Method of connecting pipes included in one structure to pipes included in another structure.

Abstract

To provide a connecting method of a pipe included in a structure and a pipe included in another pipe, the connecting method leaving no foreign matter in the pipes and having good workability..SOLUTION: A first structure body 4 includes a first pipe 6, and a second structure body 5 disposed in close proximity to the first structure body 4 includes a second pipe 7. The first pipe 6 and the second pipe 7 are connected by a joint pipe member 18. In a tip portion 13 of a jig 10 is releasably fixed to an inner peripheral surface of the joint pipe member 18 inserted into the first pipe 6, an operator moves the jig 10 to cause the joint pipe member 18 to be moved such that one end portion of the joint pipe member 18 is connected to the second pipe.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for connecting a pipe included in a structure to a pipe included in another structure.

Background Art

[0002] In the fields of architecture and civil engineering, there are cases where a plurality of structures of a size and weight that can be transported and manufactured in a factory are transported to a construction site and combined at the construction site to construct a predetermined structure. As an example of such a thing, the case where a parapet wall of a bridge is constructed by precast concrete members is mentioned.

[0003] In the parapet wall, there may be provided a pipe line for accommodating electric or communication cables along the bridge axis direction. When constructing a parapet wall with precast concrete members, pipe members are embedded in the concrete during the manufacture of the precast concrete members, and at the construction site, a filler such as non-shrink mortar is filled between the precast concrete members adjacent to each other. Before filling the filler, it is necessary to connect the pipe members in the precast concrete members adjacent to each other so that the filler does not enter the pipe line. However, since the gap between the precast concrete members adjacent to each other is so narrow that a worker's hand cannot be inserted, it is difficult to connect the pipe members by simple manual work of the worker. The same problem is also found in structures other than the precast concrete members for parapet walls.

[0004] In order to address such a problem, for example, in Patent Document 1, a joint pipe member biased by a compression coil spring and locked to a stopper is inserted into the end of the pipe member of one precast concrete member, and after arranging the other precast concrete member, the stopper is removed, so that the joint pipe member is moved by the biasing force of the compression coil spring, and a method of connecting one end portion thereof to the pipe member of the other precast concrete member is described.

[0005] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 describes a method in which a joint pipe member is inserted into the end of a pipe member of one precast concrete member, and after positioning the other precast concrete member, a jig (operating means) is inserted into the pipe member from the opposite side of the opposing surfaces of the two members, the jig is engaged with the end face of the joint pipe member, and the joint pipe member is pushed in or pulled in by the jig to connect one end of the joint pipe member to the pipe member of the other precast concrete member. Moreover, Patent Document 2 describes a method in which a joint pipe member with a string-like jig (operating means) engaged with the end face is inserted into the end of a pipe member of one precast concrete member, and when positioning the other precast concrete member, the handle portion of the jig is inserted into the pipe member of the other precast concrete member, and the handle portion is pulled out of the pipe member of the other precast concrete member to connect one end of the joint pipe member to the pipe member of the other precast concrete member. The handle portion of this jig is cut off after the pipe members are connected. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-35011 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-48620 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] However, in the method described in Patent Document 1, a foreign object in the form of a compression coil spring remains in the conduit, which may hinder the insertion of the cable into the conduit, and there were concerns about adverse effects on the cable due to rusting of the compression coil spring. In the method described in Patent Document 2, when the jig is engaged with the entire annular end face of the joint pipe member, there was a risk of reduced workability due to the frictional force between the jig and the inner circumferential surface of the pipe member. Furthermore, when a shoulder surface is provided on the pipe member to lock the end face of the joint pipe member for positioning, it was difficult to engage the jig with the end face on the opposite side of the joint pipe member's direction of movement due to the shoulder surface in contact with it. Also, when a shoulder surface is provided, when the jig is engaged with the end face on the side of the joint pipe member's direction of movement and the joint pipe member is pulled, the direction in which the jig is pulled is inclined with respect to the axial direction by the shoulder surface, which may reduce workability, and a part of the jig remains inside the pipe member. Furthermore, when using pipe members that do not have shoulder surfaces for positioning, the jig described in Patent Document 2 can only move the joint pipe member in one direction, making it difficult to adjust the position of the joint pipe member and reducing work efficiency.

[0008] In view of the above background, the present invention aims to provide a method for connecting a pipe included in one structure to a pipe included in another structure, which does not leave foreign matter inside the pipe and is easy to work with. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention provides a method for bringing a first structure (4) including a first pipe (6) and a second structure (5) including a second pipe (7) close to each other and connecting the first pipe and the second pipe with a joint pipe member (18), comprising the steps of: positioning the first structure in a predetermined position and inserting the joint pipe member into the first pipe or the second pipe; positioning the second structure in close proximity to the first structure such that the second pipe is located on the extension of the first pipe; and inserting into the first pipe from the end of either the first pipe or the second pipe opposite to the other end of either the first pipe or the second pipe into the first pipe A step of inserting a jig (10, 31, 41), wherein the jig comprises a cylindrical or rod-shaped shaft portion (12, 32, 42) having a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the one pipe, and a tip portion (13, 33, 43) attached to the tip of the shaft portion, wherein the tip portion is positioned inside the joint pipe member; a step of releasably fixing the tip portion of the jig to the inner circumferential surface of the joint pipe member; a step of moving the jig to move the joint pipe member and connect the first pipe and the second pipe to each other via the joint pipe member; and a step of releasing the fixing of the tip portion to the inner circumferential surface and removing the jig from the joint pipe member and the one pipe.

[0010] In this embodiment, since the jig is removably fixed to the joint pipe member, the jig can be removed from the pipe member after use, and no foreign matter remains inside the pipe. Furthermore, since the jig is fixed to the relatively large inner surface of the joint pipe member, the fixing work is easy, and when moving the joint pipe member, the jig is less likely to unnecessarily come into contact with other pipes and experience frictional resistance, resulting in good workability.

