Adapter for plug assembly handling device

Abstract

The present invention relates to an adapter for a plug assembly handling device. The adapter comprises: a center shaft vertically extended, axially rotated by an external force, and having a male screw portion at the lower end thereof; a toothed ring mounted on the center shaft and having teeth formed on the outer circumferential surface thereof; a locking unit comprising a unit body having a central passage through which the center shaft passes, a bidirectional ratchet part installed in the unit body to be position-adjustable and providing two ratchet tooth parts selectively engageable with the toothed ring, and a spring elastically supporting the ratchet tooth parts toward the toothed ring; a switching unit including a cover body mounted on the upper portion of the unit body, and a jaw operation part supported by the cover body and operated by a user to switch the position of the bidirectional ratchet part; and a torque transmission socket which is supported on the lower portion of the locking unit to be axially rotatable, has a wrench hole opened downward, and receives a rotational force of the locking unit to output the rotational force to the outside.

Description

Adapter for plug assembly handling device

[0001] The present invention relates to an adapter for a plug assembly handling device for detaching or re-attaching a plug assembly mounted on a pipe, and more particularly, to an adapter for a plug assembly handling device that enables easy and quick recovery of a plug assembly.

[0002] In piping systems such as oil pipelines, a technique for installing coupons within the pipe to monitor the corrosion condition inside the pipe is known. The coupons are placed inside the pipe via a plug assembly, which is secured to an access fitting. The access fitting is welded to the pipe and provides a path for coupon replacement or inspection.

[0003] A plug assembly handling device is used to replace or inspect the above coupon. The handling device has an adapter at the bottom. The adapter screws into the assembly head formed at the top of the plug assembly.

[0004] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining how to recover a plug assembly (103) using a conventional plug assembly handling device (100), and FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the adapter shown in FIG. 1.

[0005] The assembly handling device (100) includes a hollow body (10a), a vertical lifting beam (10d), a handwheel (10b), and a handle (10c). In addition, an adapter (10e) is mounted at the bottom of the vertical lifting beam. The adapter (10e) is raised and lowered according to the rotation of the handwheel (10b). In addition, the adapter rotates about its axis according to the rotation of the handle (10c).

[0006] And as illustrated in Fig. 2, a hexagonal hole (10f) is formed at the lower end of the adapter (10e), and a lifting rod (10g) is built into the hexagonal hole (10f). A nut-joint portion (10h) is formed at the lower end of the lifting rod (10g). Excluding the lifting rod, the adapter (10e) takes the shape of a hexagonal socket wrench.

[0007] In addition, an access fitting (101) is fixed to the pipe (P), and a plug assembly (103) is mounted on the access fitting (101). An assembly head (103a) is provided at the upper end of the plug assembly (103), and a coupon (103e) is fixed at the lower end. The assembly head (103a) is a nut-shaped member and has a female screw hole (103b) in the center.

[0008] Drawing symbol 13 is a service valve. The service valve (13) is a valve that is first installed on the upper part of the access fitting (101) in order to retrieve the plug assembly (103) using the handling device (10).

[0009] However, there is a problem in that the work of recovering the plug assembly (103) using the conventional handling device (10) is very cumbersome. This is because the process of lowering the adapter through the inside of the service valve (13) to precisely align the nut joint (10h) of the adapter with the assembly head (103a), or the process of lowering the adapter again while the nut joint (10h) is connected to the assembly head (103a) are often not easy to perform.

[0010] For example, when the adapter needs to be lowered again, the hexagonal assembly head (103a) rarely enters the hexagonal hole (10f) at once. If the hexagonal assembly head (103a) does not enter the hexagonal hole (10f) of the adapter at once, the operator must continuously turn the handle (10c) using his / her experience and senses until the assembly head (103a) enters the hexagonal hole (10f), which takes a lot of time. Conventional adapters need improvement in terms of ease of operation.

[0011] The present invention was created to solve the above problems, and the purpose of the present invention is to provide an adapter for a plug assembly handling device that can shorten work time and improve user convenience by quickly and easily aligning and combining plug assemblies.

[0012] As a solution to the problem of achieving the above object, the adapter for a plug assembly handling device of the present invention comprises: a center shaft extending vertically, capable of axial rotation by an external force, and having a male threaded portion at a lower end; a toothed ring mounted on the center shaft and having teeth formed on an outer surface; a unit body having a central passage through which the center shaft passes; a bidirectional ratchet portion provided with two ratchet tooth portions that are positionally adjustable and can selectively engage with the toothed ring; a locking unit having a spring that elastically supports the ratchet tooth portion toward the toothed ring; a cover body mounted on an upper portion of the unit body; a switching unit supported by the cover body and having a jaw operating portion that is operated by a user to switch the position of the bidirectional ratchet portion; and a torque transmission socket that is supported on a lower portion of the locking unit so as to be axially rotatably and has a wrench hole open downward, and receives a rotational force of the locking unit and outputs it to the outside.

