Protection pipe attachment device, protection pipe attachment device, and protection pipe attachment method

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of providing a dust-proof pipe fixer, a dust-proof pipe fixing device, and a dust-proof pipe fixing method which are capable of easily switching the state of the zipper portion of a dust-proof pipe from a non-connected state to a connected state.　The dust-proof pipe fixer can solve the problem by comprising: a zipper guide for guiding the movement of the zipper portion of the dust-proof pipe fixed to an electric wire to a first direction and switching the state of the zipper portion from a non-connected state to a connected state; a base on which the zipper guide is disposed; and a body portion guide having a stopper surface for preventing the zipper portion from departing from the zipper guide and guiding the movement of the body portion of the dust-proof pipe to the first direction.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a protection pipe attachment device, a protection pipe attachment apparatus, and a protection pipe attachment method. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Techniques for attaching protective tubes to electric wires such as overhead electric wires are known.

[0003] As a related technique, a simplified protection pipe insertion device is disclosed in Patent Document 1. The simplified protection pipe insertion device described in Patent Document 1 includes a wire clamping section that clamps the overhead electric wire, a wire receiving section that is attached to the overhead electric wire, a split plate that is erected on the wire receiving section and inserted into a slit in the protection pipe, and a guide rail that slides against the inner wall of the protection pipe to provide guidance. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-205232 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a protection tube attachment device, a protection tube attachment apparatus, and a protection tube attachment method that enable the state of the zipper portion of a protection tube to be easily switched from an unattached state to an attached state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention relates to a protection pipe attachment device, a protection pipe attachment apparatus, and a protection pipe attachment method, as described below.

[0007] (1) a zipper guide that guides movement of a zipper portion of a protective tube attached to an electric wire in a first direction and switches the state of the zipper portion from a non-connected state to a connected state; a base on which the zipper guide is disposed; a main body guide that has a stopper surface that prevents the zipper portion from coming off the zipper guide and that guides movement of the main body portion of the protective tube in the first direction; Equipped with Protective pipe fitting. (2) The position of the main body guide can be adjusted relative to the base. The protective pipe attachment device described in (1) above. (3) When the direction from the base toward the stopper surface is defined as a second direction, the position of the main body guide can be adjusted stepwise in a direction parallel to the second direction. The protective pipe attachment device described in (2) above. (4) When the direction opposite to the first direction is defined as a third direction, the main body guide has a protective pipe guide surface that is disposed on the third direction side of the stopper surface, The protection pipe guide surface is an inclined surface that inclines in a direction away from the track on which the protection pipe passes as it moves in the third direction. A protection pipe attachment device according to any one of (1) to (3) above. (5) The main body guide includes a first guide and a second guide disposed on the first direction side of the first guide. A protection pipe attachment device according to any one of (1) to (4) above. (6) A first opening through which the electric wire can pass is provided between the first guide and the base, a second opening through which the electric wire can pass is provided between the second guide and the base; The first opening is disposed on the opposite side to the second opening as viewed in the first direction. The protective pipe attachment device described in (5) above. (7) The distance between the end of the first guide on the first direction side and the end of the second guide on the opposite side to the first direction is 10 mm or more in the direction along the first direction. The protective pipe attachment device described in (6) above. (8) The position of the first guide can be adjusted with respect to the base independently of the second guide. A protective pipe attachment device according to any one of (5) to (7) above. (9) The electric wire gripping tool further includes a first holding portion that holds a flexible member connected to the electric wire gripping tool. A protection pipe attachment device according to any one of (1) to (8) above. (10) The protective pipe attachment device according to any one of (1) to (9) above, a protection pipe guide connected to the protection pipe attachment via a flexible member; Equipped with Protective pipe mounting device. (11) an installation step of attaching a protective tube guide to the electric wire; a placement step of placing the protection pipe attachment on the electric wire so that the protection pipe attachment receives the electric wire; a moving step of moving a protection pipe having a zipper portion along both the protection pipe guider and the protection pipe attachment device; Equipped with The moving step includes: Moving the protection pipe from the protection pipe guider to around the electric wire; inserting the protection tube disposed around the electric wire into a space between a zipper guide of the protection tube attachment and a stopper surface of the protection tube attachment; moving the zipper portion in a first direction to switch the state of the zipper portion from an uncoupled state to a coupled state; Contains How to install protective pipes. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The present invention provides a protection tube attachment device, a protection tube attachment apparatus, and a protection tube attachment method that enable the state of the zipper portion of a protection tube to be easily switched from an unattached state to an attached state. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a protection pipe. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a protection pipe attachment device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic two-sided view showing the protection pipe attachment device in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing a protection pipe attachment device in a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic two-sided view showing the protection pipe attachment device in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of the protection pipe attachment device in the second embodiment as viewed obliquely from the front side. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the protection pipe attachment device in the second embodiment as viewed obliquely from the rear side. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic front view showing a protection pipe attachment device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic front view showing a protection pipe attachment device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view showing a protection pipe attachment device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view showing a protection pipe attachment device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic side view showing a protection pipe attachment device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic bottom view showing a protection pipe attachment device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view showing a protective pipe mounting device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic side view showing a state in which one step of the protective pipe installation method according to the embodiment is being performed. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a schematic side view showing a state in which one step of the protective pipe installation method according to the embodiment is being performed. [Figure 17]FIG. 17 is a schematic side view showing a state in which one step of the protective pipe installation method according to the embodiment is being performed. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of a protection pipe installation method according to an embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a schematic two-sided view showing a protection pipe attachment in a modified example of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The following describes in detail the protection pipe attachment device 1, protection pipe attachment apparatus 100, and protection pipe attachment method in the embodiments with reference to the drawings. Note that in this specification, components having similar functions are assigned the same or similar reference numerals. Furthermore, repeated explanations of components assigned the same or similar reference numerals may be omitted.

[0011] (Direction definition) As illustrated in Figure 2 and other figures, in this specification, the movement direction of the zipper portion 92 of the protection tube 9 attached to the electric wire W is defined as a first direction DR1. The direction opposite to the first direction DR1 is defined as a third direction DR3. The longitudinal direction of the base 3 of the protection tube attachment device 1 may be parallel to the first direction DR1 (or the third direction DR3).

[0012] In this specification, the direction from the base 3 of the protection pipe attachment device 1 toward the stopper surface 430 of the protection pipe attachment device 1 is defined as the second direction DR2. The second direction DR2 is, for example, a direction perpendicular to the first direction DR1. In the example shown in Figure 2, the second direction DR2 is parallel to the direction from the abdomen 91w of the protection pipe 9 toward the back 91u of the protection pipe 9.

[0013] In this specification, the direction from the first rib 92a of the protective tube 9 toward the second rib 92b of the protective tube 9 (in other words, the direction from the first rib guide 20a toward the second rib guide 20b) is defined as the fourth direction DR4. The fourth direction DR4 is, for example, a direction perpendicular to both the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2.

[0014] (First embodiment) A protection pipe attachment 1A according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 5. Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a protection pipe 9. Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the protection pipe attachment 1A according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3 is a schematic two-sided view showing the protection pipe attachment 1A according to the first embodiment. A schematic front view is shown on the left side of Fig. 3, and a schematic side view is shown on the right side of Fig. 3. Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the protection pipe attachment 1A according to a modified example of the first embodiment. Fig. 5 is a schematic two-sided view showing the protection pipe attachment 1A according to the first embodiment. A schematic front view is shown on the left side of Fig. 5, and a schematic side view is shown on the right side of Fig. 5.

