DE102020121128B3 - Method and device for determining the penetration depth of an inserted component in a receiving component - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a device for determining the depth of penetration of a penetrating component into a receiving component. The method has the following steps: measuring an end area and an area of the penetrating component adjoining the end area using a measuring device of an electronic reading device having a computing unit and a non-volatile memory, processing of measurement data provided by the measuring device by means of the computing unit for determination of identification data identifying the penetrating component, - storage of the identification data in the non-volatile memory of the reader, - transmission of the identification data to a memory of a control unit, - insertion of the penetrating component into the receiving component, - determination of the penetration depth of the penetrating component using the control unit and the transmitted identification data and output of a confirmation signal when a predetermined correct penetration depth is reached.

Description

The invention relates to a method and a device for determining the depth of penetration of an inserted component into a receiving component.

Water pipes installed in buildings, as well as gas pipes, are composed of a plurality of pipes, these pipes being connected to one another using fittings. To create a connection between a pipe and a fitting, the cylindrical pipe end area of the pipe is pushed into the pipe-shaped fitting, the diameter of which is slightly larger than the diameter of the pipe, until a predetermined penetration depth, which depends on the pipe diameter, is reached. In this push-in position, the fitting is pressed with the inserted pipe end region of the pipe using pressing pliers in order to bring about a fluid-tight connection between the pipe end region and the fitting. An adjacent pipe to be connected to said pipe is pushed into the fitting from the other side until the predetermined penetration depth is again reached. In this push-in position, the fitting is again pressed with the inserted pipe end region of the adjacent pipe using the pressing tongs. This enables the fluid to be conveyed in a fluid-tight manner from one pipe to an adjacent pipe.

In order to ensure that each inserted pipe end region has the specified penetration depth, it is already known to apply a marking to the pipe before or after the pipe end region is inserted, which marks the required penetration depth. A fitter pushes the respective pipe end area into a fitting until a stop is reached in the fitting that corresponds to the specified penetration depth. He then operates the pressing pliers to press the pipe end area pushed into the fitting with the fitting and thereby fix the pipe end area in the fitting.

In practice, the case may arise that the components to be pressed together after the inserted component has been inserted correctly, but before pressing due to further assembly activities or negligence on the part of the respective fitter, are undesirably shifted relative to one another again, so that the specified penetration depth is no longer possible is present. This can lead to leaks occurring when the pipe is pressed with the fitting, which lead to the escape of fluid during later operation.

From the DE 198 29 999 C1 a method and a measuring device are known for detecting the correct insertion depth in a pipe compression joint, which consists of a press fitting element and an end region of a pipe inserted therein. In this case, high-frequency pulses are sent from a transmitter in contact with the press-fit pipe connection and the received signal is used in a measuring circuit as a variable that characterizes the correct insertion depth for the evaluation. After inserting the end area of the pipe into the press fitting element, eddy currents of a suitable frequency are sounded into the connection in the overlap area between the pipe and the press fitting element and the received signal is converted into a good / bad indication, whereby the insertion area recognizable from the outside forms the sound point.

From the DE 195 20 889 A1 a method and a measuring device for detecting the insertion depth in a pipe connection are known, which consists of the pipe end of a pipe and a press fitting. Ultrasound is input into the pipe from an ultrasound transmitter and the ultrasound echo is recorded by an ultrasound receiver. The received signal of the ultrasonic receiver is used in a measuring circuit as a variable corresponding to the insertion depth of the pipe for the evaluation. The ultrasound is sounded into the pipe obliquely in the direction of the pipe end at a predetermined distance from the press fitting. The ultrasonic signal reflected from the pipe end is used as a signal corresponding to the insertion depth of the pipe.

The object of the invention is to provide a method and a device in which the probability of an incorrect connection of an inserted component in a receiving component is reduced.

This object is achieved by a method with the features specified in claim 1 or a device with the features specified in claim 16.