[0011] In the above embodiment, the jig (10, 31, 41) includes an operating part (14, 34c, 44b) positioned behind the shaft portion and operable by a worker, and the tip portion (13, 33, 43) of the jig may be configured to be displaceable between a position in which it abuts the inner circumferential surface within the joint pipe member (18) at at least two points and a position in which it can be separated by operation of the operating part.

[0012] In this embodiment, the tip is displaced by an operating part provided at the rear end of the jig, so the worker can easily displace the tip.

[0013] In the above embodiment, the tip portion (13) includes a connecting portion (15) connected to the shaft portion (12) and branch portions (16) that branch off from the connecting portion into at least two branches, wherein at least one of the branch portions (16b) is rotatably connected to the connecting portion at its base end and is configured to rotate by operation of the operating portion, so that the tip portion can be releasably fixed to the inner circumferential surface within the joint pipe member (18), with at least one free end of the branch portion being displaceable in a direction away from and toward at least one other branch portion (16a).

[0014] According to this embodiment, the releaseable fixing of the tip joint pipe member to the inner circumferential surface can be achieved with a relatively simple configuration of at least one rotation of the branch portion.

[0015] In the above embodiment, the tip portion (33) positioned within the joint pipe member (18) may be configured to elastically deform when an operator pulls the operating portion (34c) and come into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the joint pipe member, and to return to its shape before elastic deformation and move away from the inner circumferential surface when the operator releases the operating portion.

[0016] According to this embodiment, the releaseable fixing of the joint pipe member at the tip to the inner circumferential surface can be achieved with a relatively simple configuration involving elastic deformation of the tip.

[0017] In the above embodiment, the frame includes four frame members (43a) that are rotatably connected to each other with respect to an axis perpendicular to the plane formed by the frame shape, and four corners (43b, 43c, 44d) formed by the connection of the frame members, wherein the four corners include a fixed corner (43b) fixed to the shaft, a displacement corner (43c) located diagonally opposite the fixed corner and configured to move closer to and further away from the fixed corner by operation of the operating part, and wide and narrow displacement corners (43d) located diagonally opposite each other and configured to move further away and closer to each other and in contact with and apart from the inner circumferential surface of the joint pipe member when placed inside the joint pipe member, depending on the movement of the displacement corners toward and apart from the fixed corners.

[0018] According to this embodiment, a relatively simple configuration of four frame members, each rotatably connected in a frame shape at its corner, enables the releaseable fixing of the joint pipe member at the tip to the inner circumferential surface.

[0019] In the above embodiment, the releaseable fixation of the tip portion (13) to the inner circumferential surface may be by frictional force between the tip portion and the inner circumferential surface.

[0020] According to this embodiment, since the fixing is by frictional force, the fixing of the tip of the jig to the inner circumferential surface of the joint pipe member can be easily released, and the inner circumferential surface of the joint pipe member can be made a surface parallel to the axial direction that does not obstruct the insertion of the telecommunications cable.

[0021] In order to solve the above problems, in one aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for bringing a first structure (4) including a first pipe (6) and a second structure (5) including a second pipe (7) close to each other and connecting the first pipe (6) and the second pipe to each other by a joint pipe member (18). The method includes arranging the first structure at a predetermined position, and inserting an intermediate portion of a flexible linear or strip-shaped jig (21) and the joint pipe member into either the first pipe or the second pipe. The method further includes a step of bringing the intermediate portion of the jig into contact with an end face on the insertion side of the joint pipe member; arranging the second structure next to the first structure such that the second pipe is positioned on an extension line of the first pipe, and arranging both end portions of the jig to extend outside the contours of the first structure and the second structure as viewed from the extending direction of the first pipe and the second pipe through a gap between the first structure and the second structure; moving the joint pipe member by applying a tensile force to the jig so that the intermediate portion of the jig pushes the end face of the joint pipe member, and connecting the first pipe and the second pipe to each other through the joint pipe member; and removing the jig from the first pipe or the second pipe by releasing one of the both end portions of the jig and pulling the other end portion.

[0022] According to this aspect, since the jig after use can be removed from the connection structure, foreign matter does not remain in the connection structure. In addition, the operation of bringing the intermediate portion of the jig into contact with the end face of the joint pipe member is easy, and the joint pipe member moves only by applying a tensile force to the jig, so the workability is good.

[0023] In the above aspect, in the step of connecting, a shoulder surface (7c) for locking the end face of either one of the first pipe (6) or the second pipe (7) located on the side where the joint pipe member (18) moves and the joint pipe member may be formed on an inner peripheral surface of either one of them.

[0024] According to this configuration, since the joint pipe member is locked to the shoulder surface, the positioning of the joint pipe member becomes easy.

[0025] In the above aspect, the first structure (4) and the second structure (5) may each be a precast concrete member for the parapet (1) of a bridge.

[0026] According to this aspect, since the horizontal movement freedom of the first and second structures with respect to the floor slab or the ground covering is restricted by the connecting reinforcing bars, the above-described connecting method in which horizontal movement of the first and second structures is unnecessary after they are arranged close to each other is suitable.

