Pipe joining device and pipe joining method

Abstract

The present invention provides a compact and lightweight pipe joining device for joining a spigot of a pipe to a socket of a receiving pipe to which the pipe is to be joined. A pipe joining device 1 joins a spigot W1a of a pipe W1 to a socket W2a of a receiving pipe W2 to which the pipe W1 is to be joined. The pipe joining device 1 has a receiving pipe attachment part 10 that is attached to the socket W2a side of the receiving pipe W2, pipe grasping parts 31, 32 that grasp the spigot W1a side of the pipe W1, and a moving part 36 that moves at least one of the receiving pipe attachment part 10 and the pipe grasping parts 31, 32 in the axial direction so as to join the spigot W1a of the pipe W1 and the socket W2a of the receiving pipe W2 in the axial direction.

Description

Pipe joining device and pipe joining method

[0001] The present invention relates to a pipe connecting device and a pipe connecting method for connecting a spigot of a pipe to a socket of a pipe to be connected to the pipe.

[0002] In the installation of ductile cast iron pipes (an example of a water pipe) having a spigot and a socket, a pipe joining operation is performed to join a pipe to a pipe to be joined that is placed in an underground trench. In this pipe joining operation, a worker must first lower the pipe to be joined to the pipe to be joined into the trench. Then, the worker must align the pipe and the pipe to be joined in the trench, insert the spigot of the pipe into the socket of the pipe to join them.

[0003] In such a conventional pipe joining operation, the worker must lower the pipe into the groove while checking the position of the pipe relative to the pipe to be joined within the groove, and the worker must manually align the pipe and the pipe to be joined within the groove.

[0004] As described above, conventional pipe joining work places a heavy burden on the worker and requires the work to be carried out in a narrow trench, making the work less efficient.

[0005] In response to this, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a pipe joining attachment for a work machine that has a gripping portion that grips a pipe and a pipe contact portion that is located axially of the spigot of the pipe gripped by the gripping portion and contacts the outer peripheral surface of the socket side of the pipe to be joined to the pipe. By using this pipe joining attachment, the pipe can be gripped and the spigot of the pipe can be inserted into the socket of the pipe to be joined. The pipe joining attachment is attached to the arm of the work machine.

[0006] JP 2023-62320 A

[0007] The pipe joining attachment disclosed in Patent Document 1 grips a pipe while inserting the spigot of the pipe into the socket of the pipe to be joined. Therefore, the pipe joining attachment has a complex configuration, is large, and is heavy. Therefore, the work machine to which the pipe joining attachment that grips the pipe is attached also becomes large. Therefore, it may be impossible to use the pipe joining attachment for pipe joining work in a narrow construction site, etc.

[0008] In response to this, there is a demand for a lightweight and compact pipe joining device that allows workers to join pipes without having to work in a trench and that can be used in narrow construction sites, etc.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a lightweight and compact pipe connecting device for connecting the insertion port of a pipe to the receiving port of a pipe to be connected to the pipe.

[0010] A pipe joining device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a pipe joining device for joining a pipe insertion end to a socket of a joint pipe to be joined to the pipe. This pipe joining device includes a joint pipe attachment part attached to the socket side of the joint pipe, a pipe gripping part that grips the pipe insertion end, and a moving part that axially moves at least one of the joint pipe attachment part and the pipe gripping part so as to axially join the pipe insertion end and the socket of the joint pipe (first configuration).

[0011] In the above-described configuration, the pipe insertion opening and the socket of the pipe to be joined are joined axially by moving at least one of the pipe attachment portion attached to the pipe to be joined and the pipe gripping portion that grips the pipe by the moving portion. Therefore, the pipe insertion opening and the socket of the pipe to be joined can be easily joined using the pipe joining device.

[0012] The pipe joining device having the above-described configuration is not a device attached to the end of the arm of a work machine as in the past, but is a device that can join the pipe and the pipe to be joined while placed in a groove. Therefore, when joining the pipe and the pipe to be joined, there is no need to grip the pipe with an attachment using the work machine. This allows the pipe joining device to be configured lightweight and compact.

[0013] Therefore, it is possible to realize a lightweight and compact pipe joining device that can join pipes without the need for workers to work in trenches and that can be used even in narrow construction sites, etc.

[0014] In the first configuration, the pipe connecting device further includes a pipe holding section connected to the connecting pipe mounting section, and configured to hold the insertion port side of the pipe while adjusting the axis of the insertion port of the pipe relative to the axis of the socket of the connecting pipe so that the insertion port of the pipe and the socket of the connecting pipe can be connected (second configuration).

[0015] The pipe holding part that holds the pipe insertion port side is connected to the connecting pipe attachment part that is attached to the connecting pipe socket side. Therefore, the axis of the pipe insertion port held by the pipe holding part can be more reliably and easily adjusted relative to the axis of the connecting pipe socket. Therefore, when connecting the pipe insertion port and the connecting pipe socket, the work of aligning the axis of the pipe insertion port with the axis of the connecting pipe socket is not required. This allows the connecting work between the pipe insertion port and the connecting pipe socket to be performed efficiently.

[0016] In the second configuration, the joined pipe mounting portion has a pair of mounting members that sandwich the joined pipe. The pipe holding portion has a pair of holding members that sandwich the pipe. One of the pair of mounting members is connected to one of the pair of holding members. The other of the pair of mounting members is connected to the other of the pair of holding members. The pair of mounting members and the pair of holding members are configured to be switchable between a closed state in which the joined pipe and the pipe are sandwiched between them, and an open state in which they are spaced apart from the joined pipe and the pipe (third configuration).

[0017] In the above-described configuration, the pair of mounting members of the to-be-connected pipe mounting portion and the pair of holding members of the pipe holding portion are connected to each other. Therefore, by switching the pair of mounting members and the pair of holding members between a closed state in which the to-be-connected pipe and the pipe are sandwiched between them and an open state in which they are spaced apart from the to-be-connected pipe and the pipe, the to-be-connected pipe mounting portion can be attached to the to-be-connected pipe, and the pipe holding portion can be attached to the pipe. This allows the to-be-connected pipe mounting portion to be easily attached to the to-be-connected pipe, and the pipe holding portion to be easily attached to the pipe. Therefore, the joining operation between the pipe insertion opening and the to-be-connected pipe socket can be performed efficiently.

[0018] In the first configuration, the moving portion moves the pipe gripping portion so as to draw it toward the joined pipe mounting portion in the axial direction (fourth configuration).

[0019] This allows the pipe insertion portion held by the pipe gripping portion to be moved to the socket of the pipe to be joined, where the pipe insertion portion can be easily joined to the socket of the pipe to be joined, which is installed in the groove.

[0020] In the fourth configuration, the tube gripping portion has a thickness equal to or smaller than the protruding height of the insertion port protrusion located at the tip of the insertion port of the tube, and adheres closely to the outer peripheral surface of the insertion port side of the tube and engages with the insertion port protrusion (fifth configuration).

[0021] This allows the pipe insertion port protrusion to be pushed axially by the pipe gripping portion, moving the pipe insertion port toward the socket of the pipe to be joined. Furthermore, by making the thickness of the pipe gripping portion equal to or smaller than the protruding height of the pipe insertion port protrusion, it is possible to prevent the pipe gripping portion from interfering with the socket of the pipe to be joined when inserting the pipe insertion port into the socket of the pipe to be joined. This allows for efficient joining of the pipe insertion port and the socket of the pipe to be joined.

[0022] In the first configuration, the pipe connecting device further has a lubricant supply unit that supplies lubricant to the inner surface of the sealing member attached to the inner surface of the receiving port of the pipe to be connected (sixth configuration).

[0023] Before joining the pipe bayonet to the socket of the pipe to be joined, the lubricant supply unit can supply lubricant to the inner surface of the seal member attached to the inner surface of the socket of the pipe to be joined. This eliminates the need for an operator to enter the groove to apply the lubricant to the inner surface of the seal member. This allows for efficient joining of the pipe bayonet to the socket of the pipe to be joined.

[0024] In the sixth configuration, the lubricant supply section has a storage section in which lubricant is stored, and a supply pipe section whose tip can be inserted into a lubricant supply hole formed in a receiving port cover that covers the opening of the receiving port of the connected pipe, and which can supply lubricant from the storage section into the hole (seventh configuration).