Advantageous configurations and developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

• - Vermessen eines Endbereichs und eines an den Endbereich angrenzenden Bereichs des eindringenden Bauteils unter Verwendung einer ersten Messvorrichtung eines eine Recheneinheit und einen nichtflüchtigen Speicher aufweisenden elektronischen Einlesegerätes,
• - Verarbeitung von von der ersten Messvorrichtung bereitgestellten Messdaten mittels der Recheneinheit zur Ermittlung von das eindringende Bauteil kennzeichnenden Kennzeichnungsdaten,
• - Abspeicherung der Kennzeichnungsdaten im nichtflüchtigen Speicher des Einlesegerätes,
• - Übertragung der Kennzeichnungsdaten an einen Speicher einer Kontrolleinheit,
• - Einschieben des eindringenden Bauteils in das aufnehmende Bauteil,
• - Ermittlung der Eindringtiefe des eindringenden Bauteils unter Verwendung der Kontrolleinheit und der übertragenen Kennzeichnungsdaten und
• - Ausgabe eines Bestätigungssignals, wenn eine vorgegebene korrekte Eindringtiefe erreicht ist.

A method according to the invention for determining the penetration depth of a penetrating component in a receiving component has the following steps:

• - Measurement of an end area and an area of the penetrating component adjoining the end area using a first measuring device of an electronic read-in device having a computing unit and a non-volatile memory,
• - Processing of measurement data provided by the first measurement device by means of the computing unit to determine identification data characterizing the penetrating component,
• - Storage of the identification data in the non-volatile memory of the reader,
• - Transfer of the identification data to a memory of a control unit,
• - Pushing the penetrating component into the receiving component,
• - Determination of the penetration depth of the penetrating component using the control unit and the transferred identification data and
• - Output of a confirmation signal when a predetermined correct penetration depth is reached.

By means of these measures, for example, the probability of a pipe end region of a pipe inserted into a fitting being fixed at a faulty position in the fitting, since the fitter is informed of the presence of a correct penetration depth by means of a signal. This information can be given acoustically or optically.

According to one embodiment, the measurement data provided by the measurement device contain information about the diameter of the penetrating component.

According to one embodiment, the measurement data provided by the measurement device contain information about the shape of the penetrating component.

According to one embodiment, the measurement data provided by the measurement device contain information about surface features of the penetrating component.

According to one embodiment, the identification data characterizing the penetrating component are stored in a memory area of the non-volatile memory that is individually assigned to the penetrating component.

According to one embodiment, the non-volatile memory has a plurality of memory areas, each of which is assigned to a different intruding component.

According to one embodiment, during the processing of the measurement data provided by the measuring device, identification data of the penetrating component are determined, which identify the penetrating component as defective.

• - ein Vorliegen unzulässig tiefer Rillen oder Kratzer,
• - ein Vorliegen einer unzulässigen Gratbildung,
• - ein Vorliegen von unzulässigen geometrischen Abweichungen,
• - ein Vorliegen von Korrosion.

According to one embodiment, at least one of the following errors is recognized when processing the measurement data provided by the measuring device:

• - the presence of impermissibly deep grooves or scratches,
• - the presence of an impermissible burr formation,
• - the existence of impermissible geometric deviations,
• - the presence of corrosion.

According to one embodiment, the presence of a correct penetration depth of the penetrating component is checked using a measuring device of the control unit.

According to one embodiment, a tolerance range is taken into account when checking the presence of a correct penetration depth.

According to one embodiment, after the presence of a correct penetration depth has been recognized, the penetrating component is pressed with the receiving component by means of a pressing tool.

According to one embodiment, the pressing is carried out by means of pressing tongs.

According to one embodiment, an identification signal confirming correct pressing is stored after pressing has taken place.

According to one embodiment, the identification signal confirming the correct pressing is transmitted to the reading device and stored in its non-volatile memory together with the identification data of the penetrating component.

According to one embodiment, the identification signal confirming the correct pressing is stored in the memory of the control unit together with the identification data of the penetrating component.

• Tritt zu einem Zeitpunkt nach Fertigstellung beispielsweise einer aus einer Vielzahl von Rohren zusammengesetzten Wasserleitung Wasser aus der Wasserleitung aus, dann kann dies zu erheblichen Schäden am jeweiligen Gebäude führen, die kostenaufwendig beseitigt werden müssen. Hat der Wohnungsinhaber bei einer Versicherungsgesellschaft eine Versicherung gegen Wasserschäden abgeschlossen, dann verlangt die Versicherungsgesellschaft möglicherweise einen Nachweis dafür, dass der genannte Schaden nicht bereits durch einen fehlerhaften Einbau der Wasserleitung in das Gebäude verursacht sein kann.