Advantages of the Invention

[0027] According to the above aspect, there is provided a method for connecting a pipe included in a structure to a pipe included in another structure, which can provide a connection method with good workability without leaving foreign matter in the pipe.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] [Figure 1] Perspective view schematically showing the state during the construction of the parapet according to the embodiment [Figure 2] Plan view showing the jig according to the first embodiment [Figure 3] Explanatory drawing showing the connection method according to the first embodiment [Figure 4] Explanatory drawing showing the connection method according to the first embodiment [Figure 5] Explanatory drawing showing the connection method according to the first embodiment [Figure 6] Explanatory drawing showing the connection method according to the second embodiment [Figure 7] Explanatory drawing showing the connection method according to the second embodiment [Figure 8] Explanatory drawing showing the connection method according to the second embodiment [Figure 9] Explanatory drawing showing the connection method according to the second embodiment [Figure 10] Explanatory drawing showing the connection method according to the third embodiment [Figure 11] Explanatory drawing showing the connection method according to the fourth embodiment

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0029] The connection method according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the bridge parapet 1 in the process of construction. As shown in Figure 1, the parapet 1 is installed on a curb 3 installed at the end of the deck slab 2. The parapet 1 is constructed by installing a plurality of precast concrete structures 4 and 5 in a continuous manner in the bridge axis direction. The following description will focus on two of the structures 4 and 5. Of the two structures 4 and 5, the one that is first placed on the curb 3 will be referred to as the first structure 4, and the one that is placed later and in close proximity to the first structure 4 will be referred to as the second structure 5.

[0030] The first structure 4 is a reinforced concrete precast concrete member, extending in the direction of the bridge axis, and including one or more first pipes 6 whose ends open to the bridge axis end faces of the concrete portion 4a of the first structure 4. The first structure 4 is manufactured in a factory by pouring concrete into a formwork (not shown) in which reinforcing bars (not shown) and the first pipes 6 are arranged. The first pipes 6 are, for example, cylindrical members made of resin.

[0031] Similarly, the second structure 5 is a reinforced concrete precast concrete member that includes the same number of second pipes 7 as the first pipes 6, which extend linearly along the bridge axis direction and whose ends open to the bridge axis end faces of the concrete portion 5a of the second structure 5. The second structure 5 is manufactured in a factory by pouring concrete into a formwork (not shown) in which reinforcing bars (not shown) and second pipes 7 are arranged. The second pipes 7 are, for example, cylindrical members made of resin.

[0032] Multiple connecting reinforcing bars 8 protrude downward from the lower surfaces of the concrete sections 4a and 5a of the first and second structures 4 and 5, and the upper surface of the curb 3 is provided with receiving holes 9 for receiving the connecting reinforcing bars 8. A filler material such as non-shrink mortar (not shown) is filled between the first and second structures 4 and 5 and the curb 3, as well as in the receiving holes 9. The positions of the first pipe 6 and the second pipe 7 are set so as to be aligned in the direction of the bridge axis when the first structure 4 and the second structure 5 are placed in predetermined positions on the curb. The first pipe 6 and the second pipe 7 are used as conduits for receiving electrical and / or communication cables (not shown).

[0033] Figure 2 shows a jig 10 used to connect the first pipe 6 and the second pipe 7 (see Figure 1). The jig 10 comprises a rear end 11 that is grasped by a worker, a shaft portion 12 that extends linearly from the rear end 11, and a tip portion 13 attached to the end of the shaft portion 12. The rear end 11 includes an operating portion 14 consisting of a lever that is operated by a worker. The shaft portion 12 is a cylindrical or rod-shaped member that has a length longer than the length of the second structure 5 (see Figure 1) in the bridge axis direction and a diameter narrower than the inner diameter of the second pipe 7. Preferably, the shaft portion 12 is extendable by including an outer cylinder portion 12a and an inner cylinder portion 12b that is partially housed within the outer cylinder portion 12a and slidable, so that the jig 10 can be used for other second structures 5 of different lengths. The tip portion 13 includes a connecting portion 15 connected to the shaft portion 12 and two branch portions 16 that branch off from the connecting portion 15. The maximum width of the tip portion 13 in the direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the shaft portion 12 changes between a value greater than or equal to the inner diameter of the joint pipe member 18 and a value less than the inner diameter of the joint pipe member 18, depending on the displacement of the branch portion 16.

[0034] The branch portion 16 includes a first branch portion 16a fixed to the connecting portion 15, and a second branch portion 16b pin-connected to the connecting portion 15 at its base end so as to be rotatable around an axis perpendicular to the extending direction of the shaft portion 12. The operating portion 14 and the second branch portion 16b are configured such that when an operator pulls the operating portion 14, which is a lever, the free end of the second branch portion 16b is displaced in a direction away from the first branch portion 16a (as shown by the dashed line in Figure 2), and when the operator releases the operating portion 14, the operating portion 14 returns to its original position and the free end of the second branch portion 16b is displaced in a direction closer to the first branch portion 16a. It is preferable that the outer circumferential surface on the free end side of the branch portion 16 be made of a material such as rubber, which has a relatively high coefficient of friction and is less likely to damage the first and second pipes 6 and 7, which are made of resin, even if it collides with them.

[0035] Figures 3 to 5 are horizontal cross-sectional views illustrating the method of connecting the first pipe 6 and the second pipe 7 to each other. First, the connection structure between the first pipe 6 and the second pipe 7 will be explained with reference to Figure 5(B).

[0036] The first structure 4 and the second structure 5 are adjacent to each other via a filler material 17 such as non-shrink mortar. The first structure 4 includes reinforcing bars (not shown), a concrete section 4a, and a first pipe 6, while the second structure 5 includes reinforcing bars (not shown), a concrete section 5a, and a second pipe 7. The first pipe 6 and the second pipe 7 are connected to each other via a joint pipe member 18.

[0037] The first pipe 6 forms a conduit that penetrates the concrete portion 4a of the first structure 4 in the bridge axis direction, and its end face in the bridge axis direction is substantially flush with the surface of the concrete portion 4a. The first pipe 6 includes a main body portion 6a having a predetermined diameter and extending in the bridge axis direction, and an enlarged end portion 6b provided at the end facing the second pipe 7, having a larger diameter than the main body portion 6a. A shoulder surface 6c facing the second structure 5 is formed between the main body portion 6a and the enlarged end portion 6b. The enlarged end portion 6b has a guide portion 6d that is inclined to widen in diameter towards the end face near the end face facing the second pipe 7 in order to guide the insertion of the joint pipe member 18. The material of the first pipe 6 is preferably resin.

