EP0960851A2 - Pipe displacing device - Google Patents

Abstract

A grip for laying pipe sections is mounted on the end of an articulated arm eg. an excavator arm, and grips into the open end of each new pipe section to position it in the trench into the end of the pipeline. The grip has a fixed support (26) which is inserted into the end of the pipe section and a movable clamp (30) which presses onto the top of the pipe, to press the pipe onto the fixed grip. After lowering the pipe section into the trench a ram (104) pushes the pipe section into the end of the pipeline. The grip is fitted to the articulated arm on a universal joint to enable the new pipe sections to be aligned with the pipeline.

Description

The present invention relates to a pipe laying device, in particular for attachment to an excavator arm or the like, comprising a elongated pipe support arrangement, which in the interior of a laying pipe is insertable and on which the pipe with a Inner surface can rest, as well as a pipe fixing arrangement for Fixing the pipe to be laid on the pipe laying device in the Pipe inserted pipe support assembly.

Such pipe laying devices are used, for example, in sewer construction used where prefabricated pipes, which are generally made of concrete are produced, for example by a transport vehicle or a Storage location can be removed from the underground and at a predetermined stored elsewhere or already in a predetermined installation position be relocated. From this context it can already be seen that the The term "embarrassed" as used in the present text, anything Moving such pipes between two locations.

Pipe laying devices are known which comprise a gripper, who, like a pair of pliers, at least partially encompasses the tube and this then in an already made trench, which is up to 4 m and more deep can be filed. The problem with this is that due to the wrap around the outside of the trench must be significantly wider than this for the pipes is required per se since after the pipes have been placed in the trench pliers-like grippers by spreading his gripper arms sideways must first be moved away from the pipe and then raised.

Another known pipe laying device is a so-called pipe laying hook. This generally U-shaped hook comprises a first U-leg, which forms a support section to be inserted into a pipe, and includes a second U-leg, which for connecting this Pipe laying hook is used, for example, with an excavator arm or a crane. The two U-legs are at such a distance that one Variety of different pipes, e.g. B. with different wall thickness or different cranking, in this space can be introduced. To prevent the pipes from tipping over the extension length of the hook, or at least the length in the tube insertable section, at least equal to half the tube length. Furthermore, a chain is provided on this hook to secure the pipe, which on one of the two U-legs in the area of its free end is fixed and also on the other U-leg in the area of the free end after inserting the support section into the pipe can be. It is therefore a self-contained and the tube completely enclosing loop formed so that the tube on the hook is fixed, d. H. is secured against unintentional falling off, albeit under Allow a certain relative mobility between the hook and the pipe carried on it. Because of the full containment, d. H. at both axial ends of the pipe are sections of the pipe hook or the chain is provided, the pipe is brought up difficult on pipes already laid in the trench; it is still one additional manual operation to release the chain required.

Another arrangement for laying pipes is a so-called Tubular hangers. This tube hanger has two hook parts, which are each connected to a lifting device by a chain. The two hooks are brought up to the two end sides of a tube and hung in there, so that self-fixation solely due to gravity occurs when lifting the pipes. Again there is a problem to solve manual operation required and approaching one immediately Already laid pipe is not possible because at both axial ends of the the hook must first be removed.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a pipe laying device to be provided by means of which pipes to be laid in easier and can be brought safely and in a desired installation day can.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a pipe laying device, especially for attachment to an excavator arm or the like, solved which includes: an elongated tube support assembly which is incorporated in the Interior of a pipe to be laid is insertable and on which the Pipe can rest with an inner surface, as well as a pipe fixing arrangement for fixing the pipe to be laid on the pipe laying device with tube support arrangement inserted into the tube.

In the pipe laying device according to the invention it is further provided that that the pipe fixing arrangement the pipe by generating a contact pressure against an outer surface of the pipe on the pipe laying device fixed.

This pipe laying device according to the invention is a positive and forced fixing, for example clamping, of a pipe on the Device created that allows an axial end of the tube remains free and thus a pipe to be laid directly on an already installed pipe or partially inserted into it can be. Since the fixing arrangement against the outer surface of the Pressing tubes are not steps like loosening a chain or manually pulling out two at both ends of a pipe attacking hook required. Furthermore, the generated clamping force sure that the pipe on the pipe laying device against unwanted Falling down or moving out is held due to this effect the generated contact pressure is obtained even if the Pipe extending area of the pipe support assembly is significantly shorter than the extension length of the tube or half the Extension length of the pipe. That means you can remove the device from the Use pipe length independently.

According to another, also independently of the one discussed above The preceding task thereby becomes an aspect that can be realized solved that in the pipe laying device according to the invention Pipe displacement arrangement is provided for moving or / and pressing of the pipe to be installed in an already installed pipe in the Pipe inserted pipe support assembly substantially in a longitudinal direction the pipe support arrangement.

With such a configuration, it is possible to have a pipe after it by the pipe laying device according to the invention in a predetermined Position, for example with respect to a pipe already laid beforehand, has been brought in the longitudinal direction of the pipe support assembly, which in generally coincides with the longitudinal direction of the pipe itself move so that the known in the prior art pipe runs or Pulling devices do not have to be used. This also enables the much easier and faster laying of pipes, because these Pipes or pulling devices, for example, already inside laid pipes had to be positioned, spread out there and then the next thing to be laid using cable or chain hoists Tube had to be pulled axially onto the already laid pipe.

A particularly stable and expedient configuration can be used be obtained when the pipe laying device is substantially U-shaped is formed, the in the region of a first U-leg Pipe support arrangement is provided and in the area of a second U-leg the pipe laying device to an implement, preferably an excavator arm, can be coupled.