This storage of the identification signal confirming correct crimping has the following advantages, among other things:

• If at a point in time after completion, for example, a water pipe composed of a large number of pipes emerges from the water pipe, then this can lead to considerable damage to the respective building, which must be removed at great expense. If the owner of the apartment has taken out insurance against water damage with an insurance company, this will demand Insurance company may be able to provide evidence that the aforementioned damage cannot already have been caused by incorrect installation of the water pipe in the building.

By attaching a marking to the pipes of the water pipe, which indicates the required penetration depth and which is just visible from the outside after the grouting, a possibly required proof of correct installation can usually not be provided.

• - ein zur Vermessung des Endbereichs und des an den Endbereich angrenzenden Bereichs des eindringenden Bauteils ausgebildetes elektronisches Einlesegerät, welches eine Messvorrichtung, eine Recheneinheit und einen nichtflüchtigen Speicher aufweist, der zur Abspeicherung von Kennzeichnungsdaten des eindringenden Bauteils ausgebildet ist, und
• - Übertragungsmittel, die zur Übertragung der Kennzeichnungsdaten vom Einlesegerät an eine Kontrolleinheit ausgebildet sind, wobei
• - die Kontrolleinheit einen zur Abspeicherung der Kennzeichnungsdaten des eindringenden Bauteils ausgebildeten Speicher und Messmittel aufweist, die zur Ermittlung der Eindringtiefe unter Berücksichtigung der Kennzeichnungsdaten des eindringenden Bauteils ausgebildet sind.

According to one embodiment, a device for performing a method for determining the penetration depth of a penetrating component in a receiving component has the following components:

• - An electronic reading device designed to measure the end area and the area of the penetrating component adjoining the end area, which has a measuring device, a computing unit and a non-volatile memory which is designed to store identification data of the penetrating component, and
• - Transmission means which are designed to transmit the identification data from the reader to a control unit, wherein
• the control unit has a memory and measuring means designed to store the identification data of the penetrating component, which are designed to determine the penetration depth taking into account the identification data of the penetrating component.

According to one embodiment, the control unit is part of a pressing tool.

According to one embodiment, the pressing tool is pressing tongs.

According to one embodiment, the penetrating component is a pipe and the receiving component is a fitting.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the presence of a correct penetration depth is checked using an optical system of the pressing tongs.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the pressing tongs have a device which only enables activation of the pressing tongs for fixing the inserted component in the receiving component when a correct penetration depth has been signaled.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a period of time is specified within which, after a correct penetration depth has been signaled, the inserted component can be fixed. If this period of time has elapsed without the aforementioned fixation taking place, then the fixation is blocked again.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the signaling of the presence of a correct penetration depth is maintained before the inserted component is fixed in the receiving component until the measured penetration depth deviates from the predetermined penetration depth by more than a specified tolerance range.

According to one embodiment of the invention, there are several reading devices and several control units that can each communicate with one another.

The invention is explained in more detail below by way of example with reference to the drawings. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, the penetrating component is a pipe and the receiving component is a fitting designed to receive the pipe.

the 1 shows a block diagram to illustrate the structure and mode of operation of the reading device.

the 2 shows a block diagram to illustrate the transmission of the identification data from the reading device to a pressing tong and the confirmation signal from the pressing tong to the reading device.

the 3 shows a block diagram to illustrate the structure and mode of operation of the pressing tongs.

That in the 1 The reading device shown has measuring optics 6th , an arithmetic unit 7th , a non-volatile memory 9 and a transmitting and receiving unit 13th on. The reader 8th is for measuring the pipe end area 3 of a pipe 1 using the measuring optics 6th educated. The pipe 1 has a pipe end area 3 , an area adjacent to the pipe end area 20th and a diameter 12th on.

