Tool for cutting a half-groove into a casing of a duct segment

Abstract

Tool (1) for introducing a half-groove (2) into a casing (3) of a duct segment (4), comprising - an elongated base body (5), - a rotating rod (6) connected to the base body (5), - a cutting device (7) arranged on the base body (5), - a spring device (8) with at least one spring element (9), wherein the base body (5) comprises two partial bodies (11, 12) which are connected to one another to form a pivot axis (14) of the base body (5) extending parallel to a longitudinal axis (13) of the base body (5) and spaced from the longitudinal axis (13), wherein the partial bodies (11, 12) are pivotable relative to one another about the pivot axis (14), wherein the at least one spring element (9) of the spring device (8) is supported at its one end (15) on the first partial body (11) and at its other end (16) on the second partial body (12), wherein the at least one spring element (9) is prestressable or prestressed in such a way that a spring force of the spring element (9) acting as a result of the prestressing tends to pivot the two partial bodies (11, 12) away from each other about the pivot axis (14), wherein the rotary linkage (6) is connected to a first of the two partial bodies (11, 12) in a torque-transmitting manner, so that a torque applied to the rotary linkage (6) can be transmitted to the first partial body (11) and thereby the base body (5) as a whole can be driven in rotation about an axis of rotation parallel to its longitudinal axis (13), wherein at least a part of the rotary rod (6) projects in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (13) of the base body (5) beyond a proximal end (30) of the base body (5), wherein the cutting device (7) is arranged on the second of the two partial bodies (11, 12) in such a way that a cutting edge (19) of the cutting device (7) projects radially outwards beyond the second partial body (12) with respect to the longitudinal axis (13) of the base body (5), so that the cutting edge (19) can engage with the casing (3) of the line duct segment (4) as intended for cutting the half-groove (2) when the base body (5) is in a state inserted into the line duct segment (4), wherein the cutting device (7) is arranged at a proximal end (18) of the second partial body (12) and projects beyond the proximal end (30) of the base body (5) in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (13) of the base body (5).

Description

[0001] The present application relates to a tool for introducing a half-groove into a casing of a duct segment according to claim 1.

[0002] Cable ducts can be used in particular to enclose cables underground. For example, cable ducts are important in the construction of power lines, where underground electrical cables are not laid directly in the ground, but are routed in cable ducts. Such a cable duct can, for example, be formed from a round pipe made of plastic, in particular a thermoplastic, which has an internal diameter in the range between 70 mm and 2000 mm. The cable ducts are assembled from individual cable duct segments, which is only done on site. The individual cable duct segments are typically each 10 m to 20 m long. In order to connect the individual cable duct segments to one another and thus form a cable duct, the cable duct segments are butted together at the ends.The connection is typically made by forming a material bond, whereby the end faces of the duct segments to be butted together are heated, softening or liquefying the material of the casings of the duct segments. The end faces are then pressed together in their heated state by applying a compressive force. The heated and liquefied material of the casings of the two respective duct segments bonds to one another in a material bond, whereby the application of the compressive force creates a so-called weld bead at the contact point between the two duct segments, which consists of displaced, liquefied material from the casing. The material is therefore displaced in the radial direction of the duct, both outwards and inwards. In other words, a weld bead is created both on the inner casing surface of the formed duct and on the outer casing surface.For the subsequent routing of cables through the duct, the weld beads located on the inner surface, which protrude radially beyond the inner surface into the free cross-section of the duct, are undesirable, as cables pushed through the duct can strike the weld beads. Therefore, in many construction projects, the removal of the weld beads is a requirement of the client.

[0003] As an alternative to removing weld beads, it is also conceivable to locally reduce the thickness of the respective casing at the front ends of the individual duct segments, i.e. to reduce the radially measured thickness of the casing. The local reduction in the thickness of the casing can be carried out in particular in the form of an incision or a milling into the casing. In any case, material is removed all around at least on the inner side of the respective casing, and the casing is thereby locally reduced in thickness. In this way, space is created for the respective weld bead, which, according to the principle explained above, is created when two duct segments are connected directly in the area of ​​the joint, i.e. at the mutually facing ends of the duct segments.The weld bead, which "bulges" radially inward when the duct segments are joined, enters the space created by the local reduction in the thickness of the shells of the two butted duct segments. The weld bead then no longer needs to be removed, as it does not protrude radially into the free cross-section of the duct, but remains in the groove formed by the two reduced regions of the shells of the butted duct segments. These reduced regions are each referred to as a "half-groove" in the context of the present application. The groove is therefore formed by two such half-grooves, namely one half-groove at the front end of one duct segment and the other half-groove at the corresponding front end of the other duct segment.The resulting "full groove" (the sum of both half grooves, referred to as the "groove" in this application) is also referred to in the art as a "king groove" or "king weld." This eliminates the need to remove the inwardly protruding weld bead.