[0013] In addition, a number of holding slits extending in the longitudinal direction of the center shaft are formed on the outer surface of the center shaft, and an anti-idling protrusion that fits into the holding slits is formed on the inner surface of the gear ring.

[0014] In addition, a support portion is formed on the inner surface of the central passage of the unit body to support the tooth ring.

[0015] And, a plurality of engaging grooves extending in the circumferential direction are formed on the outer surface of the lower portion of the unit body, and the torque transmission socket includes a socket body that accommodates the lower portion of the unit body and provides a central passage for passing a center shaft, and has a female screw hole formed through the peripheral portion corresponding to the engaging groove, and a holding screw whose end is accommodated in the engaging groove while being coupled to the female screw hole.

[0016] In addition, the unit body is provided with a plurality of pushers spaced at regular intervals in the circumferential direction of the unit body, and a torsion receiver is formed in the socket body that is pressed in the circumferential direction by the pushers when the unit body rotates.

[0017] Additionally, the wrench hole is one of a hexagonal hole, a 12-sided hole, or a 24-sided hole capable of applying rotational force to the assembly head.

[0018] And, the unit body is provided with a jaw pocket that accommodates a jaw and a spring, and the axial direction of the spring is parallel to the tangent line of the gear ring.

[0019] In addition, the cover body has a vertically extended torsion rod passage formed therein, and the jaw operating unit includes a torsion rod fitted into the torsion rod passage so as to be capable of axial rotation, a lever installed on the upper portion of the cover body and connected to the upper end of the torsion rod and operated by a user, and a power transmission unit that transmits the axial rotational force of the torsion rod to the jaw.

[0020] In addition, a lever fixing part is further provided that protrudes from the upper portion of the cover body and supports the lever whose position has been adjusted.

[0021] In addition, the cover body is formed with a plurality of concealed grooves that are open toward the top, and the lever fixing part blocks the rotation of the lever while protruding above the concealed groove, and includes a button that can be lowered into the concealed groove by being pressed by a user, and an elastic support part that supports the button upward.

[0022] In addition, the bidirectional ratchet part includes two jaws that are symmetrical with respect to the gear ring, a torsion rod is located on the side of each jaw, and the power transmission part includes a catch pin fixed to the upper surface of each jaw and a rotary arm that is fixed at one end to the torsion rod and extends horizontally and pressurizes and moves the catch pin when the torsion rod rotates.

[0023] In addition, the bidirectional ratchet portion includes two jaws symmetrical with respect to the gear ring, a torsion rod is positioned between the jaws, and the power transmission portion has a catch pin fixed to the upper surface of each jaw, and a rotary arm having a central portion fixed to the torsion rod and extending to the upper portions of both jaws to transmit rotary power to the catch pins.

[0024] In addition, the bidirectional ratchet portion has a jaw having two ratchet teeth symmetrically on a surface facing the gear ring, the lower end of the torsion rod is inserted into the center of the jaw, and the power transmission portion has a torsion transmission bar connecting the lower end of the torsion rod and the jaw.

[0025] The adapter for the plug assembly handling device of the present invention, which is constructed as described above, can shorten the work time and improve user convenience by enabling quick and easy alignment and coupling of the plug assembly.

[0026] In addition, since the accuracy of the alignment and joining process is guaranteed, the safety of plug assembly replacement work is high and the efficiency of pipe maintenance is good.

[0027] Figure 1 is a drawing for explaining how to recover a plug assembly using a conventional plug assembly handling device and adapter.

[0028] Figure 2 is a bottom perspective view of the adapter shown in Figure 1.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an adapter according to one embodiment of the present invention mounted on a handling device.

[0030] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an adapter according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 5 is a drawing for explaining the operation method of the lever shown in Figure 4.

[0032] Figure 6 is a bottom perspective view of the adapter of Figure 4.

[0033] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the adapter shown in Figure 4.

[0034] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the mounting structure of the lever fixing part of Fig. 7.

[0035] Figures 9 and 10 are plan views for explaining the operation method of the jaw operating unit shown in Figure 4.

[0036] Fig. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a modified example of an adapter according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of the adapter shown in Figure 11.

[0038] Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the jaw portion of the adapter illustrated in Figure 11.