[0038] The second pipe 7 forms a conduit that penetrates the concrete portion 5a of the second structure 5 in the bridge axis direction, and its end face in the bridge axis direction is substantially flush with the surface of the concrete portion 5a. The second pipe 7 includes a main body portion 7a that extends in the bridge axis direction and has a predetermined diameter, and an enlarged end portion 7b provided at the end facing the first pipe 6, having a larger diameter than the main body portion 7a. A shoulder surface 7c facing the first structure 4 is formed between the main body portion 7a and the enlarged end portion 7b. The enlarged end portion 7b has a guide portion 7d that is inclined to widen towards the end face near the end face facing the first pipe 6 in order to guide the insertion of the joint pipe member 18. Preferably, the inner diameter of the main body portion 7a is equal to the inner diameter of the main body portion 6a of the first pipe 6. Preferably, the material of the second pipe 7 is resin.

[0039] The joint pipe member 18 includes a cylindrical body 18a extending in the bridge axis direction with open ends, and a sealing member 18b wrapped around the outer surface near both ends of the cylindrical body 18a. Preferably, the inner diameter of the cylindrical body 18a is equal to the inner diameter of the main body portion 6a of the first pipe 6 and the inner diameter of the main body portion 7a of the second pipe 7. Preferably, the material of the cylindrical body 18a is resin. Preferably, the sealing member 18b is made of a material such as a water-swellable nonwoven fabric that absorbs moisture from the filler 17 and expands, in order to improve sealing performance. The joint pipe member 18 has a maximum outer diameter at the portion around which the sealing member 18b is wrapped, and this maximum outer diameter is approximately equal to the inner diameter of the enlarged ends 6b and 7b of the first and second pipes 6 and 7, so that the joint pipe member 18 can be inserted into the enlarged ends 6b and 7b of the first and second pipes 6 and 7, and that the space between them can be sealed when inserted. Furthermore, the length of the joint pipe member 18 in the bridge axis direction is approximately equal to the length of the enlarged end 6b of the first pipe 6 in the bridge axis direction, and is longer than the sum of the distance between the first structure 4 and the second structure 5 and the length of the enlarged end 7b of the second pipe 7 in the bridge axis direction. To allow workers to easily confirm from the gap between the first structure 4 and the second structure 5 that the joint pipe member 18 has moved to the position where the first and second pipes 6 and 7 are connected, it is preferable to attach a highly visible colored tape (not shown), such as yellow, to the portion of the outer surface of the cylindrical body 18a between the two sealing members 18b.

[0040] Referring to Figures 3 to 5, the method of connecting the first pipe 6 and the second pipe 7 to each other will be explained.

[0041] As shown in Figure 3, a worker uses a lifting machine (not shown) to position the first structure 4 in a predetermined location (on the curb 3, see Figure 1), and manually inserts the joint pipe member 18 into the enlarged end 6b of the first pipe 6. At this time, the guide portion 6d of the first pipe 6 guides the insertion of the joint pipe member 18 into the enlarged end 6b. The end face of the joint pipe member 18 that is inserted into the first pipe 6 is locked to the shoulder surface 6c of the first pipe 6, thereby positioning the joint pipe member 18. The insertion of the joint pipe member 18 into the first pipe 6 may be performed before positioning the first structure 4 in a predetermined location, but it is preferable to perform it after positioning the first structure 4 in a predetermined location to prevent the joint pipe member 18 from falling during the positioning of the first structure 4 in a predetermined location.

[0042] Next, as shown in Figure 4(A), the workers use a lifting machine (not shown) to position the second structure 5 on the curb 3 (see Figure 1) in close proximity to the first structure 4 with a predetermined gap, such that the second pipe 7 is positioned on the extension of the first pipe 6.

[0043] Next, as shown in Figure 4(B), the worker inserts the jig 10 into the second pipe 7 from the end of the second pipe 7 opposite to the side facing the first pipe 6. The worker inserts the jig 10 into the second pipe 7 from the tip 13 and advances it until the tip 13 reaches inside the joint pipe member 18. After another worker visually confirms that the tip 13 has reached inside the joint pipe member 18 through the gap between the first structure 4 and the second structure 5, the worker operating the jig 10 operates the operating part 14 (see Figure 2) to displace the second branch 16b in a direction that moves radially away from the first branch 16a, and brings the free end portions of the first branch 16a and the second branch 16b into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 18a of the joint pipe member 18. The frictional force between the free end portions of the first branch 16a and the second branch 16b and the inner circumferential surface of the joint pipe member 18 causes the tip portion 13 to be releasably fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the joint pipe member 18.

[0044] Next, as shown in Figure 5(A), the worker pulls the jig 10 towards the second pipe 7, thereby moving the joint pipe member 18 fixed to the tip 13 of the jig 10, and receiving one end of the joint pipe member 18 into the enlarged end 7b of the second pipe 7. At this time, the guide portion 7d of the second pipe 7 guides the insertion of the joint pipe member 18 into the enlarged end 7b. The joint pipe member 18 is positioned when the end face of the joint pipe member 18 on the insertion side into the second pipe 7 is locked against the shoulder surface 7c of the second pipe 7.

[0045] Next, the worker returns the operating part 14 (see Figure 2) of the jig 10 to its original position, thereby displacing the second branch portion 16b toward the first branch portion 16a, releasing the fixing of the joint pipe member 18 of the tip portion 13 to the inner surface of the cylindrical body 18a, and pulling the jig 10 out of the second pipe 7. Next, as shown in Figure 5(B), the worker fills the gap between the first structure 4 and the second structure 5 with filler material 17.