[0004] The tool according to the present invention serves to introduce a respective half-groove into the casing of a respective duct segment. State of the art

[0005] It is known in the prior art to butt together duct segments to form a groove or king groove, so that the material of the casings displaced during butting can enter the space formed by the groove and, in particular, does not have to protrude beyond the inner casing surface into the free cross-section of the formed duct. The respective half-grooves can be created, in particular, using a milling cutter, which, preferably machine-controlled, circumferentially runs along the respective casing of a duct segment at its front end, milling away material from the casing and thus creating the circumferential half-groove.

[0006] This approach has the disadvantage that it typically produces very small plastic particles that are difficult to clean off. In addition, the removal of the respective half-groove typically only takes place on site, where there is a high risk that tiny plastic particles (microplastics) will enter the environment and—depending on the weather—contaminate the joint area of ​​the respective duct segment. Task

[0007] In view of these circumstances, it is the object of the present invention to provide a tool by means of which a respective half-groove can be introduced particularly easily and cleanly into the casing of a respective duct segment. Solution

[0008] The present object is achieved according to the invention by means of a tool having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments emerge from the associated subclaims as well as the description and the exemplary embodiment.

[0009] The tool comprises an elongated base body. This has a longitudinal axis, in the direction of which the base body extends. "Elongated" in this context means that a diameter of the base body is smaller than its length measured parallel to the longitudinal axis. In a preferred embodiment, the base body has a cylindrical or cylinder-like basic shape. Preferably, the length of the base body is at least twice, preferably three times, its diameter. Preferably, the base body has a total length, measured parallel to its longitudinal axis, of at least 300 mm, preferably at least 400 mm. This allows the base body to be stored particularly stably within a respective duct segment.

[0010] The tool further comprises a rotating linkage connected to the base body in a torque-transmitting manner. As explained below, the rotating linkage serves to enable the base body to be driven in rotation within a respective duct segment.

[0011] The tool further comprises a cutting device which is arranged on the base body and comprises at least one cutting edge. As explained below, the cutting device is provided and configured to come into cutting contact with the casing of the respective duct segment and in this way to cut the half-groove into the casing. The half-groove is cut in such a way that, starting from an end face of the casing, it extends in the longitudinal direction of the duct segment. To form the half-groove, material from the casing is removed on its radial inner side, i.e., to form the half-groove, the radially measured thickness of the casing is reduced from its inner side. The half-groove is cut circumferentially into the casing so that, even after the half-groove has been produced, the duct segment is rotationally symmetrical with respect to its central axis, at least in a proximal end region.

[0012] Finally, the tool comprises a spring device comprising at least one spring element. The spring element interacts with the base body (more precisely: with two sub-bodies of the base body explained below) and serves to adapt the diameter of the base body (and thus the tool) to the inner diameter of the respective duct segment, so that the cutting device can engage the casing of the duct segment in the intended cutting engagement.

[0013] The base body of the tool comprises two partial bodies, preferably exactly two partial bodies, which are connected to one another to form a pivot axis. Accordingly, the two partial bodies can be pivoted relative to one another about the pivot axis. For example, the two partial bodies can be screwed together by means of coaxially oriented bolts, for example threaded bolts, wherein the congruent longitudinal axes of the bolts define the pivot axis. The two partial bodies preferably each extend at least substantially over the entire length of the base body in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base body. Accordingly, both partial bodies, like the base body within the meaning of the present application, are preferably elongated and preferably oriented parallel to one another.In this case, the proximal ends of the partial bodies preferably form a proximal end region of the main body, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the main body, and the distal ends of the partial bodies preferably form a distal end region of the main body. For example, a proximal end of the main body can be formed by a proximal end of one of the two partial bodies or by the proximal ends of both partial bodies. The same applies analogously to a distal end of the main body. The proximal ends of the two partial bodies are preferably located in close proximity to one another and / or directly adjoin one another, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the main body. The same preferably applies analogously to the distal ends of the partial bodies.Preferably, at least one of the two partial bodies, preferably both partial bodies, has a semi-cylindrical shape, wherein in the sense of the present application a “semi-cylinder” is understood to mean one half of a cylinder divided into two parts along its longitudinal axis.

[0014] The pivot axis, about which the two partial bodies can be pivoted relative to one another, extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base body and at a distance from the longitudinal axis. In other words, the pivot axis extends off-center with respect to the longitudinal axis of the base body. By means of the pivot axis, the two partial bodies can be pivoted relative to one another in the manner of a hot dog bun sliced ​​parallel to the longitudinal axis, and the base body can thus be alternately "folded open" and "folded closed." Due to this analogy, the described two-part design of the base body with the formation of the pivot axis between the two partial bodies is also referred to as a "hot dog mechanism" in the sense of the present application. The hot dog mechanism allows the tool to flexibly adapt the base body to the respective diameter of a respective duct segment.The objective is that, after insertion into a respective duct segment, the base body is opened so far that the two partial bodies come into contact with an inner surface of the duct segment's casing. As a result of this contact, the base body—and thus the tool as a whole—is guided relative to the duct segment or its casing. Thus, when the base body is inserted into the duct segment, the tool can be rotated about the longitudinal axis of the base body relative to the casing of the duct segment. The cutting device can, as explained below, enter into cutting engagement with the casing as intended and cut the half-groove into the casing as desired.