[0015] An example of a protective tube 9 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The protective tube 9 is attached to an electric wire so as to surround the electric wire, thereby protecting the electric wire. The protective tube 9 is made of an elastically deformable material. The protective tube 9 is made of, for example, resin.

[0016] The protective tube 9 has a main body portion 90 and a zipper portion 92. When the zipper portion 92 is in an unconnected state (see FIG. 1), the main body portion 90 has a generally C-shape in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 90. When the zipper portion 92 is in an connected state, the main body portion 90 has a generally circular shape in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the protective tube 9. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 90 is parallel to the first direction DR1.

[0017] 1, main body 90 has an abdominal portion 91w having a slit SL formed therein through which an electric wire can pass, and a back portion 91u disposed on the opposite side of abdominal portion 91w with respect to the longitudinal central axis of main body 90. When zipper portion 92 is in an unconnected state, slit SL is open, and when zipper portion 92 is in an connected state, slit SL is closed.

[0018] The zipper portion 92 has a first rib 92a and a second rib 92b. The first rib 92a extends along the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 90. A base end 920a of the first rib 92a is connected to the main body portion 90 (more specifically, a first end of the generally C-shaped cross section), and a tip end 921a of the first rib 92a is a free end. The second rib 92b extends along the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 90. A base end 920b of the second rib 92b is connected to the main body portion 90 (more specifically, a second end of the generally C-shaped cross section), and a tip end 921b of the second rib 92b is a free end.

[0019] The first rib 92a has a first engagement portion 925a, and the second rib 92b has a second engagement portion 925b that can engage with the first engagement portion 925a. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the first engagement portion 925a is an engagement recess, and the second engagement portion 925b is an engagement protrusion. Alternatively, the first engagement portion 925a may be an engagement protrusion, and the second engagement portion 925b may be an engagement recess.

[0020] Next, an example of a protection tube attachment device 1A in the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. The protection tube attachment device 1A is a device that can switch the state of the zipper portion 92 from an unattached state to an attached state. In the example shown in Figure 2, the protection tube attachment device 1A includes a zipper guide 2, a base 3, and a main body portion guide 4.

[0021] The zipper guide 2 guides movement in the first direction DR1 of the zipper portion 92 of the protective tube 9 attached to the electric wire W. The zipper guide 2 also switches the state of the zipper portion 92 from a non-engaged state to a engaged state. The non-engaged state refers to a state in which the engagement between the first engagement portion 925a and the second engagement portion 925b is released, and the engaged state refers to a state in which the first engagement portion 925a and the second engagement portion 925b are engaged.

[0022] In the example shown in Fig. 3, the zipper guide 2 has a plurality of guide rollers 21, including a first guide roller 21a and a second guide roller 21b. In the example shown in Fig. 3, when the zipper portion 92 passes between the first guide roller 21a and the second guide roller 21b, the state of the zipper portion 92 is switched from the uncoupled state to the coupled state.

[0023] Alternatively, as illustrated in Fig. 4, zipper guide 2 may be configured with recesses 23 that can guide zipper portion 92. In the example illustrated in Fig. 4, zipper guide 2 has recesses 23 that narrow in width in first direction DR1. In this case, when zipper portion 92 moves in first direction DR1 along recess 23, first rib 92a is pressed toward second rib 92b by first side surface 23a of recess 23, and second rib 92b is pressed toward first rib 92a by second side surface 23b of recess 23. In this way, zipper guide 2 switches the state of zipper portion 92 from the uncoupled state to the coupled state.

[0024] The zipper guide 2 preferably has a first rib guide 20a that contacts the first rib 92a and a second rib guide 20b that contacts the second rib 92b. In this case, when the protective tube 9 moves in the first direction DR1, the protective tube 9 is prevented or suppressed from meandering in the lateral direction (more specifically, in a direction parallel to the fourth direction DR4). In the example shown in FIG. 3, the first guide roller 21a functions as the first rib guide 20a, and the second guide roller 21b functions as the second rib guide 20b. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the first side surface 23a of the recess 23 functions as the first rib guide 20a, and the second side surface 23b of the recess 23 functions as the second rib guide 20b.

[0025] The zipper guide 2 is disposed on the base 3. In the example shown in Figure 3, the zipper guide 2 is attached to and supported by the base 3. Alternatively, as illustrated in Figure 4, the zipper guide 2 may be integrally formed with the base 3.

[0026] The main body guide 4 has a stopper surface 430 that prevents the zipper portion 92 from coming off the zipper guide 2. In the example shown in Figure 3, the stopper surface 430 comes into contact with the back portion 91u of the main body 90 of the protective tube 9, thereby preventing the protective tube 9 from moving in a direction perpendicular to the first direction DR1 (more specifically, in the second direction DR2). In this way, the zipper portion 92 is prevented from coming off the zipper guide 2.

[0027] Furthermore, the main body guide 4 guides the movement of the main body 90 of the protective tube 9 in the first direction DR1. In the example shown in Figure 3, when viewed in the first direction DR1, the main body 90 of the protective tube 9 is sandwiched between the zipper guide 2 and the stopper surface 430. In this case, when the protective tube 9 moves in the first direction DR1, the protective tube 9 is prevented or suppressed from meandering in a direction parallel to the second direction DR2.

[0028] The protection tube attachment device 1A in the first embodiment includes a zipper guide 2 that guides movement of the zipper portion 92 of the protection tube 9 in the first direction DR1 and switches the state of the zipper portion 92 from an unconnected state to an connected state. In this case, the state of the zipper portion 92 can be switched from an unconnected state to an connected state simply by moving the zipper portion 92 relative to the zipper guide 2 in the first direction DR1. The protection tube attachment device 1A in the first embodiment also includes a main body guide 4 that has a stopper surface 430. In this case, the main body portion 90 of the protection tube 9 is guided by the main body guide 4 while the stopper surface 430 prevents the zipper portion 92 from coming off the zipper guide 2. Furthermore, the protection tube attachment device 1A in the first embodiment includes both the zipper guide 2 and the main body guide 4. In this case, when the protection tube 9 moves in the first direction DR1, meandering of the protection tube 9 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction DR1 is effectively prevented or suppressed.

[0029] Next, optional additional configurations that can be employed in the protection pipe attachment 1A in the first embodiment or the protection pipe attachment 1B in the second embodiment described below will be described.

[0030] (Adjust the position of the main body guide 4) 5, the position of the main body guide 4 is adjustable with respect to the base 3. More specifically, the main body guide 4 is attached to the base 3 so that the position of the main body guide 4 is adjustable with respect to the base 3 in a direction parallel to the second direction DR2.

[0031] In the example shown in Fig. 5, the protection pipe attachment 1A includes a fixing member 51 (for example, a fixing member having a male thread portion that screws into a female thread portion formed in the base 3) that fixes the main body guide 4 to the base 3. The fixing member 51 preferably has an operation knob 511 that is operated by the user. In this case, the main body guide 4 can be fixed to the base 3 without using any tools.

[0032] 5, the main body guide 4 has an elongated hole 4h or a slit formed therein, through which the shaft 51s of the fixing member 51 can pass. The elongated hole 4h or the slit allows the position of the main body guide 4 to be adjusted relative to the base 3. After the position of the main body guide 4 has been adjusted relative to the base 3, the main body guide 4 is fixed to the base 3 by the fixing member 51.

[0033] When the main body guide 4 is adjustable in position relative to the base 3, the main body guide 4 can guide a protective tube 9 having a main body 90 with a large outer diameter (see Figure 5), and the main body guide 4 can also guide a protective tube 9 having a main body 90 with a small outer diameter (see Figure 3).