To achieve the desired positioning of a pipe to be laid with regard to pipes already laid or a trench, it is proposed that the pipe laying device to the implement can be coupled by means of a multi-movement coupling unit, which at least the controlled rotation of the device about a coupling axis or / and the controlled pivoting of the device with respect to the Coupling axis enables.

With the terms "controlled turning" or "controlled turning" Panning "here means that preferably in the area of Coupling unit movement elements, such as. B. Hydraulic piston / cylinder units or the like, which are provided by generation Appropriate control commands can be operated to a compulsory Position or swivel the pipe laying device receive. Coupling units of this type are, for example, from the company "Engcon" available as so-called tilt bar rotators.

Preferably, the pipe support assembly comprises one in the longitudinal direction of the Pipe support arrangement movable pipe support part. It can therefore be in simple way the previously discussed wearing or Fixing function can be combined with the tube sliding function.

In order to enable the displaceability in this embodiment, proposed that the pipe support part has a guide area, which on a counter-guide area provided on a device body is feasible.

In order to ensure maneuverability even under heavy weight loads, it is proposed that the guide area on the counter-guide area is displaceable with the interim storage of a sliding arrangement. In however, the use of a linear guide is also the same Rolling or rolling elements conceivable.

The leadership area or the counter-leadership area can be one Guide projection, and in this case preferably includes each other area a guide opening in which the guide projection is led.

For example, the counter-guide area can be on the device body fixed piston rod of a support piston / cylinder unit and the guide area can be telescopic with respect to the piston rod Include cylinder tube, which preferably further the tube support part forms. For example, a piston / cylinder unit that has already been used which is taken from another device into the Function of the pipe support arrangement can be integrated, the relative here easy displacement of the two components of the piston / cylinder unit can be used.

As already mentioned, it is advantageous if the pipe displacement arrangement the pipe support part of the pipe support assembly comprises.

Since in the field of construction machines there is generally a source of pressurized fluid, for example a hydraulic pressure source, is proposed that the pipe support part by means of a displacement piston / cylinder unit is movable. It can thus be exploited in a simple manner the existing energy source the force to move the pipe be generated.

If, as already mentioned, a carrying piston / cylinder unit is provided, this can be used to fulfill the function of the Shift piston / cylinder unit can be used. So it can one assembly, namely a separate displacement piston / cylinder unit, be completely saved.

The pipe laying device according to the invention is preferably such trained that the pipe fixing assembly in the region of the second U-leg is provided.

To either fix or release the pipe received, it is proposed that the pipe fixing arrangement between a fixing position fixing the pipe to be laid on the support arrangement and one of the pipe to be laid or the Pipe support arrangement retracted release position relocatable Pressure element includes, which in its fixing position against a Presses outer surface of the tube.

In this context, it should be noted that if of these it is said that one part presses against another or a part presses up another, both direct physical contact of these two parts can mean in the same way, however, the case includes, in the between the two bodies mentioned, for example a support layer, a sliding arrangement or the like is temporarily stored is.

The pressure element can on the device body by means of a Parallelogram guide can be arranged displaceably.

In order to obtain this shift in a simple manner, it is proposed that that the device according to the invention also a displacement piston / cylinder unit includes for moving the pressure element between the Fixing position and the release position.

Especially when using a parallelogram guide, it is advantageous if a contact surface of the contact element that can be brought into contact with the pipe essentially independent of the position of the pressure element at least in some areas approximately parallel to a support surface the pipe support arrangement. This ensures that when in use the pipe laying device according to the invention at different thicknesses Pipes, d. H. Pipes with different thickness walls, always on Surface or line contact is used to generate the contact pressure, so that selective overloads avoided and damage to the laying pipes in this area can be excluded.

In an alternative embodiment, it is possible for the fixing arrangement an essentially fixed abutment element on the second U-leg with an abutment area which includes a support surface the pipe support arrangement with a predetermined distance and laterally with respect the longitudinal direction of the pipe support assembly is opposite, the predetermined distance in the range of a wall thickness from to be installed Pipe is.

With such a configuration, the pipe support section can thus into the pipe be introduced, and with subsequent lifting of the device together with the pipe, the pipe tilts due to its own Weight on the pipe support section and comes with it External surface already after slight tilting to the system on the Abutment area. Because of the very high weight, this also means a very strong clamping of the pipe with the corresponding security created against unwanted loosening.

To be used in conjunction with different pipe wall thicknesses to enable it is proposed that the predetermined distance firmly selected in operation, for use in connection with various Pipes, however, can be changed.

The pipe laying device according to the invention preferably has also a laser positioning arrangement for detecting the relative position of the Pipe laying device with respect to a predetermined position Laser beam on.

The laser positioning arrangement can display a target have to hit the laser beam.

When laying a pipe with the pipe laying device according to the invention it is often necessary to work with high precision. This means, it must be observed very closely, such as the pipe, for example with regard to pipes already laid. To make this easier it is proposed that the device according to the invention be a camera arrangement has to observe the positioning of one to be installed Tube. It can be provided, for example, that the camera arrangement has a first camera which the laser positioning arrangement is assigned to observe the positioning of the pipe to be laid in the area of the laser positioning arrangement. The first camera can be used Observation of the target-like representation can be provided.

It is also advantageous if the camera arrangement has a second camera has, which for observing one of the pipe laying device removed, i.e. directed end area of a pipe to be laid is provided. This second camera can, for example, on the second U-leg be arranged.