The pipe 1 should be with one in the 1 Fitting, not shown, are connected in a fluid-tight manner, this fitting also being tubular and having a slightly larger diameter than the pipe. For this purpose, the pipe end area 3 of the pipe 1 up to a specified penetration depth 4th that are in the 1 is illustrated in dashed lines, are inserted into the fitting. If the penetration depth corresponds to the specified penetration depth, then the inserted Pipe end area in the fitting can be fixed using the crimping pliers, so that the pipe is connected to the fitting in a fluid-tight manner.

In preparation for the correct fixation of the pipe in the fitting, the above-mentioned measurement of the pipe end area is carried out first 3 of the pipe 1 using the measuring optics 6th . In the course of this measurement, the measurement optics determine 6th Measurement data, the information about the diameter 12th of the pipe and surface features of the pipe end area 3 contain. In addition to this, the measurement data can also contain information about the shape of the pipe.

The measuring range of the measuring optics 6th includes, as in the 1 is indicated with dashed lines, also at the pipe end area 3 adjacent area 20th of the pipe, so that also surface features of the pipe end area 3 adjacent area 20th are recorded.

The pipe 1 rotated around its longitudinal axis during the measurement. As an alternative to this, the measuring optics can also largely or completely enclose the pipe end area, so that the desired measurement data can be determined without rotating the pipe.

In the information about surface features of the pipe end area obtained during the measurement 3 and to the pipe end area 3 adjacent area 20th These are surface features that are individually assigned to the measured pipe. This enables the pipe to be clearly identified at a later date 1 .

The measurement is carried out, for example, using optical lenses and LEDs, by means of which the measurement area is sufficiently illuminated to obtain reliable measurement results. Furthermore, the pipe end region and the region adjoining the pipe end region are measured using one or more suitable methods, for example white light interferometry, deflectometry, ellipsometry, a scattered light method and / or a photometric stereo method.

The measuring optics 6th can -as in the 1 shown - with the reader 8th be connected or integrated part of the reader 8th being.

The one from the measurement optics 6th provided measurement data are the arithmetic unit 7th of the reader 8th fed. The arithmetic unit 7th determines the diameter from the measurement data supplied to it 12th of the pipe and the pipe end area 3 and the area adjacent to the pipe end area 20th and with it the pipe 1 identifying identification data and stores this data in the non-volatile memory 9 of the reader 8th away.

This identification data includes, for example, information about the positioning and the mutual distances of very small deformations, for example in the micro range, of the surface of the pipe end area and of the area adjacent to the pipe end area, which individually characterize the measured pipe.

Furthermore it is in the non-volatile memory 8th a non-volatile table is stored which provides information about which penetration depth is necessary for which pipe diameter.

The arithmetic unit 7th uses the determined pipe diameter to address this table and takes from the table the penetration depth associated with the determined pipe diameter and preferably also a predetermined tolerance range associated with the determined pipe diameter around the penetration depth associated with the determined pipe diameter.

After depositing the pipe 1 associated identification data in non-volatile memory 9 of the reader 8th these identification data are transmitted over a transmission path 14th to the crimping pliers 5 transfer. This is in the 2 illustrates, which is a block diagram to illustrate the transmission of the identification data from the reader 8th to the crimping pliers 5 and the transmission of an identification signal from the pressing tongs 5 to the reader 8th indicates.

This transmission can be wired or wireless. For example, the transmission can take place via a data cable. Alternatively, the transmission link 14th be wireless and data can be transferred via a WLAN or Bluetooth.

The one in the 1 The illustrated embodiment has the reading device 8th a transmitter and receiver unit 13th on, using which a wireless bidirectional transmission of data can take place.

the 3 shows a block diagram to illustrate the structure and mode of operation of the pressing tongs 5 . This has a memory 10 , a control optic 11 , a transmitter and receiver unit 15th , a control unit 16 , an ad 17th and press jaws 18th on.

The one from the reader 8th to the crimping pliers 5 transferred identification data of the pipe 1 are from the sender / receiver unit 15th the Crimping pliers 5 received to the control unit 16 passed and in memory 10 saved.