[0034] 2, the position of the main body guide 4 can be adjusted in stages in a direction parallel to the second direction DR2. More specifically, in the example shown in Fig. 2, the main body guide 4 has a first positioning portion 41 that positions the main body guide 4 relative to the base 3 at a first position P1, and a second positioning portion 42 that positions the main body guide 4 relative to the base 3 at a second position P2.

[0035] The first positioning portion 41 is formed, for example, by a first engagement recess 41d that can engage with the fixed member 51, and the second positioning portion 42 is formed, for example, by a second engagement recess 42d that can engage with the fixed member 51. In the example shown in FIG. 2, when the fixed member 51 engages with the first positioning portion 41, the main body guide 4 is positioned at the first position P1. On the other hand, when the fixed member 51 engages with the second positioning portion 42, the main body guide 4 is positioned at the second position P2.

[0036] If the position of the main body portion guide 4 is adjustable in steps in a direction parallel to the second direction DR2, the user simply selects a positioning portion from multiple positioning portions that is suitable for the outer diameter of the main body portion 90 of the protective tube 9. This makes it easier for the user to adjust the position of the main body portion guide 4. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the position of the main body portion guide 4 is adjustable in two steps in a direction parallel to the second direction DR2. Alternatively, the position of the main body portion guide 4 may be adjustable in three or more steps in a direction parallel to the second direction DR2. Furthermore, in an embodiment, the position of the main body portion guide 4 may be adjustable continuously (in other words, steplessly) in a direction parallel to the second direction DR2.

[0037] (Main body guide 4) 2, the body guide 4 has an attachment portion 46 and a roof portion 43. The body guide 4 may have a first wing portion 44 and / or a second wing portion 45.

[0038] The mounting portion 46 is a portion that is attached to the base 3. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the mounting portion 46 has an elongated hole 4h or a slit that extends in a direction parallel to the second direction DR2. The mounting portion 46 also has a first positioning portion 41 and a second positioning portion 42.

[0039] The roof portion 43 covers a portion of the protective pipe 9. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the roof portion 43 is cantilevered by the mounting portion 46. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the roof portion 43 has a generally inverted V shape when viewed in the direction along the first direction DR1. The lower surface of the roof portion 43 forms a stopper surface 430.

[0040] In the example shown in FIG. 3, an opening OP through which the electric wire W can pass is formed between the end 43e of the roof portion 43 and the zipper guide 2. The height H1 of the opening OP in the direction along the second direction DR2 is greater than the outer diameter of the electric wire W. The height H1 of the opening OP in the direction along the second direction DR2 is preferably smaller than the outer diameter of the main body 90 of the protective tube 9. In this case, the protective tube 9 is prevented from passing through the opening OP and falling off the protective tube attachment device 1A. The height H1 is, for example, 30 mm or less, or 20 mm or less. The protective tube attachment device 1A may be provided with an opening / closing member that can open and close the opening OP.

[0041] The first wing portion 44 protrudes from the roof portion 43 in the third direction DR3. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the first wing portion 44 is cantilevered by the roof portion 43. The lower surface of the first wing portion 44 forms a protection pipe guide surface 440. The second wing portion 45 protrudes from the roof portion 43 in the first direction DR1. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the second wing portion 45 is cantilevered by the roof portion 43. The lower surface of the second wing portion 45 forms a protection pipe extraction surface 450.

[0042] (Stopper surface 430) 3, the stopper surface 430 has a generally inverted V-shape when viewed in the direction along the first direction DR1. More specifically, the stopper surface 430 includes an apex 433, a first inclined surface 431 that approaches the base 3 as it extends from the apex 433 in the fourth direction DR4, and a second inclined surface 432 that approaches the base 3 as it extends from the apex 433 in the direction opposite to the fourth direction DR4. When the stopper surface 430 has a generally inverted V-shape, displacement of the protective tube 9 in the direction parallel to the fourth direction DR4 is prevented or suppressed.

[0043] (Protective tube guidance surface 440) 3, the main body guide 4 has a protecting tube guide surface 440 that is positioned closer to the third direction DR3 than the stopper surface 430. The protecting tube guide surface 440 is preferably an inclined surface that slopes away from the path along which the protecting tube 9 travels as it moves in the third direction DR3. The inclined surface may be formed of a flat surface or a curved surface.

[0044] If the protection tube guide surface 440 is an inclined surface that slopes away from the path along which the protection tube 9 travels as it approaches the third direction DR3, it is easy to insert the longitudinal end of the protection tube 9 into the space SP1 between the stopper surface 430 and the zipper guide 2. In addition, the protection tube 9 moving in the first direction DR1 is prevented from getting caught on the protection tube guide surface 440, and the protection tube 9 moving in the first direction DR1 is prevented from being damaged by the protection tube guide surface 440.

[0045] 5, the length D1 of the protection tube guide surface 440 in the direction along the fourth direction DR4 is shorter than the length D2 of the stopper surface 430 in the direction along the fourth direction DR4. The short length D1 of the protection tube guide surface 440 reduces the weight of the main body guide 4. In addition, processing (e.g., bending) the protection tube guide surface 440 to form an inclined surface is easy.

[0046] (Protective tube extraction surface 450) 5, the main body guide 4 has a protection tube removal surface 450 that is positioned closer to the first direction DR1 than the stopper surface 430. The protection tube removal surface 450 is preferably an inclined surface that slopes away from the path along which the protection tube 9 travels as it moves in the first direction DR1. The inclined surface may be formed of a flat surface or a curved surface.

[0047] (Second embodiment) A protection pipe attachment 1B according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 6 to 13. Fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view of the protection pipe attachment 1B according to the second embodiment as seen obliquely from the front side. Fig. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the protection pipe attachment 1B according to the second embodiment as seen obliquely from the rear side. Figs. 8 and 9 are schematic front views showing the protection pipe attachment 1B according to the second embodiment. Fig. 10 is a schematic side view showing the protection pipe attachment 1B according to the second embodiment. Fig. 11 is a schematic plan view showing the protection pipe attachment 1B according to the second embodiment. Fig. 12 is a schematic side view showing the protection pipe attachment 1B according to the second embodiment. Fig. 13 is a schematic bottom view showing the protection pipe attachment 1B according to the second embodiment.

[0048] The protection pipe attachment 1B in the second embodiment differs from the protection pipe attachment 1A in the first embodiment in that the main body guide 4 includes a first guide 4A and a second guide 4B. In other respects, the second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment.

[0049] In the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and a repetitive description of matters already described in the first embodiment will be omitted. Therefore, it goes without saying that matters already described in the first embodiment can be adopted in the second embodiment even if they are not explicitly described in the second embodiment.

[0050] As illustrated in Figure 6, the protection tube attachment device 1B in the second embodiment comprises: (1) a zipper guide 2 that guides the movement of the zipper portion 92 of the protection tube 9 attached to the electric wire W in the first direction DR1 and switches the state of the zipper portion 92 from an unconnected state to a connected state; (2) a base 3 on which the zipper guide 2 is disposed; and (3) a main body guide 4 that has a stopper surface that prevents the zipper portion 92 from coming off the zipper guide 2 and guides the movement of the main body portion 90 of the protection tube 9 in the first direction DR1.

[0051] Therefore, the second embodiment has the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0052] 6, the main body guide 4 includes a first guide 4A and a second guide 4B that is disposed closer to the first direction DR1 than the first guide 4A. The main body guide 4 may include a third guide in addition to the first guide 4A and the second guide 4B. In other words, the number of guides included in the main body guide 4 may be three or more.