Due to the required accuracy already mentioned in the Positioning, especially in connection with determining the positioning by means of a laser beam, it is necessary that a Pipe is held in a defined position on the pipe support arrangement can be. For this purpose it is advantageous if on the pipe support arrangement at least one pipe support roller is provided. Such Pipe support rollers can have the function of alignment respectively Positioning of a pipe to be laid with respect to the pipe support arrangement take. For example, it can be provided that in the area a free end of the first U-leg at least one pipe support roller is provided. Furthermore, it is advantageous if in the second End region of the first U-leg connected to the U-leg at least a pipe support roller, preferably on each side of the first U-leg at least one pipe support roller is provided.

a) Einführen einer Rohrtrageanordnung in ein zu verlegendes Rohr,

b) Anheben des Rohrs und dabei oder vorher Fixieren des Rohrs an der Rohrtrageanordnung durch Erzeugung einer Anpreßkraft an einer Außenoberfläche des zu verlegenden Rohrs,

c) Bewegen des Rohrs zu einem gewünschten Einbauort,

d) Ablegen des Rohrs am Einbauort und dabei oder nachher Lösen der Fixierung,

e) Herausziehen der Rohrtrageanordnung aus dem Rohr.

The present invention further relates to a combination of an excavator with a pipe laying device according to the invention and a method for laying pipes, preferably by means of a pipe laying device according to the invention. This process then includes the following steps:

a) inserting a pipe support arrangement into a pipe to be laid,

b) lifting the pipe and thereby or beforehand fixing the pipe to the pipe support arrangement by generating a contact pressure on an outer surface of the pipe to be laid,

c) moving the pipe to a desired installation location,

d) depositing the pipe at the installation site and loosening the fixation during or afterwards,

e) pulling the pipe support assembly out of the pipe.

It can then also be provided that after loosening the fixation and before pulling out, sliding the tube substantially in a longitudinal direction of the pipe support arrangement or one Pipe longitudinal direction is made, preferably to an already installed pipe, or the pipe is pressed into an already installed pipe becomes.

Fig. 1

einen Bagger, der an seinem Baggerarm eine erfindungsgemäße Rohrverlegevorrichtung trägt;

Fig. 2

den Bagger der Fig. 1, wobei durch die erfindungsgemäße Rohrverlegevorrichtung ein Rohr getragen ist;

Fig. 3

eine Draufsicht auf den Bagger der Fig. 2, wobei das Rohr nunmehr über beziehungsweise in einem Graben positioniert ist;

Fig. 4

eine Seitenansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Rohrverlegevorrichtung, wobei in der Seitenansicht nicht erkennbare Linien der Rohrverlegevorrichtung zum leichteren Verständnis strichliert eingezeichnet sind;

Fig. 5

eine Teildraufsicht auf die Vorrichtung der Fig. 4 in Blickrichtung V in Fig. 4;

Fig. 6

eine Teil-Schnittansicht längs einer Linie VI-VI der Vorrichtung in Fig. 4;

Fig. 7

eine Ansicht der in Fig. 4 gezeigten Vorrichtung in Blickrichtung VII;

Fig. 8

eine Teilansicht der in Fig. 8 gezeigten Vorrichtung in Blickrichtung VIII in Fig. 4;

Fig. 9

eine Ansicht des zur Verbindung mit einer Koppeleinheit vorgesehenen Abschnitts der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung in Blickrichtung IX in Fig. 4;

Fig. 10

eine schematische Seitenansicht einer alternativen Ausgestaltung der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;

Fig. 11

eine weitere schematische Ansicht einer alternativen Ausgestaltung der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;

Fig. 12

eine weitere schematische Ansicht einer alternativen Ausgestaltung der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;

Fig. 13

eine Seitenansicht einer alternativen Ausgestaltungsart einer erfindungsgemäßen Rohrverlegevorrichtung;

Fig. 14

eine Ansicht der in Fig. 13 dargestellten Vorrichtung in Blickrichtung XIV in Fig. 13, teilweise im Schnitt; und

Fig. 15

eine Schnittansicht der in Fig. 13 dargestellten Vorrichtung, geschnitten längs einer Linie XV-XV in Fig. 13.

The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings on the basis of preferred embodiments. It shows:

Fig. 1

an excavator carrying a pipe laying device according to the invention on its excavator arm;

Fig. 2

the excavator of Figure 1, wherein a pipe is carried by the pipe laying device according to the invention.

Fig. 3

a plan view of the excavator of Figure 2, wherein the pipe is now positioned over or in a trench.

Fig. 4

a side view of a pipe-laying device according to the invention, lines of the pipe-laying device not shown in the side view being drawn in with dashed lines for easier understanding;

Fig. 5

a partial plan view of the device of Figure 4 in viewing direction V in Fig. 4.

Fig. 6

a partial sectional view taken along a line VI-VI of the device in Fig. 4;

Fig. 7

a view of the device shown in Figure 4 in viewing direction VII.

Fig. 8

a partial view of the device shown in Figure 8 in viewing direction VIII in Fig. 4.

Fig. 9

a view of the portion of the device according to the invention provided for connection to a coupling unit in viewing direction IX in FIG. 4;

Fig. 10

a schematic side view of an alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention;

Fig. 11

a further schematic view of an alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention;

Fig. 12

a further schematic view of an alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention;

Fig. 13

a side view of an alternative embodiment of a pipe laying device according to the invention;

Fig. 14

a view of the device shown in Figure 13 in viewing direction XIV in Figure 13, partially in section; and

Fig. 15

a sectional view of the device shown in Fig. 13, taken along a line XV-XV in Fig. 13th

1 shows a view of an excavator, generally designated 10 with an undercarriage 12, an upper carriage 14 and one on the upper carriage 14 swiveling multi-section excavator arm 16. To the free The end of the excavator arm 16 is a coupling unit 18 according to the invention Pipe-laying device 20 coupled in such a way that it is one Coupling axis A rotatable and pivotable with respect to the coupling axis A. is. For this purpose, the coupling unit 18 can be controlled differently the excavator operator standing actuators, for. B. piston / cylinder units, include, through which the device 20 in the desired position brought and held in this position. Such coupling units are, as mentioned at the beginning, known in the prior art.

