Pipe holding device

Abstract

To provide a pipe gripping device with a compact configuration that can be attached to a pipe without the worker having to enter the groove. [Solution] The pipe gripping device 1 includes a pair of gripping parts 11, 12 for gripping a pipe, a support part 13 for supporting the pair of gripping parts 11, 12, a link part 16 connecting the pair of gripping parts 11, 12 to an operating part 15, an operating part 15 that switches the pair of gripping parts 11, 12 between a closed state and an open state by moving up and down relative to the support part 13, and a fixing part 17 that fixes the position of the pair of gripping parts 11, 12 when they are in the closed state. The operating part 15 closes the pair of gripping parts 11, 12 by moving downward, and opens the pair of gripping parts 11, 12 by moving upward. The fixing part 17 moves downward together with the operating part 15 when the operating part 15 moves downward, and contacts the outer surface of the pair of gripping parts 11, 12.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tube gripping device for gripping a tube.

Background Art

[0002] A tube joining device for joining an insertion port of a tube to a receiving port of a joined tube joined to the tube is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a tube joining attachment for a working machine having a gripping portion for gripping a tube and a joined tube contact portion that is located in the axial direction of the insertion port of the tube gripped by the gripping portion and contacts an outer peripheral surface on the receiving port side of the joined tube joined to the tube. By using this tube joining attachment, the tube can be gripped and the insertion port of the tube can be inserted into the receiving port of the joined tube. The tube joining attachment is attached to an arm of the working machine.

[0003] Further, Patent Document 2 discloses an automatic tube joining device including a frame disposed across an upper portion between a receiving port and an insertion port, a receiving port clamp for clamping an outer surface of the receiving port, and an insertion port clamp for clamping an outer surface of the insertion port. In this automatic joining device, the receiving port clamp is fixed to the frame, and the insertion port clamp is movable in the tube axial direction along a guide rail by the action of a cylinder. When the insertion port clamp moves along the rail, the insertion port is inserted into the receiving port.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, the pipe joining attachment disclosed in Patent Document 1 is configured to insert the insertion end of the pipe into the receiving end of the pipe to be joined while gripping the pipe. Therefore, the pipe joining attachment has a complex structure, is large, and is heavy. Consequently, a large piece of machinery is required to use the attachment. Therefore, it may not be possible to use the pipe joining attachment for pipe joining work in narrow construction sites, etc.

[0006] On the other hand, the automatic joining device disclosed in Patent Document 2 has a structure that can be attached to a pipe and a pipe to be joined, and does not require any working machinery during pipe joining work. However, since the attachment part of the automatic joining device has a clamp structure, a worker needs to enter the groove in which the pipe is laid and perform the attachment work. Furthermore, with such a clamp structure, it is necessary to secure sufficient working space in the radial direction of the pipe during the attachment work. Therefore, attachment may be difficult in a work environment where the working space in the radial direction of the pipe is narrow.

[0007] Therefore, there was a need for a compact pipe gripping device that would allow the pipe joining device to be attached to a pipe or the pipe to be joined without the worker having to enter the groove.

[0008] The objective of the present invention is to provide a pipe gripping device with a compact configuration that can be attached to a pipe without the operator having to enter the groove. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A pipe gripping device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a pipe gripping device for gripping a pipe. The pipe gripping device includes a pair of gripping parts for gripping the pipe, a support part to which the base ends of the pair of gripping parts are rotatably connected so as to switch between an open state where the pair of gripping parts are away from the pipe and a closed state where they grip the pipe, a link part to which one end is connected to the gripping parts and the other end is connected to the support part so as to be movable in the vertical direction, an operating part that switches the pair of gripping parts between the closed state and the open state by moving vertically with the support part together with the link part, and a fixing part that contacts the pair of gripping parts when the pair of gripping parts are in the closed state and fixes the position of the pair of gripping parts. The operating part moves downward so as to approach the support part, thereby closing the pair of gripping parts via the link part, and moves upward so as to move away from the support part, thereby opening the pair of gripping parts via the link part. The fixing portion is connected to the operating portion so that it moves downward together with the operating portion as the operating portion moves downward so as it approaches the support portion, and contacts the outer circumference of the pair of gripping portions (first configuration).

[0010] With this configuration, by moving the operating part downward from a position above the pipe, the pair of gripping parts can be set to a closed state that grips the pipe, while by moving the operating part upward, the pair of gripping parts can be set to an open state that separates them from the pipe.

[0011] Furthermore, the fixing portion that secures the pair of gripping portions in the closed position is configured to move downward together with the operating portion and contact the outer surfaces of the pair of gripping portions when the operating portion switches the pair of gripping portions to the closed position.

[0012] This makes it possible to provide a pipe gripping device with a compact configuration that can be attached to a pipe without the worker having to enter the groove.

[0013] In the first configuration described above, the pipe gripping device has a connecting portion that connects the support portion and the operating portion so that the operating portion can move vertically with respect to the support portion together with the link portion (second configuration).

[0014] This allows the operating part to move vertically relative to the support part. Therefore, the pair of gripping parts can be easily switched between an open state and a closed state.

[0015] In the second configuration described above, the connecting portion has a first elongated hole extending in the vertical direction, and the operating portion has a projection that is inserted into the first elongated hole so as to be movable in the vertical direction. The other end of the link portion is rotatably connected to the projection of the operating portion, and the fixing portion is connected to the operating portion so as to move integrally with the operating portion (third configuration).

[0016] This makes it possible to realize a configuration in which the operating part is movable vertically relative to the support part, and when the operating part moves vertically, the fixed part and the link part move vertically together with the operating part.

[0017] In the third configuration described above, the link portion has a second elongated hole on the other end side that extends in the longitudinal direction of the link portion and into which the protruding portion of the operating portion is movably inserted in the longitudinal direction (fourth configuration).

