating the insertion point protection member attachment process S11, in which the insertion point protection member 1 is attached to the outer circumferential surface W111 of the insertion point W11 of the pipe W1. Figure 4 is a front view illustrating the insertion point protection member attachment process S11 shown in Figure 3. First, referring to Figures 3 and 4, in the insertion point protection member attachment process S11 of the pipe joining method S1, the insertion point protection member 1, which protects the outer circumferential surface W111 of the insertion point W11 of the pipe W1, is attached to the outer circumferential surface W111 of the insertion point W11 of the pipe W1.

[0063] In the insertion point protection member installation step S11, for example, with the pipe W1 installed on the ground G1, the insertion point protection member 1 is attached to the pipe W1. Specifically, the insertion point protection member 1 is lowered from an upper position in the vertical direction of the pipe W1 installed on the ground G1 to the upper part of the outer circumferential surface W111 of the pipe W1 (steps S111, S112). This positions the pipe W1 on the inner side of the outer circumferential member 10, the first inner circumferential member 20, and the second inner circumferential member 30.

[0064] Furthermore, the first inner circumferential member 20 and the second inner circumferential member 30 are moved downward along the circumferential direction C to a predetermined position POS where the first inner circumferential member 20 and the second inner circumferential member 30 cover the portion W112 of the outer circumferential surface W111 that is not covered by the outer circumferential member 10 (steps S112, S113). For example, by moving the handle portion 50 downward, the base portion 40 to which the handle portion 50 is attached is lowered.

[0065] In particular, as shown in Figure 4, consequently, on one side in the width direction of the base portion 40, the first connecting member 60 rotates by the link mechanism LNK1 around an axis passing through one end 41 in the width direction of the base portion 40 and the movable portion 23, causing the movable portion 23 to move in one circumferential direction C1 within the through groove 121. As the movable portion 23 moves, the first inner circumferential member 20 moves in one circumferential direction C1 along the inner surface of the outer circumferential member 10.

[0066] Furthermore, on the other side of the base portion 40 in the width direction, the second connecting member 70 rotates by the link mechanism LNK1 around an axis passing through the other end 42 of the base portion 40 in the width direction and the movable portion 33, causing the movable portion 33 to move in the other circumferential direction C2 within the through groove 121. As the movable portion 33 moves, the second inner circumferential member 30 moves in the other circumferential direction C2 along the inner surface of the outer circumferential member 10.

[0067] Alternatively, the first inner circumferential member 20 and the second inner circumferential member 30 descend by their own weight from their position on the inner circumferential side of the outer circumferential member 10 to a predetermined position POS. The first inner circumferential member 20 and the second inner circumferential member 30 may have weights so that they can move by their own weight from the inner side of the outer circumferential member 10 to the predetermined position POS.

[0068] This completes the insertion port protection member installation process S11. This insertion port protection member installation process S11 may be performed manually or by a machine as described later.

[0069] (Pipe installation process) Figure 5 is an external view showing the schematic configuration of the pipe gripping unit 1100. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the pipe installation process S12 performed by the work machine 1000. Next, referring to Figures 5 and 6, in the pipe installation process S12, the pipe W1 to which the Socket Protection Member 1 is attached is placed in the groove G2 where the pipe to be joined W2 is located by the pipe gripping unit 1100 of the work machine 1000.

[0070] As shown in Figure 6, the work machine 1000 has an arm 1010. The work machine 1000 is, for example, a mini backhoe, which is a construction machine for excavation. Various attachments can be connected to the tip 1011 of the arm 1010. The work machine 1000 can perform various construction and work tasks by changing the attachment connected to the tip 1011 of the arm 1010. A pipe gripping unit 1100 is connected to the tip 1011 of the arm 1010 of the work machine 1000.

[0071] The work machine 1000 may be any construction machine other than a mini backhoe, and it may be any machine with any configuration as long as it is capable of operating the pipe gripping unit 1100.

[0072] (Pipe gripping unit) The pipe gripping unit 1100 grips the insertion end W11 side of the pipe W1. The pipe gripping unit 1100 includes a support part 1110, a pipe gripping part 1120, and a retrieval jig 1130.