Then the pipe end area 3 the one with the fitting 2 pipe to be connected 1 into the fitting 2 in the direction of the arrow 19th inserted. The penetration depth of the pipe end area is thereby 3 in the fitting 2 using the control optics 11 the pressing tongs, the control unit 16 and the one in memory 10 stored identification data of the pipe 1 determined and compared with the correct penetration depth. If the penetration depth matches the correct penetration depth, the control unit generates 16 a confirmation signal, which is optically shown on the display 17th displayed or output acoustically. This display is, for example, an LED arrangement and the confirmation signal is an enable signal that lights up in green.

As long as this release signal does not light up, the control unit locks 16 an actuation of the press jaws 18th the crimping pliers 5 . If the release signal lights up, the control unit gives 16 actuation of the pressing tongs is free, so that a fitter can press the pressing jaws by actuating the pressing tongs 18th can move towards each other in order to achieve the desired fixation of the inserted pipe end region 3 in the fitting 2 to undertake. After this fixation is the pipe 1 with the fitting 2 fluid-tight connected.

After this fixation, there is a correct penetration depth of the in the fitting 2 fixed pipe end area 3 using the control optics 11 the crimping pliers checked again. During this check, the control unit checks 16 by comparing that of the control optics 11 delivered data with the data in the main memory 10 stored identification data of the pipe 1 whether when pressing the pipe end area 3 with the fitting 2 the required penetration depth has been observed. If this is the case, the control unit generates 16 an identification signal that is generated using the transmitting and receiving unit 15th the crimping pliers 5 to the reader 8th is transmitted and there together with the identification data of the pipe 1 is stored in a non-volatile manner. Alternatively, said identification signal can also be stored in the memory 10 the crimping pliers 5 together with the identification data of the pipe are stored in a non-volatile manner.

If this identification signal is available, then at a later point in time, if necessary, evidence can be provided that the connection of the pipe 1 with the fitting 2 the prescribed penetration depth has been observed.

Preferably, the non-volatile memory 9 of the reader 8th a plurality of storage areas, each of which is assigned to a different pipe. This makes it possible to store identification data for a large number of pipes in this non-volatile memory and, after the correct pressing of the respective pipe with a fitting, to supplement it with an associated identification signal. If necessary, this can be used to provide evidence that when installing a water pipe or a gas pipe in a residential building, care was taken at all connection points of a pipe with a fitting that the required penetration depth was observed.

In practice, the case may arise that the end region of a pipe has defects which do not allow the pipe to be used for a fluid-tight pressing with a fitting. One embodiment of the invention therefore consists in that when processing the measurement data provided by the measurement optics of the reading device, identification data of the pipe end area are determined which characterize the pipe as faulty and therefore unsuitable for a fluid-tight connection with a fitting. Such a defective pipe can be discarded. As a result, the occurrence of leaks at the connection point from the pipe end area of the defective pipe to the fitting is excluded from the outset.

The errors mentioned can be, for example, the presence of impermissibly deep grooves or scratches in the pipe end area, the presence of impermissible burr formation in the pipe end area, the presence of out-of-roundness in the pipe end area or the presence of corrosion in the pipe end area.

With the 1 - 3 The exemplary embodiment explained is a determination of the penetration depth of a pipe into a fitting in order to keep the probability of incorrect pressing of the pipe with the fitting as small as possible.

Alternatively, the inserted component can also be a non-cylindrical component, for example a component having a rectangular or square cross-section. Said component can be hollow or solid on the inside.

In all embodiments of the invention, a component to be inserted into a receiving component is measured, identification data of the component to be inserted derived from the measurement data is stored in a non-volatile memory of a reader and the identification data mentioned is transmitted to a control unit. This control unit, which according to one embodiment is part of a pressing tong, determines the penetration depth of the component to be inserted into the receiving component and outputs a confirmation signal when the penetration depth corresponds to a predetermined penetration depth. According to another embodiment, the control unit is part of the reading device.

Furthermore, it preferably outputs an identification signal when the penetrating component is correctly connected to the receiving component. This identification signal can then be stored in a non-volatile manner together with the identification data of the respective penetrating component in the memory of the reading device or in the memory of the control unit or the pressing tool.