[0018] This configuration allows for a setup in which, as the operating part moves upward away from the support part, the fixing part moves upward together with the operating part, while the link part moves upward with a delay. This makes it possible to release the fixing state of the pair of gripping parts by the fixing part while maintaining the closed state of the pair of gripping parts when the upward movement of the operating part begins. Therefore, a pipe gripping device that can release the fixing state of the pair of gripping parts can be provided with a simple configuration.

[0019] In the third configuration, the fixing portion extends downward from the operation portion, and the lower end portion contacts the outer surfaces of the pair of gripping portions above the vertical center (fifth configuration).

[0020] In this configuration, the operation portion and the fixing portion are positioned downward by their own weights in a state where no external force is applied. The pair of gripping portions are pushed downward by the fixing portion that contacts at a position above the vertical center. Thereby, a pipe gripping device can be provided in which the state of gripping the pipe is not easily released.

[0021] In the third configuration, the fixing portion extends downward from the operation portion and is located outward in the left - right direction with respect to the pair of gripping portions in the closed state when viewed in the rotational axis direction of the pair of gripping portions (sixth configuration).

[0022] In this configuration, the fixing portion is located outward in the left - right direction with respect to the pair of gripping portions in the closed state. The fixing portion is positioned downward by its own weight in a state where no external force is applied. That is, the pair of gripping portions are restrained from moving outward by the fixing portion positioned downward. Thereby, a pipe gripping device can be provided in which the state of the pair of gripping portions gripping the pipe is not easily released.

Effect of the Invention

[0023] A pipe gripping device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an operation portion that closes the pair of gripping portions via a link by moving downward so as to approach a support portion to which the pair of gripping portions are connected, and opens the pair of gripping portions via the link by moving upward so as to move away from the support portion, and a fixing portion that is connected to the operation portion and moves downward together with the operation portion and contacts the outer surfaces of the pair of gripping portions when the operation portion moves downward so as to approach the support portion.

[0024] Thereby, a pipe gripping device having a compact configuration that can be attached to a pipe without an operator entering a trench can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of a pipe joining device to which the pipe gripping device according to Embodiment 1 is applied. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of the pipe joining device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a view showing a schematic configuration of the pipe gripping device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a view of the pipe gripping device in the axial direction when a pair of gripping portions of the pipe gripping device are in an open state. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a view showing a schematic configuration of the pipe gripping device according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a view for explaining the operation of the link portion of the pipe gripping device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of a pipe joining device to which the pipe gripping device according to Embodiment 3 is applied. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of the pipe joining device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a front view schematically showing a schematic configuration of the pipe gripping device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a front view schematically showing a schematic configuration of the pipe gripping device. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an enlarged part of the pipe gripping device. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a view for explaining a state in which a pair of gripping portions are fixed by a fixing portion.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0026] Hereinafter, each embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In each figure, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts, and the description of the same parts will not be repeated. Note that the dimensions of the constituent members in each figure do not faithfully represent the actual dimensions of the constituent members and the dimensional ratios of the constituent members.

[0027] In the following description, the axial direction means the direction in which the axis L2 of the pipe W2 to be joined extends. The left-right direction means the horizontal direction that is also perpendicular to the axial direction. The horizontal direction includes not only the strictly horizontal direction but also the direction that intersects with the vertical direction. The radial direction means the direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0028] 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 expressions "fixing, etc." include both direct and indirect fixing of components to each other.

[0029] (Embodiment 1) The pipe gripping device 1 of the present invention is a device for gripping pipes. The pipe gripping device 1 is configured to grip pipes by mechanical means without using a power source such as a motor and a cylinder. The pipe gripping device 1 is applied, for example, to a pipe joining device 100 that joins pipes by inserting the insertion port W1a of pipe W1 into the receiving port W2a of pipe to be joined W2.

[0030] (Pipe joining device) First, an exemplary pipe joining device 100 to which the pipe gripping device 1 is applied will be briefly described. Figure 1 is a side view showing the schematic configuration of the pipe joining device 100. Figure 2 is a top view showing the schematic configuration of the pipe joining device 100.

[0031] The pipe joining device 100 is used in a groove where pipe W1 and pipe to be joined W2 are laid. The pipe joining device 100 is installed in the groove, for example, by a work machine M. The pipe joining device 100 is sized to fit within the groove.

[0032] Pipe W1 and pipe W2 are, for example, water pipes. Pipe W1 and pipe W2 may be other types of pipes, such as sewer pipes, agricultural water pipes, or gas pipes. Pipe W1 and pipe W2 may be ductile cast iron pipes, other metal pipes, or resin pipes.

[0033] The pipe joining device 100 inserts the insertion port W1a of pipe W1 into the receiving port W2a of pipe W2, with the axis L1 of the insertion port W1a of pipe W1 aligned with the axis L2 of the receiving port W2a of pipe W2. In detail, as shown in Figure 1, the pipe joining device 100 has a pipe gripping device 1, a pipe support part 2, and a pipe insertion part 3 according to this embodiment. The pipe joining device 100 is attached to pipe W2 by gripping the receiving port W2a side of pipe W2 with a pair of gripping parts 11 and 12 of pipe gripping device 1. A detailed description of pipe gripping device 1 will be given later.

[0034] The pipe support section 2 supports the insertion end W1a side of the pipe W1. Specifically, the pipe support section 2 has a pair of insertion end support sections 21 and 22 and a pair of sliding support sections 23 and 24.

[0035] The pair of Socket-side support parts 21 and 22 are connected to the pair of gripping parts 11 and 12 of the pipe gripping device 1, respectively. The pair of Socket-side support parts 21 and 22 extend axially from the pair of gripping parts 11 and 12 toward the pipe W1 side.

[0036] The pair of sliding support parts 23 and 24 are connected to the tip side of the pair of insertion-side support parts 21 and 22, respectively. In other words, the pair of sliding support parts 23 and 24 are connected to the pair of gripping parts 11 and 12 of the pipe gripping device 1 via the pair of insertion-side support parts 21 and 22.