[0073] The support portion 1110 supports the pipe gripping portion 1120 with respect to the tip portion 1011 of the arm 1010, in a state where the pipe gripping portion 1120 can open and close the gripping claw portions 1121 and 1122.

[0074] The pipe gripping section 1120 is configured to grip the pipe W1. More specifically, the pipe gripping section 1120 has a pair of gripping claw sections 1121 and 1122, a pair of claw driving connecting sections 1123 and 1124, and a claw driving section 1125.

[0075] The pair of gripping claws 1121 and 1122 grip the pipe W1 from above. In particular, as shown in Figure 5, when viewing the pipe gripping portion 1120 in the other axial direction A2, the gripping claw 1121 is located on one side WD1 in the width direction, and the gripping claw 1122 is located on the other side WD2 in the width direction.

[0076] The pair of claw drive connecting parts 1123 and 1124 each extend in the vertical direction and connect the pair of gripping claw parts 1121 and 1122 to the claw drive part 1125. Specifically, the lower ends of the pair of claw drive connecting parts 1123 and 1124 are connected to the pair of gripping claw parts 1121 and 1122, and the upper ends are connected to the claw drive part 1125. The vertical central portions of the pair of claw drive connecting parts 1123 and 1124 are supported by the support part 1110 so as to be rotatable around rotation axes P1123 and P1124 which are parallel to the axial direction A.

[0077] The claw drive unit 1125 is, for example, an actuator that can extend and retract in the width direction WD. The claw drive unit 1125 can be made up of a hydraulic cylinder or the like. Therefore, when the claw drive unit 1125 extends and retracts in the width direction WD, the pair of claw drive connecting units 1123 and 1124 rotate around the rotation axis P1123 and P1124 in the central part.

[0078] For example, when the claw drive unit 1125 retracts in the width direction WD, the lower ends of the pair of claw drive connecting units 1123 and 1124 move outward in the width direction around the rotation axis P1123 and P1124 of the central part. As a result, the lower ends of the pair of gripping claw units 21 and 22 move outward in the width direction and open.

[0079] On the other hand, as the claw drive unit 1125 extends in the width direction WD, the lower ends of the pair of claw drive connecting units 1123 and 1124 move inward in the width direction around the rotation axis P1123 and P1124 of the central part. As a result, the pair of gripping claw units 1121 and 1122 move inward in the width direction and enter a closed state.

[0080] The claw drive unit 1125 is driven, for example, by hydraulic pressure supplied from the work machine 1000. That is, the pipe gripping unit 1120 is driven by a driving force supplied in response to operation from the work machine 1000. Note that the claw drive unit 1125 is not limited to being driven by hydraulic pressure, but may also be driven, for example, by electricity supplied from the work machine 1000 or from outside the work machine 1000.

[0081] The retrieval jig 1130 is connected to one axial direction A1 of the support portion 1110 and extends in the same direction. More specifically, the retrieval jig 1130 has a bent portion 1131 that bends downward, and extends further from the bent portion 1131 in the same direction A1.

[0082] As a result, the tip portion 1132 of the retrieval jig 1130 in one axial direction A1 is positioned in the same vertical position as the handle portion 50 of the insertion opening protection member 1, with the pair of gripping claw portions 1121, 1122 gripping the pipe W1 from above.

[0083] Therefore, the tip portion 1132 is able to pass through the annular handle portion 50 in one axial direction A1 while the pair of gripping claw portions 1121, 1122 grip the pipe W1 from above.

[0084] In the pipe installation process S12, the work machine 1000 operates the pipe gripping unit 1100 to drive the pipe gripping section 1120. As a result, the pair of gripping claws 1121 and 1122 of the pipe gripping section 1120 grip the pipe W1, to which the insertion end protection member 1 has been attached at ground level G1, from above, and insert the retrieval jig 1130 into the annular handle section 50. Furthermore, the work machine 1000 places the pipe W1, gripped by the pipe gripping section 1120 of the gripping unit 1100, into the groove G2 where the pipe to be joined W2 is located.

[0085] Furthermore, for example, a joining device 2000 may be placed at the receiving end W21 of the pipe to be joined W2. The joining device 2000 has a support member 2010 that extends in the other axial direction A2 at the lower part of the receiving end W21.