[0053] When the main body guide 4 includes a first guide 4A and a second guide 4B, the main body 90 of the protective tube 9 is more stably guided. Furthermore, when the first guide 4A and the second guide 4B are arranged at a predetermined distance along the first direction DR1, the main body 90 of the protective tube 9 is more stably guided, and the overall weight of the main body guide 4 is reduced.

[0054] Next, optional additional configurations that can be employed in the protection pipe attachment 1B in the second embodiment will be described.

[0055] (Zipper guide 2) In the example shown in FIG. 7 (an example in which the protection pipe attachment device 1B is viewed obliquely from the rear side), the zipper guide 2 includes a first zipper guide 2A. The first zipper guide 2A also includes a first guide roller 21a and a second guide roller 21b. When the zipper portion 92 moves in the first direction DR1, the first guide roller 21a presses the first rib 92a of the zipper portion 92 toward the second rib 92b. On the other hand, when the zipper portion 92 moves in the first direction DR1, the second guide roller 21b presses the second rib 92b of the zipper portion 92 toward the first rib 92a. In this way, when the zipper portion 92 passes between the first guide roller 21a and the second guide roller 21b, the state of the zipper portion 92 is switched from the uncoupled state to the coupled state. The first guide roller 21a functions as a first rib guide 20a that contacts the first rib 92a, and the second guide roller 21b functions as a second rib guide 20b that contacts the second rib 92b.

[0056] In the example shown in Fig. 8, the first guide roller 21a is supported by a first support member 22a so as to be rotatable about a first axis AX1. The extension direction of the first axis AX1 is parallel to the second direction DR2. The first support member 22a is fixed to the base 3. In the example shown in Fig. 8, the first guide roller 21a is a free roller that passively rotates due to contact with the zipper portion 92.

[0057] In the example shown in Fig. 8, the second guide roller 21b is supported by a second support member 22b so as to be rotatable about a second axis AX2. The extension direction of the second axis AX2 is parallel to the second direction DR2. The second support member 22b is fixed to the base 3. In the example shown in Fig. 8, the second guide roller 21b is a free roller that passively rotates due to contact with the zipper portion 92.

[0058] In the example shown in FIG. 7 , the zipper guide 2 includes a second zipper guide 2B. The second zipper guide 2B is positioned closer to the first direction DR1 than the first zipper guide 2A. The second zipper guide 2B includes a third guide roller 21c and a fourth guide roller 21d. When the zipper portion 92 moves in the first direction DR1, the third guide roller 21c presses the first rib 92a of the zipper portion 92 toward the second rib 92b. On the other hand, when the zipper portion 92 moves in the first direction DR1, the fourth guide roller 21d presses the second rib 92b of the zipper portion 92 toward the first rib 92a. When the zipper portion 92 passes between the third guide roller 21c and the fourth guide roller 21d, the state of the zipper portion 92 is more reliably switched to the connected state. In other words, if the state of zipper portion 92 after passing through first zipper guide 2A is in an incompletely connected state, second zipper guide 2B switches the state of zipper portion 92 to a more completely connected state. Also, by arranging second zipper guide 2B downstream of first zipper guide 2A, zipper portion 92 is prevented from meandering when protective tube 9 moves in first direction DR1. Note that third guide roller 21c functions as first rib guide 20a that abuts against first rib 92a, and fourth guide roller 21d functions as second rib guide 20b that abuts against second rib 92b.

[0059] In the example shown in Fig. 7, the third guide roller 21c is supported by a third support member 22c so as to be rotatable about a third axis. The extension direction of the third axis is parallel to the second direction DR2. The third support member 22c is fixed to the base 3. In the example shown in Fig. 7, the third guide roller 21c is a free roller that passively rotates upon contact with the zipper portion 92.

[0060] In the example shown in Fig. 7, the fourth guide roller 21d is supported by a fourth support member 22d so as to be rotatable about a fourth axis. The extension direction of the fourth axis is parallel to the second direction DR2. The fourth support member 22d is fixed to the base 3. In the example shown in Fig. 7, the fourth guide roller 21d is a free roller that passively rotates due to contact with the zipper portion 92.

[0061] 7, zipper guide 2 includes a plurality of guide rollers 21. The number of guide rollers included in zipper guide 2 is not limited to four and can be any number. Alternatively, or additionally, zipper guide 2 may include a recess 23 (see FIG. 4 if necessary) that can guide zipper portion 92, or any convex surface (e.g., an arcuate surface) that can press zipper portion 92.

[0062] (Base 3) In the example shown in FIG. 7, the base 3 is made up of a block (more specifically, a block having a flat shape). The base 3 may be made up of a single component, or may be made up of an assembly of multiple components. In the example shown in FIG. 7, a first guide 4A is attached to one side of the base 3, and a second guide 4B is attached to the other side of the base 3. In addition, a zipper guide 2 is disposed on the upper surface of the base 3. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the base 3 has a generally rectangular shape in a plan view, but the shape of the base 3 is not limited to a generally rectangular shape in a plan view.

[0063] In the example shown in Fig. 7, a groove 34 extending along the first direction DR1 is formed on the upper surface of the base 3. As shown in Fig. 8, the groove 34 is capable of receiving the tip of the zipper portion 92. When the groove 34 is formed on the upper surface of the base 3, the tip of the zipper portion 92 is prevented or suppressed from getting caught on the upper surface of the base 3. Furthermore, the height of the zipper guide 2 can be made relatively low, making the overall size of the protection pipe attachment device 1B more compact.

[0064] (Handle 62) In the example shown in Figure 8, the protection pipe attachment device 1B is equipped with a handle 62 that can be gripped by the user. The handle 62 is attached, for example, to the base 3. In the example shown in Figure 8, the handle 62 is positioned so that it protrudes downward from the underside of the base 3. In this case, the handle 62 does not get in the way when the protection pipe 9 is moved relative to the protection pipe attachment device 1B in the first direction DR1.

[0065] (1st Guide 4A) 6, the first guide 4A has a first mounting portion 46A and a first roof portion 43A. The first guide 4A may have a first wing portion 44A and / or a second wing portion 45A.

[0066] The first mounting portion 46A is a portion that is attached to the base 3. The first mounting portion 46A is preferably attached to the base 3 so as to be detachable from the base 3. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the first mounting portion 46A has a first elongated hole 4h-1 or a slit that extends in a direction parallel to the second direction DR2. The first mounting portion 46A also has a first positioning portion 41A and a second positioning portion 42A.

[0067] 6, the position of the first guide 4A is adjustable with respect to the base 3. More specifically, the first guide 4A is attached to the base 3 so that the position of the first guide 4A is adjustable with respect to the base 3 in a direction parallel to the second direction DR2.

[0068] 6, the protection pipe attachment 1B includes a first fixing member 51A that fixes the first guide 4A to the base 3. The first fixing member 51A preferably has a first operating knob 511A that is operated by the user.

[0069] 6, the first guide 4A has a first elongated hole 4h-1 or a slit formed therein, through which the shaft portion of the first fixing member 51A can pass. The first elongated hole 4h-1 or the slit allows the position of the first guide 4A to be adjusted relative to the base 3. After the position of the first guide 4A is adjusted relative to the base 3, the first guide 4A is fixed to the base 3 by the first fixing member 51A.