[0039] Figures 14 and 15 are drawings for explaining the operation of the jaw by the jaw operation unit of Figure 13.

[0040] Fig. 16 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the jaw operation unit shown in Fig. 12.

[0041] Figure 17 is a drawing for explaining the principle of the jaw of Figure 16 turning left and right.

[0042] FIGS. 18 and 19 are side views illustrating a method of recovering a plug assembly using an adapter according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Hereinafter, one embodiment according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0044] Figure 3 is a drawing showing an adapter (20) connected to a handling device (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention. Drawing reference numerals identical to those in the above drawings indicate identical components with identical functions.

[0045] As illustrated, the adapter (20) according to the present embodiment is used while connected to the lower end of the plug assembly handling device (10). The adapter (20) is a tool for separating a plug assembly (103) fixed to an access fitting (101) of a pipe (P) from the access fitting (101), or for mounting a separated plug assembly (103) to the access fitting (101).

[0046] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an adapter according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 5 is a drawing for explaining the operation method of the lever illustrated in Fig. 4. In addition, Fig. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the adapter of Fig. 4, and Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the adapter illustrated in Fig. 4.

[0047] As shown, the adapter (20) according to the present embodiment includes a center shaft (31), a gear ring (33), a locking unit (23), a switching unit (29), and a torque transmission socket (21).

[0048] The center shaft (31) is a member that extends vertically and passes through the center of the switching unit (29), the locking unit (23), and the torque transmission socket (21). The upper end of the center shaft (31) is connected to a recovery device and receives rotational force from the recovery device to rotate the shaft. In addition, a male threaded portion (31a) is formed at the lower end of the center shaft (31). The male threaded portion (31a) is screwed into the female threaded portion (103b) of the plug assembly (103).

[0049] In addition, a fixing ring (31e) and a number of holding slits (31c) are provided on the peripheral portion of the sensor shaft (31). The fixing ring (31e) is a protrusion that downwardly supports the toothed ring (33). The toothed ring (33) is rotatable while being restrained between the fixing ring (31e) and a catch (23p of FIG. 7) described later.

[0050] The holding slit (31c) is a straight groove extending in the longitudinal direction of the center shaft (31). The holding slit (31c) accommodates an anti-idle protrusion (33a) formed on the toothed ring (33). The anti-idle protrusion (33a) is slidable while inserted into the holding slit (31c). When the toothed ring (33) wears out, the toothed ring (33) can be removed and a new toothed ring (33) can be installed.

[0051] The toothed ring (33) is a member that is mounted on the center shaft and has teeth formed on the outer surface. Four anti-idle protrusions (33a) are provided on the inner surface of the toothed ring (33). The anti-idle protrusions (33a) are fitted into the holding slits (31c). Since the anti-idle protrusions (33a) are fitted into the holding slits (31c), there is no concern about the toothed ring (33) spinning unnecessarily. The toothed ring (33) serves to transmit the torque transmitted through the center shaft (31) to the locking unit (23).

[0052] The locking unit (23) serves to provide the rotational force transmitted through the toothed ring (33) to the torque transmission socket (21). The locking unit (23) includes a unit body (23a), a two-way ratchet portion, and a spring (24f).

[0053] The unit body (23a) has a central passage (23b) through which a center shaft (31) passes in the central axis portion. In addition, a catch (23p) is provided on the inner surface of the central passage (23b) as a support portion that supports a toothed ring (33). The catch (23p) supports the toothed ring (33) so that it can rotate horizontally.

[0054] The two-way ratchet portion is provided with two ratchet teeth portions (24c) that are positionally adjustable and can be selectively engaged with a gear ring (33) on the unit body (23a). The two-way ratchet portion may be composed of two jaws (24), or may be implemented with one jaw, as shown in Fig. 16. The ratchet teeth portion (24c) is a portion formed on the inward surface of the jaw (24) and can be engaged with the gear ring (33). When there is one jaw, the ratchet teeth portions (24c) are symmetrically positioned on both sides of the jaw. Also, when there are two jaws, they are formed on each jaw.

[0055] In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 7, two jaw pockets (23k) are formed on the upper surface of the unit body (23a). The jaw pockets (23k) are arranged on opposite sides with the central passage (23b) as the center. A jaw (24) and a jaw spring (24f) are provided inside each jaw pocket (23k). The jaw (24) is arranged on the opposite side with a toothed ring (33) therebetween, and is elastically supported toward the toothed ring (33) by the jaw spring (24f).

[0056] Figures 9 and 10 are plan views for explaining the operation method of the jaw operation unit (27) shown in Figure 4.