[0086] The working machine 1000 may position the central axis of the pipe W1 and the pipe to be joined W2 by positioning the pipe W1 from above the support member 2010 of the joining device 2000 with respect to the upper surface of the support member 2010. The tip of the support member 2010 in the axial direction A is located in the space between the pipe gripping portion 1120 of the pipe gripping unit 1100 and the insertion opening protection member 1. This allows the tip of the support member 2010 to support the lower part of the outer circumferential surface W111 of the insertion opening W11 of the pipe W1.

[0087] (Process for removing the socket protection component) Figure 7 shows the state in which the pair of gripping claws 1121 and 1122 are in the open position during the insertion port protection member removal process S13. Figure 8 shows the state in which the insertion port protection member 1 is removed upward using the recovery jig 1130 during the insertion port protection member removal process S13.

[0088] Referring to Figures 6, 7, and 8, in the insertion point protection member removal step S13, the insertion point protection member 1 is removed from the pipe W1 installed in the groove G2. More specifically, in the insertion point protection member removal step S13, the first inner circumferential member 20 and the second inner circumferential member 30 are moved upward along the circumferential direction C so that the lower part of the outer circumferential surface W111 is exposed, and then the insertion point protection member 1 is removed upward.

[0089] In detail, in the insertion opening protection member removal step S13, first, referring to Figure 7, for example, as the claw drive unit 1125 retracts in the width direction, the lower ends of the pair of gripping claws 1121 and 1122 move outward in the width direction and open (step S131). Also, since the retrieval jig 1130 is inserted into the handle portion 50, when the pipe gripping unit 1100 is raised by the work machine 1000 while the lower ends of the pair of gripping claws 1121 and 1122 are in the open position, the tip portion 1132 of the retrieval jig 1130 engages with the handle portion 50. That is, by raising the pipe gripping unit 1100, the upper surface of the tip portion 1132 of the retrieval jig 1130 supports the annular handle portion 50, and consequently, the base portion 40 of the insertion opening protection member 1 also rises.

[0090] Next, referring to Figure 8, with the retrieval jig 1130 of the pipe gripping unit 1100 engaged with the handle portion 50, the arm 1010 of the work machine 1000 is moved upward.

[0091] As the base portion 40 of the socket protection member 1 rises, the link mechanism LNK1 moves the first inner circumferential member 20 and the second inner circumferential member 30 upward so that the lower part of the outer circumferential surface W111 is exposed. The first inner circumferential member 20 and the second inner circumferential member 30 move to the inner side of the outer circumferential member 10, thereby exposing the lower part of the outer circumferential surface W111 of the socket W11. Furthermore, by moving the socket protection member 1 upward, the socket protection member 1 is removed upward (step S132).

[0092] This completes the insertion port protection member removal process S13. In this way, the insertion port protection member 1 can be recovered by the work machine 1000 equipped with the pipe gripping unit 1100. Therefore, it is not necessary for a field worker to perform the insertion port protection member removal process S13 within the groove G2. This makes the insertion port protection member removal process S13 more efficient.

[0093] (Joining process) Figure 9 shows the joining process S14. Referring to Figure 9, in joining process S14, with the pipe W1 supported by the support member 2010, the pipe W1 is moved in one axial direction A1, thereby joining the pipe W1 with the pipe to be joined W2.

[0094] The joining of pipe W1 and pipe to be joined W2 may be performed by a pipe moving unit 2050, which inserts the insertion port W11 of pipe W1 into the receiving port W21 of pipe to be joined W2 to perform the joining. The pipe moving unit 2050 is, for example, part of a joining device 2000. The pipe moving unit 2050 is attached together with the joining device 2000 to the receiving port W21 side of pipe to be joined W2. The pipe moving unit 2050 has an arm 2051 that moves pipe W1 in one axial direction A1. The arm 2051 extends in the other axial direction A2. The end of the arm 2051 in the other axial direction A2 engages with a projection W113 of pipe W1. The projection W113 is located at the open end of the insertion port W11 of pipe W1 and protrudes outward from the outer circumferential surface W111.

[0095] The pipe moving unit 2050 connects the pipes by moving the arm 2051, which is engaged with the projection W113 of the pipe W1, in one axial direction A1, thereby inserting the insertion opening W11 of the pipe W1 into the receiving opening W21 of the pipe to be joined W2.