[0025] This allows for the construction of a lubricant supply unit that supplies lubricant to the inner circumferential surface of the seal member attached to the inner circumferential surface of the socket of the pipe to be joined. Furthermore, the lubricant can be supplied to the inner circumferential surface of the seal member by utilizing the socket cover that covers the opening of the socket of the pipe to be joined. Therefore, the joining operation between the pipe insertion opening and the socket of the pipe to be joined can be performed efficiently.

[0026] In the seventh configuration, the lubricant supply unit further includes a support member that supports the supply pipe unit so that the supply pipe unit can rotate about its base end. The supply pipe unit is configured to rotate about the base end with the tip end inserted into the hole in the socket cover, thereby removing the socket cover from the socket of the connected pipe (eighth configuration).

[0027] This allows the lubricant supply pipe, which supplies lubricant to the inner circumferential surface of the seal member attached to the inner circumferential surface of the socket of the pipe to be joined, to be used to remove the socket cover from the socket, thereby efficiently joining the pipe insertion opening and the socket of the pipe to be joined.

[0028] In the first configuration, the pipe connecting device further includes a socket cover remover that removes a socket cover that covers the opening of the socket of the pipe to be connected (a ninth configuration). This makes it possible to easily remove the socket cover that covers the opening of the socket of the pipe to be connected from the socket.

[0029] A pipe joining method according to one embodiment of the present invention is a method for joining a pipe insertion end to a socket of a target pipe to be joined to the pipe. The pipe joining method includes a connecting pipe attachment step of connecting a connecting pipe attachment part to the socket side of the target pipe, a pipe gripping step of gripping the connecting pipe side with a pipe gripping part, and a moving step of axially moving at least one of the connecting pipe attachment part and the pipe gripping part with a moving part so as to axially join the pipe insertion end and the socket of the target pipe (first method).

[0030] In the above-described method, the pipe insertion opening and the pipe socket opening are joined in the axial direction by moving at least one of the pipe attachment portion attached to the pipe to be joined and the pipe gripping portion that grips the pipe in the axial direction by the moving portion. Therefore, the pipe insertion opening and the pipe socket opening can be easily joined using the pipe joining device.

[0031] The device that can implement the above-mentioned method is not a device that is attached to the tip of the arm of a work machine as in the past, but a device that can join the pipe and the pipe to be joined while it is placed in a groove. Therefore, there is no need to grip the pipe with an attachment using a work machine. Therefore, the device that can implement the above-mentioned method can be realized with a lightweight and compact configuration.

[0032] Therefore, a joining method can be realized that uses a lightweight and compact pipe joining device that can be used even in narrow construction sites, etc., and that allows workers to join pipes together without having to work in a trench.

[0033] In the first method, the pipe joining method further includes a pipe holding step in which a pipe holding unit holds the insertion end of the pipe while aligning the axis of the insertion end of the pipe with the axis of the receiving end of the pipe. In the moving step, the moving unit moves at least one of the pipe attachment unit and the pipe gripping unit in the axial direction while the insertion end of the pipe is held in the pipe holding step (second method).

[0034] This allows the pipe insertion port to be joined to the socket of the pipe to be joined while the axis of the pipe insertion port is aligned with the axis of the socket of the pipe to be joined. Therefore, the pipe insertion port and the socket of the pipe to be joined can be easily joined while being aligned. This allows the joining work of the pipe insertion port and the socket of the pipe to be performed efficiently.

[0035] In the second method, in the pipe holding process, the pipe is supported by a height-adjustable support stand, and then the height of the support stand is lowered so that the insertion side of the pipe is held by the pipe holding portion (third method).

[0036] By lowering the height of the support base as described above, the pipe insertion side can be easily held by the pipe holder, and therefore the position of the axis of the pipe insertion side and the axis of the socket of the pipe to be joined can be adjusted with a simple structure.

[0037] The pipe joining method according to the first method further includes a socket cover removal step of removing a cover covering the socket opening of the pipe to be joined (fourth method), which allows the socket cover covering the socket opening of the pipe to be easily removed from the socket.

[0038] In the fourth method, the pipe joining method further includes a lubricant supply step of inserting a tip of a supply pipe into a lubricant supply hole formed in the socket cover and supplying lubricant from a reservoir that stores lubricant to the inner circumferential surface of a seal member attached to the inner circumferential surface of the socket of the pipe to be joined, before moving at least one of the pipe gripping portion and the connected pipe attachment portion in the axial direction in the moving step. In the socket cover removal step, the supply pipe is used to remove the socket cover (fifth method).

[0039] This allows lubricant to be supplied from the supply pipe to the inner circumferential surface of the seal member attached to the inner circumferential surface of the socket of the pipe to be joined through a lubricant supply hole formed in the socket cover that covers the opening of the socket of the pipe to be joined, thereby facilitating the joining operation between the pipe insertion opening and the socket of the pipe to be joined.

[0040] Furthermore, the lubricant supply pipe, which supplies lubricant to the inner circumferential surface of the seal member, can be used to remove the socket cover from the socket, thereby efficiently connecting the pipe insertion opening and the socket of the connected pipe.

[0041] In the first method, the pipe connection device includes the pipe connection attachment portion, the pipe gripping portion, and the moving portion. In the pipe gripping step, the pipe connection device is gripped by a gripping device attached to the tip of an arm of a work machine and transported to the pipe connection attachment portion, and the pipe connection attachment portion is attached to the pipe connection attachment portion (sixth method).

[0042] This allows the connecting pipe mounting portion to be easily attached to the connecting pipe using a work machine, thereby efficiently connecting the pipe insertion opening and the connecting pipe socket.

[0043] A pipe joining device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a joining pipe mounting portion that is attached to the receiving port side of the joining pipe, a pipe gripping portion that grips the insertion port side of the pipe, and a moving portion that moves at least one of the joining pipe mounting portion and the pipe gripping portion in the axial direction so as to join the insertion port of the pipe and the receiving port of the joining pipe in the axial direction.

[0044] The pipe joining device having the above-described configuration does not require a work machine to grip the pipes via an attachment, so a lightweight and compact pipe joining device can be realized that can be used in narrow construction sites and can join pipes without the need for a worker to work in a trench.

[0045] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of a pipe connecting device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of the pipe connecting device. FIG. 3 is a view of the pipe connecting device as viewed in the axial direction from the pipe to be connected. FIG. 4 is a view of the pipe holding unit of the pipe connecting device as viewed in the axial direction from the pipe. FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing how a lubricant supply unit supplies lubricant to the inner surface of a rubber seal. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a pipe connecting method using the pipe connecting device. FIG. 7 is a view equivalent to FIG. 3 showing a state in which a pair of attachment members at a pipe to be connected attachment unit are in an open state. FIG. 8 is a view showing a state in which a gripping device attached to the tip of an arm unit of a working machine grips the pipe connecting device and transports it to a pipe to be connected in a groove. FIG. 9 is a side view showing a state in which a pipe to be connected attachment unit of the pipe connecting device is positioned relative to a pipe to be connected. FIG. 10 is a view equivalent to FIG. 3 showing a state in which a pair of attachment members at a pipe to be connected attachment unit are closed by an attachment member drive unit. FIG. 11 is a side view showing a state in which a pipe is supported and aligned at a predetermined height by multiple support stands relative to the pipe holding unit of the pipe connecting device. FIG. 12 is a side view showing a state in which the pipe insertion port is held by the pipe holding unit. FIG. 13 is a top view showing a state in which a pair of pipe grippers grip the outer circumferential surface of the pipe insertion port side. FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view of the socket showing how lubricant is supplied from the reservoir via the supply pipe to the lubricant supply port of the socket cover. FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of the socket showing how the supply pipe removes the socket cover from the socket of the pipe to be connected. FIG. 16 is a top view showing how the axial movement unit moves to pull the pipe insertion port toward the socket of the pipe to be connected via the pair of pipe grippers. FIG. 17 is a side view showing how the connecting device is lifted by a work machine or the like to separate the pipe and the pipe to be connected.

[0046] Each embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description of the same parts will not be repeated. Note that the dimensions of the components in each drawing do not faithfully represent the actual dimensions of the components and the dimensional ratios of the components.

[0047] In the following description, the axial direction refers to the direction in which the axis L2 of the joined pipe W2 extends. The left-right direction refers to the horizontal direction and a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The horizontal direction includes not only the strictly horizontal direction but also a direction intersecting the up-down direction.

[0048] Furthermore, in the following description, the expressions "fix," "connect," and "attach" (hereinafter referred to as "fixing") include not only cases where members are directly fixed to each other, but also cases where members are fixed via other members. In other words, in the following description, the expression "fixing" includes both direct and indirect fixing of members to each other.