[0070] When the first guide 4A is adjustable in position relative to the base 3, the first guide 4A can guide a protective tube 9 having a main body 90 with a large outer diameter, and the first guide 4A can also guide a protective tube 9 having a main body 90 with a small outer diameter.

[0071] 6, the position of the first guide 4A can be adjusted in stages in a direction parallel to the second direction DR2. More specifically, in the example shown in Fig. 6, the first guide 4A has a first positioning portion 41A that positions the first guide 4A relative to the base 3 at a first position P1, and a second positioning portion 42A that positions the first guide 4A relative to the base 3 at a second position P2. The first positioning portion 41A is formed, for example, by a first engagement recess that can engage with the first fixing member 51A, and the second positioning portion 42A is formed, for example, by a second engagement recess that can engage with the first fixing member 51A.

[0072] If the position of the first guide 4A can be adjusted in steps in a direction parallel to the second direction DR2, the user can simply select from multiple positioning units a positioning unit that is appropriate for the outer diameter of the main body 90 of the protective tube 9. In this case, the user can more easily adjust the position of the first guide 4A. However, the embodiment does not exclude a mode in which the position of the first guide 4A can be adjusted continuously (in other words, steplessly) in a direction parallel to the second direction DR2.

[0073] The first roof portion 43A covers a portion of the protection tube 9. The first roof portion 43A is preferably arranged so as to cover at least a portion of the first zipper guide 2A (e.g., the first guide roller 21a and the second guide roller 21b). In this case, fingers are prevented from being pinched between the zipper portion 92 of the protection tube 9 and the first zipper guide 2A. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the first roof portion 43A is cantilevered by the first mounting portion 46A.

[0074] 7, a first opening OP-1 through which the electric wire W can pass is formed between the end 43e-1 of the first roof portion 43A and the zipper guide 2. The height of the first opening OP-1 in the direction along the second direction DR2 is greater than the outer diameter of the electric wire W. It is preferable that the height of the first opening OP-1 in the direction along the second direction DR2 is smaller than the outer diameter of the main body portion 90 of the protective tube 9.

[0075] 7, the first roof portion 43A has a generally inverted V-shape when viewed in the first direction DR1. The lower surface of the first roof portion 43A forms a first stopper surface 430A.

[0076] 8, the first stopper surface 430A has a generally inverted V-shape when viewed in the direction along the first direction DR1. More specifically, the first stopper surface 430A includes a first apex 433A, a first inclined surface 431A that approaches the base 3 as it extends from the first apex 433A in the fourth direction DR4, and a second inclined surface 432A that approaches the base 3 as it extends from the first apex 433A in the direction opposite to the fourth direction DR4. When the first stopper surface 430A has a generally inverted V-shape, displacement of the protective tube 9 in the direction parallel to the fourth direction DR4 is prevented or suppressed.

[0077] In the example shown in Fig. 8, the first guide 4A has a first protecting tube guide surface 440A that is positioned closer to the third direction DR3 than the first stopper surface 430A. In the example shown in Fig. 8, the length of the first protecting tube guide surface 440A in the direction along the fourth direction DR4 is shorter than the length of the first stopper surface 430A in the direction along the fourth direction DR4. In the example shown in Fig. 8, the first protecting tube guide surface 440A is connected to only one of the first inclined surface 431A and the second inclined surface 432A, and is separated from the other of the first inclined surface 431A and the second inclined surface 432A.

[0078] In the example shown in Fig. 10, the first wing portion 44A protrudes from the first roof portion 43A in the third direction DR3. In the example shown in Fig. 10, the first wing portion 44A is cantilevered by the first roof portion 43A. The underside of the first wing portion 44A forms a first protecting pipe guide surface 440A. It is preferable that the first protecting pipe guide surface 440A is an inclined surface that slopes away from the path along which the protecting pipe 9 travels as it moves in the third direction DR3. The inclined surface may be formed of a flat surface or a curved surface.

[0079] The second wing portion 45A protrudes from the first roof portion 43A in the first direction DR1. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the second wing portion 45A is cantilevered by the first roof portion 43A. The lower surface of the second wing portion 45A forms a first protection tube extraction surface 450A. The first protection tube extraction surface 450A is preferably an inclined surface that slopes away from the path along which the protection tube 9 travels as it moves in the first direction DR1. This inclined surface may be formed of a flat surface or a curved surface.

[0080] (2nd Guide 4B) The configuration of the second guide 4B is the same as the configuration of the first guide 4A. Therefore, by making the following substitutions in the above description of "(first guide 4A)", the above description of "(first guide 4A)" can be replaced with the description of "(second guide 4B)". More specifically, in the above description of "(first guide 4A)," "FIG. 6," "FIG. 7," "FIG. 8," "first guide 4A," "first mounting portion 46A," "first roof portion 43A," "first wing portion 44A," "second wing portion 45A," "first elongated hole 4h-1," "first positioning portion 41A," "second positioning portion 42A," "first fixing member 51A," "first operation knob 511A," "first position P1," "second position P2," "first engagement recess," "second engagement recess," "first guide roller 21a," "second guide roller 21b," "first zipper guide 2A," "end portion 43e-1," "first opening OP-1," "first stopper surface 430A," "first top portion 433A," "first inclined surface 431A," "second inclined surface 432A," "first protecting tube guiding surface 440A," and "first protecting tube extraction surface 450A" are referred to as "FIGS. 6, 7, 8," "first guide 4A," "first mounting portion 46A," "first roof portion 43A," "first wing portion 44A," "second wing portion 45A," "first elongated hole 4h-1," "first positioning portion 41A," "second positioning portion 42A," "first fixing member 51A," "first operation knob 511A," "first position P1," "second position P2," "first engagement recess," "second engagement recess," "first guide roller 21a," "second guide roller 21b," "first zipper guide 2A," "end portion 43e-1," "first opening OP-1," "first stopper surface 430A," "first top portion 433A," "first inclined surface 431A," "second inclined surface 432A," "first protecting tube guiding surface 440A," and "first protecting These terms should be read as "Figure 7," "Figure 6," "Figure 9," "second guide 4B," "second mounting portion 46B," "second roof portion 43B," "third wing portion 44B," "fourth wing portion 45B," "second long hole 4h-2," "third positioning portion 41B," "fourth positioning portion 42B," "second fixing member 51B," "second operating knob 511B," "third position P3," "fourth position P4," "third engagement recess," "fourth engagement recess," "third guide roller 21c," "fourth guide roller 21d," "second zipper guide 2B," "end 43e-2," "second opening OP-2," "second stopper surface 430B," "second top portion 433B," "third inclined surface 431B," "fourth inclined surface 432B," "second protective tube guide surface 440B," and "second protective tube removal surface 450B," respectively, to describe "(second guide 4B)."

[0081] The shape and structure of the second guide 4B may be the same as the shape and structure of the first guide 4A, in which case the number of types of parts is reduced, and the manufacturing cost of the main body guide 4 as a whole is reduced.

[0082] 7, a first opening OP-1 through which the electric wire W can pass is provided between the first guide 4A and the base 3, and a second opening OP-2 through which the electric wire W can pass is provided between the second guide 4B and the base 3. In addition, in the example shown in Fig. 7, the first opening OP-1 is disposed on the opposite side of the second opening OP-2 as viewed in the direction along the first direction DR1. More specifically, the first opening OP-1 opens in the fourth direction DR4, and the second opening OP-2 opens in the direction opposite to the fourth direction DR4.