[0096] The pipe joining method S1 is completed by the above steps. Note that the joining of pipe W1 and pipe W2 may be performed manually.

[0097] With the above configuration, the insertion point protection member 1 can be easily attached to and detached from the insertion point W11 of the pipe W1. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently perform the pipe W1 joining work while preventing foreign matter from adhering to the outer surface W111 of the insertion point W11 of the pipe W1.

[0098] Furthermore, with the above configuration, the pipe gripping portion 1120 can move to a position where it grips the pipe W1, and the retrieval jig 1130 can engage with the insertion port protection member 1 simultaneously. Therefore, the insertion port protection member removal process S13 can be performed efficiently.

[0099] Furthermore, the socket protection member 1 is suitable for handling by the work machine 1000, and the joining work by the pipe joining method S1 can be made more efficient.

[0100] [Example 1] Figure 10 is an external view showing a schematic configuration of the socket protection member 2 according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The socket protection member 2 according to Modification 1 differs from the socket protection member 1 according to Embodiment 1 in that it has fixing parts 25 and 35. Furthermore, the socket protection member 2 according to Modification 1 differs from the socket protection member 1 according to Embodiment 1 in that the handle part 50 has an opening and closing mechanism 51. In the following description, components similar to those in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description is omitted.

[0101] Referring to Figure 10, the socket protection member 2 includes an outer peripheral member 10, a first inner peripheral member 20, a second inner peripheral member 30, a base portion 40, a handle portion 50, a first connecting member 60, and a second connecting member 70.

[0102] The first inner circumferential member 20 has a fixing portion 25 at one end C1 in the circumferential direction. The fixing portion 25 is fixed to the fixing portion 35 of the second inner circumferential member 30 when the first inner circumferential member 20 and the second inner circumferential member 30 are moved to a predetermined position POS.

[0103] The second inner circumferential member 30 has a fixing portion 35 at the other end C2 in the circumferential direction. The fixing portion 35 is fixed to the fixing portion 25 of the first inner circumferential member 20 when the first inner circumferential member 20 and the second inner circumferential member 30 are moved to a predetermined position POS.

[0104] The fixing parts 25 and 35 include, for example, magnets. The fixing parts 25 and 35 are fixed to each other, for example, by the magnetic attraction force.

[0105] The fixing parts 25 and 35 may have weights so that the first inner circumferential member 20 and the second inner circumferential member 30 can move by their own weight from the inner surface side of the outer circumferential member 10 to a predetermined position POS.

[0106] The handle portion 50 has an opening and closing mechanism 51. The opening and closing mechanism 51 constitutes a part of the ring of the annular handle portion 50. The opening and closing mechanism 51 is configured so that the gate can be opened and closed like a carabiner.

[0107] When the tip 1132 of the retrieval jig 1130 moves inward into the ring from the outside in one direction Z, the gate of the opening / closing mechanism 51 opens, allowing the tip 1132 of the retrieval jig 1130 to enter the inside of the ring.

[0108] When the tip 1132 of the retrieval jig 1130 enters the ring, the gate of the opening / closing mechanism 51 closes. As a result, when the tip 1132 of the retrieval jig 1130 attempts to move outward in one direction Z, the opening / closing mechanism 51 engages with the tip 1132 of the retrieval jig 1130.

[0109] With this opening and closing mechanism 51, the handle portion 50 and the retrieval jig 1130 can be engaged without moving the tip portion 1132 of the retrieval jig 1130 in the axial direction A. This makes the engagement process more efficient.

[0110] [Differentiation 2] Figure 11 is an external view showing the schematic configuration of a socket protection member 3 according to a modified example 2 of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The socket protection member 3 according to Modified Example 2 differs from the socket protection member 1 according to Embodiment 1 in that it has cushioning members 81, 82, and 83. In the following description, components similar to those in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0111] Referring to Figure 11, the socket protection member 3 includes an outer peripheral member 10, a first inner peripheral member 20, a second inner peripheral member 30, a base portion 40, a handle portion 50, a first connecting member 60, a second connecting member 70, and cushioning members 81, 82, and 83.

[0112] The buffer members 81, 82, and 83 are attached to both ends in the axial direction A on the inner circumference side of the outer circumference member 10, the first inner circumference member 20, and the second inner circumference member 30. The buffer members 81, 82, and 83 extend in the circumferential direction C.