The pipe laying device 20 according to the invention, which will be described below described in detail basically includes a device body 40, which is substantially U-shaped. In the area of a first U-leg 24, a tube support assembly 26 is formed, and in The area of a second U-leg 28 is the device 20, as already addressed, coupled to the excavator arm 16 via the coupling unit 18. The device 20 further comprises a fixing arrangement 30, by means of which a pipe can be held on the device 20, d. H. against unwanted detachment from this can be secured. Furthermore, one provided generally with 32 designated tube displacement arrangement, with which a tube carried by the device according to the invention in essentially in a longitudinal direction L of the pipe support arrangement 26 can be moved.

It should be noted that the two aspects, i. H. Pipe fixation on the one hand and pipe shifting on the other, on a pipe laying device 20 can be provided independently of each other, d. H. it don't necessarily need these two aspects at the same time be realized. Nevertheless, the combination of these two aspects leads to a particularly advantageous embodiment, as described below.

FIG. 2 shows how a pipe through the device 20 according to the invention 34 worn and, for example, from the storage location or from one Trucks can be relocated to an installation location. The presses Pipe fixing arrangement 30 against in the manner described below an outer surface 36 of the pipe 34 to be laid and clamps it thus firmly on the pipe support assembly 26 or the device 20. It can therefore even pipes that have a significantly greater extension length than the pipe support assembly 26, in a safe manner and in any positional positioning by the device according to the invention 20 to be worn.

After removal from a storage location, the entire excavator 10 can then move to a trench 38 recognizable in FIG. 3, in which a another pipe 34 'is laid, and the pipe 34 after alignment with the Lower the trench and place it on the prepared surface in such a way that it already connects directly to the pipe 34 '. After approval by the Fixing arrangement 30 can then by means of the displacement arrangement 32 Tube 34 in the direction of the tube 34 'to be moved or in this be pressed, preferably to the extent that it is in this tube engages and a tight connection is made. Below pivots the superstructure 14 of the excavator 10 so far that the entire Pipe support assembly 26 is pulled out of the pipe 34 and a new pipe can be taken.

One can see from this basic functional description of the invention Device 20 already that with this in a simple and safe Pipes can be laid without additional manual intervention can, due to the attack on the pipes to be laid only at an axial end region thereof to the one of the trenches, in which the pipes are to be laid to be only marginally wider than the pipes, and secondly the coupling of individual pipes can be made without additional construction equipment required are.

In this general context it should be pointed out that the device according to the invention not only in connection with an excavator can be used, but in connection with various other construction equipment such as B. a crane or the like can be, however, due to the fact that such excavators in in general on canal construction sites or on highway construction sites where At the same time, a drainage system was created for the motorways should be available, only by exchanging theirs Excavator arms tool to be used in a variety of ways can be.

4 to 9, a first embodiment is described below the pipe laying device 20 according to the invention described in detail.

4 to 9 are various components of the device all plate parts, some of which are also within the device are arranged, indicated by dashed lines, in order to provide such parts or to indicate their location.

It can be seen in Fig. 4 that the device 20 is substantially U-shaped formed device body 40 with the first U-leg 24 and the second U-leg 28. These two U-legs 24, 28 are firmly connected to one another by a web area or connecting area 42 connected, in which the components described below are arranged are. 4 that in the region of a free end 44 of the A device 46 is provided on the second U-leg, which is shown in FIG is shown in longitudinal view. This device 46 has a configuration on which known to connect with a quick coupling structure is suitable so that rapid coupling and decoupling of the invention Device 20 with the coupling unit 18 recognizable in FIG. 1 is possible. It can also be seen that the device 46 has two Plate parts 48 with a hollow profile arm 50 forming the first U-leg, is preferably connected by welding.

The first U-leg 24 also includes a hollow profile arm 52, which those surface areas on which a pipe to be laid on this can rest with its inner surface, for example elastically deformable support plates 54 can be covered to a Damage to pipes to be laid due to system contact being too hard to avoid. The arm 52 is fixedly connected to a plate 58, for example by welding, the arm 52 also facing here Surface of the plate 58 is covered with an elastic cover 60. In Plate 58 has a plurality of openings 62 and one on the body 40 slidably carried in the manner described below Plate 64, which can be seen in the axial view of FIG. 7, has one corresponding number of holes 66. Through holes 66 and Bolts passing through holes 62 can these two plates be attached to each other. It is also possible here that a sentence of Holes has an internal thread opening, in which then the others Screws passing through holes can be screwed in.

As can be seen above all from FIGS. 6 and 7, the connection area 42 essentially formed by two plates 68, 70 which in lateral distance, and to which the upper hollow profile arm 50, which forms the second U-leg 28, is welded. There are several cross-connection plates 72, 74 and 76 are provided, which with the side plates 68, 70 are welded and so for the required Ensure stability. Furthermore, the plates 74, 76 define in connection with the side plates 68, 70 a sliding opening or one Sliding channel 78, in which a fixed to the plate 64 Sliding part 80 in the longitudinal direction of the first U-leg 24 is slidably received. It can be seen that between the sliding part 80 and the plate parts 68, 70, 74 delimiting the channel 78, 76 sliding material body 82, 84, 86, 88, 90, 92 are provided, which a slight displacement of the sliding part 80 with respect to the channel 78 enable. These sliding bodies can either on the sliding part 80 or can be or can be fixed to the walls surrounding channel 78, such as B. shown to be two layers, so that at one of the other sliding components a first layer and on the other component a second layer is provided, which is then against each other sliding against adjacent surface areas. These sliding materials can be seen in Fig. 4 by obliquely hatched areas.