[0037] The pair of sliding support parts 23 and 24 support the pipe W1 from below in a slidable manner when the pair of gripping parts 11 and 12 grip the pipe W2 to be joined, and adjust the axis L1 of the pipe W1. Specifically, the pair of sliding support parts 23 and 24 are located on both the left and right sides and below the pipe W1 when the pair of gripping parts 11 and 12 are in the closed state. In this embodiment, the pair of sliding support parts 23 and 24 are positioned symmetrically with respect to the axis L2 of the pipe W2 to be joined when viewed in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the support surfaces of the pair of sliding support parts 23 and 24 are inclined so that they move closer to each other as they move downward from the upper end when viewed in the axial direction when the pair of gripping parts 11 and 12 are in the closed state. This makes it possible to align the position of the axis L1 of the pipe W1 supported by the pair of sliding support parts 23 and 24 with the position of the axis L2 of the pipe W2 to be joined.

[0038] The pipe insertion section 3 grips the insertion end W1a of the pipe W1 and moves the pipe W1 toward the receiving end W2a of the pipe to be joined, thereby inserting the insertion end W1a into the receiving end W2a. Specifically, the pipe insertion section 3 has a pair of gripping parts 31, 32, a pair of connecting parts 33, 34, and a moving part 35.

[0039] The pair of gripping portions 31 and 32 are plate-shaped members that extend in the axial direction. The pair of gripping portions 31 and 32 grip the outer circumferential surface of the pipe W1 on the insertion end W1a side from both the left and right sides, and their tips are configured to contact the insertion end projection W1c of the pipe W1 in the axial direction. The insertion end projection W1c is a portion located at the end of the pipe W1 on the insertion end W1a side, where the outer circumferential surface protrudes radially outward.

[0040] The pair of gripping portions 31 and 32 are supported at their base ends by a pair of connecting portions 33 and 34 so as to be radially movable. The pair of gripping portions 31 and 32 are pressed radially inward by a pressing portion (not shown).

[0041] A pair of connecting parts 33 and 34 support the base ends of a pair of gripping parts 31 and 32 so that they can move in the radial direction of the pipe W1. The pair of connecting parts 33 and 34 are supported by a movable part 35.

[0042] The movable part 35 moves the pair of connecting parts 33 and 34 in the axial direction. The movable part 35 may be implemented, for example, by a hydraulic cylinder that extends and retracts in the axial direction, or by a mechanism that can move in the axial direction, such as a rack and pinion.

[0043] With the pair of gripping parts 31 and 32 gripping the pipe W1, the movable part 35 moves the pair of gripping parts 31 and 32 toward the pipe to be joined W2, so that the insertion opening W1a of the pipe W1 is inserted into the receiving opening W2a of the pipe to be joined W2. This joins the pipe W1 and the pipe to be joined W2.

[0044] (tube gripping device) Next, with reference to Figures 3 and 4, the pipe gripping device 1 according to Embodiment 1 will be described in detail. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the pipe gripping device 1 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 3 is a view of the pipe gripping device 1 in the axial direction when the pair of gripping parts 11 and 12 are in the closed state. Figure 4 is a view of the pipe gripping device 1 in the axial direction when the pair of gripping parts 11 and 12 are in the open state.

[0045] The pipe gripping device 1 is configured to be attachable to a pipe by mechanical means without using a power source such as a motor and cylinder. Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the pipe gripping device 1 has a pair of gripping parts 11 and 12, a support part 13, a connecting part 14, an operating part 15, a link part 16, and a fixing part 17. In this embodiment, the pipe gripping device 1 has one pair each of the connecting part 14, the link part 16, and the fixing part 17.

[0046] The pair of gripping parts 11 and 12 are positioned to the left and right of the straight pipe section W2b of the pipe to be joined W2. The pair of gripping parts 11 and 12 have a semicircular shape that follows the outer circumferential surface of the straight pipe section W2b of the pipe to be joined when viewed in the axial direction. The upper ends of the pair of gripping parts 11 and 12 are rotatably connected to the support part 13 so that they can switch between an open state, away from the pipe to be joined W2, as shown in Figure 4, and a closed state, gripping the pipe to be joined W2, as shown in Figure 3. Hereinafter, the upper ends of the pair of gripping parts 11 and 12 connected to the support part 13 will be referred to as the base ends of the pair of gripping parts 11 and 12.

[0047] Each of the pair of gripping portions 11 and 12 is provided with link connecting portions 11a and 12a that protrude radially outward on the outer circumference.

[0048] One end 16a of the link portion 16 is connected to the link connection portions 11a and 12a. As will be described later, when the link connection portions 11a and 12a are pulled upward by the link portion 16, the pair of gripping portions 11 and 12 switch from a closed state to an open state, as shown in Figure 4.

[0049] The support portion 13 is positioned above the pair of gripping portions 11 and 12. The support portion 13 rotatably supports the base ends of the pair of gripping portions 11 and 12 so that they can switch between an open state and a closed state. A pair of connecting portions 14 are connected to the upper part of the support portion 13.

[0050] The pair of connecting parts 14, 14 extend upward from the support part 13. Each of the pair of connecting parts 14, 14 extends vertically and has a first elongated hole 141 that penetrates axially. As will be described later, the lower shaft portion 151 of the operating part 15 is inserted into the first elongated hole 141 so as to be movable in the vertical direction. In other words, the pair of connecting parts 14, 14 connect the support part 13 and the operating part 15 so that the operating part 15 can move vertically relative to the support part 13.

[0051] The operating unit 15 switches the pair of gripping parts 11 and 12 between a closed state and an open state by moving vertically relative to the support unit 13. Specifically, the operating unit 15 moves downward so as to approach the support unit 13, thereby closing the pair of gripping parts 11 and 12 via the link unit 16 (see Figure 3). The operating unit 15 moves upward so as to move away from the support unit 13, thereby opening the pair of gripping parts 11 and 12 via the link unit 16 (see Figure 4).