[0113] The cushioning members 81, 82, and 83 may be located at different positions in the axial direction A.

[0114] In the above configuration, the buffer members 81, 82, and 83 are located on the inner sides of the outer peripheral member 10, the first inner peripheral member 20, and the second inner peripheral member 30. Therefore, when the insertion opening protection member 3 is attached to the outer peripheral surface W111 of the insertion opening W11 of the pipe W1, the buffer members 81, 82, and 83 can seal the gap between the insertion opening protection member 3 and the outer peripheral surface W111 of the insertion opening W11 of the pipe W1. This prevents foreign matter from entering through the gap.

[0115] Furthermore, since the outer peripheral member 10, the first inner peripheral member 20, and the second inner peripheral member 30 have buffer members 81, 82, and 83 on their inner peripheral sides, even if the socket protection member 3 comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface W111 of the socket W11 of the pipe W1 when attaching the socket protection member 3 to the outer peripheral surface W111 of the socket W11 of the pipe W1 during the pipe W1 joining work, the impact can be mitigated by the buffer members 81, 82, and 83.

[0116] [Difference 3] Figure 12 is an external view showing a schematic configuration of the socket protection member 4 according to a modified example 3 of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The socket protection member 4 according to Modified Example 3 differs from the socket protection member 1 according to Embodiment 1 in that it has end covers 91, 92, and 93. In the following description, components similar to those in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description is omitted.

[0117] Referring to Figure 12, the socket protection member 4 includes an outer peripheral member 10, a first inner peripheral member 20, a second inner peripheral member 30, a base portion 40, a handle portion 50, a first connecting member 60, a second connecting member 70, and end covers 91, 92, and 93.

[0118] The end covers 91, 92, and 93 each cover a portion of the opening end of the insertion port W11 of the pipe W1. The end covers 91, 92, and 93 extend radially inward from one axial edge A1 of the outer peripheral member 10, the first inner peripheral member 20, and the second inner peripheral member 30.

[0119] The end covers 91, 92, and 93 may extend to the inner circumference of the insertion opening W11 of the pipe W1. The end cover 91 of the outer peripheral member 10 may be located in one axial direction A1 further than the end covers 92 and 93 of the first inner peripheral member 20 and the second inner peripheral member 30. The end cover 91 of the outer peripheral member 10 and the end covers 92 and 93 of the first inner peripheral member 20 and the second inner peripheral member 30 may partially overlap in the circumferential direction C when viewed in the axial direction A.

[0120] The end covers 91, 92, and 93 may cover the entire circumference of the opening end of the pipe W11 when viewed in the axial direction A, or they may cover only a portion of it. The covering area of ​​the opening end of the end cover 91 of the outer peripheral member 10 may be larger than the covering area of ​​the opening end of the end cover 92 or 93 of the first inner peripheral member 20 or the second inner peripheral member 30. The covering area of ​​the opening end of the end cover 92 of the first inner peripheral member 20 may be the same as the covering area of ​​the opening end of the end cover 93 of the second inner peripheral member 30.

[0121] In the above configuration, the end covers 91, 92, and 93 can cover the open end of the insertion port W11 of the pipe W1, thereby preventing foreign matter from entering the outer surface W111 of the insertion port W11 of the pipe W1.

[0122] [Other embodiments] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the embodiments described above are merely examples for carrying out the present invention. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and it is possible to carry out the invention by appropriately modifying the embodiments described above without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0123] In Embodiment 1 and Modification 1-3 (hereinafter referred to as "Embodiments, etc."), the outer peripheral member 10, the first inner peripheral member 20, and the second inner peripheral member 30 are each composed of a single part. However, the outer peripheral member, the first inner peripheral member, and the second inner peripheral member may each be composed of multiple parts. For example, the first inner peripheral member and the second inner peripheral member may be composed of multiple parts that are divided in the circumferential direction.

[0124] Although not specifically described in the above embodiments, a lubricant may be applied to the outer surface of the pipe's spigot before the spigot protection member installation process.

[0125] In the above embodiments, the guide portion 13 has through grooves 121 and 131 that penetrate the outer peripheral member 10 in the thickness direction and extend in the circumferential direction C. The first inner peripheral member 20 and the second inner peripheral member 30 each have movable portions 23 and 33 that are inserted in the thickness direction within the through grooves 121 and 131.