[0083] When the first opening OP-1 is positioned on the opposite side from the second opening OP-2, the electric wire W inserted into the protection pipe mounting device 1B is prevented or suppressed from coming off the protection pipe mounting device 1B through the first opening OP-1, and the electric wire W inserted into the protection pipe mounting device 1B is prevented or suppressed from coming off the protection pipe mounting device 1B through the second opening OP-2.

[0084] 11(b), the distance L1 in the direction along the first direction DR1 between the end 4e-1 of the first guide 4A on the first direction DR1 side and the end 4e-2 of the second guide 4B on the third direction DR3 side is greater than the outer diameter of the electric wire W. In this case, the electric wire W can be received in the protection pipe mounting device 1B via the gap G between the ends 4e-1 and 4e-2 (see FIG. 11(a)). Thereafter, the protection pipe mounting device 1B can be attached to the electric wire W by rotating the protection pipe mounting device 1B by a predetermined angle (for example, approximately 90 degrees) (see arrow AR1).

[0085] From the viewpoint of allowing the protection pipe attachment device 1B to receive the electric wire W through the gap G, the distance L1 in the direction along the first direction DR1 between the end 4e-1 of the first guide 4A on the first direction DR1 side and the end 4e-2 of the second guide 4B on the third direction DR3 side is preferably, for example, 10 mm or more, or 15 mm or more. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of making the size of the protection pipe attachment device 1B compact, the distance L1 is preferably, for example, 200 mm or less, 100 mm or less, or 50 mm or less.

[0086] 11, the end 4e-1 of the first guide 4A on the first direction DR1 side is the end of the second wing portion 45A, but in cases where the second wing portion 45A is omitted, the end 4e-1 may be the end of the first roof portion 43A. Also, in the example shown in Fig. 11, the end 4e-2 of the second guide 4B on the third direction DR3 side is the end of the third wing portion 44B, but in cases where the third wing portion 44B is omitted, the end 4e-2 may be the end of the second roof portion 43B.

[0087] 12, the position of the first guide 4A can be adjusted relative to the base 3 independently of the second guide 4B. In this case, the versatility of the protection pipe attachment device 1B is improved. For example, by adjusting the position of the first guide 4A in a direction parallel to the second direction DR2 independently of the second guide 4B, it becomes possible to introduce the protection pipe 9 into the protection pipe attachment device 1B from a direction inclined relative to the base 3.

[0088] (First holding part 65) In the example shown in FIG. 13 , the protection tube attachment device 1B includes a first holding section 65 that holds a flexible member 63 (for example, a linear material such as a wire, rope, cable, or string, or a strip-shaped material such as a belt) connected to an electric wire gripping device capable of gripping an electric wire. In this case, the movement of the protection tube attachment device 1B in the first direction DR1 is restricted by the electric wire gripping device and the flexible member 63. Therefore, while the protection tube attachment device 1B is prevented from moving in the first direction DR1, the protection tube 9 can be moved relative to the protection tube attachment device 1B in the first direction DR1. In this way, by moving the protection tube 9 relative to the protection tube attachment device 1B in the first direction DR1, the task of switching the state of the zipper portion 92 from the uncoupled state to the coupled state can be more easily performed. Note that the configuration of the first holding section 65 may be adopted in the protection tube attachment device 1A in the first embodiment.

[0089] 13, the first holding part 65 is provided on the base 3. The first holding part 65 may also be located on the underside 3w of the base 3. In this case, the first holding part 65 or flexible member 63 does not get in the way when the protecting pipe 9 is moved relative to the protecting pipe mounting device 1B in the first direction DR1.

[0090] It is preferable that the first holding portion 65 removably holds the flexible member 63. In this case, it becomes possible to replace the flexible member 63 with another flexible member (for example, another flexible member of a different length). Alternatively, or additionally, the first holding portion 65 may be attached to the base 3 so as to be removably attached thereto. In this case, it becomes possible to replace the first holding portion 65 together with the flexible member 63.

[0091] (Third embodiment) A protection pipe mounting device 100 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a schematic perspective view showing a protection pipe mounting device 100 according to the third embodiment.

[0092] In the third embodiment, differences from the first and second embodiments will be mainly described, and a repetitive description of matters already described in the first or second embodiment will be omitted. Therefore, it goes without saying that matters already described in the first or second embodiment can be adopted in the third embodiment, even if they are not explicitly described in the third embodiment.

[0093] The protection pipe mounting device 100 in the third embodiment comprises a protection pipe mounting device 1 and a protection pipe guider 8. The protection pipe mounting device 1 may be the protection pipe mounting device 1A in the first embodiment, the protection pipe mounting device 1B in the second embodiment, or another protection pipe mounting device.

[0094] The protection tube attachment device 1 comprises (1) a zipper guide 2 that guides the movement of the zipper portion 92 of the protection tube 9 attached to the electric wire W in the first direction DR1 and switches the state of the zipper portion 92 from an uncoupled state to an coupled state, (2) a base 3 on which the zipper guide 2 is disposed, and (3) a main body guide 4 that has a stopper surface 430 that prevents the zipper portion 92 from coming off the zipper guide 2 and that guides the movement of the main body 90 of the protection tube 9 in the first direction DR1. The zipper guide 2, base 3, and main body guide 4 have already been described in the first or second embodiment, so repeated description of their configuration will be omitted.

[0095] 14, the protection pipe attachment device 1 includes a first holding portion 65 that holds a flexible member 63 that is connected to the protection pipe guider 8. The first holding portion 65 has already been explained in the second embodiment, so repeated explanation of the first holding portion 65 will be omitted.

[0096] The protection pipe guider 8 is connected to the protection pipe attachment 1 via a flexible member 63. The protection pipe guider 8 includes a second base 80, a gripping member 81, and a guide member 84. The protection pipe guider 8 may have an expansion member 87.

[0097] The second base 80 movably supports the first gripping portion 81a of the gripping member 81. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the second base 80 is formed of a block. The second base 80 may be formed of a single component, or may be formed by an assembly of multiple components. In the example shown in FIG. 14, a second holding portion 810 that holds the flexible member 63 is disposed on the second base 80.

[0098] The gripping member 81 grips the electric wire W. The protection pipe guider 8 has the gripping member 81 that can grip the electric wire, and is therefore a type of electric wire gripping tool that grips the electric wire W. In the example shown in FIG. 14 , the gripping member 81 includes a first gripping portion 81a, a second gripping portion 81b, and an operating portion 82 that moves the first gripping portion 81a toward the second gripping portion 81b. The gripping member 81 grips the electric wire W by reducing the distance between the first gripping portion 81a and the second gripping portion 81b.

[0099] In the example shown in FIG. 14 , the wire gripping device that grips the electric wire W (more specifically, the protection pipe guider 8) and the protection pipe attachment device 1 are connected via a flexible member 63. In this case, when the protection pipe 9 moves in the first direction DR1, the protection pipe attachment device 1 is restricted from moving in the first direction DR1 together with the protection pipe 9. Furthermore, even if the protection pipe attachment device 1 should come off the electric wire, the flexible member 63 and the wire gripping device prevent the protection pipe attachment device 1 from falling. Furthermore, twisting of the flexible member 63 allows the protection pipe attachment device 1 to rotate around the electric wire. In this case, when the protection pipe 9 twists around the electric wire W, the protection pipe attachment device 1 that guides the protection pipe 9 can rotate to follow the twisting. Therefore, when moving the protection pipe 9 in the first direction DR1 relative to the protection pipe attachment device 1, the user does not need to take great care to prevent the protection pipe 9 from twisting around the electric wires.