[0057] The above jaw spring (24f) serves to elastically support the jaw (24) inward. In particular, the central axis (S) of the jaw spring (24f) is parallel to the tangent line of the tooth ring (33). The elastic force of the jaw spring (24f) is output in the direction of the central axis (S).

[0058] And the jaw (24) is supported on the inner wall surface of the jaw pocket (23k) and can reciprocate in the direction of the central axis (S). The jaw (24) is pushed back by the rotary arm (24e) when the rotary arm (24e) described later rotates in the direction of arrow e in Fig. 9. Retreating means separating from the tooth ring (33). In contrast, when no force is applied to the rotary arm (24e), the jaw (24) moves forward along the axial direction by the action of the jaw spring (24f). The operation of the jaw (24) and the jaw spring (24f) will be described later.

[0059] A number of engaging grooves (23e) are formed on the outer surface of the lower portion of the unit body (23a). The portion of the unit body (23a) where the engaging grooves (23e) are formed is accommodated inside the socket body (21a). The engaging grooves (23e) are long grooves extending in the circumferential direction, and three are arranged at equal intervals based on the central axis of the unit body (23a). The engaging grooves (23e) are grooves into which the ends of the holding screws (22) are fitted.

[0060] In addition, a plurality of pushers (23g) are formed on the unit body (23a). The pushers (23g) are protrusions protruding from the lower portion of the unit body (23a). The pushers (23g) rotate in the direction of arrow f of FIG. 5, for example, and serve to pressurize and move the torsion receiver (21e) of the socket body (21a) in the circumferential direction. In other words, they rotate the torque transmission socket (21) clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0061] Each pusher (23g) is inserted between torsion receivers (21e). The torsion receivers (21e) are free from restraint and can move in the circumferential direction within the space between adjacent pushers (23g).

[0062] Meanwhile, the switching unit (29) serves to engage or separate the selected jaw (24) from the jaws on both sides with the gear ring (33). The switching unit (29) includes a cover body (29a), a jaw operating part (27), and a lever fixing part (25).

[0063] The cover body (29a) is a hollow member that is bolted to the upper portion of the unit body (23a). Two torsion bar passages (29e) and two concealed grooves (29c) are formed in the cover body (29a).

[0064] The torsion rod passage (29e) is a vertically extending, through-shaped passage that accommodates a torsion rod (27c) therein. The torsion rod (27c) can rotate about its axis while being accommodated in the torsion rod passage (29e). The torsion rod passage (29e) is located on the left and right sides of one side of the shaft passage (29b).

[0065] The concealed groove (29c) is a groove that opens to the upper portion of the cover body (29a) and is formed on the left and right sides of the other side of the shaft passage (29b). The concealed groove (29c) is a groove that can accommodate a button (25a). When the button (25a) is pressed, the button (25a) is completely lowered into the concealed groove (29c), as illustrated in Fig. 5.

[0066] The jaw operating section is supported on the cover body (29a) and is operated by the user to switch the positions of the two-way ratchet section, i.e., the jaws (24) on both sides. That is, it acts to separate the jaw (24), which is elastically pressed toward the toothed ring (33) by the jaw spring (24f), from the toothed ring (33), or, without applying force to the jaw (24), causes the jaw to engage the toothed ring (33) by the action of the jaw spring.

[0067] The jaw operating section includes a torsion bar (27c), a lever (27a), and a power transmission section. The power transmission section is also provided with a catch pin (24a) and a rotary arm (27e).

[0068] The torsion bar (27c) is a vertically extended circular bar and is inserted into the torsion bar passage (29e) so as to be able to rotate about its axis. The torsion bar (27c) is able to rotate about its axis while being accommodated in the torsion bar passage (29e). The lower end of the torsion bar (27c) is supported on the upper surface of the unit body (23a). In addition, the upper end of the torsion bar (27c) extends to the upper part of the cover body (29a) and is combined with the lever (27a). The lever (27a) is a part that is operated by the user. The lever (27a) is able to rotate about the torsion bar (27c) as its axis of rotation.

[0069] The above-described catch pin (24a) is a vertical protrusion protruding from the upper portion of each jaw (24) and is located within the rotation radius of the rotary arm (27e). The rotary arm (27e) is a rod-shaped member whose one end is fixed to a torsion bar (27c) and which extends horizontally to the upper portion of the jaw (24). When the lever (27a) rotates in the direction of arrow g of FIG. 5, the rotary arm (27e) rotates in the direction of arrow e of FIG. 9 and pushes and retracts the catch pin.