[0126] However, the guide portion does not have to have a through groove. Also, the first inner circumferential member and the second inner circumferential member do not have a movable part. The guide portion may have a structure other than the structure described above. The other structure may be, for example, a slide rail. The first inner circumferential member and the second inner circumferential member may be guided in the circumferential direction by the guide portion having the other structure.

[0127] In the embodiments described above, the socket protection members 1, 2, 3, and 4 have a base portion 40, a handle portion 50, a first connecting member 60, and a second connecting member 70. However, the socket protection members do not necessarily have a base portion, a handle portion, a first connecting member, and a second connecting member.

[0128] In the embodiments described above, the handle portion 50 also functions as an engagement portion for the retrieval jig 1130. However, an engagement portion may be provided at a location other than the handle portion.

[0129] In the above embodiments, the pair of gripping claws 1121 and 1122 of the pipe gripping portion 1120 grip the pipe W1 from above. However, the pair of gripping claws may grip the pipe from directions other than above.

[0130] In the embodiments described above, the pipe gripping portion 1120 of the pipe gripping unit 1100 is driven by hydraulic pressure supplied from the work machine 1000. However, the pipe gripping portion may be driven by other energy sources such as electricity.

[0131] In the above embodiments, in the insertion port protection member removal step S13, the insertion port protection member 1 is removed upward using the recovery jig 1130 of the pipe gripping unit 1100. However, the pipe gripping unit does not have to have a recovery jig. The insertion port protection member may be recovered using a recovery jig attached to another work machine. The recovery jig does not have to extend in the axial direction and does not have to have a bent portion.

[0132] Alternatively, the socket protection member attached to the pipe may be removed manually using a rod-shaped jig. For example, a field worker may engage the rod-shaped jig with the engagement part and manually remove the socket protection member from the ground.

[0133] In the above modified example 3, the end covers 91, 92, and 93 extend inward in the radial direction B from one axial edge A1 of the outer peripheral member 10, the first inner peripheral member 20, and the second inner peripheral member 30. However, the end cover may extend both axially from one axial edge and radially inward. This results in the end cover having a tapered structure with a smaller inner diameter towards the axial direction. The end cover may also have a return structure extending into the pipe from the radially inward end. This allows the end cover to cover the inner circumference of the pipe. The return structure may also have a tapered structure with a smaller inner diameter towards the other axial direction. [Industrial applicability]

[0134] The present invention can be used for a pipe insertion end protection member for joining to a pipe, and for a method of joining pipes. [Explanation of symbols]

[0135] 1, 2, 3, 4: Insertion port protection member 10: Peripheral member 13: Guide Section 20: First inner circumferential member 23: Mobile Unit 25:Fixed part 30: Second inner circumferential member 33: Mobile Unit 35:Fixed part 40: Base section 41: One end in the width direction 42: Other end in the width direction 50: Handle part 51: Opening and closing mechanism 60: First connecting member 70: Second connecting member 81, 82, 83: Cushioning material 91, 92, 93: End cover 121: Through groove 131: Through groove 1000: Working machinery 1010: Arm 1011:Tip 1100: Pipe gripping unit 1110: Support part 1120: Pipe gripping part 1121, 1122: Gripping claw part 1123, 1124: Claw drive coupling part 1125: Claw drive unit 1130: Recovery jig 1131: Bent section 1132:Tip 2000:Joining equipment 2010: Support member 2050: Pipe relocation unit 2051: Arm G1: Ground G2: Groove LNK1: Link mechanism POS:Predetermined position W1: tube W11: Socket W111: Outer surface W112: Partial W113:Protrusion W2: Joined pipe W21: Socket

Claims

1. A socket protection member that protects the outer surface of the socket of a pipe, An outer peripheral member that extends in the axial direction of the pipe and is formed in an arc shape when viewed in the axial direction, so as to cover a part of the outer peripheral surface of the insertion opening of the pipe, The first inner circumferential member and the second inner circumferential member are each formed in an arc shape so as to follow the outer circumferential surface when viewed in the axial direction, and are arranged on the inner circumferential side of the outer circumferential member so as to be movable in the circumferential direction relative to the outer circumferential member, It has, The outer peripheral member has guide portions that guide the movement of the first inner peripheral member and the second inner peripheral member in the circumferential direction so that they move to predetermined positions where they cover portions of the outer peripheral surface not covered by the outer peripheral member. Plug-in protection component.