[0052] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, in this embodiment, the operating section 15 is a cubic frame structure extending in the axial direction. More specifically, the operating section 15 has a pair of lower shaft portions 151, 151 extending in the axial direction, a pair of upper shaft portions 152, 152 extending in the axial direction, and a plurality of connecting shaft portions 153 that connect the upper shaft portions 152, 152 to each other and the upper shaft portion 152 to the lower shaft portion 151.

[0053] The lower shaft portion 151 is located below the operating portion 15. The lower shaft portion 151 is inserted into the first elongated hole 141 of the connecting portion 14 so as to be movable in the vertical direction. Therefore, as the lower shaft portion 151 moves downward within the first elongated hole 141, the operating portion 15 approaches the support portion 13, and as the lower shaft portion 151 moves upward within the first elongated hole 141, the operating portion 15 moves away from the support portion 13.

[0054] The upper shaft portion 152 is located above the operating portion 15. The upper shaft portion 152 can be gripped by the working machine M, for example, when the working machine M lays the pipe joining device 100 in a groove. In other words, the upper shaft portion 152 of the pipe gripping device 1 constitutes a gripping portion that is suspended by the working machine M.

[0055] The pair of link sections 16, 16 move vertically relative to the support section 13 together with the operating section 15. That is, the pair of link sections 16 move vertically relative to the support section 13 as the operating section 15 moves vertically relative to the support section 13. The pair of link sections 16, 16 connect the pair of gripping sections 11, 12 to the operating section 15 so that the vertical movement of the pair of link sections 16, 16 switches the pair of gripping sections 11, 12 between an open state and a closed state.

[0056] More specifically, as described above, one end 16a of the link portion 16 is rotatably connected to the link connection portions 11a and 12a of the pair of gripping portions 11 and 12. The other end 16b of the link portion 16 is rotatably connected to the lower shaft portion 151 of the operating portion 15. Therefore, when the operating portion 15 moves upward away from the support portion 13, the link connection portions 11a and 12a of the pair of gripping portions 11 and 12 are pulled upward relative to the support portion 13. As a result, the pair of gripping portions 11 and 12 rotate relative to the support portion 13, around the base end connected to the support portion 13. Consequently, the pair of gripping portions 11 and 12 are switched to the open state.

[0057] Furthermore, as the operating part 15 moves downward so as to approach the support part 13, the link connection parts 11a and 12a of the pair of gripping parts 11 and 12 move downward relative to the support part 13. As a result, the pair of gripping parts 11 and 12 rotate around their base ends and switch to the closed state.

[0058] As shown in Figure 3, the pair of fixing parts 17, 17 contact the outer surfaces of the pair of gripping parts 11, 12 when the pair of gripping parts 11, 12 are in the closed state, fixing the position of the pair of gripping parts 11, 12. This allows the pair of gripping parts 11, 12 to maintain the state in which they grip the pipe. The outer surfaces of the pair of gripping parts 11, 12 refer to the surfaces located on the front side in the direction of movement when the pair of gripping parts 11, 12 switch from the closed state to the open state.

[0059] The fixed part 17 is connected to the operating part 15 so as to move together with the operating part 15. Therefore, the fixed part 17 moves vertically relative to the support part 13 as the operating part 15 moves vertically relative to the support part 13. When the operating part 15 moves downward so as to approach the support part 13, the fixed part 17 moves downward together with the operating part 15 and comes into contact with the outer surfaces of the pair of gripping parts 11 and 12.

[0060] In this embodiment, the fixing portion 17 extends downward from the operating portion 15 and is connected to the operating portion 15 such that its lower end portion 17a contacts the outer surfaces of the pair of gripping portions above the vertical center. Furthermore, the lower end portion of the fixing portion 17 that contacts the pair of gripping portions 11 and 12 has a shape that conforms to the outer surfaces of the pair of gripping portions 11 and 12. This makes it possible to achieve a configuration in which the pair of gripping portions 11 and 12 can be more easily fixed by the fixing portion 17.

[0061] In the pipe gripping device 1 having the above configuration, for example, by having the work machine M grip the operating part 15 and suspend the pipe gripping device 1, the operating part 15 can be moved upward relative to the support part 13, as shown in Figure 4. That is, by having the work machine M suspend the pipe gripping device 1, the pair of gripping parts 11 and 12 can be opened. On the other hand, when the pipe gripping device 1 is not suspended, the operating part 15 moves downward due to its own weight, as shown in Figure 3. That is, the operating part 15 moves closer to the support part 13. Therefore, for example, by releasing the grip of the operating part 15 by the work machine M, the pair of gripping parts 11 and 12 can be closed. In this way, the pipe gripping device 1 can be attached to the pipe to be joined W2 without the worker having to enter the groove.

[0062] Furthermore, the fixing part 17 is configured to move downward together with the operating part 15 when the operating part 15 switches the pair of gripping parts 11 and 12 to the closed state, and to contact the outer surfaces of the pair of gripping parts 11 and 12 above the vertical center. Therefore, when the pipe gripping device 1 is not suspended, the fixing part 17 is positioned downward by its own weight. The pair of gripping parts 11 and 12 are pushed downward by the fixing part 17, which is in contact above the vertical center. This provides a pipe gripping device 1 in which the gripping state of the pipe W2 to be joined is not easily released.

[0063] The pipe gripping device 1 according to the embodiment described above is a device for gripping a pipe W2 to be joined. The pipe gripping device 1 includes a pair of gripping parts 11 and 12 for gripping the pipe W2 to be joined, a support part 13 to which the base ends of the pair of gripping parts 11 and 12 are rotatably connected so as to switch between an open state where the pair of gripping parts 11 and 12 are separated from the pipe W2 and a closed state where they grip the pipe W2 to be joined, a link part 16 to which one end 16a is connected to the gripping parts 11 and 12 and the other end 16b is connected to the support part 13 so as to be movable in the vertical direction, an operating part 15 that moves vertically with the support part 13 together with the link part 16 to switch the pair of gripping parts 11 and 12 between a closed state and an open state, and a fixing part 17 that contacts the pair of gripping parts 11 and 12 when the pair of gripping parts 11 and 12 are in the closed state and fixes the position of the pair of gripping parts 11 and 12. The operating unit 15 moves downward so as to approach the support unit 13, thereby closing the pair of gripping units 11 and 12 via the link unit 16, while moving upward so as to move away from the support unit 13, thereby opening the pair of gripping units 11 and 12 via the link unit 16. The fixing unit 17 is connected to the operating unit 15 so as to move downward together with the operating unit 15 when the operating unit 15 moves downward so as to approach the support unit 13, and so as to contact the outer surfaces of the pair of gripping units.