[0100] The guide member 84 guides the protective tube 9 toward the electric wire W. In the example shown in FIG. 14 , the guide member 84 has a plate 85 that separates the first rib 92a and the second rib 92b of the protective tube 9, and a guide member 86 that is arranged along the edge of the plate 85. The plate 85 has, for example, a substantially triangular shape in a side view. In the example shown in FIG. 14 , the plate 85 is attached to the second base 80.

[0101] 14, guide member 86 is attached to the hypotenuse of plate 85, which has a substantially triangular shape. The thickness of guide member 86 is preferably greater than the thickness of plate 85. In this case, when zipper portion 92 of protective tube 9 moves along plate 85, the zipper portion 92 is prevented from going beyond guide member 86 and becoming detached from guide member 86. Guide member 86 is made of, for example, rubber or resin.

[0102] The expansion member 87 is interposed between the electric wire W and the guide member 84. When the protective tube 9 passes over the expansion member 87, the expansion member 87 comes into contact with the first rib 92a and the second rib 92b, thereby expanding the slit SL in the protective tube 9. In the example shown in FIG. 14 , the expansion member 87 is configured by the second gripping portion 81b that comes into contact with the electric wire W. In this case, when the gripping member 81 grips the electric wire W, the expansion member 87 is automatically positioned relative to the electric wire W. In the example shown in FIG. 14 , the expansion member 87 has a substantially inverted V-shape in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the expansion member 87. In this case, the expansion member 87 is more accurately positioned relative to the electric wire W so that the longitudinal direction of the expansion member 87 coincides with the longitudinal direction of the electric wire W.

[0103] (Protection pipe installation method) Next, a protection pipe installation method according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 18. Figures 15 to 17 are schematic side views showing a state in which one step of the protection pipe installation method (more specifically, a movement step) is being performed. Figure 18 is a flowchart showing an example of a protection pipe installation method according to an embodiment.

[0104] In the first step ST1, a protection pipe attachment device 1 and a protection pipe guide device 8 are prepared. The first step ST1 is a preparation process. The protection pipe attachment device 1 prepared in the first step ST1 may be the protection pipe attachment device 1A in the first embodiment, the protection pipe attachment device 1B in the second embodiment, or another protection pipe attachment device 1. The protection pipe guide device 8 prepared in the first step ST1 may be the protection pipe guide device 8 described in the third embodiment, or another protection pipe guide device. Furthermore, the protection pipe attachment device 1 and the protection pipe guide device 8 prepared in the first step ST1 may be the protection pipe attachment device 1 and the protection pipe guide device 8 connected to each other via a flexible member 63, as illustrated in FIG. 14 .

[0105] In second step ST2, the protection pipe guider 8 is attached to the electric wire W. Second step ST2 is an attachment step. The attachment step (second step ST2) may include the gripping member 81 of the protection pipe guider 8 (see FIG. 14 if necessary) gripping the electric wire W.

[0106] In a third step ST3, the protection tube attachment device 1 is placed on the electric wire W. The third step ST3 is an attachment step. In the attachment step (third step ST3), the protection tube attachment device 1 is placed on the electric wire W so that the protection tube attachment device 1 receives the electric wire W. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the attachment step includes inserting the electric wire W into the space SP1 between the stopper surface 430 and the base 3 through an opening OP between the end 43e of the roof portion 43 and the zipper guide 2. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the attachment step includes placing the electric wire W between the first guide 4A and the second guide 4B, and rotating the protection tube attachment device 1 so that the electric wire W is received by each of the first guide 4A and the second guide 4B (see arrow AR1).

[0107] The third step ST3 is preferably performed after the second step ST2, but the third step ST3 may be performed before the second step ST2.

[0108] In fourth step ST4, the protection tube 9 having the zipper portion 92 is moved along both the protection tube guider 8 and the protection tube attachment device 1. The fourth step ST4 is a movement process. Figures 15 to 17 show the state in which the movement process is being carried out.

[0109] 15, the moving step includes moving the protecting tube 9 from the protecting tube guider 8 to around the electric wire W. More specifically, in the example shown in Fig. 15, the moving step includes (1) moving the protecting tube 9 along the guide member 86 of the protecting tube guider 8, (2) using the expanding member 87 of the protecting tube guider 8 to expand the slit SL of the protecting tube 9 that moves along the guide member 86, and (3) inserting the electric wire W into the inside of the protecting tube 9 through the expanded slit SL.

[0110] 16, the moving step includes inserting the protection tube 9 arranged around the electric wire W into the space SP1 (see FIG. 3 or FIG. 8, if necessary) between the zipper guide 2 of the protection tube attachment device 1 and the stopper surface 430 of the protection tube attachment device 1. In the example shown in FIG. 16, inserting the longitudinal tip portion 9e of the protection tube 9 into the space SP1 and moving the longitudinal middle portion 9m of the protection tube 9 along the guide member 86 of the protection tube guider 8 are performed simultaneously.

[0111] 3 or 10, the main body guide 4 has a protection tube guide surface 440 that slopes away from the path along which the protection tube 9 travels as it approaches the third direction DR3. In this case, the protection tube 9 is prevented or suppressed from getting caught on the main body guide 4 when inserting the protection tube 9 between the main body guide 4 and the base 3. Furthermore, because the protection tube guide surface 440 is sloped, the protection tube 9 is allowed to be inserted into the protection tube mounting device 1 from a direction that is inclined relative to the base 3.

[0112] 17, the moving step includes switching the state of the zipper portion 92 from an uncoupled state (see FIG. 1, FIG. 2, or FIG. 6, if necessary) to a coupled state by moving the zipper portion 92 of the protection tube 9 in the first direction DR1. In the example shown in FIG. 17, switching the zipper portion 92 of the longitudinal middle portion 9m of the protection tube 9 from an uncoupled state to a coupled state and moving the longitudinal rear end portion 9r of the protection tube 9 along the guide member 86 of the protection tube guider 8 are performed simultaneously.

[0113] The transition of the state of zipper portion 92 from the uncoupled state to the coupled state is preferably achieved by passing zipper portion 92 through zipper guide 2. Zipper guide 2 may include multiple guide rollers (21a, 21b, etc.), may include recess 23 (see Figure 4), or may include other types of guides.

[0114] The state of the zipper portion 92 is preferably switched from the uncoupled state to the coupled state while the movement of the main body 90 of the protective tube 9 in the first direction DR1 is guided by the main body guide 4. More specifically, the state of the zipper portion 92 is preferably switched from the uncoupled state to the coupled state while the main body 90 of the protective tube 9 is in contact with the stopper surface 430 of the main body guide 4. Because the movement of the protective tube 9 in the second direction DR2 is limited by the stopper surface 430, the pressing force of the zipper guide 2 can be effectively applied to the zipper portion 92 of the protective tube 9.

[0115] 17, the protection pipe attachment device 1 and the protection pipe guider 8 are connected via a flexible member 63. In this case, the protection pipe attachment device 1 is restricted from moving in the first direction DR1 in conjunction with movement of the protection pipe 9 in the first direction DR1. Furthermore, if twisting of the protection pipe 9 occurs during the movement process (fourth step ST4), the protection pipe attachment device 1 is allowed to rotate around the electric wire W in accordance with the twisting.

[0116] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it is clear that each embodiment or each modification can be appropriately modified or changed within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. Furthermore, any component used in each embodiment or each modification can be combined with other embodiments or other modifications, and any component can be omitted from each embodiment or each modification.