[0046] Furthermore, the end of the first pipe 6 opposite to the enlarged end 6b has the same shape as the enlarged end 7b of the second pipe 7, and the end of the second pipe 7 opposite to the enlarged end 7b has the same shape as the enlarged end 6b of the first pipe 6. In other words, the first pipe 6 and the second pipe 7 have similar structures to each other. If another structure (not shown) having the same structure as the first and second structures 5 is placed on the side of the second structure 5 opposite to the first structure 4, the above connection method can be applied by considering the second structure 5 as the first structure 4 and the other structure as the second structure 5. In this way, the first and second pipes 6 and 7 are connected continuously, so although the jig 10 can be inserted from the first pipe 6 (multiple connected pipes), it is preferable to insert it from the second pipe 7, which has a shorter distance to the joint pipe member 18.

[0047] The effects and advantages of the first embodiment will be explained with reference to Figures 1 to 5.

[0048] As the first and second branches 16a and 16b of the tip 13 of the jig 10 are displaced toward and toward each other, the tip 13 of the jig 10 is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 18a of the joint pipe member 18 by frictional force. Because the fixing is by frictional force, the fixing of the tip 13 of the jig 10 to the inner circumferential surface of the joint pipe member 18 can be easily released, and the inner circumferential surface of the joint pipe member 18 can be made into a surface parallel to the axial direction that does not obstruct the insertion of the telecommunications cable. Because the fixing can be released, the entire jig 10 can be removed from the joint pipe member 18 and the second pipe 7, and the jig 10 does not remain inside the first pipe 6, the second pipe 7, or the joint pipe member 18.

[0049] Since the jig 10 is releasably fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the joint pipe member 18, the tip 13 of the jig 10 does not directly contact the first and second pipes 6 and 7, so there is no frictional resistance between them, and it is easy to displace the joint pipe member 18 with the jig 10. In addition, since the area of ​​the inner circumferential surface of the joint pipe member 18 is larger than the area of ​​the axial end face of the joint pipe member 18, it is easy to fix the jig 10 to the inner circumferential surface of the joint pipe member 18.

[0050] Since the branch portion 16 is displaced by the operating part 14 provided at the rear end 11 of the jig 10, the worker can easily displace the branch portion 16. Because the width of the tip portion 13 changes as the branch portion 16 is displaced, a relatively simple configuration can be used to achieve releaseable fixing of the tip portion 13 to the inner circumferential surface of the joint pipe member 18.

[0051] Because the first pipe 6 has a shoulder surface 6c, the axial (extending) end face of the joint pipe member 18 is locked to the shoulder surface 6c, making it easy to position the joint pipe member 18 when inserting it into the first pipe 6. Furthermore, because the position of the joint pipe member 18 relative to the first pipe 6 is stable, other workers can reliably determine whether or not the branch portion 16 of the jig 10 is inside the joint pipe member 18 by visually inspecting through the gap between the first and second structures 4 and 5.

[0052] Since the second pipe 7 has a shoulder surface 7c, the axial end face of the joint pipe member 18 is locked to the shoulder surface 7c, making it easy to position the joint pipe member 18 at the connection point between the first and second pipes 6 and 7. Furthermore, even if fine adjustment of the position of the joint pipe member 18 is necessary due to construction errors in the installation position of the first and / or second structures 4 and 5, or if the above embodiment is modified so that the second pipe 7 does not have a shoulder surface 7c, the jig 10, which includes a cylindrical or rod-shaped shaft portion 12, can displace the joint pipe member 18 in both pulling and pushing directions. Therefore, other workers can easily adjust the position of the joint pipe member 18 when displacing it with the jig 10 by visually observing it through the gap between the first and second structures 4 and 5.

[0053] Since the connecting reinforcement 8 is received in the receiving hole 9, the second structure 5 cannot be moved significantly in the bridge axis direction when the first and second pipes 6 and 7 are aligned with each other in the bridge axis direction. Thus, the above embodiment is suitable for connecting the second pipe 7 which is included in the second structure 5, where the degree of freedom of movement of the first and second pipes 6 and 7 in the axial direction is small.

[0054] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 9 and Figure 5(B). In this description, components common to the first embodiment will be omitted from the description and will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Figures 6 to 9 are horizontal cross-sectional views illustrating the method of connecting the first pipe 6 and the second pipe 7 to each other. The connection structure constructed by the method according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in Figure 5(B).

[0055] As shown in Figure 6, the joining method according to the second embodiment uses a different jig 21 than that of the first embodiment. The jig 21 is a flexible linear or strip-shaped tool. Preferably, the jig 21 is thin and has a low coefficient of friction, and is made of, for example, a string or thread made of a resin such as polypropylene, or a spun yarn.

[0056] As shown in Figure 6, the worker uses a lifting machine (not shown) to position the first structure 4 in a predetermined location (on the curb 3, see Figure 1), and positions the jig 21 straight so as to intersect, preferably perpendicular to, the extension of the central axis of the first pipe 6. It is even more preferable that the jig 21 extends in the horizontal direction.

[0057] Next, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the worker positions the joint pipe member 18 axially facing the enlarged end 6b of the first pipe 6, and pushes the joint pipe member 18 together with the intermediate part of the jig 21 into the enlarged end 6b of the first pipe 6 until it is locked into the shoulder surface 6c. As a result, the intermediate part of the jig 21 comes into contact with the insertion-side end of the joint pipe member 18 in the axial direction. Similar to the first embodiment, the insertion of the joint pipe member 18 into the first pipe 6 may be performed before positioning the first structure 4 in its predetermined location, but it is preferable to perform it after positioning the first structure 4 in its predetermined location in order to prevent the joint pipe member 18 from falling or the jig 21 from shifting position during positioning of the first structure 4 in its predetermined location.