[0064] With this configuration, by moving the operating part 15 downward from a position above the pipe W2 to be joined, the pair of gripping parts 11 and 12 can be set to a closed state that grips the pipe W2 to be joined, while by moving the operating part 15 upward, the pair of gripping parts 11 and 12 can be set to an open state that separates them from the pipe W2 to be joined.

[0065] Furthermore, the fixing part 17 that secures the pair of gripping parts 11 and 12 in the closed position is configured to move downward together with the operating part 15 and contact the outer surfaces of the pair of gripping parts 11 and 12 when the operating part 15 switches the pair of gripping parts 11 and 12 to the closed position.

[0066] This makes it possible to provide a pipe gripping device 1 with a compact configuration that can be attached to the pipe W2 to be joined without the worker having to enter the groove.

[0067] In this embodiment, the pipe gripping device 1 has a connecting portion 14 that connects the support portion 13 and the operating portion 15 so that the operating portion 15 can move vertically relative to the support portion 13 together with the link portion 16.

[0068] This enables a configuration in which the operating part 15 can move vertically relative to the support part 13. Therefore, the pair of gripping parts 11 and 12 can be easily switched between an open state and a closed state.

[0069] In this embodiment, the connecting portion 14 has a first elongated hole 141 that extends in the vertical direction. The operating portion 15 has a lower shaft portion 151 that is inserted into the first elongated hole 141 so as to be movable in the vertical direction. The other end 16b of the link portion 16 is rotatably connected to the lower shaft portion 151 of the operating portion 15. The fixing portion 17 is connected to the operating portion 15 so as to move integrally with the operating portion 15.

[0070] This makes it possible to achieve a configuration in which the operating unit 15 can move vertically relative to the support unit 13, and when the operating unit 15 moves vertically, the fixing unit 17 and the link unit 16 move vertically together with the operating unit 15.

[0071] (Embodiment 2) Next, the pipe gripping device 201 according to Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. In the pipe gripping device 201 according to this embodiment, the connection structure of the link portion 216 to the operating portion 15 is different from the connection structure in the pipe gripping device 1 of Embodiment 1. In the following, the same reference numerals are used for components identical to those in Embodiment 1, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0072] Figure 5 shows a schematic configuration of the pipe gripping device 201 according to Embodiment 2. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the link portion 216 of the pipe gripping device 201.

[0073] As shown in Figure 5, the pipe gripping device 201 has a pair of gripping parts 11 and 12, a support part 13, a connecting part 14, an operating part 15, a link part 216, and a fixing part 17. In this embodiment, the pipe gripping device 201 has one pair each of the connecting part 14, the link part 216, and the fixing part 17.

[0074] One end 216a of the pair of link portions 216, 216 is rotatably connected to the link connection portions 11a, 12a of the pair of gripping portions 11, 12. Therefore, similar to Embodiment 1, the pair of gripping portions 11, 12 are switched between a closed state and an open state by moving the operating portion 15 in the vertical direction relative to the support portion 13.

[0075] In this embodiment, the link portion 216 has a second elongated hole 261 at the other end 216b that extends in the longitudinal direction of the link portion 216 and penetrates in the axial direction. The lower shaft portion 151 of the operating portion 15 is inserted into the second elongated hole 261 so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction. In other words, in this embodiment, the link portion 216 has a second elongated hole 261 at the other end 216b that extends in the longitudinal direction of the link portion 216 and into which the lower shaft portion 151 of the operating portion 15 is inserted so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction.

[0076] This configuration allows for a setup, as shown in Figure 6, in which, when the operating part 15 moves upward away from the support part 13, the fixing part 17 moves upward together with the operating part 15, while the link part 216 moves upward with a delay behind the movement of the operating part 15. This makes it possible to realize a pipe gripping device 201 that can release the fixed state of the pair of gripping parts 11 and 12 by the fixing part 17 while maintaining the closed state of the pair of gripping parts 11 and 12 when the upward movement of the operating part 15 begins. Therefore, a pipe gripping device 201 that can release the fixed state of the pair of gripping parts 11 and 12 can be provided with a simple configuration.

[0077] (Embodiment 3) Next, the pipe gripping device 301 according to Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to Figures 7 to 12. Figure 7 is a side view showing the schematic configuration of the pipe joining device 300 in which the pipe gripping device 301 according to Embodiment 3 is used. Figure 8 is a top view showing the schematic configuration of the pipe joining device 300. Figures 9 and 10 are schematic front views showing the schematic configuration of the pipe gripping device 301. Figure 11 is a perspective view showing an enlarged portion of the pipe gripping device 301.

[0078] As shown in Figures 7 to 10, the pipe gripping device 301 has a pair of gripping parts 311 and 312, a support part 313, a connecting part 314, an operating part 315, a link part 316, and a fixing part 317. In this embodiment, the pipe gripping device 301 has two sets of pairs of gripping parts 311 and 312. The pipe gripping device 301 has one connecting part 314, one link part 316, and one fixing part 317 for each gripping part 311 and 312.

[0079] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the pair of gripping portions 311 and 312 are positioned to the left and right of the receiving end W2a side of the pipe to be joined W2. The base ends of the pair of gripping portions 311 and 312 are rotatably connected to the support portion 313 so as to switch between an open state, away from the pipe to be joined W2, as shown in Figure 10, and a closed state, gripping the pipe to be joined W2, as shown in Figure 9.