[0070] Meanwhile, the lever fixing part (25) protrudes from the upper part of the cover body (29a) and serves to maintain the lever (27a) whose position has been adjusted in the adjusted state.

[0071] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the mounting structure of the lever fixing part (25) of Fig. 7.

[0072] As shown, the lever fixing part (25) includes a button (25a), a stem (25b), an outer projection (25c), a hollow bolt (25h), and a support spring (25e) as an elastic support part.

[0073] The button (25a) is a block-shaped member having a size that can be accommodated within the concealed groove (29c) and has a stem (25b) at the bottom. The stem (25b) is a vertically extending, circular member. The lower end of the stem (25b) extends down to the button support groove (23h). The button support groove (23h) is an upwardly open groove formed on the upper surface of the unit body (23a).

[0074] The hollow bolt (25h) is a component that screws into the opening of the button support groove (23h) and passes through the stem (25b). A lower groove (29g) is provided at the lower portion of the concealed groove (29c) to accommodate the head of the hollow bolt (25h). The outer protrusion (25c) is fixed to the stem (25b), is located at the lower portion of the hollow bolt (25h), and is elastically supported upward by a support spring (25e). Since the outer protrusion (25c) is fixed to the stem (25b), the stem does not fall upward.

[0075] As described above, the lever fixing member (25) serves to support the position of the lever (27a). When the button (25a) protrudes upward, the lever (27a) cannot be rotated. This is because the button (25a) is located on the rotation path of the lever (27a). Therefore, in order to rotate the lever (27a) in the direction of arrow g in Fig. 5, the button (25a) must first be pressed to secure the rotation path of the lever. After the lever (27a) has rotated in the direction of arrow g, when the button (25a) is released, the button (25a) protrudes due to the action of the support spring. This allows the lever (27a) to remain rotated.

[0076] In this state, to return the lever (27a) to its initial state, press the button (25a) again, rotate the lever (27a) in the opposite direction of arrow g, and then release the button (25a).

[0077] The torque transmission socket (21) is rotatably supported on the lower portion of the locking unit (23) and has a wrench hole (21b) open to the lower portion, and receives the rotational force of the locking unit and outputs it to the outside. That is, as illustrated in Fig. 19, it transmits the rotational torque to the assembly head (103a) while receiving the assembly head (103a). In other words, it rotates the plug assembly (103).

[0078] The torque transmission socket (21) includes a socket body (21a) and a plurality of holding screws (22). The socket body (21a) is a hollow cylindrical member having a central passage (21d) and accommodates a portion of the lower side of the unit body (23a). That is, it accommodates a portion where a catch groove (23e) is formed. In addition, three female screw holes (21c) are formed on the periphery of the socket body (21a). The female screw holes (21c) are through holes corresponding one-to-one to the catch grooves (23e).

[0079] The holding screw (22) is a member that is screw-connected to the female screw hole (21c) and has its end accommodated in the engaging groove (23e). The holding screw (22) can move in the extension direction of the engaging groove (23e), i.e., in the circumferential direction, while being inserted into the engaging groove (23e). The holding screw (22) may be a headless bolt. As the holding screw (22) is inserted into the engaging groove (23e), the torque transmission socket (21) is not separated from the locking unit (23).

[0080] And as mentioned above, the upper part of the socket body (21a) is provided with four torsion receivers (21e). The torsion receivers (21e) are parts that receive a rotational force in the circumferential direction from the locking unit (23). The torque transmission socket (21) is pushed by the pusher (23g) when the unit body (23a) rotates and rotates in the circumferential direction, and through the rotation, rotates the assembly head (103a) of the plug assembly (103) clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0081] In addition, the wrench hole (21b) may be a hexagonal hole, a 12-sided hole, or a 24-sided hole capable of applying rotational force to the assembly head (103a). As shown in Fig. 6, the adapter (20) of the present embodiment has a 24-sided wrench hole (21b).

[0082] Meanwhile, referring to Fig. 10, the left jaw (24) in the drawing is separated from the gear ring (33), and the right jaw (24) is engaged with the gear ring (33). In this state, when the locking unit (23) is fixed, the center shaft (31) can be rotated in the direction of arrow r1.

[0083] The reason why rotation is possible is because, as shown in an enlarged view in Fig. 9, when the teeth of the gear ring (33) press the first tooth of the ratchet tooth portion of the jaw (24) in the direction of arrow a, the ratchet tooth portion slides in the direction of arrow b. When the first tooth portion is pushed out, the other teeth are also pushed out simultaneously, so that rotation of the sensor shaft (31) in the direction of arrow r1 is possible. In other words, this is because the tangent line (S1) of the tooth engaging the jaw is located inward (toward the gear ring) of the straight line perpendicular to the central axis (S).