It should also be noted that in the connection area 42 a Stabilizer plate 94 and other plates 96, 98 are included, which a channel part 100 passing through the two side plates 68, 70 surround. Lateral coupling struts can be inserted into the channel part 100 through which several of the devices 20 for simultaneous handling or lifting of several pipes can be firmly coupled to each other by a truck.

Through the arm 52, the tarpaulin 56, 64 and the sliding part 80 is the formed generally with 32 displacement arrangement, which at the same time contains the pipe support arrangement 26. By moving axially, d. H. A tube 34 can move in the longitudinal direction of the U-leg 24 be moved in this direction of displacement. For this purpose is also a displacement piston / cylinder unit 104 is provided, the cylinder 106 at 108 pivotally coupled to the side plates 68, 70, and whose piston rod 110 is pivotally coupled to plate 64 at 112 is. It should be noted that the two connections 108, 112 are not must necessarily be pivotable; this is because of the then unrestrained displacement preferred.

The shift piston / cylinder unit 104 is preferably a double Acting piston / cylinder unit, which is a force for both displacement of the arm 52 in the illustration of FIG. 4 to the right and to the left can generate. This piston / cylinder unit 104 can, although in the Figures not shown, via corresponding pressure fluid lines with a pressure fluid source provided on the excavator 10, preferably hydraulic oil source, communicate and from the excavator operator in the desired manner can be controlled.

On the second U-leg 28, i. H. on the arm 50, is also the fixing arrangement 30 arranged. This includes a pressure element 114, which at its System on a pipe to be transported is in turn equipped with elastic contact elements 116 and likewise Such an elastic contact element in the area of an insertion bevel 118 116. The pressure element 114 is a parallelogram 120 displaceably arranged on the arm 50. The parallelogram guide 120 includes two pairs of pivot arms 122, 124 which, like 5, on both sides of the arm 50. The two swivel arms 122 are designed as double levers and are in their of the also pivoting connection with the Pressing element 114 removes end region 126 with piston rod 128 a displacement piston / cylinder unit 130 pivotally connected. The Cylinder 132 of this likewise double-acting piston / cylinder unit 130 is pivotally supported on arm 50 by a pair of support plates 134.

By extending or retracting the piston rod 128 a pivoting movement of the pivot arms 122 and a corresponding one Displacement movement of the pressing element 114 caused. Because of the parallelogram guide 120 ensures that regardless of the current pivoting position, the pressing element 114 approximately always parallel to the contact surface formed by the elements 54 for the pipe lies. It can thus when extending the piston rod 128 and accordingly approach of the pressing element 114 with its Contact elements 116 against a pipe 34 a flat contact generated, which avoids selective loads on the pipe.

As can also be seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, there is one in the plate 64 Recess 136 formed. A corresponding recess 138 is in the Tarpaulin 58 formed so that when the two plates 58, 64 are connected Recesses 138, 136 are aligned. About the recess 136 can a laser beam display plate 140 by means of a plurality of screws, preferably knurled screws 142 are screwed. This plate 140 enables in cooperation with a laser beam positioning unit the exact position adjustment of a pipe to be laid. This process will in connection with the laying of a pipe by means of the invention Device 20 described below.

A pipe to be laid is first of all from a truck or taken from another storage location in that the excavator arm pushes the first U-leg 24 of the device 20 into the tube until the Tube with an end region abuts the elastic system 60. Subsequent the displacement piston / cylinder unit 130 is extended, so that the pressure element 114 against an outer surface of the to be installed Tube presses and this tube firmly between the pressure element 114 and arm 52 clamped, i.e. H. is held frictionally. Also can the pressure element with a radial projection on the pipe for positive Keep interacting. Then the excavator lifts the pipe and moves it to the desired installation location, for example the trench 38 in Fig. 3. Before the pipe is now lowered into the trench 38, is created an imaginary axis by means of a laser aiming device, which exactly the axis of an already laid pipe, for example pipe 34 ', corresponds. This means that the laser beam is aligned so that it is exactly aligned extends along the longitudinal central axis of the tube 34 '. Then that becomes laying pipe, d. H. the pipe 34, lowered with the excavator arm 16 and positioned so that its end facing the already laid pipe 34 ' this tube 34 'is approximated. The tube 34 'gives in this end area a target position for the pipe 34 to be installed. In the other end area of the tube 34, the plate 140 specifies the desired position. This plate 140, i.e. H. a target-like representation 141 arranged on this must previously positioned so that the center of this target-like Representation 141 exactly on the longitudinal central axis of the by the invention Device 20 carried pipe. Then hits the laser beam on the center of the target-like representation 141, so you know that the pipe is in the correct position in this end region; the situation is right of the pipe on the other side with the position of the pipe 34 'already laid agree, it is known that the pipe is in the correct position overall. It can then, if necessary, for. B. created a bed for the pipe with sand are so that it is initially fixed in this position, d. H. when loosening the Fixation by the pressure plate 114 no longer lowers or laterally emotional.

Subsequently, the fixing arrangement 30, i.e. H. the pressing element 114, pivoted into the release position shown in FIG. 4 and the arm 52 is achieved by extending the displacement piston / cylinder unit 104 in the Representation of Fig. 4 moved to the right, thereby to be relocated Pipe in the direction of the pipe already laid along the longitudinal direction or to move the central longitudinal axis of these pipes. Because this shifting movement generally only a few centimeters can be used be assumed that otherwise no change in the situation of the laying pipe occurs.