[0080] Each pair of gripping portions 311 and 312 has a gripping surface 3111 and 3121, an outer surface 3112 and 3122, and an inclined surface 3113 and 3123. The gripping surfaces 3111 and 3121 are the surfaces of the pair of gripping portions 311 and 312 that face each other, and extend vertically so that when the pair of gripping portions 311 and 312 are in a closed state, they contact the outer surface of the pipe W2 to be joined in the left-right direction.

[0081] The outer surfaces 3112 and 3122 are located on the opposite side of the gripping surfaces 3111 and 3121 of the pair of gripping parts 311 and 312, and extend vertically in the closed state. The fixing part 317 contacts the outer surfaces 3112 and 3122 in the closed state. The inclined surfaces 3113 and 3123 extend horizontally between the gripping surfaces 3111 and 3121 and the outer surfaces 3112 and 3122. The inclined surfaces 3113 and 3123 are located lower towards the outside when the pair of gripping parts 311 and 312 are closed. The fixing part 317 contacts the inclined surfaces 3113 and 3123 when the pair of gripping parts 311 and 312 switch from the open state to the closed state. The functions of the outer surfaces 3112 and 3122 and the inclined surfaces 3113 and 3123 will be described later.

[0082] Each of the pair of gripping parts 311 and 312 has a link connection part 311a and 312a at its central vertical portion, to which the link part 316 is connected. One end 316a of the link part 316 is rotatably connected to the link connection parts 311a and 312a. As will be described later, when the link connection parts 311a and 312a are pulled upward by the link part 316, the pair of gripping parts 311 and 312 switch from a closed state to an open state, as shown in Figure 10.

[0083] The support portion 313 is positioned above the pair of gripping portions 311 and 312. The support portion 313 rotatably supports the base ends of the pair of gripping portions 311 and 312 so that they can switch between an open state and a closed state. Specifically, in a front view, the support portion 313 has a pair of vertically extending support legs 3131, 3131 that support the base ends of the pair of gripping portions 311 and 312, and a horizontal support portion 3132 that connects the upper ends of the pair of support legs 3131, 3131 in the left-right direction.

[0084] The support portion 313 is connected to the operating portion 315 via a connecting portion 314 so as to move vertically together with the operating portion 315.

[0085] The connecting portion 314 is fixed to a pair of support legs 3131, 3131 of the support portion 313. The connecting portion 314 is connected to the operating portion 315 so as to be movable in the vertical direction. Specifically, the connecting portion 314 is provided with a first elongated hole 3141 that penetrates in the axial direction. As will be described later, the shaft portion 3154 of the operating portion 315 is inserted into the first elongated hole 3141 so as to be movable in the vertical direction. In other words, the connecting portion 314 connects the support portion 313 and the operating portion 315 so that the operating portion 315 can move in the vertical direction relative to the support portion 313.

[0086] The operating unit 315 switches the pair of gripping parts 311 and 312 between a closed state and an open state by moving vertically relative to the support unit 313. Specifically, the operating unit 315 moves downward so as to approach the support unit 313, thereby closing the pair of gripping parts 311 and 312 via the link unit 316 (see Figure 9). The operating unit 315 moves upward so as to move away from the support unit 313, thereby opening the pair of gripping parts 311 and 312 via the link unit 316 (see Figure 10).

[0087] In this embodiment, the operating section 315 has a pair of operating legs 3151, 3151, an operating horizontal section 3152, a handle section 3153, and a shaft section 3154. The pair of operating legs 3151, 3151 extend in the vertical direction and, in a front view, are located outward in the left-right direction relative to the pair of support legs 3131, 3131 of the support section 313. The operating horizontal section 3152 connects the upper ends of the pair of operating legs 3151, 3151 in the left-right direction and is located above the support horizontal section 3132 of the support section 313.

[0088] The handle portion 3153 extends upward from the horizontal operating portion 3152. The handle portion 3153 can be gripped by the work machine M, for example, when the work machine M lays the pipe joining device 300 in a groove. In other words, the handle portion 3153 of the pipe gripping device 301 constitutes a gripping portion that is suspended by the work machine M.

[0089] The shaft portion 3154 protrudes axially from a pair of operating leg portions 3151, 3151. The shaft portion 3154 is inserted into the first elongated hole 3141 of the connecting portion 314 so as to be movable in the vertical direction. Therefore, when the shaft portion 3154 moves downward relative to the first elongated hole 3141 of the connecting portion 314, the operating portion 315 approaches the support portion 313, and when the shaft portion 3154 moves upward relative to the first elongated hole 3141, the operating portion 315 moves away from the support portion 313.

[0090] The link portion 316 moves vertically relative to the support portion 313 together with the operating portion 315. That is, the link portion 316 moves vertically relative to the support portion 313 as the operating portion 315 moves vertically relative to the support portion 313. The link portion 316 connects the pair of gripping portions 311 and 312 to the operating portion 315 such that the pair of gripping portions 311 and 312 switch between an open state and a closed state as the link portion 316 moves vertically.

[0091] More specifically, the link portion 316 has a second elongated hole 3161 at its other end, which extends in the longitudinal direction of the link portion 316 and penetrates in the axial direction. The shaft portion 3154 of the operating portion 315 is inserted into the second elongated hole 3161 so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction.

[0092] As described above, one end 316a of the link portion 316 is rotatably connected to the link connection portions 311a and 312a of the pair of gripping portions 311 and 312. The shaft portion 3154 of the operating portion 315 is inserted into the second elongated hole 3161 at the other end of the link portion 316. Therefore, as the operating portion 315 moves upward so that it moves away from the support portion 313, the link portion 316 moves upward together with the operating portion 315, pulling the link connection portions 311a and 312a upward. As a result, the pair of gripping portions 311 and 312 rotate relative to the support portion 313 around the base end where they are connected to the support portion 313. This switches the pair of gripping portions 311 and 312 to the open state.

[0093] Furthermore, as the operating part 315 moves downward so as to approach the support part 313, the lifted state of the link connection parts 311a and 312a by the link part 316 is released. As a result, the pair of gripping parts 311 and 312 switch to the closed state due to their own weight.