[0117] For example, in the example shown in Figure 2 or Figure 6, the roof portion 43 of the main body guide 4 is a plate-shaped roof portion. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 19, the roof portion 43 may be a rod-shaped roof portion. In other words, the roof portion 43 may have any shape as long as it can cover part of the protective pipe 9. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 19, the wing portions (44, 45) may be omitted. [Industrial Applicability]

[0118] The protection pipe attachment device, protection pipe attachment apparatus, and protection pipe attachment method of the present invention make it possible to easily switch the state of the zipper part of the protection pipe from an unattached state to an attached state. This makes it easy to attach the protection pipe to the electric wire. This is useful for contractors who attach protection pipes to electric wires, and for manufacturers who manufacture protection pipe attachment devices or protection pipe attachment apparatuses. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 1, 1A, 1B...protection pipe mounting device, 2...zipper guide, 2A...first zipper guide, 2B...second zipper guide, 3...base, 3w...underside, 4...main body guide, 4A...first guide, 4B...second guide, 4e-1...first direction end of first guide, 4e-2...third direction end of second guide, 4h...long hole, 4h-1...first long hole, 4h-2...second long hole, 8...protection pipe guider, 9...protection pipe, 9e...longitudinal tip of protection pipe, 9m...longitudinal middle part of protection pipe, 9r...longitudinal rear end of protection pipe, 20a...first rib guide, 20b...second rib guide, 21...guide roller, 21a...first guide roller, 21b...second guide roller, 21c...third guide roller, 21d...fourth guide roller, 22a...first support member, 22b...second support member, 22c...third support member, 22d...fourth support member, 23...recess, 23a...first side surface, 23b...second side surface, 34...groove, 41, 41A...first positioning portion, 41B...third positioning portion, 41d...first engaging recess, 42, 42A...second positioning portion, 42B...fourth positioning portion, 42d...second engaging recess, 43...roof portion, 43A...first roof portion, 43B...second roof portion, 43e...end of roof portion, 43e-1...third End of first roof portion, 43e-2...end of second roof portion, 44, 44A...first wing portion, 44B...third wing portion, 45, 45A...second wing portion, 45B...fourth wing portion, 46...mounting portion, 46A...first mounting portion, 46B...second mounting portion, 51...fixing member, 51A...first fixing member, 51B...second fixing member, 51s...shaft portion, 62...handle, 63...flexible member, 65...first holding portion, 80...second base, 81...gripping member, 81a...first gripping portion, 81b...second gripping portion, 82...operating portion, 84...guiding member, 85...plate, 86...guide member, 87...expanding member, 90...protection Main body of protection pipe, 91u...back part of main body, 91w...belt part of main body, 92...zipper part, 92a...first rib, 92b...second rib, 100...protection pipe mounting device, 430...stopper surface, 430A...first stopper surface, 430B...second stopper surface, 431, 431A...first inclined surface, 431B...third inclined surface, 432, 432A...second inclined surface, 432B...fourth inclined surface, 433...top, 433A...first top, 433B...second top, 440...protection pipe guide surface, 440A...first protection pipe guide surface, 440B...second protection pipe guide surface, 450...protection pipe removal surface, 450A...first protection pipe removal surface,450B...second protective tube extraction surface, 810...second holding portion, 920a...base end of first rib, 920b...base end of second rib, 921a...tip end of first rib, 921b...tip end of second rib, 925a...first engaging portion, 925b...second engaging portion, G...gap, OP...opening, OP-1...first opening, OP-2...second opening, SL...slit, SP1...space, W...electric wire,

Claims

1. a zipper guide that guides movement of a zipper portion of a protective tube attached to an electric wire in a first direction and switches the state of the zipper portion from a non-connected state to a connected state; a base on which the zipper guide is disposed; a main body guide having a stopper surface that prevents the zipper portion from coming off the zipper guide and that guides movement of the main body portion of the protective tube in the first direction; Equipped with The main body guide is a mounting portion attached to the base; a roof portion covering a part of the protective pipe; Equipped with Protective pipe fitting.

2. The main body guide is adjustable in position relative to the base. The protection pipe attachment according to claim 1 .

3. A zipper guide that guides the movement of a zipper portion of a protective tube attached to an electric wire in a first direction and switches the state of the zipper portion from a non-connected state to a connected state; a base on which the zipper guide is disposed; a main body guide having a stopper surface that prevents the zipper portion from coming off the zipper guide and that guides movement of the main body portion of the protective tube in the first direction; Equipped with the main body guide is positionally adjustable relative to the base; When a direction from the base toward the stopper surface is defined as a second direction, the position of the main body guide can be adjusted stepwise in a direction parallel to the second direction. Protective pipe fitting.

4. When a direction opposite to the first direction is defined as a third direction, the main body guide has a protection pipe guide surface that is disposed on the third direction side of the stopper surface, The protection pipe guide surface is an inclined surface that inclines in a direction away from the track along which the protection pipe passes as it moves in the third direction. The protection pipe attachment according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The main body guide includes a first guide and a second guide disposed on the first direction side of the first guide. A protection pipe attachment according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. a first opening through which the electric wire can pass is provided between the first guide and the base; a second opening through which the electric wire can pass is provided between the second guide and the base; The first opening is disposed on the opposite side to the second opening as viewed in the first direction. The protection pipe attachment according to claim 5.

7. The distance between an end of the first guide on the first direction side and an end of the second guide on the opposite side to the first direction is 10 mm or more in the direction along the first direction. The protection pipe attachment according to claim 6.

8. A zipper guide that guides the movement of a zipper portion of a protective tube attached to an electric wire in a first direction and switches the state of the zipper portion from a non-connected state to a connected state; a base on which the zipper guide is disposed; a main body guide having a stopper surface that prevents the zipper portion from coming off the zipper guide and that guides movement of the main body portion of the protective tube in the first direction; Equipped with the main body guide includes a first guide and a second guide disposed on the first direction side of the first guide, The first guide is positionally adjustable relative to the base independently of the second guide. Protective pipe fitting.

9. A zipper guide that guides the movement of a zipper portion of a protective tube attached to an electric wire in a first direction and switches the state of the zipper portion from a non-connected state to a connected state; a base on which the zipper guide is disposed; a main body guide having a stopper surface that prevents the zipper portion from coming off the zipper guide and that guides movement of the main body portion of the protective tube in the first direction; Equipped with The electric wire gripping tool further includes a first holding portion that holds a flexible member connected to the electric wire gripping tool. Protective pipe fitting.

10. A zipper guide that guides the movement of a zipper portion of a protective tube attached to an electric wire in a first direction and switches the state of the zipper portion from a non-connected state to a connected state; a base on which the zipper guide is disposed; a main body guide having a stopper surface that prevents the zipper portion from coming off the zipper guide and that guides movement of the main body portion of the protective tube in the first direction; a protection pipe attachment having a protection pipe guide connected to the protection pipe attachment via a flexible member; Equipped with Protective pipe mounting device.

11. A method for installing a protective pipe using the protective pipe installation device according to claim 10, comprising: an installation step of installing a protective tube guide on the electric wire; a placement step of placing the protection pipe attachment on the electric wire so that the protection pipe attachment receives the electric wire; a moving step of moving a protection pipe having a zipper portion along both the protection pipe guider and the protection pipe attachment device; Equipped with The moving step includes: Moving the protection pipe from the protection pipe guider to around the electric wire; Inserting the protection tube arranged around the electric wire into a space between a zipper guide of the protection tube attachment and a stopper surface of the protection tube attachment; moving the zipper portion in a first direction to switch the state of the zipper portion from an uncoupled state to a coupled state; Contains How to install protective pipes.

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