The tube is moved until it reaches the desired extent in the already installed pipe is inserted or pressed in or on this triggers. Subsequently, if necessary, after a slight lowering the arm 52 is pulled out of the tube in the opposite direction and a further tube can be used with the device 20 according to the invention be relocated.

In order to be able to recognize easily in this laying process whether the Plate 140 assumes the desired target position with respect to the laser beam, this plate 140 is preferably transparent so that the impact of the Laser beam can be recognized from both sides. For this purpose The recess 138 is provided in the plate 58.

Since, as previously described, the distance between the by the contact surface formed by the elements 54 and that on the plate 140 Target-like representation 141 formed exactly half the inner diameter should correspond to the pipes to be laid, it is advantageous that to adapt to different pipe sizes, the plate 140 in their Height can be arranged adjustable. To a wider range to be able to cover pipe diameters, it is advantageous if different plates 58 with the arms 52 firmly attached to them be kept ready for different size ranges both in To be able to cover the diameter direction as well as in the longitudinal direction. Here can different arms 52 each adapted to the intended radii have differently curved contact surfaces for the tubes.

10 shows a modification of the device 20 according to the invention, in Fig. 10 components described above Correspond to components in terms of structure and function, are designated by the same reference numerals.

It can be seen in FIG. 10 that the displacement piston / cylinder unit 104, by means of which the arm 52 is displaceable in its longitudinal direction, in upper portion of device 20, i.e. H. essentially in the area of Hollow profile arm 50 is arranged and via a on the side plates 68, 70th pivotably arranged lever element 148 on the sliding part 80 acts, which is firmly coupled to the arm 52 via the plates 58, 64 is. Such a configuration can be chosen if by the provision of the lever element 148 either the power transmission or the path translation is advantageous for the specific area of application. Otherwise, the embodiment according to FIG. 10 corresponds to both in terms of structure as well as function essentially the embodiment described above.

11 schematically shows a further modification of the invention Device 20. Again, components that are related correspond to the components described in FIGS. 4 to 9, with the the same reference numerals. It should be noted that here very simplified representation is shown, in which only the changes to the embodiment according to FIG. 4 are highlighted. Man recognizes that the arm, for example, again formed as a hollow profile part 52 now forms an integral part of the U-shape of the device 20, d. H. with the arm 50 firmly over the connection area 42, i. H. Not is movably connected. The arm 52 thus forms a projection which in a channel-like formed in a sliding element 150 Recess 152 is slidable. Between the body 40 of the device 20 and the displaceable element 150 in turn acts Shift piston / cylinder unit 104 so that the desired shift can be obtained in the longitudinal direction. To adapt to Different pipe diameters can easily cover the whole Sliding element 150 with the plate 58 integrally connected to it be replaced.

The element 150 can be adapted to different pipe diameters have differently curved support surface areas 151.

Another modification is shown in FIG. 12. Again, there are components which correspond to the components described above, designated by the same reference number. In the design form 12, the entire first U-leg 24 is by a piston / cylinder unit 156 formed, the piston rod 154 fixed to the Connection area 42 is connected, for example welded to it is. The cylinder tube 158 forms the displaceable element and can in the longitudinal direction of the piston rod 154 together with that with the Cylinder 158 fixed plate 58 can be moved. To receive the displacement can in turn be the displacement piston / cylinder unit 104 may be provided, or the piston / cylinder unit 156 itself actively generate the displacement force.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because in this Piston / cylinder units included in discarded construction equipment and could no longer be used, can be used, even if they are no longer in the generation of the displacement force Are, for example, due to defective seals or the like. It is also important here, as in the previous embodiments, that when moving and the occurring Extend the first U-leg, the load is lower, because that Pipe in general then already on a sand bed or the like rests and is only moved in the longitudinal direction.

13 to 15 show a further embodiment of an inventive Pipe laying device 20. The pipe laying device works 20 of FIGS. 13 to 15 essentially as shown in FIG. 11 schematically shown. It can be seen that starting from the connection area 42 an arm 52 fixed to the connection area 42 is provided, which arm extends almost to the end region 44 of the U-leg 28. The arm 52 is with at least on its top and bottom Sliding material 200, 202 occupied, on which then as a hollow profile part trained element 150 in the longitudinal direction of the U-leg 24 displaceable is. On the element 150 there is again a support plate or a plurality of support plates 54 are provided, on which one to laying pipe. Furthermore, the plate 58 is fixed with the element 150 connected to the common displacement, the plate 58 again or can carry a plurality of platen 60, which also one Avoid damaging the pipe to be transported. At this Embodiment in which the U-leg 24 is telescopic even in the telescopic state, a flat contact of the element 150 achieved on the arm 52, so that especially with larger ones pipe or line contact is avoided.

It can also be seen that a plurality of support rollers 204, 206, 208 are provided. These roles 204, 206, 208 have different ones Functions. The roller 204 thus serves when the U-leg is inserted 24 in a pipe to be laid and when moving the U-leg 24, for example from an already laid pipe, scraping the Avoid inner surface of the pipe. Rather, there is a rolling motion the free end of the U-leg 24 instead. The rollers 206, 208 serve to close the tube that rests on the U-leg 24 position that ultimately the pipe longitudinal center axis through the laser beam display plate 140 runs through, in particular in the middle through the target-like Representation 141. For this purpose, you can adjust to different pipe diameters here with regard to the diameter different roles 206, 208 can be selected. The rollers 206, 208 then lead to a pipe to be laid the appropriate position can take. Furthermore, these rollers 206, 208 are made of elastic Material so that even if a pipe is on the one shown in Fig. 14 recognizable upper edge of the rolling surface of the rollers 206, 208 rests the deformation of the material of the rollers 206, 208 a flat contact is created. In order to insert the U-leg 24 into a to prevent laying pipe, one of the rollers in case of lateral displacement 206, 208 or the plates carrying these roles at the edge area of the pipe to be laid are the two rollers 206, 208 upstream each towards the free end of the U-leg 24 rejuvenating, d. H. plates 210, 212 forming a deflection slope. In this way it is ensured that during insertion the device 20, d. H. the U-leg 24, through the deflector plates 210, 212 already in a predetermined position with respect to the to be installed Tube is forced.