[0094] The fixed part 317 extends downward from the operating part 315. The fixed part 317 is connected to the operating part 315 so as to move together with the operating part 315. Therefore, the fixed part 317 moves vertically relative to the support part 313 as the operating part 315 moves vertically relative to the support part 313. The fixed part 317 moves downward together with the operating part 315 when the operating part 315 moves downward so as to approach the support part 313.

[0095] The fixing portion 317 is positioned outward in the left-right direction relative to the pair of gripping portions 311 and 312 in the closed state, and is provided to contact the outer surfaces 3112 and 3122 of the pair of gripping portions 311 and 312 in the closed state. As described above, the pair of gripping portions 311 and 312 are switched to the closed state when the operating portion 315 moves downward so as to approach the support portion 313. Therefore, when the operating portion 315 moves downward so as to approach the support portion 313, the pair of gripping portions 311 and 312 are switched to the closed state, and a configuration is obtained in which the fixing portion 317 is positioned outward in the left-right direction relative to the pair of gripping portions 311 and 312 in the closed state. This makes it possible to fix the pair of gripping portions 311 and 312 in the closed state so as not to switch to the open state.

[0096] In other words, the fixing portion 317 extends downward from the operating portion 315 and is configured to be located outward in the left-right direction relative to the pair of gripping portions 311 and 312 when viewed in the axial direction.

[0097] When the pipe gripping device 301 is not suspended, the operating section 315 and the fixing section 317 are positioned downward by their own weight. That is, the pair of gripping sections 311 and 312 are restrained by the fixing section 317, which is positioned downward by their own weight, to prevent them from moving outward. This provides a pipe gripping device 301 in which the gripping state of the pair of gripping sections 311 and 312 on the pipe W2 to be joined cannot be easily released.

[0098] Figure 12 illustrates how the pair of gripping parts 311 and 312 are fixed by the fixing part 317. In Figure 12, one of the pair of gripping parts 311 and 312, the gripping part 311, is shown.

[0099] As shown in Figures 10 and 12(a), with the operating section 315 separated upward from the support section 313, the link section 316 pulls up the link connection sections 311a and 312a of the pair of gripping sections 311 and 312. As a result, the lower ends of the pair of gripping sections 311 and 312 protrude outward in the left-right direction relative to the fixing section 317. That is, the pair of gripping sections 311 and 312 are arranged to overlap the fixing section 317 in the vertical direction. In addition, the inclined surfaces 3113 and 3123 of the pair of gripping sections 311 and 312 are positioned below the fixing section 317.

[0100] As shown in Figure 12(b), the fixing part 317 moves downward together with the operating part 315 as the operating part 315 moves downward so as it approaches the support part 313. As the operating part 315 and the fixing part 317 move downward relative to the support part 313, the lifted state of the link connection parts 311a and 312a by the link part 316 is released. In addition, the lower end of the fixing part 317 comes into contact with the inclined surfaces 3113 and 3123. As a result, the lower ends of the pair of gripping parts 311 and 312 move in a direction toward each other.

[0101] As shown in Figures 9 and 12(c), the operating part 315 and the fixing part 317 move downward so as to approach the support part 313, so that the pair of gripping parts 311 and 312 are positioned to extend vertically, and the fixing part 317 is positioned outward in the left-right direction relative to the pair of gripping parts 311 and 312. As a result, the fixing part 317 comes into contact with the outer surfaces 3112 and 3122 of the pair of gripping parts 311 and 312. Thus, the fixing part 317 can fix the pair of gripping parts 311 and 312 in a closed state.

[0102] (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.

[0103] In the embodiments described above, pipe joining devices 100 and 300 were described as examples of application of the pipe gripping devices 1,201 and 301. However, the pipe gripping devices of this embodiment may be applied to other configurations as long as the configuration is suitable for the pipe gripping devices. Furthermore, the pipe gripping devices may grip pipes other than the pipe to be joined.

[0104] In the above embodiment 3, the pipe gripping device 301 has two pairs of gripping parts 311, 312. However, the pipe gripping device may have one pair of gripping parts or three or more pairs.

[0105] In embodiments 1 and 2, the pipe gripping device 1,201 has a pair of connecting parts 14, 14. In embodiment 3, the pipe gripping device 301 has one connecting part 314 for each of the gripping parts 311, 312. However, the number of connecting parts can be any number as long as the support part and the operating part can be connected so that the operating part can move vertically relative to the support part.

[0106] In Embodiment 1, the pipe gripping device 1 has a pair of link sections 16, 16. In Embodiment 2, the pipe gripping device 201 has a pair of link sections 216, 216. In Embodiment 3, the pipe gripping device 301 has one link section 316 for each of the gripping sections 311, 312. However, the number of link sections can be any number, as long as the pair of gripping sections and the operating section are connected in such a way that the pair of gripping sections can be switched between an open state and a closed state by the vertical movement of the link section.

[0107] In each of the above embodiments, the pipe gripping device 1,201 has a pair of fixing parts 17,17. In embodiment 3, the pipe gripping device 301 has one fixing part 317 for each of the gripping parts 311,312. However, the number of fixing parts can be any number as long as the pair of gripping parts can be fixed in position by contacting the outer surfaces of the pair of gripping parts when the pair of gripping parts are in a closed state.

[0108] In each of the above embodiments, the connecting portions 14, 314 have first elongated holes 141, 3141 that extend vertically and penetrate axially. The lower shaft portion 151 of the operating portion 15, or the shaft portion 3154 of the operating portion 315, is inserted into the first elongated holes 141, 3141 so as to be movable in the vertical direction. However, the connecting portion does not have to have the first elongated holes that penetrate axially. The connecting portion only needs to connect the support portion and the operating portion so that the operating portion can move vertically relative to the support portion. For example, the operating portion may have a projection that protrudes axially, and the connecting portion may have a groove into which the projection of the operating portion can move vertically.