[0084] However, the center shaft (31) cannot rotate in the opposite direction of the arrow r1. If the center shaft (31) is rotated in the opposite direction of the arrow r1, the locking unit (23) also rotates.

[0085] In this way, since the center shaft (31) can rotate axially, as shown in Fig. 18, after fitting the male screw portion (31a) to the female screw hole (103b), the center shaft (31) can be rotated axially to couple the male screw portion to the female screw hole. At this time, the locking unit (23), the torque transmission socket (21), and the switching unit (29) do not rotate.

[0086] When the male screw portion (31a) is completely coupled to the assembly head (103a), the assembly head (103a) is accommodated in the wrench hole (21b). Therefore, when the center shaft (31) is rotated counterclockwise (in the opposite direction to the r1 direction) while the male screw portion (31a) is coupled to the assembly head, the torque transmission socket (21) rotates together with the locking unit (23), and the plug assembly (103) is removed from the access fitting (101).

[0087] The jaw engagement structure of Fig. 9 is a structure for separating a plug assembly (103) from an access fitting (101). In contrast, the jaw engagement structure of Fig. 10 is a structure for mounting a plug assembly (103) to an empty access fitting (101).

[0088] Referring to Fig. 10, the left jaw (24) in the drawing is engaged with the gear ring (33), and the right jaw (24) has a structure that is separated from the gear ring (33). In this state, the center shaft (31) can rotate counterclockwise (in the state of being fixed to the locking unit (23)), i.e., in the direction of arrow r2. In addition, when the center shaft (31) is rotated clockwise, the torque transmission socket (21) rotates simultaneously.

[0089] In order to mount the prepared plug assembly (103) on the access fitting (101), the jaw (24) is turned to the state shown in Fig. 10, and then the assembly head (103a) is first coupled to the male threaded portion of the center shaft. As the male threaded portion (31a) and the assembly head (103a) are coupled, the assembly head (103a) is automatically received in the wrench hole (21b).

[0090] Once the above process is completed, the center shaft (31) is rotated clockwise while the plug assembly (103) is inserted into the access fitting (101). When the center shaft is rotated clockwise, the rotational force of the center shaft is transmitted to the socket body (21a) through the left jaw (24) and locking unit (23) as shown in the drawing of Fig. 10. As a result, the socket body (21a) screws the plug assembly (103) into the access fitting (101) like a socket wrench.

[0091] Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing a modified example of an adapter according to one embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the adapter shown in Fig. 11, and Fig. 13 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the jaw portion in the adapter shown in 11. In addition, Figs. 14 and 15 are drawings for explaining the operation of the jaw (24) by the jaw operating unit (27) of Fig. 13.

[0092] Hereinafter, the same drawing symbols as the above-mentioned drawing symbols indicate the same components with the same functions, and a repeated explanation related thereto is omitted.

[0093] The bidirectional ratchet portion of the adapter (20) of the type illustrated in FIGS. 11 to 15 includes two jaws (24) and a power transmission portion.

[0094] The jaw (24) is symmetrical with respect to the gear ring (33). The jaw (24) and the jaw spring (24f) are built into the jaw pocket (23k) that accommodates the jaw (24). The central axis (S) of the jaw spring (24f) is parallel to the tangent line of the gear ring (33), as shown in FIGS. 14b and 15b.

[0095] And as shown in Fig. 13, the lever (27a) has an integral structure. The lever (27a) has a roughly semicircular structure and partially surrounds the center shaft (31). And it has a torsion rod (27g) in the center. The torsion rod (27g) passes through a torsion rod passage (29e) and the lower end is fitted into a support hole (23m in Fig. 13). The lever (27a) can rotate left and right as shown in Figs. 14a and 14b. And the rotational state of the lever (27a) is maintained by a lever fixing member (25).

[0096] The above power transmission unit includes a catch pin (24a) fixed to the upper surface of the left and right jaws (24) and a rotary arm (28). The rotary arm (28) is an arc-shaped member parallel to the lever (27f) and its central portion is connected to a torsion bar (27g). The rotary arm (28) extends to the upper portion of the jaw (24) and transmits rotational force to the catch pin (24a). That is, it rotates together when the lever (27f) rotates and moves the catch pin (24a) in the direction of arrow m or n.