[0049] (Pipe connecting device) Fig. 1 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of a pipe connecting device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of the pipe connecting device 1. Fig. 3 is a view of the pipe connecting device 1 as viewed in the axial direction from the side of the pipe to be connected W2. Fig. 4 is a view of the pipe holding portion 20 of the pipe connecting device 1 as viewed in the axial direction from the side of the pipe W1.

[0050] The pipe joining device 1 is a device for inserting the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 into the receiving port W2a of the pipe to be joined W2. The pipe joining device 1 is used in a trench where the pipe W1 and the pipe to be joined W2 are laid. The pipe joining device 1 is installed in the trench by, for example, a work machine. The pipe joining device 1 is sized so that it can be installed in the trench.

[0051] The pipe W1 and the connected pipe W2 are, for example, water pipes. The pipe W1 and the connected pipe W2 may be pipes other than water pipes, such as sewer pipes, agricultural water pipes, gas pipes, etc. The pipe W1 and the connected pipe W2 may be ductile cast iron pipes, pipes made of other metals, or pipes made of resin.

[0052] The pipe joining device 1 adjusts the axis L1 of the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 relative to the axis L2 of the socket W2a of the pipe to be joined, and then inserts the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 close to the socket W2a of the pipe to be joined W2. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 1 , the pipe joining device 1 has a pipe to be joined mounting portion 10, a pipe holding portion 20, a pipe moving mechanism 30, and a lubricant supply portion 40.

[0053] The to-be-joined pipe mounting portion 10 is attached to the socket W2a side of the to-be-joined pipe W2. Specifically, the to-be-joined pipe mounting portion 10 is attached to the socket W2a side of the straight pipe section W2b of the to-be-joined pipe W2. As a result, when the moving section 36 pulls the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 toward the socket W2a of the to-be-joined pipe W2, as described below, the to-be-joined pipe mounting portion 10 comes into contact with the socket W2a of the to-be-joined pipe W2, and the reaction force generated during the pulling can be received by the socket W2a of the to-be-joined pipe W2.

[0054] 3, the joined pipe mounting portion 10 has a pair of mounting members 11, 12 and a mounting member drive unit 13. The pair of mounting members 11, 12 are attached to the straight pipe portion W2b of the joined pipe W2 by sandwiching the straight pipe portion W2b between them. The pair of mounting members 11, 12 have pipe mounting portions 11a, 12a and drive force input portions 11b, 12b.

[0055] The pipe mounting portions 11a, 12a have a semicircular shape that fits along the outer peripheral surface of the straight pipe portion W2b of the to-be-joined pipe W2 when viewed in the axial direction. The pipe mounting portions 11a, 12a are attached to the outer peripheral surface of the straight pipe portion W2b of the to-be-joined pipe W2. The driving force input portions 11b, 12b are connected to the pipe mounting portions 11a, 12a so that the pipe mounting portions 11a, 12a can be switched between a closed state in which the straight pipe portion W2b of the to-be-joined pipe W2 is sandwiched between an open state in which the pipe mounting portions 11a, 12a are spaced apart from the straight pipe portion W2b of the to-be-joined pipe W2 by a driving force input from the mounting member drive unit 13. In this embodiment, the driving force input portions 11b, 12b are connected to the upper ends of the pipe mounting portions 11a, 12a. The pair of mounting members 11, 12 are connected rotatably around an axis extending in the axial direction by, for example, a rotating shaft at the connection portion between the pipe mounting portions 11a, 12a and the driving force input portions 11b, 12b.

[0056] The mounting member drive unit 13 is provided between the driving force input units 11b and 12b so as to be able to transmit driving force to the driving force input units 11b and 12b. The mounting member drive unit 13 applies driving force to the driving force input units 11b and 12b to switch the pipe mounting units 11a and 12a between the open state and the closed state. In this embodiment, the mounting member drive unit 13 expands and contracts to change the distance between the driving force input units 11b and 12b, thereby switching the pipe mounting units 11a and 12a between the open state and the closed state. The mounting member drive unit 13 is, for example, a hydraulic cylinder.

[0057] With the above configuration, the pair of mounting members 11, 12 can be switched between a closed state in which the pipe mounting portions 11 a, 12 a sandwich the straight pipe portion W2 b of the to-be-joined pipe W2, and an open state in which the pipe mounting portions 11 a, 12 a are spaced apart from the straight pipe portion W2 b of the to-be-joined pipe W2, by the driving force generated by the mounting member drive unit 13. When the to-be-joined pipe mounting portion 10 is attached to the straight pipe portion W2 b of the to-be-joined pipe W2, the pair of mounting members 11, 12 sandwich the straight pipe portion W2 b.

[0058] 1 and 2, the pipe holding portion 20 holds the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1. Specifically, the pipe holding portion 20 holds the insertion port W1a side of the straight pipe portion W1b of the pipe W1.

[0059] 4, the pipe holding portion 20 has a pair of holding members 21 and 22. The pair of holding members 21 and 22 sandwich the straight pipe portion W1b of the pipe W1 to hold the straight pipe portion W1b. The pair of holding members 21 and 22 have pipe contact portions 21a and 22a and guide portions 21b and 22b.

[0060] The pipe contact portions 21 a, 22 a have an arc-like shape that fits along the outer circumferential surface of the straight pipe portion W1 b of the pipe W1 when viewed in the axial direction. The pipe contact portions 21 a, 22 a hold the straight pipe portion W1 b by contacting the straight pipe portion W1 b of the pipe W1.

[0061] The guide portions 21b, 22b are connected to the upper ends of the pipe contact portions 21a, 22a. The guide portions 21b, 22b are formed so that the distance between them increases from the lower end to the upper end when viewed in the axial direction. This allows the straight pipe portion W1b of the pipe W1 inserted between the guide portions 21b, 22b to be smoothly guided between the pipe contact portions 21a, 22a.

[0062] 1 and 2 , the joined pipe mounting portion 10 and the pipe holding portion 20 are connected in the axial direction. Specifically, one mounting member 11 of the pair of mounting members 11, 12 in the joined pipe mounting portion 10 is axially connected to one holding member 21 of the pair of holding members 21, 22 in the pipe holding portion 20 via a connecting portion 15. The other mounting member 12 of the pair of mounting members 11, 12 is axially connected to the other holding member 22 of the pair of holding members 21, 22 via a connecting portion 16. As a result, when the pair of mounting members 11, 12 are in an open state, the pair of holding members 21, 22 are also in an open state, and when the pair of mounting members 11, 12 are in a closed state, the pair of holding members 21, 22 are also in a closed state.

[0063] As a result, by switching the pair of mounting members 11, 12 between the open state and the closed state, the pair of holding members 21, 22 can be switched between a closed state in which the to-be-joined pipe W2 and the pipe W1 are sandwiched therebetween, and an open state in which the to-be-joined pipe W2 and the pipe W1 are spaced apart, without separately controlling the pair of mounting members 11, 12 in the to-be-joined pipe mounting portion 10 and the pair of holding members 21, 22 in the pipe holding portion 20. Therefore, the to-be-joined pipe W2 and the pipe W1 can be easily held by the pipe joining device 1.

[0064] Furthermore, by axially connecting the to-be-connected pipe mounting portion 10 and the pipe holding portion 20 as described above, the axis L1 of the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 held by the pipe holding portion 20 can be adjusted relative to the axis L2 of the socket W2a of the to-be-connected pipe W2 to which the to-be-connected pipe mounting portion 10 is attached. In this embodiment, the positions of the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 and the socket W2a of the to-be-connected pipe W2 are adjusted so that the axis L1 of the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 coincides with the axis L2 of the socket W2a of the to-be-connected pipe W2.

[0065] Therefore, in the pipe joining device 1 of this embodiment, it is not necessary to adjust the axis of the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 relative to the axis of the socket W2a of the pipe to be joined W2, so the joining operation between the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 and the socket W2a of the pipe to be joined W2 can be performed efficiently.

[0066] The connecting portions 15, 16 have a length that allows the pipe holding portion 20 to be connected to the connecting pipe mounting portion 10 at a predetermined axial distance. The predetermined distance is a distance that allows the pipe connecting device 1 of this embodiment to insert the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 into the socket port W2a of the connecting pipe W2 and connect them.