14 that the upper U-leg 28 Starting from the connecting area 42, two extending almost parallel Carrier 214, 216 has. These are in their free range End 44 with the device 46 for connection to the excavator arm connected and take a pivot lever assembly 122 between them on which the piston / cylinder unit 130 acts on the one hand and which carries the pressure element 114 in its other end region. in the This is in contrast to the embodiment described above Pressure element 114 not here in the manner of a parallelogram guide guided, but is on the lever assembly 122 about a single pivot axis pivoted. This is due to gravity Pressing element 114 approximately the position recognizable in FIG. 13. However, the design is such that the with respect to the pivot axis X in Fig. 24 extending towards the free end of the U-leg 28 Section 220 is slightly longer than that extending in another direction Section 222. The result is that in the released state the pressure element 114 is pivoted slightly in a clockwise direction Order position. Then by actuating the piston / cylinder unit 130 the lever arrangement 122 also clockwise in FIG. 13 pivoted, the pressure element 114 comes first with its in the Fig. 13 right edge to rest on the outer surface of a laying pipe. A further pivoting of the lever arrangement 122 then leads to the fact that, starting from this position, the pressure element 114 is pivoted with respect to the surface of the pipe to be laid, until it finally lies flat. That way be avoided that after the first contact of the pressure element 114 with the outer surface of a pipe this line-like contact remains and thus the pipe to be laid in the manner of a Pincer is clamped. This could damage the pipe to lead. Here, the present invention takes advantage of the fact that asymmetrical design of the pressing element 114 that edge the same first in system contact on the outer surface of the laying pipe comes, as with the continuing pivoting movement the lever arrangement in the direction of movement is then behind. Furthermore, it can be seen in Fig. 14 that the pressing element 114 for adaptation on curved pipes in the lateral direction also a curved one Configuration.

It can also be seen in FIG. 13 that on the plate 58 and / or the Connection area 42 an intermediate element arrangement 226 made of elastic Material is arranged so that in the fully retracted state of the U-leg 24 a flat support contact of the plate 58 to Connection area is obtained.

Furthermore, in the embodiment according to FIGS. 13 to 14 Camera arrangement provided with two cameras 230 and 232. The camera 230 is on a support 234 in the region of the free end 44 on the U-leg 28 worn, the camera 232 is at the connecting section 42 carried over a carrier 236. The camera 230 is used to Fitting a pipe to be laid from outside the area of the To observe the end of the pipe, to fit into a pipe that has already been laid or to be brought up to this. That way, at for example, monitor of the excavator driver installed in an excavator cabin even without additional support the positioning of the to be installed Pipe. The camera 232 is arranged so that it is inclined the plate 140 with the target-like representation 141 looks at it. This camera can therefore be used to check whether this is the connection section 42 near the end of a pipe to be laid with respect to the desired position specified laser beam is positioned exactly. This positioning too can then be recognized directly by the excavator driver himself become. Due to the arrangement formed by the cameras 230 and 232 monitoring in each of the two end regions of the tube to determine whether the required positioning, for example with regard to a pipe that has already been laid or a laser beam, is present. Positioning the camera 232 so that it is relative to the Laser beam is off-axis and is directed obliquely at the plate 140, has the advantage that the laser beam does not enter the camera directly can. There can therefore be an inaccuracy caused by too high an intensity when recording the laser beam and possibly damage the camera can be avoided.

It should be noted that in the device 20 according to the invention Fixing effect can also be obtained in that the between the two U-legs 24, 28 essentially formed the space radial extension of the length between the two U-legs 24, 28 corresponds to the section of the pipe to be installed, d. H. just is slightly wider. It can then be on the second U-leg 28 Abutment element may be provided, for example in the form of a elastic contact plate or, for example, also formed by a Surface area of the second U-leg 28 itself Device then brought up to the tube or the first U-leg 24 inserted into the tube and then the device lifted together with the pipe, so the pipe tilts its length greater than twice the length of the area engaging in this Device 20 comes, slightly with respect to the first U-leg 24 but directly to the abutment element and thus generates due to its large weight and the existing lever one strong fixing force.