[0097] As shown in Fig. 14b, when the rotary arm (28) presses the left jaw (24) to descend, the right jaw (24) rises by the action of the jaw spring (24f) and engages with the toothed ring (33). In this state, when the unit body (23a) is fixed and the center shaft (31) is rotated in the direction of arrow r2, the sensor shaft rotates. In addition, when the center shaft (31) is rotated in the opposite direction, i.e., clockwise, the locking unit (23) rotates simultaneously. The rotational force of the center shaft (31) is transmitted to the socket body (21m) via the toothed ring (33), the right jaw (24), and the unit body (23a).

[0098] The mating structure of Fig. 14b is a structure when a plug assembly (100) that was separated is mounted on an access fitting (101).

[0099] In contrast, when the right jaw (24) is pressed by the rotary arm (28) as in Fig. 15b, the left jaw (24) engages with the gear ring (33). At this time, the center shaft (31) can rotate in the r2 direction while the unit body (23a) is fixed. In addition, when the center shaft (31) is rotated counterclockwise, the unit body (23a) and the socket body (21m) rotate simultaneously. The plug assembly (103) fixed to the access fitting (101) can be separated.

[0100] Fig. 16 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the jaw operating part (27) shown in Fig. 12, and Figs. 17a and 17b are drawings for explaining the principle of the jaw (24) of Fig. 16 turning left and right.

[0101] An adapter (20) of the type illustrated in Fig. 16 is equipped with an integral jaw (24). As illustrated, the jaw (24) has an integral structure and has ratchet teeth (24c) on both sides. The ratchet teeth (24c) are formed on a surface facing the tooth ring (33) and are symmetrical. Two ratchet teeth (24c) are selectively engaged with the tooth ring (33).

[0102] And, a link home (24g) is provided in the center of the jaw (24). The link home (24g) is a space that accommodates the lower end of the torsion bar (27g). In addition, a torsion transmission bar (27k in Fig. 17) as a power transmission unit is installed inside the link home (24g). The torsion transmission bar (27k) is a bar-shaped member that crosses the lower end of the torsion bar (27g) and is fixed to the link home (24g). When the lever (27f) is rotated, the torsion bar (27g) rotates along its axis, and the rotational power of the torsion bar (27g) is transmitted to the jaw (24) through the torsion transmission bar (27k).

[0103] Fig. 17a is a drawing of a state in which a torsion bar (27g) is rotated clockwise. As shown, the left ratchet tooth portion (24c) in the drawing engages with the tooth ring (33), and the right ratchet tooth portion (24c) is separated from the tooth ring (33). In this state, when the unit body (23a) is fixed and the center shaft (31) is rotated in the r1 direction, the center shaft rotates. When the center shaft (31) is rotated counterclockwise, the unit body (23a) and the torque transmission socket rotate counterclockwise.

[0104] In contrast, Fig. 17b shows a state where the torsion bar (27g) is rotated counterclockwise. In the drawing, the left ratchet tooth portion (24c) is separated from the tooth ring (33), and the right ratchet tooth portion (24c) is engaged with the tooth ring (33). With the locking unit (23) fixed, the center shaft (31) can be rotated in the r2 direction. In addition, when the center shaft (31) is rotated clockwise, the rotational force of the center shaft (31) is transmitted to the socket body (21a) through the right ratchet tooth portion (24c).

[0105] As described above, by rotating the lever (27a) left and right, the plug assembly (103) can be separated from the access fitting (101) or mounted on the access fitting (101).

[0106] Figures 18 and 19 are side views illustrating a method for separating and retrieving a plug assembly from an access fitting (101) using an adapter according to one embodiment of the present invention. The order of mounting the plug assembly to the access fitting (101) is the reverse of the order of retrieval. For convenience, the handling device (10) is omitted.

[0107] To recover the plug assembly, first, the male screw portion (31a) is screwed into the female screw hole (103b) with the jaw set as shown in FIG. 9 or FIG. 15b or FIG. 17a. As the male screw portion (31a) is screwed into the plug assembly (103), the adapter descends, and as shown in FIG. 19, the assembly head (103a) is received in the wrench hole (21b).

[0108] Once the screw connection of the male screw part to the female screw hole (103b) is complete, rotate the center shaft (31) counterclockwise. As the center shaft (31) rotates, the torque transmission socket (21) rotates counterclockwise and releases the plug assembly (103).

[0109] Meanwhile, in order to mount the plug assembly (103) on the empty access fitting (101), the jaw (24) is set as shown in Fig. 10, Fig. 14b, and Fig. 17b via the jaw operating part (27), and the plug assembly is connected to the male thread of the center shaft. Meanwhile, the assembly head is accommodated inside the wrench hole. Thereafter, the center shaft (31) is rotated clockwise while the plug assembly (103) is inserted into the access fitting (101). As the center shaft rotates, the socket body (21a) couples the plug assembly (103) to the access fitting (101) like a socket wrench.