[0067] The pipe moving mechanism 30 holds the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 and moves it toward the socket W2a of the pipe W2 to insert the insertion port W1a into the socket W2a. The pipe moving mechanism 30 has a pair of pipe gripping parts 31, 32 and a moving part 36.

[0068] The pair of tube gripping portions 31, 32 clamp the insertion port W1a side of the tube W1. The pair of tube gripping portions 31, 32 are attached to the tip ends of a pair of axially moving portions 37, 38 of the moving portion 36 (described later) via connecting portions 33, 34, and are configured to be engageable with the insertion port protrusion W1c located at the axial tip of the insertion port W1a of the tube W1. The pair of tube gripping portions 31, 32 are arc-shaped plate members that fit along the outer peripheral surface of the insertion port W1a side of the tube W1 when viewed in the axial direction. The pair of plate-shaped tube gripping portions 31, 32 are attached so as to extend from the tip ends of the pair of axially moving portions 37, 38 toward the base end.

[0069] The thickness of the pair of pipe gripping portions 31, 32 is equal to or smaller than the radial protrusion height of the insertion port protrusion W1c, which prevents the pair of pipe gripping portions 31, 32 from interfering with the socket W2a when the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 is inserted into the socket W2a of the pipe to be joined W2 while the pair of pipe gripping portions 31, 32 grip the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1, as described below.

[0070] The connecting portions 33, 34 connect the tips of the pair of axially movable portions 37, 38 to the pair of tube gripping portions 31, 32 so that they can rotate about an axis extending in the vertical direction. That is, the connecting portions 33, 34 are connected to the tips of the pair of axially movable portions 37, 38 so that they can rotate about the axis. The pair of tube gripping portions 31, 32 are also connected to the connecting portions 33, 34. The left-right spacing between the connecting portions 33, 34 is equal to the outer diameter of the insertion port W1a of the tube W1 when they are parallel in a top view. However, when the connecting portions 33, 34 are rotated about the axis relative to the tips of the pair of axially movable portions 37, 38, the spacing is smaller than the outer diameter of the insertion port W1a of the tube W1. The pair of tube gripping portions 31, 32 are elastically supported by an elastic member (not shown) relative to the connecting portions 33, 34 or the pair of axially movable portions 37, 38 so that they can move toward each other.

[0071] Therefore, when the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1 is inserted between the connecting portions 33, 34, the outer peripheral surface of the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1 comes into contact with the connecting portions 33, 34. As a result, the connecting portions 33, 34 and the pair of pipe gripping portions 31, 32 rotate about the axis, moving the pair of pipe gripping portions 31, 32 toward the outer peripheral surface of the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1 (see the solid arrows in Figure 13). Moreover, at this time, the elastic member biases the pair of pipe gripping portions 31, 32 toward the outer peripheral surface of the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1. As a result, the pair of pipe gripping portions 31, 32 are in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1.

[0072] The pair of pipe gripping portions 31, 32 may be configured to generate an elastic restoring force toward the outer peripheral surface of the pipe W1 on the insertion port W1a side.

[0073] 1 and 2, the moving unit 36 ​​moves the pair of pipe gripping units 31, 32, which grip the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1, axially toward the socket W2a of the pipe to be joined W2. More specifically, the moving unit 36 ​​has a pair of axial moving units 37, 38 and a movement support unit 39.

[0074] The pair of axial movement units 37, 38 are each configured so that a tip end thereof can move in the axial direction relative to the movement support unit 39. The pair of axial movement units 37, 38 may be, for example, a hydraulic cylinder that expands and contracts in the axial direction, or a mechanism that can move in the axial direction, such as a rack and pinion. The base end sides of the pair of axial movement units 37, 38 are supported by the movement support unit 39.

[0075] The movement support part 39 is connected to the joined pipe mounting part 10. The movement support part 39 may be connected to, for example, a rotation shaft that rotatably connects the pair of mounting members 11, 12 in the joined pipe mounting part 10, or may be connected to the mounting member drive part 13.

[0076] The moving part 36 may have a position detection sensor (not shown) to control the amount of movement of the pair of axial moving parts 37, 38. The position detection sensor may be provided on at least one of the pair of axial moving parts 37, 38, for example, so as to be able to detect when the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 has reached a predetermined position relative to the socket port W2a of the pipe W2 to be joined.

[0077] Before inserting the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 into the socket W2a of the pipe to be joined W2, the lubricant supply unit 40 supplies lubricant to the inner surface of a rubber seal S (sealing member, see FIG. 5) installed on the inner surface of the socket W2a of the pipe to be joined W2. The rubber seal S is a rubber member that seals between the outer surface of the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 and the inner surface of the socket W2a of the pipe to be joined W2. Note that the sealing member may be made of a material other than rubber as long as it can seal between the outer surface of the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 and the inner surface of the socket W2a of the pipe to be joined W2.

[0078] 5 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the lubricant supply unit 40 supplying lubricant to the inner peripheral surface of the rubber seal S. The lubricant supply unit 40 supplies lubricant to a lubricant supply port Va provided in a socket cover V that covers the opening of the socket W2a of the joined pipe W2, thereby supplying the lubricant to the inner peripheral surface of the rubber seal S via a lubricant supply path Vb formed in the socket cover V.

[0079] The socket cover V can be attached to the socket W2a so as to cover the opening of the socket W2a of the joined pipe W2. The socket cover V prevents sand and dust from entering the socket W2a of the joined pipe W2. The socket cover V has a socket cover main body V1 that is placed on the end face of the socket W2a of the joined pipe W2, and a socket cover insert part V2 that is inserted into the socket W2a.

[0080] The socket cover main body V1 has a tapered portion V1a on its outer periphery. This prevents sand and dust from accumulating on the outer periphery of the socket cover V. The socket cover insert V2 has at least one lubricant supply passage Vb therein. The lubricant supply passage Vb opens to the outer periphery of the socket cover insert V2. The socket cover main body V1 has a lubricant supply port Va (a hole for supplying lubricant) connected to the lubricant supply passage Vb of the socket cover insert V2. The tip of a supply pipe 42 (described below) of the lubricant supply unit 40 can be inserted into the lubricant supply port Va. The lubricant supply port Va has a size that allows the tip of the supply pipe 42 of the lubricant supply unit 40 to fit into it. This allows the socket cover V to be retrieved from the socket W2a of the joined pipe W2 using the supply pipe 42 of the lubricant supply unit 40, as described below.

[0081] The lubricant supply unit 40 has a storage unit 41, a supply pipe unit 42, and a support member 43. The storage unit 41 stores lubricant. The storage unit 41 supplies the lubricant to the supply pipe unit 42. When the supply pipe unit 42 is inserted into the lubricant supply port Va of the receiving port cover V, the supply pipe unit 42 supplies the lubricant from the storage unit 41 to the lubricant supply port Va of the receiving port cover V and the lubricant supply path Vb.

[0082] The supply pipe section 42 is rotatably supported by the support member 43. As a result, after the to-be-connected pipe mounting section 10 of the pipe connecting device 1 is attached to the to-be-connected pipe W2, the supply pipe section 42 can be rotated relative to the support member 43 to insert the tip of the supply pipe section 42 into the lubricant supply port Va of the socket cover V, which covers the opening of the socket W2a of the to-be-connected pipe W2. Furthermore, by rotating the supply pipe section 42 relative to the support member 43 with the tip of the supply pipe section 42 engaged with the lubricant supply port Va of the socket cover V, the socket cover V can be removed from the opening of the socket W2a of the to-be-connected pipe W2. Thus, the lubricant supply section 40 also functions as a socket cover removal section that removes the socket cover V from the opening of the socket W2a of the to-be-connected pipe W2.

[0083] Annular lubricant seals Sa and Sb are disposed between the socket cover insertion portion V2 of the socket cover V and the open end of the socket W2a of the joined pipe W2, and between the tip of the rubber seal S and the socket cover insertion portion V2 of the socket cover V. These lubricant seals Sa and Sb enable the gap between the socket cover V and the rubber seal S to be sealed in the axial direction.

[0084] The pipe joining device 1 according to this embodiment joins the insertion port W1a of a pipe W1 to the socket port W2a of a joinee pipe W2 to be joined to the pipe W1. This pipe joining device 1 includes a joinee pipe mounting portion 10 attached to the socket port W2a side of the joinee pipe W2, pipe gripping portions 31, 32 that grip the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1, and a moving portion 36 that moves at least one of the joinee pipe mounting portion 10 and the pipe gripping portions 31, 32 in the axial direction so as to join the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 to the socket port W2a of the joinee pipe W2 in the axial direction.