2. In the insertion port protection member according to claim 1, The guide portion has a through groove that penetrates the outer peripheral member in the thickness direction and extends in the circumferential direction, The first inner circumferential member and the second inner circumferential member each have a movable portion inserted in the through groove in the thickness direction. Plug-in protection component.

3. In the insertion port protection member according to claim 2, A base portion located away from the outer peripheral member in one direction, The handle portion attached to the base portion, A first connecting member, one end of which is connected to the base portion and the other end of which is connected to the movable portion of the first inner circumferential member, A second connecting member, one end of which is connected to the base portion and the other end of which is connected to the movable portion of the second inner circumferential member, It further possesses, The first connecting member and the second connecting member constitute a link mechanism that moves the first inner circumferential member and the second inner circumferential member from a predetermined position along the circumferential direction in that direction by moving the gripping portion in that direction. Plug-in protection component.

4. In the insertion port protection member according to claim 1, At least one of the outer peripheral member, the first inner peripheral member, or the second inner peripheral member further has a buffer member attached to its inner peripheral side. Plug-in protection component.

5. In the insertion port protection member according to any one of claims 1 to 4, At least one of the outer peripheral member, the first inner peripheral member, or the second inner peripheral member further has an end cover on its inner peripheral side that covers a portion of the open end of the insertion port of the pipe. Plug-in protection component.

6. A method for joining pipes, comprising joining a pipe and a pipe to be joined having a socket into which the insertion end of the pipe is inserted, A step of attaching a socket protection member to the outer surface of the socket of the pipe, which protects the outer periphery of the socket of the pipe, A pipe installation step involves installing the pipe to which the insertion port protection member is attached into the groove where the pipe to be joined is located. A step of removing the insertion opening protective member from the pipe installed in the groove, A joining step of joining the aforementioned pipe to the pipe to be joined, It has, The aforementioned insertion port protection member is, An outer peripheral member formed in an arc shape when viewed in the axial direction of the pipe so as to cover a part of the outer peripheral surface of the insertion opening of the pipe, The first inner circumferential member and the second inner circumferential member are each formed in an arc shape so as to follow the outer circumferential surface when viewed in the axial direction, and are arranged on the inner circumferential side of the outer circumferential member so as to be movable in the circumferential direction relative to the outer circumferential member, It has, In the insertion opening protection member attachment step, the pipe is positioned on the inner circumference side of the outer circumference member of the insertion opening protection member, and the first inner circumference member and the second inner circumference member are moved downward along the circumferential direction to a predetermined position where the portion of the outer circumference not covered by the outer circumference member is covered by the first inner circumference member and the second inner circumference member, respectively, thereby attaching the insertion opening protection member to the outer circumference surface of the insertion opening of the pipe. In the insertion port protection member removal step, the first inner circumferential member and the second inner circumferential member are moved upward along the circumferential direction so that the lower part of the outer circumferential surface is exposed, and then the insertion port protection member is removed upward. Methods for joining pipes.

7. In the pipe joining method according to claim 6, The aforementioned insertion port protection member is, A base portion located away from the outer peripheral member in one direction, The engaging portion attached to the base portion, A first connecting member, one end of which is connected to the base portion and the other end of which is connected to the movable portion of the first inner circumferential member, A second connecting member, one end of which is connected to the base portion and the other end of which is connected to the movable portion of the second inner circumferential member, It further possesses, The first connecting member and the second connecting member constitute a link mechanism that moves the first inner circumferential member and the second inner circumferential member from a predetermined position along the circumferential direction in that direction by moving the engaging portion in that direction. In the step of removing the insertion port protective member, After engaging the retrieval jig attached to the tip of the arm of the work machine with the engaging member, the arm of the work machine is moved upward in the one direction, thereby moving the first inner circumferential member and the second inner circumferential member upward along the circumferential direction so that the lower part of the outer circumferential surface is exposed, and the insertion opening protective member is removed upward. Methods for joining pipes.

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