[0110] Above, the present invention has been described in detail through specific examples, but the present invention is not limited to the above examples, and various modifications are possible by a person of ordinary skill within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

Claims

1. A center shaft that extends vertically, can rotate around an axis by an external force, and has a screw portion at the lower end; A toothed ring mounted on the center shaft and having teeth formed on the outer surface; A unit body having a central passage through which the center shaft passes, a bidirectional ratchet portion having two ratchet teeth that are installed in the unit body so as to be positionally adjustable and can be selectively engaged with the toothed ring, and a locking unit having a spring that elastically supports the ratchet teeth portion toward the toothed ring; A cover body mounted on the upper part of the unit body, a switching unit supported by the cover body and equipped with a jaw operating unit that is operated by the user to change the position of the two-way ratchet unit; A torque transmitting socket that is supported rotatably at the bottom of the locking unit and has a wrench hole open to the bottom, and receives the rotational force of the locking unit and outputs it to the outside. Adapter for plug assembly handling device.

2. In paragraph 1, On the outer surface of the center shaft, a number of holding slits extending in the longitudinal direction of the center shaft are formed. On the inner surface of the gear ring, an anti-idling projection is formed to fit into the holding slit. Adapter for plug assembly handling device.

3. In paragraph 3, On the inner surface of the central passage of the above unit body, a support part is formed to support and support the gear ring. Adapter for plug assembly handling device.

4. In paragraph 1, A number of catch grooves extending in the circumferential direction are formed on the outer surface of the lower part of the above unit body, Torque transmission socket; A socket body that accommodates the lower part of the unit body and provides a central passage for passing the center shaft, and has a female screw hole formed through the main body corresponding to the above-mentioned catch groove, Including a holding screw whose end is received in the engaging groove while being coupled to the female screw hole. Adapter for plug assembly handling device.

5. In paragraph 4, The above unit body is provided with a number of pushers spaced at regular intervals in the circumferential direction of the unit body. The socket body has a torsion receiver formed therein that is pressurized in the circumferential direction by the pusher when the unit body rotates. Adapter for plug assembly handling device.

6. In paragraph 1, The above wrench hole is one of a hexagonal hole, a 12-sided hole, or a 24-sided hole that can apply rotational force to the assembly head. Adapter for plug assembly handling device.

7. In paragraph 1, The above unit body is provided with a jaw pocket that accommodates a jaw and a spring. The axial direction of the above spring is parallel to the tangent line of the tooth ring, Adapter for plug assembly handling device.

8. In paragraph 7, In the above cover body, a vertically extended torsion bar passage is formed, The above jaw operation unit is, A torsion rod fitted into the above torsion rod passage so as to be able to rotate around the axis, A lever installed on the upper part of the cover body and connected to the upper part of the torsion bar and operated by the user, Including a power transmission unit that transmits the axial rotational force of the torsion bar to the jaw, Adapter for plug assembly handling device.

9. In paragraph 8, A lever fixing part is further provided that protrudes from the upper part of the cover body and supports the lever whose position has been adjusted. Adapter for plug assembly handling device.

10. In paragraph 9, The above cover body has a number of concealed grooves formed that are open toward the top, The lever fixing part is, A button that protrudes from the top of the concealment groove to block the rotation of the lever and can be lowered into the concealment groove by being pressed by the user, Including an elastic support member that supports the button upward, Adapter for plug assembly handling device.

11. In paragraph 8, The above two-way ratchet part includes two jaws that are symmetrical with respect to the gear ring, The torsion bar is located on the side of each jaw. The power transmission unit is Each jaw is provided with a catch pin fixed to the upper surface, and a rotary arm having one end fixed to a torsion bar and extending horizontally to pressurize and move the catch pin when the torsion bar rotates. Adapter for plug assembly handling device.

12. In paragraph 8, The above two-way ratchet part includes two jaws that are symmetrical with respect to the gear ring, The torsion bar is located between the jaws, The power transmission unit is Having a catch pin fixed to the upper surface of each jaw and a rotary arm fixed to a torsion bar in the center and extending to the upper portion of both jaws to transmit rotational force to the catch pin. Adapter for plug assembly handling device.

13. In paragraph 8, The above two-way ratchet portion has a jaw having two ratchet teeth symmetrically on the surface facing the gear ring, The lower part of the torsion bar is inserted into the center of the jaw, The power transmission unit is equipped with a torsion transmission bar that connects the lower part of the torsion bar and the jaw. Adapter for plug assembly handling device.

Images