[0085] In the above-described configuration, the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 and the socket W2a of the pipe W2 to be joined are axially joined by moving at least one of the pipe attachment portion 10 attached to the pipe W2 to be joined and the pipe gripping portions 31, 32 gripping the pipe W1 in the axial direction by the moving portion 36. Therefore, the pipe joining device 1 can easily join the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 and the socket W2a of the pipe W2 to be joined.

[0086] The pipe joining device 1 having the above-described configuration is not a device attached to the end of the arm of a working machine as in the past, but is a device that can join the pipe W1 and the pipe to be joined W2 while placed in a groove. Therefore, when joining the pipe W1 and the pipe to be joined W2, there is no need to grip the pipe W1 with an attachment by the working machine. This allows the pipe joining device 1 to be configured lightweight and compact.

[0087] Therefore, it is possible to realize a lightweight and compact pipe joining device 1 that can join pipes without the need for a worker to work in a trench and that can be used in narrow construction sites, etc.

[0088] In addition, in this embodiment, the pipe joining device 1 is connected to the joining pipe mounting portion 10 and further has a pipe holding portion 20 that holds the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1 in a state where the axis of the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 is positioned relative to the axis of the receiving port W2a of the joining pipe W2 so that the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 and the receiving port W2a of the joining pipe W2 can be joined.

[0089] The pipe holding part 20, which holds the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1, is connected to the connecting pipe attachment part 10, which is attached to the socket W2a of the connecting pipe W2. Therefore, the axis of the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 held by the pipe holding part 20 can be more reliably and easily aligned with the axis of the socket W2a of the connecting pipe W2. Therefore, when connecting the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 to the socket W2a of the connecting pipe W2, the task of aligning the axis of the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 with the axis of the socket W2a of the connecting pipe W2 is not required. This allows the connecting operation between the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 and the socket W2a of the connecting pipe W2 to be performed efficiently.

[0090] In this embodiment, the joined pipe mounting portion 10 has a pair of mounting members 11, 12 that sandwich the joined pipe W2. The pipe holding portion 20 has a pair of holding members 21, 22 that sandwich the pipe W1. One of the pair of mounting members 11, 12 is connected to one of the pair of holding members 21, 22. The other of the pair of mounting members 11, 12 is connected to the other of the pair of holding members 21, 22. The pair of mounting members 11, 12 and the pair of holding members 21, 22 are configured to be switchable between a closed state in which the joined pipe W2 and the pipe W1 are sandwiched between them, and an open state in which they are spaced apart from the joined pipe W2 and the pipe W1.

[0091] In the above-described configuration, the pair of mounting members 11, 12 of the to-be-joined pipe mounting portion 10 and the pair of holding members 21, 22 of the pipe holding portion 20 are connected to each other. Therefore, by switching the pair of mounting members 11, 12 and the pair of holding members 21, 22 between a closed state in which the to-be-joined pipe W2 and the to-be-joined pipe W1 are sandwiched between each other and an open state in which they are spaced apart from the to-be-joined pipe W2 and the to-be-joined pipe W1, the to-be-joined pipe mounting portion 10 can be attached to the to-be-joined pipe W2 and the pipe holding portion 20 can be attached to the pipe W1. This allows the to-be-joined pipe mounting portion 10 to be easily attached to the to-be-joined pipe W2 and the pipe holding portion 20 to be easily attached to the pipe W1. Therefore, the joining operation between the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 and the socket port W2a of the to-be-joined pipe W2 can be performed efficiently.

[0092] In this embodiment, the moving unit 36 ​​moves the pipe gripping units 31, 32 so as to pull them in the axial direction toward the to-be-connected pipe mounting portion 10. This allows the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 gripped by the pipe gripping units 31, 32 to be moved to the socket W2a of the to-be-connected pipe W2 to which the to-be-connected pipe mounting portion 10 is attached, and to be connected to the socket W2a. This makes it possible to easily connect the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 to the socket W2a of the to-be-connected pipe W2 placed in the groove.

[0093] In addition, in this embodiment, the pipe gripping portions 31, 32 have a thickness equal to or smaller than the protruding height of the insertion port protrusion W1c located at the tip of the insertion port of the pipe W1, and adhere to the outer peripheral surface of the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1 and engage with the insertion port protrusion W1c.

[0094] This allows the insertion port protrusion W1c of the pipe W1 to be pushed axially by the pipe gripping portions 31, 32, moving the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 toward the socket W2a of the pipe to be joined W2. Furthermore, by making the thickness of the pipe gripping portions 31, 32 equal to or smaller than the protruding height of the insertion port protrusion W1c, it is possible to prevent the pipe gripping portions 31, 32 from interfering with the socket W2a of the pipe to be joined W2 when inserting the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 into the socket W2a of the pipe to be joined W2. This allows for efficient joining of the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 and the socket W2a of the pipe to be joined W2.

[0095] In this embodiment, the pipe joining device 1 further includes a lubricant supply unit 40 that supplies lubricant to the inner surface of the rubber seal S attached to the inner surface of the socket W2a of the pipe to be joined W2. Before joining the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 to the socket W2a of the pipe to be joined W2, the lubricant supply unit 40 can supply lubricant to the inner surface of the rubber seal S attached to the inner surface of the socket W2a of the pipe to be joined W2. Therefore, there is no need for an operator to enter the groove to apply the lubricant to the inner surface of the rubber seal S. This allows for efficient joining of the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 and the socket W2a of the pipe to be joined W2.

[0096] In addition, in this embodiment, the lubricant supply section 40 has a storage section 41 in which lubricant is stored, and a supply pipe section 42 whose tip can be inserted into a lubricant supply port Va for supplying lubricant formed in the receiving port cover V that covers the opening of the receiving port W2a of the joined pipe W2, and which can supply lubricant from the storage section 41 into the lubricant supply port Va.

[0097] This allows for the realization of a lubricant supply unit 40 that supplies lubricant to the inner peripheral surface of the rubber seal S attached to the inner peripheral surface of the socket W2a of the pipe to be joined W2. Furthermore, the socket cover V that covers the opening of the socket W2a of the pipe to be joined W2 can be used to supply lubricant to the inner peripheral surface of the rubber seal S. Therefore, the joining operation between the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 and the socket W2a of the pipe to be joined W2 can be performed efficiently.

[0098] (Pipe Joining Method) Next, a pipe joining method for joining the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 to the receiving port W2a of the pipe to be joined W2 using the pipe joining device 1 having the above-mentioned configuration will be described. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the pipe joining method using the pipe joining device 1. Figures 7 to 17 are diagrams that schematically explain the pipe joining method using the pipe joining device 1.

[0099] Specifically, Figure 7 is a view equivalent to Figure 3 showing a pair of mounting members 11, 12 at the to-be-connected pipe mounting portion in an open state. Figure 8 shows how the pipe connecting device 1 is gripped by a gripping device X attached to the tip of the arm portion Ma of the work machine M and transported to the to-be-connected pipe W2 in the groove. Figure 9 is a side view showing a state in which the to-be-connected pipe mounting portion 10 of the pipe connecting device 1 is attached to the to-be-connected pipe W2. Figure 10 is a view equivalent to Figure 3 showing a state in which the pair of mounting members 11, 12 at the to-be-connected pipe mounting portion 10 are closed by the mounting member drive unit 13. Figure 11 is a side view showing a state in which the pipe W1 is supported and aligned at a predetermined height by multiple support stands T with respect to the pipe holding portion 20 of the pipe connecting device 1. Figure 12 is a side view showing a state in which the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 is held by the pipe holding portion 20. Figure 13 is a top view showing the pair of pipe gripping parts 31, 32 gripping the outer peripheral surface of the pipe W1 on the insertion port W1a side. Figure 14 is a partial cross-sectional view of the socket W2a showing how lubricant is supplied from the reservoir 41 to the lubricant supply port Va of the socket cover V via the supply pipe 42. Figure 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of the socket W2a showing how the supply pipe 42 removes the socket cover V from the socket W2a of the connected pipe W2. Figure 16 is a top view showing how the pair of pipe gripping parts 31, 32 pull the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 toward the socket W2a of the connected pipe W2 by moving the axial movement parts 37, 38. Figure 17 is a side view showing how the pipe connecting device 1 is lifted by a work machine or the like to separate the pipe W1 and the connected pipe W2.