Claims (32)

Pipe laying device, in particular for attachment to an excavator arm (16) or the like, comprising: an elongated pipe support arrangement (26) which can be inserted into the interior of a pipe (34) to be laid and on which the pipe (34) can rest with the inner surface, a pipe fixing arrangement (30) for fixing the pipe to be laid on the pipe laying device (20) when the pipe support arrangement (26) is inserted into the pipe (34), characterized,
that the pipe fixing arrangement (30) fixes the pipe (34) to the pipe laying device (20) by generating a contact pressure against an outer surface region (36) of the pipe (34). Device according to claim 1 or the preamble of the claim 1, further comprising a pipe displacement arrangement (32) for Moving or / and pressing the pipe (34) to be laid in an already laid pipe with the pipe support arrangement inserted into the pipe (34) (26) substantially in a longitudinal direction of the Pipe support assembly (26). Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pipe laying device (20) with a substantially U-shaped Configuration is formed, wherein in the region of a first U-leg (24) the pipe support arrangement (26) is provided and in Area of a second U-leg (28) the pipe laying device (20) with an implement (16), preferably an excavator arm (16), can be coupled. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the Pipe laying device (20) to the implement (16) by means of a Multi-movement coupling unit (18) can be coupled, which at least the controlled rotation of the pipe laying device (20) about a coupling axis (A) and / or the controlled pivoting of the Pipe laying device (20) with respect to the coupling axis (A) allows. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that that the pipe support assembly (26) is one in the longitudinal direction the pipe support assembly (26) slidable pipe support member (52) includes. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the Pipe support part (52) has a guide area (80) which a counter-guide area provided on a device body (40) (78) is feasible. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the Guide area (80) on the counter-guide area (78) below Intermediate storage of a sliding arrangement (82, 84, 86, 88, 90, 92) is movable. Apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the guide area (80) or the counter-guide area (78) one Guide projection (80) and that the other area a guide opening (78) in which the guide projection (80) is performed. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the Counter-guide area a fixed on the device body (40) Piston rod (154) of a support piston / cylinder unit (156) and that the guide area is in relation to the piston rod (154) telescopic cylinder tube (158), which preferably furthermore forms the pipe support part. Device according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that that the pipe displacement arrangement (32) the pipe supporting part (52) of the pipe support assembly (26). Device according to one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that that the pipe support part (52) by means of a displacement piston / cylinder unit (104) is displaceable. Apparatus according to claim 11 and claim 9, characterized in that the support piston / cylinder unit (156) the displacement piston / cylinder unit forms. Device according to claim 3 or one of claims 4 to 12, if related to claim 3, characterized in that the pipe fixing arrangement (30) in the region of the second U-leg (28) is provided. Device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that that the pipe fixing arrangement (30) between one of the Fix the laying pipe (34) on the pipe support arrangement (26) Fixing position and one of the pipe (34) to be laid respectively the pipe support arrangement (26) withdrawn release position displaceable pressure element (114), which in the Fixing position presses against an outer surface (36) of the tube (34). Apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the Pressing element (114) on the device body (40) by means of a parallelogram guide (120) is displaceably arranged. The apparatus of claim 14 or 15, further comprising one Displacement piston / cylinder unit (130) for moving the Contact element (114) between the fixing position and the release position. Device according to one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that that a contact surface that can be brought into contact with the tube (34) of the pressure element (114) essentially independent of the position of the pressing element (114) at least in some areas approximately parallel to a support surface of the pipe support arrangement (26) lies. Apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that the Fixing arrangement (30) on the second U-leg (28) in essential fixed abutment element with an abutment area which includes a support surface of the pipe support assembly (26) with a predetermined distance and laterally with respect to the Longitudinal direction of the pipe support arrangement (26) opposite, the predetermined distance in the range of a wall thickness of the laying pipe (34). Apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that the predetermined distance fixed in operation, for use in Connection with different tubes (34) is changeable. The device of any one of claims 1 to 19, further comprising a laser positioning arrangement (140) for detecting the relative position the pipe laying device (20) with respect to a desired position predetermined laser beam. Apparatus according to claim 20, characterized in that the Laser positioning arrangement (140) a target-like representation (141) for hitting the laser emitter. Device according to one of claims 1 to 21, characterized by a camera arrangement (230, 232) for observing the Positioning a pipe to be laid (34). Device according to claim 21 and one of claims 20 or 21, characterized in that the camera arrangement (230, 232) a first camera (232), which of the laser positioning arrangement (140) is assigned to observe the positioning of the to be installed Tube (34) in the area of the laser positioning arrangement (140). Device according to claim 22 or 23 and claim 21, characterized characterized in that the first camera (232) for observing the target-like representation (141) is provided. Device according to one of claims 22 to 24, characterized in that that the camera arrangement (230, 232) a second camera (230), which for observing one of the pipe laying device (20) directed end region of a to be installed Pipe (34) is provided. Apparatus according to claim 25 and claim 3, characterized in that the second camera (230) on the second U-leg (28) is attached. Device according to one of claims 1 to 26, characterized in that that on the pipe support assembly (26) at least one Pipe support roller (204, 206, 208) is provided. Apparatus according to claim 3 and claim 27, characterized in that in the area of a free end of the first U-leg (24) at least one pipe support roller (204) is provided. Apparatus according to claim 27 and claim 3 or according to claim 28, characterized in that in the with the second U-leg (28) connected end region of the first U-leg (24) at least one tube support roller (206, 208), preferably on each Side of the first U-leg (24) at least one tube support roller (206, 208) is provided. Combination of an excavator (10) with a pipe laying device (20) according to one of claims 1 to 29. Method for laying pipes, preferably by means of a device according to one of claims 1 to 29 or a combination according to claim 30, comprising the steps: a) inserting a pipe support arrangement (26) into a pipe (34) to be laid, b) lifting the pipe (34) and thereby or beforehand fixing the pipe (34) to the pipe support arrangement (26) by generating a contact pressure on an outer surface (36) of the pipe (34) to be laid, c) moving the tube (34) to a desired installation location, d) depositing the pipe (34) at the installation site and loosening or fixing the pipe (34), or e) pulling the pipe support assembly (26) out of the pipe (34). 32. The method of claim 31, further comprising after releasing the Fixation and before pulling out moving the tube (34) essentially in a longitudinal direction of the pipe support arrangement (26) or a pipe longitudinal direction, preferably to a already installed pipe, or the pipe into an already installed pipe is pressed.

Images