[0058] Next, as shown in Figure 8, the workers use a lifting machine (not shown) to position the second structure 5 on the curb 3 (see Figure 1) at a predetermined distance from the first structure 4, such that the second pipe 7 is positioned on the extension of the first pipe 6. At this time, when viewed from the axial direction, both ends of the jig 21 are positioned outside the contours of the first and second structures 4 and 5. Preferably, both ends of the jig extend to opposite sides in the horizontal direction. Therefore, the jig 21 has a length greater than the width of the first structure 4 plus twice the axial length of the joint pipe member 18.

[0059] Next, as shown in Figure 9, the worker applies tensile forces in opposite directions to both ends of the jig 21, thereby pushing the end face of the joint pipe member 18 into the middle part of the jig 21, moving the joint pipe member 18 toward the second pipe 7 until it is locked against the shoulder surface 7c, and receiving one end of it into the enlarged end 7b of the second pipe 7. Here, the worker may pull both ends of the jig 21, or one end of the jig 21 may be fixed to the first structure 4 or the second structure 5, etc., and the other end may be pulled. Furthermore, the direction in which the worker pulls the ends of the jig 21 does not matter as long as the middle part of the jig 21 is displaced in such a way that it pushes the joint pipe member 18 toward the second pipe 7. For example, as shown in the figure, both ends of the jig 21 may be pulled in opposite directions in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the axial direction, or both ends of the jig 21 may be pulled in the same direction along opposite surfaces of the first structure 4.

[0060] Next, the worker removes the jig 21 from the first pipe 6 by releasing one end of the jig 21 and pulling the other end. Then, as shown in Figure 5(B), the worker fills the gap between the first structure 4 and the second structure 5 with filler material 17.

[0061] The effects of the second embodiment will be explained with reference to Figures 6 to 9 and Figure 5(B). The jig 21 can be removed after use and does not remain in the constructed joint structure. Since the joint pipe member 18 is inserted into the first pipe 6 with the intermediate part of the jig 21 in contact with the end face, the reliability of the jig 21's contact with the end face of the joint pipe member 18 is high, resulting in good workability. The intermediate part of the jig 21, which extends along the diametrical direction of the joint pipe member 18, pushes the joint pipe member 18 in, so the joint pipe member 18 is less likely to tilt with respect to the axial direction, resulting in good workability. The method according to the second embodiment is also applicable to structures in which the axial directions of the first and second pipes 6 and 7 are curved, since the jig 21 passes through the enlarged diameter end 6b of the first pipe 6 and the gap between the first structure 4 and the second structure 5.

[0062] The shoulder surface 6c of the first pipe 6 and the shoulder surface 7c of the second pipe 7 have the same effects as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the shoulder surface 7c of the second pipe 7 prevents displacement of the joint pipe member 18 by locking it when the jig 21 is removed.

[0063] A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 10, and a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 11. In the description, components common to the first embodiment will be omitted from the description and will be denoted by the same reference numerals. The connection structure constructed by the methods of the third and fourth embodiments is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in Figure 5(B).

[0064] As shown in Figure 10, the jig 31 according to the third embodiment comprises a cylindrical shaft portion 32, a tip portion 33 including an annular (donut-shaped) elastic member fixed to the tip side of the shaft portion 32, and a long member 34 inserted inside the shaft portion 32.

[0065] The shaft portion 32 is a cylindrical member and has higher rigidity than the tip portion 33. The shaft portion 32 is made of, for example, steel or resin. The shaft portion 32 has a length longer than the length in the bridge axis direction of the second structure 5 (see Figure 1) and a diameter narrower than the inner diameter of the second pipe 7 (see Figure 5). The shaft portion 32 may be expandable and contractible in its longitudinal direction.

[0066] The tip portion 33 includes an elastic body made of rubber or the like. The tip portion 33 is fixed to the tip of the shaft portion 32 at one end in the diametrical direction of the annular shape, such that the direction in which the annular central hole penetrates is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the shaft portion 32. When the tip portion 33 is subjected to a compressive force in the longitudinal direction of the shaft portion 32, it deforms so that the central hole collapses, and is configured to expand to a size greater than the inner diameter of the joint pipe member 18 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the shaft portion 32.

[0067] The elongated member 34 includes a rod-shaped, pipe-shaped, or string-shaped insertion portion 34a that is thinner than the inner diameter of the cylindrical shaft portion 32 and is inserted into the shaft portion 32, and a locking portion 34b attached to the end of the insertion portion 34a. The tip end portion and the rear end portion of the insertion portion 34a protrude from inside the shaft portion 32, and the rear end portion serves as an operating portion 34c for a worker to pull the elongated member 34 backward. The locking portion 34b is locked to the part of the shaft portion 32 opposite in the diameter direction in an annular shape to the fixed portion of the shaft portion 32 at the tip end 33, so as to apply a compressive force in the longitudinal direction of the shaft portion 32 to the tip end 33 when the elongated member 34 is pulled backward.

[0068] As shown in Figure 11, the jig 41 according to the fourth embodiment comprises a cylindrical shaft portion 42, a diamond-shaped tip portion 43 fixed to the tip side of the shaft portion 42, and a long member 44 inserted into the interior of the shaft portion 42.

[0069] The shaft portion 42 is a cylindrical member, made of, for example, steel or resin. The shaft portion 42 has a length longer than the length in the bridge axis direction of the second structure 5 (see Figure 1) and a diameter narrower than the inner diameter of the second pipe 7 (see Figure 5). The shaft portion 42 may be expandable and contractible in its longitudinal direction.