List of reference symbols

1

pipe

2

fitting

3

Pipe end area

4th

Penetration depth

5

Crimping pliers, control unit

6th

Measuring optics, measuring device

7th

Arithmetic unit

8th

Reading device

9

Storage

10

Storage

11

Control optics, measuring device

12th

Diameter of the pipe

13th

Transmitter and receiver unit

14th

Transmission path

15th

Transmitter and receiver unit

16

Control unit

17th

advertisement

18th

Press jaws

19th

Direction of insertion

20th

the area adjacent to the pipe end area 3

Claims (19)

Method for determining the penetration depth of a component (1) penetrating into a receiving component with the following steps: - Measurement of an end area (3) and an area (20) of the penetrating component (1) adjoining the end area using a first measuring device (6) of an electronic reading device (8) having a computing unit (7) and a non-volatile memory (9) , - Processing of measurement data provided by the first measuring device (6) by means of the computing unit (7) to determine identification data characterizing the penetrating component (1), - Storage of the identification data in the non-volatile memory (9) of the reader, - Transmission of the identification data to a memory (10) of a control unit (5), - Pushing the penetrating component (1) into the receiving component, - Determination of the penetration depth of the penetrating component (1) using the control unit (5) and the transmitted identification data and - Output of a confirmation signal when a predetermined correct penetration depth is reached. Procedure according to Claim 1 , in which the measurement data provided by the first measuring device (6) contain information about the diameter (12) of the penetrating component (1). Procedure according to Claim 1 or 2 , in which the measurement data provided by the first measuring device (6) contain information about the shape of the penetrating component (1). Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the measurement data provided by the first measurement device (6) contain information about individual surface features of the penetrating component (1). Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the identification data characterizing the penetrating component (1) are stored in a memory area of the non-volatile memory (9) which is individually assigned to the penetrating component (1). Procedure according to Claim 5 wherein the non-volatile memory (9) has a plurality of storage areas, each of which is assigned to a different intruding component (1). Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which, during processing of the measurement data provided by the first measuring device (6), identification data of the penetrating component (1) are determined which mark the penetrating component (1) as faulty. Procedure according to Claim 7 , in which at least one of the following errors is detected during processing of the measurement data provided by the first measuring device (6): - the presence of impermissibly deep grooves or scratches, - the presence of impermissible burr formation, - the presence of impermissible geometric deviations, - a Presence of corrosion. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the presence of a correct penetration depth of the penetrating component (1) is checked using a measuring device (11) of the control unit (5). Procedure according to Claim 9 , in which a tolerance range is taken into account when checking the existence of a correct penetration depth. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which, after the presence of a correct penetration depth has been recognized, the penetrating component (1) is pressed with the receiving component by means of a pressing tool. Procedure according to Claim 11 , in which the pressing is carried out by means of pressing tongs. Procedure according to Claim 11 or 12th , in which, after pressing, an identification signal confirming correct pressing is stored. Procedure according to Claim 13 , in which the identification signal confirming the correct pressing is transmitted to the reader (8) and stored in its non-volatile memory (9) together with the identification data of the penetrating component (1). Procedure according to Claim 13 , in which the identification signal confirming the correct pressing is stored in the memory (10) of the control unit (5) together with the identification data of the penetrating component (1). Device for carrying out a method according to one of the preceding claims, which has: - An electronic reading device (8) designed to measure the end area and the area of the penetrating component (1) adjoining the end area, which has a first measuring device (6), a computing unit (7) and a non-volatile memory (9) which is used for Storage of identification data of the penetrating component (1) is designed, - Transmission means (13, 15) which are designed to transmit the identification data from the reading device (8) to a control unit (5), wherein - The control unit (5) has a memory (10) designed to store the identification data of the penetrating component (1) and a measuring device (11) of the control unit (5) which is used to determine the penetration depth, taking into account the identification data of the penetrating component (1) is trained. Device according to Claim 16 , in which the control unit (5) is part of a pressing tool. Device according to Claim 16 , in which the control unit (5) is part of the reader (8). Device according to one of the Claims 16 - 18th in which the penetrating component (1) is a pipe and the female component is a fitting.

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