[0100] In step S1 of the flow chart shown in FIG. 6, the to-be-connected pipe mounting portion 10 of the pipe connecting device 1 is mounted on the to-be-connected pipe W2.

[0101] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 7, the pair of mounting members 11, 12 of the to-be-connected pipe mounting portion 10 in the pipe connecting device 1 are in an open state. In this state, as shown in Fig. 8, the pipe connecting device 1 is carried into a trench where the pipe W1 is to be laid by a work machine M. A gripping device X is attached to the tip of the arm portion Ma of the work machine M. The pipe connecting device 1 is gripped by the gripping device X attached to the tip of the arm portion Ma of the work machine M and carried into the trench. At this time, as shown in Fig. 9, the pipe connecting device 1 is positioned with respect to the to-be-connected pipe W2 so that the to-be-connected pipe mounting portion 10 is positioned on the socket W2a side of the straight pipe portion W2b of the to-be-connected pipe W2.

[0102] The work machine M can perform various construction works and tasks by changing the attachment connected to the tip of the arm portion Ma. In this embodiment, the work machine M is, for example, a mini backhoe, which is a construction machine for excavation. However, the work machine M may be a construction machine other than a mini backhoe, such as a truck crane.

[0103] 10, the pair of mounting members 11, 12 of the to-be-joined pipe mounting portion 10 are closed by the mounting member drive unit 13. In this embodiment, the mounting member drive unit 13 extends to drive the pair of mounting members 11, 12 so that the pipe mounting portions 11a, 12a of the pair of mounting members 11, 12 come into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the straight pipe portion W2b of the to-be-joined pipe W2. This allows the to-be-joined pipe mounting portion 10 to be mounted on the socket W2a side of the to-be-joined pipe W2.

[0104] At this time, the pair of holding members 21, 22 in the pipe holding portion 20 of the pipe connection device 1 are connected to the pair of mounting members 11, 12 via the connecting portions 15, 16, and therefore become in a closed state, similar to the pair of mounting members 11, 12.

[0105] Next, in step S2 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, the pipe W1 is positioned relative to the pipe holding portion 20 of the pipe connecting device 1 while being held at a predetermined height by the support table T.

[0106] Specifically, as shown in Figure 11, with the to-be-connected pipe mounting portion 10 attached to the socket W2a side of the to-be-connected pipe W2, the pipe W1, which is held at a predetermined height by multiple support stands T, is positioned relative to the pipe holding portion 20 of the pipe connecting device 1. The multiple support stands T support the pipe W1 at multiple locations in the axial direction. The support stands T are configured so that the support height can be changed. The support stand T is configured, for example, as a bag body whose support height can be changed depending on the amount of fluid placed inside.

[0107] Next, in step S3 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, the pipe W1 is held by the pipe holding portion 20 of the pipe joining device 1.

[0108] Specifically, the height of the support stand T is gradually lowered to bring the pipe W1 into contact with the guide portions 21b, 22b of the pair of holding members 21, 22 in the pipe holding portion 20 of the pipe joining device 1. This allows the pipe W1 to be aligned in the left-right direction with respect to the pipe holding portion 20. As shown in Figure 12, the pipe W1 aligned by the guide portions 21b, 22b is held in contact with the pipe contact portions 21a, 22a of the pipe holding portion 20. This causes the axis L1 of the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 to be aligned with the axis L2 of the socket port W2a of the pipe to be joined W2.

[0109] Next, in step S4 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, the pair of pipe gripping portions 31, 32 grip the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1.

[0110] Specifically, as described above, when the pipe W1 is brought into contact with the pipe contact portions 21a, 22a of the pipe holding portion 20, as shown in Fig. 13, the pair of pipe gripping portions 31, 32 rotate about rotation axes extending in the vertical direction at the connection portions 33, 34, and come into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1. As a result, the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1 is gripped by the pair of pipe gripping portions 31, 32. The pair of pipe gripping portions 31, 32 are pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1 by a spring member (not shown).

[0111] Next, in step S5 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, the lubricant supply unit 40 supplies lubricant onto the inner peripheral surface of the rubber seal S through the lubricant supply port Va of the receiving port cover V and the lubricant supply path Vb.

[0112] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 14, the supply pipe 42 of the lubricant supply unit 40 is rotated around the support member 43 (solid arrow in Fig. 14) and the tip of the supply pipe 42 is inserted into the lubricant supply port Va of the receiving port cover V. Then, lubricant is supplied from the reservoir 41 to the lubricant supply port Va via the supply pipe 42 (white arrow in Fig. 14). This allows the lubricant to be supplied onto the inner circumferential surface of the rubber seal S via the lubricant supply path Vb. The lubricant supplied from the lubricant supply path Vb spreads over the inner circumferential surface of the rubber seal S and covers the inner circumferential surface of the rubber seal S.

[0113] The lubricant seals Sa and Sb prevent the lubricant supplied through the lubricant supply passage Vb from spilling out from the inner peripheral surface of the rubber seal S.

[0114] Next, in step S6 of the flow chart shown in FIG. 6, the supply pipe portion 42 of the lubricant supply portion 40 removes the socket cover V from the socket W2a of the pipe to be joined W2.

[0115] Specifically, after lubricant has been supplied to the inner peripheral surface of the rubber seal S, as shown in Figure 15, the supply pipe 42 is rotated around the support member 43 to remove the socket cover V, into which the tip of the supply pipe 42 is fitted, from the socket W2a of the joined pipe W2. This allows the supply pipe 42 of the lubricant supply unit 40 to remove the socket cover V, which covers the opening of the socket W2a of the joined pipe W2.

[0116] Next, in step S7 of the flowchart shown in Figure 6, the pair of pipe gripping portions 31, 32 are moved axially by the moving portion 36, thereby bringing the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 closer to the receiving port W2a of the pipe to be joined W2 and inserting it.

[0117] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16 , a pair of axially movable portions 37, 38 of the movable portion 36 are moved axially. At this time, the tips of a pair of pipe gripping portions 31, 32 connected to the ends of the pair of axially movable portions 37, 38 come into contact with the insertion port protrusion W1c of the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1. Therefore, due to the axial movement of the axially movable portions 37, 38, the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 is drawn toward the socket W2a of the pipe W2 to be joined via the pair of pipe gripping portions 31, 32. When the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 is inserted into the socket W2a of the pipe W2 to be joined, the pair of pipe gripping portions 31, 32 are inserted into the socket W2a together with the insertion port W1a. The axially movable portions 37, 38 may be provided with a detector (not shown) that detects when the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 has been inserted to a predetermined position within the socket W2a of the pipe W2 to be joined. This allows the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 to be reliably inserted to a predetermined position in the socket W2a of the pipe to be joined W2.

[0118] Finally, in step S8 of the flowchart shown in Figure 6, the pair of mounting members 11, 12 in the to-be-joined pipe mounting portion 10 and the pair of pipe contact portions 21a, 22a in the pipe holding portion 20 are opened, and the pipe joining device 1 is removed from the to-be-joined pipe W2.

[0119] Specifically, after inserting the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 into the socket W2a of the pipe to be joined W2, the pair of mounting members 11, 12 of the pipe to be joined mounting portion 10 are opened, thereby opening the pair of pipe contact portions 21a, 22a of the pipe holding portion 20. Then, as shown in Figure 17, the pipe joining device 1 is lifted by a work machine or the like to separate the joined pipe W1 and the pipe to be joined W2. At this time, the socket cover V, which has been removed by the supply pipe portion 42 of the lubricant supply unit 40, is also collected together with the pipe joining device 1.

[0120] Thereafter, the flow shown in FIG. 6 ends (END).

[0121] Here, step S1 corresponds to the process of attaching the pipe to be joined, step S3 corresponds to the process of holding the pipe, step S4 corresponds to the process of gripping the pipe, step S5 corresponds to the process of supplying lubricant, step S6 corresponds to the process of removing the receiving port cover, and step S7 corresponds to the process of moving.

[0122] In this embodiment, the lubricant supply unit 40 further includes a support member 43 that rotatably supports the supply pipe 42 around its base end. With its tip inserted into the lubricant supply port Va of the port cover V, the supply pipe 42 can rotate around the base end to remove the port cover V from the port W2a of the joined pipe W2.

[0123] This allows the socket cover V to be removed from the socket W2a by utilizing the supply pipe 42 of the lubricant supply unit 40, which supplies lubricant to the inner peripheral surface of the rubber seal S attached to the inner peripheral surface of the socket W2a of the pipe W2 to be joined. Therefore, the joining operation between the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 and the socket W2a of the pipe W2 to be joined can be performed efficiently.