[0070] The tip portion 43 is connected to each other at both ends to form a rhombus-shaped frame, and includes four elongated plate-shaped frame members 43a that extend linearly and have equal lengths. The frame members 43a are connected to each other so as to be rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the plane forming the rhombus, and the tip portion 43 is attached to the tip of the shaft portion 42 at a fixed corner portion 43b, which is one of the corners of the rhombus. As a result, when the frame members 43a rotate relative to each other, the displacement corner portion 43c on the diagonal of the fixed corner portion 43b on the tip portion 43 is displaced to move closer to or further away from the tip of the shaft portion 42, and the remaining pair of wide and narrow displacement corner portions 43d on the diagonal are displaced to move further away from or closer to each other in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the shaft portion 42, that is, in the diametrical direction of the joint pipe member 18 when the tip portion 43 is positioned on the joint pipe member 18.

[0071] The elongated member 44 includes an insertion portion 44a of a rod-shaped or pipe-shaped member that is thinner than the inner diameter of the cylindrical shaft portion 42 and is inserted into the shaft portion 42. The tip portion of the insertion portion 44a protrudes from the tip of the shaft portion 42 and is locked to the displacement angle portion 43c of the tip portion 43 so that it can be pushed and pulled. The rear end portion of the insertion portion 44a protrudes from the rear end of the shaft portion 42 and serves as an operating portion 44b for an operator to push and pull the elongated member 44 back and forth. The insertion portion 44a has rigidity so as not to buckle even when the operating portion 44b is pushed out and the tip portion 43 is deformed.

[0072] In the first embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 and 4(B), the tip portion 13 is releasably fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the joint pipe member 18 by the worker pulling the lever of the operating unit 14, and the fixing is released when the worker releases the lever of the operating unit 14. On the other hand, in the third embodiment, as shown in Figure 10, the tip portion 33 expands in the diametrical direction of the joint pipe member 18 by the worker pulling the operating unit 34c backward, and is releasably fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the joint pipe member 18, and the fixing is released when the worker releases the operating unit 34c, as the shape of the tip portion 33 returns to its original state due to the elasticity of the tip portion 33. Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, as shown in Figure 11, when a worker pulls the operating part 44b backward, the tip portion 43 expands in the diametrical direction of the joint pipe member 18 and is releasably fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the joint pipe member 18, and when a worker pushes the operating part 44b toward the tip, the tip portion 43 narrows in the diametrical direction of the joint pipe member 18 and is released. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the method of connecting the first pipe 6 and the second pipe 7 (see Figure 5(b)) in the third and fourth embodiments differs from the first embodiment in the method of fixing and releasing the tip portions 33 and 43 to the joint pipe member 18, as described above, but other operations are the same as in the first embodiment. The shaft portions 32 and 42 in the third and fourth embodiments are configured to be long enough so that when a worker is operating the operating parts 34c and 44b, they can grasp the rear end portion of the shaft portion 32 and 42 with the hand opposite to the hand that is operating the operating parts 34c and 44b.

[0073] The jigs 31 and 41 of the third and fourth embodiments also enable the releaseable fixing of the tip portions 33 and 43 to the inner circumferential surface of the joint pipe member 18 with a relatively simple configuration. For the same reasons as in the first embodiment, the inner circumferential surface of the joint pipe member 18 can be made into a surface parallel to the axial direction that does not obstruct the insertion of the telecommunications cable, the jigs 31 and 41 do not remain in the first pipe 6, the second pipe 7 (see Figure 5(B)), or the joint pipe member 18, making it easy to displace the joint pipe member 18 and easy to fix the jigs 31 and 41 to the inner circumferential surface of the joint pipe member 18.

[0074] This concludes the description of specific embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments or modifications and can be broadly modified and implemented. For example, the operating section 14 in the first embodiment may be a button or the like instead of a lever.

[0075] In the first embodiment, the first branch portion 16a may be rotatable, similar to the second branch portion 16b. The tip portion 13 may include three or more branch portions 16, in which case at least one branch portion 16 is configured to be rotatable such that its free end moves closer to and further away from at least one other branch portion 16 in the radial direction of the joint pipe member 18. Alternatively, instead of having multiple branch portions 16, the tip portion 13 may be formed by a balloon-like member that expands and contracts in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the shaft portion 12 by operating the operating portion 14. Also, when moving the joint pipe member 18 fixed to the tip portion 13, the worker may extend or contract the shaft portion 12 instead of moving the entire jig 10.

[0076] In the first, third, and fourth embodiments, the inner circumferential surface of the joint pipe member 18 may have irregularities along the axial direction, and the first branch portion 16a and the second branch portion 16b, the tip portion 33, or the wide / narrow displacement angle portion 43d, which are spaced apart from each other, may engage with these irregularities.

[0077] In the first to fourth embodiments, the first and / or second pipes 6, 7 do not need to have enlarged diameter ends 6b, 7b and shoulder surfaces 6c, 7c. In the second embodiment, when using the second pipe 7 which does not have a shoulder surface 7c, it is preferable for the worker to insert a rod-shaped tool through the gap between the first and second structures 4, 5 when removing the jig 21, and to hold the joint pipe member 18 in place with the tool to prevent it from moving.

[0078] In the first to fourth embodiments, the second pipe 7 may have an end protruding from the concrete portion 5a instead of an enlarged end 7b embedded in the concrete portion 5a of the second structure 5, and the end of the joint pipe member 18 that connects to the second pipe 7 may be enlarged in diameter and receive the protruding end of the second pipe 7 inside.