[0109] In embodiments 1 and 2, the operating section 15 is a cubic frame structure extending in the axial direction. In embodiment 3, the operating section 315 has a pair of operating legs 3151, 3151, an operating horizontal section 3152, a handle section 3153, and a shaft section 3154. However, the operating section may have any configuration as long as the other end of the link section is connectable and it can be suspended by a work machine or the like.

[0110] In the above embodiment 3, the support portion 313 has a pair of support legs 3131, 3131 and a support horizontal portion 3132. However, the support portion may have any configuration as long as it is capable of rotatably supporting the base ends of the pair of gripping portions so that the pair of gripping portions can be switched between an open state and a closed state.

[0111] In each of the above embodiments, the fixing portion 17, 317 extends downward from the operating portion 15, 315 and is connected to the operating portion 15, 315 such that its lower end portion 17a contacts the outer surface of the pair of gripping portions 11, 12. However, the fixing portion may have any configuration as long as it contacts the outer surface of the pair of gripping portions when the pair of gripping portions are in a closed state and fixes the position of the pair of gripping portions.

[0112] In each of the above embodiments, the lower ends of the fixing portion 17, 317 that contact the pair of gripping portions 11, 12, 311, 312 have a shape that conforms to the outer surfaces of the pair of gripping portions 11, 12, 311, 312. However, the lower ends of the fixing portion may have other shapes as long as they contact the outer surfaces of the pair of gripping portions.

[0113] In the above embodiment 2, the fixing part 17 is connected to the operating part 15 so as to move together with the operating part 15. However, the fixing part does not need to move simultaneously with the operating part when the operating part moves upward, as long as it is connected to the operating part so as to move toward the outer surface of the pair of gripping parts when the operating part moves downward. In other words, the fixing part may be connected to the operating part so as to move upward with a delay when the operating part moves upward. Even in this case, the fixing part only needs to be connected to the operating part so as to move upward before the link part moves when the operating part moves upward.

[0114] In embodiments 1 and 2, the pair of gripping portions 11 and 12 have a semicircular shape that follows the outer surface of the straight pipe portion W2b of the pipe to be joined when viewed in the axial direction. In embodiment 3, the gripping surfaces 3111 and 3121 of the pair of gripping portions 311 and 312 extend in the vertical direction. However, the pair of gripping portions may have other shapes as long as they can grip the pipe to be joined.

[0115] In the above embodiment 1, a pair of gripping parts 11 and 12 are connected to a pair of insertion-side support parts 21 and 22 that extend from the pair of gripping parts 11 and 12 toward the pipe W1 side. However, a pair of insertion-side support parts are not required to be connected to a pair of gripping parts. [Industrial applicability]

[0116] The present invention can be used in pipe gripping devices for gripping pipes. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0117] 1, 201, 301 Tube gripping device 2 Pipe support part 3. Tube insertion section 11, 12, 311, 312 Grip part 11a, 12a, 311a, 312a Link connection section 13, 313 Support part 14, 314 connection part 15, 315 Operation section 16, 216, 316 Link section 16a, 216a, 316a one end 16b, 216b other end 17, 317 Fixed part 17a Lower end 21, 22 Insertion port side support part 23, 24 Sliding support part 31, 32 Gripping part 33, 34 Connection part 35 Mobile section 100, 300 pipe joining equipment 141, 3141 1st long hole 151 Lower shaft section 152 Upper shaft portion 153 Connecting shaft portion 261, 3161 Second long hole 3111, 3121 Gripping surface 3112, 3122 Outer surface 3113, 3123 Inclined surface 3131 Support leg portion 3132 Support horizontal portion 3151 Operating leg portion 3152 Operating horizontal portion 3153 Handle portion 3154 Shaft portion W1 Pipe W1a Insertion port W1b Straight pipe portion W1c Insertion port protrusion W2 Joined pipe W2a Receiving port W2b Straight pipe portion L1, L2 Axis

Claims

1. A pipe gripping device for gripping a pipe, A pair of gripping parts for gripping the aforementioned pipe, The base ends of the pair of gripping parts are rotatably connected to a support part such that the pair of gripping parts can switch between an open state where they are separated from the pipe and a closed state where they grip the pipe, A link portion, one end of which is connected to the gripping portion and the other end of which is connected to the support portion so as to be movable in the vertical direction, An operating unit that moves vertically with respect to the support unit together with the link unit to switch the pair of gripping units between the closed state and the open state, The pair of gripping parts, in the closed state, have a fixing part that contacts the pair of gripping parts to fix their positions, It has, The operating unit moves downward so as to approach the support unit, thereby closing the pair of gripping units via the link unit, while moving upward so as to move away from the support unit, thereby opening the pair of gripping units via the link unit. The fixing portion is connected to the operating portion so that it moves downward together with the operating portion as the operating portion moves downward so as it approaches the support portion, and contacts the outer surfaces of the pair of gripping portions. Tube gripping device.

2. In the pipe gripping device according to claim 1, The operating part has a connecting part that connects the support part and the operating part, so that the operating part can move vertically with respect to the support part together with the link part, Tube gripping device.

3. In the pipe gripping device according to claim 2, The connecting portion has a first elongated hole extending in the vertical direction, The operating section has a protruding portion that is inserted into the first elongated hole so as to be movable in the vertical direction, The other end of the link portion is rotatably connected to the protrusion of the operating portion, The aforementioned fixing part is fixed to the operating part so as to move integrally with the operating part. Tube gripping device.

4. In the pipe gripping device according to claim 3, The link portion has a second elongated hole on the other end side that extends in the longitudinal direction of the link portion and into which the protruding portion of the operating portion is movably inserted in the longitudinal direction. Tube gripping device.

5. In the pipe gripping device according to claim 3, The fixing portion extends downward from the operating portion, and its lower end contacts the outer surface of the pair of gripping portions above the center in the vertical direction. Tube gripping device.

6. In the pipe gripping device according to claim 3, The fixing portion extends downward from the operating portion and, when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis of the pair of gripping portions, is located outward in the left-right direction relative to the pair of gripping portions in the closed state. Tube gripping device.

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