[0124] In this embodiment, the pipe joining device 1 also has a supply pipe section 42 that functions as a socket cover remover that removes the socket cover V that covers the opening of the socket W2a of the joined pipe W2 from the socket W2a of the joined pipe W2. This makes it possible to easily remove the socket cover V that covers the opening of the socket W2a of the joined pipe W2 from the socket W2a.

[0125] In addition, in this embodiment, the pipe joining method for joining the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 to the receiving port W2a of the joined pipe W2 to be joined to the pipe W1 includes a joined pipe mounting process for attaching the joined pipe mounting portion 10 to the receiving port W2a side of the joined pipe W2, a pipe gripping process for gripping the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1 with the pipe gripping portions 31, 32, and a moving process for moving at least one of the joined pipe mounting portion 10 and the pipe gripping portions 31, 32 in the axial direction with the moving portion 36 so as to join the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 and the receiving port W2a of the joined pipe W2 in the axial direction.

[0126] In the above-described method, the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 and the socket W2a of the pipe W2 to be joined are axially joined by moving at least one of the pipe attachment portion 10 attached to the pipe W2 to be joined and the pipe gripping portions 31, 32 gripping the pipe W1 in the axial direction by the moving portion 36. Therefore, the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 and the socket W2a of the pipe W2 to be joined can be easily joined using the pipe joining device 1.

[0127] The device capable of implementing the above-described method is not a device attached to the tip of the arm of a working machine as in the past, but is a device that can join the pipe W1 and the to-be-joined pipe W2 while placed in a groove. Therefore, when joining the pipe W1 and the to-be-joined pipe W2, it is not necessary to grip the pipe W1 using an attachment with the working machine. Therefore, the device capable of implementing the above-described method can be realized with a lightweight and compact configuration.

[0128] Therefore, a lightweight and compact pipe joining device 1 that can be used even in narrow construction sites can be used to realize a joining method that allows workers to join pipes together without having to work inside a trench.

[0129] In this embodiment, the pipe joining method further includes a pipe holding step of holding the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1 with the pipe holding unit 20 aligning the axis L1 of the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 with the axis L2 of the socket W2a of the pipe to be joined W2. In the moving step, while the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1 is held in the pipe holding step, the moving unit 36 ​​moves at least one of the pipe to be joined mounting unit 10 and the pipe gripping units 31, 32 in the axial direction.

[0130] This allows the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 to be joined to the socket W2a of the pipe to be joined W2 while the axis L1 of the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 is aligned with the axis L2 of the socket W2a of the pipe to be joined W2. Therefore, the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 and the socket W2a of the pipe to be joined W2 can be easily joined while being aligned. This allows the joining operation of the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 and the socket W2a of the pipe to be joined W2 to be performed efficiently.

[0131] In the pipe holding process, the pipe W1 is supported by a height-adjustable support stand T, and then the height of the support stand T is lowered so that the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1 is held by the pipe holding portion 20.

[0132] As described above, by lowering the height of the support base T that supports the pipe W1, the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W can be easily held by the pipe holding part 20. Therefore, with a simple configuration, the position of the axis L of the insertion port W1a of the pipe W and the axis L2 of the socket port W2a of the pipe to be joined W2 can be adjusted.

[0133] In this embodiment, the pipe joining method further includes a socket cover removal step of removing a cover covering the opening of the socket of the pipe to be joined, thereby making it possible to easily remove the socket cover V covering the opening of the socket W2a of the pipe to be joined from the socket W2a.

[0134] In this embodiment, the pipe joining method further includes a lubricant supply step of inserting the tip of a supply pipe 42 into a lubricant supply port Va formed in the socket cover V and supplying lubricant from a reservoir 41 storing lubricant to the inner circumferential surface of a rubber seal S attached to the inner circumferential surface of the socket W2a of the pipe to be joined W2 via the supply pipe 42, before moving at least one of the pipe gripping portions 31, 32 and the pipe attachment portion 10 in the axial direction in the moving step. In the socket cover removal step, the socket cover V is removed using the supply pipe 42.

[0135] This allows lubricant to be supplied from the supply pipe 42 to the inner surface of the rubber seal S attached to the inner surface of the socket W2a of the pipe to be joined W2 via the lubricant supply port Va formed in the socket cover V that covers the opening of the socket W2a of the pipe to be joined W2. This allows for efficient joining of the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 and the socket W2a of the pipe to be joined W2.

[0136] Furthermore, the socket cover V can be removed from the socket W2a of the pipe W2 to be joined by utilizing the supply pipe 42 of the lubricant supply unit 40, which supplies lubricant to the inner peripheral surface of the rubber seal S. Therefore, the joining operation between the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 and the socket W2a of the pipe W2 to be joined can be performed efficiently.

[0137] In this embodiment, the to-be-connected pipe mounting portion 10, the pipe gripping portions 31, 32, and the moving portion 36 are included in one pipe connecting device 1. In the pipe gripping process, the pipe connecting device 1 is gripped by a gripping device X attached to the tip of the arm portion Ma of the work machine M and transported to the to-be-connected pipe W2, and the to-be-connected pipe mounting portion 10 is attached to the to-be-connected pipe W2.

[0138] This allows the to-be-connected pipe mounting portion 10 to be easily attached to the to-be-connected pipe W2 using the work machine M. Therefore, the joining operation between the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 and the socket port W2a of the to-be-connected pipe W2 can be performed efficiently.

[0139] While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above-described embodiments are merely examples for carrying out the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be practiced by appropriately modifying the above-described embodiments within the scope of the spirit thereof.

[0140] In the above embodiment, the attachment member drive unit 13 is, for example, a hydraulic cylinder. However, the attachment member drive unit may also be an expandable actuator such as a piezoelectric element. The attachment member drive unit may have any configuration as long as it is configured to generate a drive force capable of switching the pipe attachment unit between an open state and a closed state.

[0141] In the above embodiment, the pair of mounting members 11, 12 are opened or closed by the mounting member drive unit 13. This also opens or closes the pair of holding members 21, 22 in the pipe holding unit 20 connected to the pair of mounting members 11, 12. However, the pair of mounting members may be opened or closed by opening or closing the pair of holding members by the drive unit.

[0142] In the above embodiment, the pair of mounting members 11, 12 in the joined pipe mounting portion 10 and the pair of holding members 21, 22 in the pipe holding portion 20 are connected by connecting portions 15, 16. However, the pair of mounting members and the pair of holding members do not have to be connected. In this case, the pair of mounting members and the pair of holding members may each be provided with a driving portion.

[0143] In the above embodiment, the tube moving mechanism 30 has a pair of tube gripping portions 31, 32. However, the tube moving mechanism may have one or three or more tube gripping portions.

[0144] In the above embodiment, the pair of tube gripping portions 31, 32 are arc-shaped plate members. However, the pair of tube gripping portions may have any configuration as long as they are configured to grip the tube movably in the axial direction.

[0145] In the above embodiment, the pair of holding members 21, 22 in the pipe holding portion 20 have pipe contact portions 21a, 22a and guide portions 21b, 22b. However, the holding members do not necessarily have to have guide portions.

[0146] In the above embodiment, the pipe joining device 1 joins the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 to the socket W2a of the pipe to be joined W2 so that the axis L1 of the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 coincides with the axis L2 of the socket W2a of the pipe to be joined W2. However, the pipe joining device may join the insertion port of the pipe to the socket of the pipe to be joined so that the axis of the insertion port of the pipe intersects the axis of the socket of the pipe to be joined. In other words, the pipe joining device may join the pipe and the pipe to be joined in a bent state.

[0147] In the above embodiment, the pipe movement mechanism 30 moves the insertion port W1a of the pipe W1 to the socket W2a of the connected pipe W2. However, the pipe movement mechanism may also move the socket of the connected pipe relative to the pipe insertion port. That is, the movement unit of the pipe movement mechanism may move the connected pipe attachment unit so as to pull it toward the pair of gripping units that grip the pipe insertion port side. The pipe movement mechanism may be configured to be able to move at least one of the pipe insertion port and the socket of the connected pipe.

[0148] In the above embodiment, the pipe connecting device 1 has a pipe holding unit 20 that holds the pipe W1. However, the pipe connecting device does not have to have a pipe holding unit. In this case, the pipe connecting device may use a pipe gripper or the like to adjust the position of the axis of the pipe insertion port relative to the axis of the socket port of the pipe to be connected.