[0079] In the first to fourth embodiments, in a structure in which the shapes of the enlarged ends 6b and 7b are swapped, the worker may insert the joint pipe member 18 into the second pipe 7 before placing the second structure 5 in a predetermined position, and after placing the second structure 5 in a predetermined position, move the joint pipe member 18 toward the first pipe 6 using jigs 10, 21, 31, and 41. In this modified example, similar to the modified example described above, the end of the first pipe 6 on the second structure 5 side has an end that protrudes from the concrete part 4a of the first structure 4, and the end of the joint pipe member 18 that connects to the first pipe 6 is enlarged in diameter and may be further deformed to receive the protruding end of the first pipe 6 inside.

[0080] In the first to fourth embodiments, the first pipe 6 and the second pipe 7 may be defined by the inner surfaces of concrete sections 4a and 5a instead of being formed by cylindrical members, and may be used for other purposes, such as housing PC tensioning members instead of housing telecommunications cables. Furthermore, the first and second structures 4 and 5 constituting the parapet wall 1 may be placed on the deck slab 2 instead of the curb 3. The first and second structures 4 and 5 do not have to be precast concrete members for parapet walls, as long as they are structures that include pipes with openings at their ends. For example, the first and second structures 4 and 5 may be precast concrete structures other than those for parapet walls, such as those for deck slabs, or they may be steel structures for constructing a bridge guardrail in which the first and second pipes 6 and 7 form crossbeams. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0081] 1: Wall railing 4 :First structure 5 :Second structure 6: 1st tube 6a: Main body 6b: Enlarged end 6c:shoulder surface 7: 2nd pipe 7a: Main body 7b: Expanded diameter end 7c:shoulder surface 10, 21, 31, 41: Jigs 12,32,42: Shaft section 13,33,43:Tip 14,34c,44b:Operation unit 15:Connection part 16: Branch 16a :1st branch 16b: 2nd branch 18: Joint pipe members 43a: Frame member 43b: Fixed corner 43c: Displacement angle 43d: Wide / narrow displacement angle

Claims

1. A method of bringing a first structure including a first pipe and a second structure including a second pipe close together, and connecting the first pipe and the second pipe to each other by a joint pipe member, The steps include arranging the first structure in a predetermined position and inserting the joint pipe member into the first pipe or the second pipe, The steps include positioning the second structure in close proximity to the first structure such that the second pipe is located on the extension of the first pipe, A step of inserting a jig into one of the first pipes from the end of either the first pipe or the second pipe opposite to the other end of the first pipe or the second pipe, wherein the jig comprises a cylindrical or rod-shaped shaft portion having a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the one pipe, a tip portion attached to the end of the shaft portion, and an operating portion positioned behind the shaft portion and operable by a worker, wherein the tip portion is positioned inside the joint pipe member, The steps include: fixing the tip of the jig to the inner circumferential surface of the joint pipe member in a releasable manner; The steps include moving the jig to move the joint pipe member and connecting the first pipe and the second pipe to each other via the joint pipe member, The steps include releasing the fixation of the tip portion to the inner circumferential surface and removing the jig from the joint pipe member and the other one. Equipped with, A method wherein the tip of the jig is configured to be displaceable between a position in which it abuts the inner circumferential surface within the joint pipe member at at least two points and a position in which it can be separated by operation of the operating part.

2. The tip portion includes a connecting portion connected to the shaft portion and at least two branch portions that branch off from the connecting portion. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the branch portions is a second branch portion configured to be rotatably connected to the connecting portion at its base end and to be rotatable by operation of the operating portion, so that the free end of the second branch portion is displaceable in a direction away from and toward the first branch portion, which is at least one of the branch portions, so that the tip portion is releasably fixed to the inner circumferential surface within the joint pipe member.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the tip portion disposed within the joint pipe member is configured to elastically deform when a worker pulls the operating portion and come into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the joint pipe member, and to return to its shape before elastic deformation and move away from the inner circumferential surface when the worker releases the operating portion.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the tip portion includes four frame members rotatably connected to each other with an axis perpendicular to the plane formed by the frame shape, and four corner portions formed by the connection of the frame members, the four corner portions include a fixed corner portion fixed to the shaft portion, a displacement corner portion located diagonally opposite the fixed corner portion and configured to move closer to and further away from the fixed corner portion by operation of the operating portion, and wide and narrow displacement corner portions located diagonally opposite each other and configured to move further away and closer to each other and to abut and separate from the inner circumferential surface of the joint pipe member when placed in the joint pipe member, due to the movement of the displacement corner portion closer to and further away from the fixed corner portion.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the releaseable fixing of the tip portion to the inner circumferential surface is due to the frictional force between the tip portion and the inner circumferential surface.

6. A method for bringing a first structure including a first pipe and a second structure including a second pipe into close proximity to each other, and connecting the first pipe and the second pipe to each other by a joint pipe member, The first structure is positioned in a predetermined location, and the intermediate portion of a flexible linear or strip-shaped jig and the joint pipe member are inserted into the first pipe or the second pipe, wherein the intermediate portion of the jig is brought into contact with the end face of the joint pipe member on the insertion side. The steps include: positioning the second structure next to the first structure such that the second pipe is located on the extension of the first pipe, and positioning both ends of the jig so that they extend from the gap between the first structure and the second structure outwards from the contours of the first and second structures when viewed from the direction of extension of the first and second pipes; The steps of moving the joint pipe member by applying tensile force to the jig such that the intermediate portion of the jig presses the end face of the joint pipe member, thereby connecting the first pipe and the second pipe to each other via the joint pipe member, The steps include: removing the jig from the first pipe or the second pipe by releasing one of the ends of the jig and pulling the other end; A method that includes [a certain feature].

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein in the connecting step, a shoulder surface is formed on the inner circumferential surface of either the first pipe or the second pipe located on the side to which the joint pipe member moves, and the joint pipe member, for locking the other end surface.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first structure and the second structure are each precast concrete members for bridge wall parapets.

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