[0149] In the above embodiment, the pipe connecting device 1 includes the lubricant supply unit 40. However, the pipe connecting device does not necessarily have to include the lubricant supply unit.

[0150] In the above embodiment, the lubricant supply unit 40 has a supply pipe unit 42 whose tip is inserted into the lubricant supply port Va of the socket cover V. However, the lubricant supply unit may be configured other than a supply pipe to supply lubricant onto the inner circumferential surface of a rubber seal disposed on the inner surface of the socket of the pipe to be joined.

[0151] In the above embodiment, the supply pipe 42 of the lubricant supply unit 40 removes the socket cover V from the socket W2a of the pipe to be joined W2. However, the supply pipe does not have to have the function of removing the socket cover. The pipe joining device may also have a separate socket cover removal unit for removing the socket cover.

[0152] In the above embodiment, while the insertion port W1a side of the pipe W1 is gripped by the pair of pipe gripping portions 31, 32, the lubricant supply portion 40 supplies lubricant onto the inner surface of the rubber seal S in the socket W2a of the pipe to be joined. However, the timing for supplying lubricant onto the inner surface of the rubber seal in the socket of the pipe to be joined by the lubricant supply portion may be any timing as long as it is before the pipe insertion port and the socket of the pipe to be joined are joined.

[0153] In the above embodiment, the timing at which the tube W1 is held by the tube holding portion 20 and the timing at which the insertion port W1a side of the tube W1 is gripped by the pair of tube gripping portions 31, 32 may be earlier or may be the same.

[0154] In the above embodiment, before the pipe W is held by the pipe holding portion 20, the pipe W is supported by a plurality of support stands T. However, the pipe may be positioned relative to the pipe holding portion by another device, or may be positioned relative to the pipe holding portion while being suspended by a work machine.

[0155] In the above embodiment, the pipe connecting device 1 is carried into a trench where the pipe W1 is laid by the work machine M and attached to the pipe to be connected W2. However, the pipe connecting device may be carried into the trench while attached to the pipe insertion port. Also, the pipe connecting device may be attached to both the receiving port of the pipe to be connected and the pipe insertion port. In this case, the pipe connecting device to be attached to the pipe insertion port may be carried into the trench while attached to the pipe insertion port.

[0156] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used in a pipe connecting device for connecting a spigot of a pipe to a socket of a pipe to be connected to the pipe.

[0157] 1 Pipe connecting device 10 Joined pipe mounting portion 11, 12 Mounting member 11a, 12a Pipe mounting portion 11b, 12b Driving force input portion 13 Mounting member driving portion 15, 16 Connection portion 20 Pipe holding portion 21, 22 Holding member 21a, 22a Pipe contact portion 21b, 22b Guide portion 30 Pipe movement mechanism 31, 32 Pipe gripping portion 33, 34 Connection portion 36 Moving portion 37, 38 Axial moving portion 39 Movement support portion 40 Lubricant supply portion 41 Storage portion 42 Supply pipe portion 43 Support member W1 Pipe W1a Insertion port W1b Straight pipe portion W1c Insertion port protrusion W2 Joined pipe W2a Socket W2b Straight pipe portion V Socket cover Va Lubricant supply port Vb Lubricant supply path V1 Socket cover body V1a Tapered section V2 Socket cover insertion section S Rubber seal (sealing member) Sa, Sb Lubricant seal M Work machine Ma Arm section X Grip device T Support stand L1, L2 Axis

Claims

1. A pipe joining device for joining the insertion port of a pipe having an insertion port and a receiving port to the receiving port of a pipe to be joined that is joined to the pipe, comprising: a pipe to be joined attachment portion attached to the receiving port side of the pipe to be joined; a pipe gripping portion that grips the insertion port side of the pipe; and a moving portion that moves at least one of the pipe to be joined attachment portion and the pipe gripping portion in the axial direction so as to axially join the insertion port of the pipe and the receiving port of the pipe to be joined.

2. The pipe joining device according to claim 1, further comprising a pipe holding portion that is connected to the pipe to be joined attachment portion and holds the insertion port side of the pipe in a state where the axis of the insertion port of the pipe is positionally adjusted with respect to the axis of the receiving port of the pipe to be joined so that the insertion port of the pipe and the receiving port of the pipe to be joined can be joined.

3. The pipe joining device according to claim 2, wherein the pipe to be joined attachment portion has a pair of attachment members that sandwich the pipe to be joined; the pipe holding portion has a pair of holding members that sandwich the pipe; one of the pair of attachment members is connected to one of the pair of holding members; the other of the pair of attachment members is connected to the other of the pair of holding members; and the pair of attachment members and the pair of holding members are configured to be switchable between a closed state in which the pipe to be joined and the pipe are sandwiched and an open state in which they are separated from the pipe to be joined and the pipe.

4. The pipe joining device according to claim 1, wherein the moving portion moves the pipe gripping portion so as to pull it in the axial direction with respect to the pipe to be joined attachment portion.

5. The pipe joining device according to claim 4, wherein the pipe gripping portion has a thickness equal to or smaller than the protruding height of the insertion port protrusion located at the tip of the insertion port of the pipe, adheres to the outer peripheral surface on the insertion port side of the pipe, and engages with the insertion port protrusion.

6. The pipe joining device according to claim 1, further comprising a lubricant supply portion that supplies a lubricant to the inner peripheral surface of a seal member attached to the inner peripheral surface of the receiving port of the pipe to be joined.

7. In the pipe joining device according to claim 6, the lubricant supply unit includes a storage unit in which a lubricant is stored, and a supply pipe unit that can be inserted into a hole for supplying lubricant formed in a socket cover whose tip covers the opening of the socket of the pipe to be joined, and can supply the lubricant from the storage unit into the hole.

8. In the pipe joining device according to claim 7, the lubricant supply unit further includes a support member that rotatably supports the supply pipe unit about its base end. The supply pipe unit is configured to be removable from the socket of the pipe to be joined by rotating about the base end with the tip inserted into the hole of the socket cover.

9. The pipe joining device according to claim 1 further includes a socket cover removing unit for removing a socket cover that covers the opening of the socket of the pipe to be joined from the socket of the pipe to be joined.

10. A pipe joining method for joining an insertion port of a pipe to a socket of a pipe to be joined to the pipe, the method including: a step of attaching a pipe to be joined attachment unit to the socket side of the pipe to be joined; a step of gripping the insertion port side of the pipe by a pipe gripping unit; and a moving step of moving at least one of the pipe to be joined attachment unit and the pipe gripping unit in the axial direction by a moving unit so that the insertion port of the pipe and the socket of the pipe to be joined are joined in the axial direction.

11. The pipe joining method according to claim 10 further includes a pipe holding step of holding the insertion port side of the pipe in a state where the axis of the insertion port of the pipe is position-adjusted with respect to the axis of the socket of the pipe to be joined by a pipe holding unit. In the moving step, at least one of the pipe to be joined attachment unit and the pipe gripping unit is moved in the axial direction by the moving unit while the insertion port side of the pipe is held in the pipe holding step.

12. In the pipe joining method according to claim 11, in the pipe holding step, after supporting the pipe by a support base whose height can be adjusted, the height of the support base is lowered so that the insertion port side of the pipe is held by the pipe holding unit.

13. The pipe joining method according to claim 10 further includes a socket cover removing step of removing a socket cover that covers the opening of the socket of the pipe to be joined.

14. In the pipe joining method according to claim 13, before moving at least one of the pipe gripping portion and the pipe fitting portion to be joined in the axial direction in the moving step, the tip of the supply pipe portion is inserted into the hole portion for lubricant supply formed in the socket cover, and lubricant is supplied from the storage portion storing the lubricant to the inner peripheral surface of the seal member attached to the inner peripheral surface of the socket of the pipe to be joined through the supply pipe portion. A lubricant supply step is further provided, and in the socket cover removing step, the socket cover is removed using the supply pipe portion. Pipe joining method.

15. In the pipe joining method according to claim 10, the pipe fitting portion to be joined, the pipe gripping portion, and the moving portion are included in one pipe joining device, and in the pipe gripping step, the pipe joining device is gripped by a gripping device attached to the tip of the arm portion of the working machine and conveyed to the pipe to be joined, and the pipe fitting portion to be joined is attached to the pipe to be joined. Pipe joining method.

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