[0015] In order to drive the unfolding of the base body and to keep the base body stable in a respective unfolded state adapted to the respective duct segment, the base body interacts with the spring device. This is designed such that its at least one spring element is supported with its first end on the first partial body and with its second end on the second partial body. The at least one spring element is prestressed or can be prestressed in such a way that the spring element strives to move the two partial bodies away from each other, i.e., to pivot them away from each other about the pivot axis. In other words, the at least one spring element is prestressed or can be prestressed in such a way that it drives the base body, in the absence of other forces, to unfold as explained above.

[0016] In this case, the spring device can comprise a stop or cooperate with a stop, by means of which the extent by which the two partial bodies can be pivoted away from each other under the action of a spring force of the at least one spring element and in the absence of other external forces is limited to a maximum. Upon reaching this stop, the base body is consequently in a fully unfolded state.

[0017] The at least one spring element can, for example, and preferably, be formed by a coil spring or a gas spring. Both types of spring elements are particularly easy to preload and are therefore suitable for applying spring forces acting along a spring axis. In such a configuration, the at least one spring element is preferably arranged relative to the pivot axis such that the spring axis lies at least substantially within a plane oriented perpendicular to the pivot axis and is further spaced from the pivot axis, so that the spring force of the spring element acts under a lever arm relative to the pivot axis.

[0018] The rotating linkage is connected to a first of the two partial bodies of the base body in a torque-transmitting manner. This partial body forms the "first partial body" within the meaning of the present application. The connection causes a torque applied to the rotating linkage (e.g., manually or by motor) to be transmitted by means of the rotating linkage to the first partial body and thus to the base body. In this way, it is possible for a user of the tool to grasp the rotating linkage directly or indirectly (e.g., via a toggle connected to the proximal end of the rotating linkage or via another auxiliary tool) and apply a torque to the rotating linkage manually or by motor.This torque is transmitted via the rotating rod to the first partial body and, due to its connection to the second partial body, also to the latter (and thus to the base body as a whole), so that the base body can be driven in rotation about an axis of rotation parallel to its longitudinal axis via the rotating rod. In a preferred embodiment of the tool, the longitudinal axis of the base body and the axis of rotation can be congruent. In practice, the tool can be brought into interaction with the duct segment such that the base body is arranged within the duct segment. A torque is then exerted on the rotating rod, and the base body is rotated within the duct segment relative to its casing.

[0019] To enable the user to grip the rotating rod at a location outside the duct segment or to have access to the rotating rod, the rotating rod projects beyond a proximal end of the duct body in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base body. This proximal end of the base body can be formed, for example, by a proximal end of the first partial body and / or by a proximal end of the second partial body. In the application, the processing of the casing is intended in an end section of the casing of the respective duct segment facing the user. Accordingly, in preparation for cutting the respective half-groove, the base body is preferably not pushed deep into the duct segment, but rather inserted into the latter at a proximal end of the duct segment, i.e. the end facing the user.The proximal end of the main body is located within the duct segment, but preferably in the immediate vicinity of the proximal end of the duct segment. Since the rotating rod protrudes beyond the proximal end of the main body, in this arrangement it also protrudes beyond the proximal end of the duct segment or projects out of the duct segment. This allows the user to easily access the rotating rod and exert forces on it without having to reach into the duct segment. In order for the rotating rod to protrude beyond the proximal end of the main body, it also protrudes beyond the proximal ends of the two partial bodies. Typically, the proximal end of the main body is formed by one or both of the proximal ends of the two partial bodies.

[0020] The cutting device is arranged on the second of the two partial bodies, which is not directly connected to the rotary rod. This partial body forms the "second partial body" within the meaning of the present application. The cutting device is preferably arranged radially outward on the second partial body, with "radially outward" being understood to refer to the longitudinal axis of the base body. In any case, the cutting device is arranged on the second partial body in such a way that the at least one cutting edge of the cutting device protrudes radially outward beyond the second partial body, so that the cutting edge can come into cutting contact with the casing of the duct segment when the base body is inserted into the duct segment. In particular, the cutting edge can cut into the casing on the inside of the casing when the base body is arranged within the duct segment, thereby creating the half-groove in the casing as intended.

[0021] The cutting device is further arranged such that it protrudes beyond the proximal end of the base body. In other words, the cutting device extends from the proximal end of the second partial body in a direction away from the base body, specifically in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base body. Thus, both the rotary rod and the cutting device each extend from a proximal end of the respectively associated partial body in a proximal direction (facing away from the base body) parallel to the longitudinal axis, specifically far enough that they protrude beyond the proximal end of the base body. Preferably, the proximal end of the base body is formed by one or both proximal ends of the two partial bodies, wherein further preferably the proximal ends of the two partial bodies either coincide or are in close proximity to one another when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the base body.

[0022] With reference to the above application example, the described arrangement of the cutting device can be used in particular to position the cutting device either inside or outside the duct segment before the actual process of cutting the half-groove begins, depending on how far the base body is inserted into the respective duct segment. This results in two different procedures for cutting a respective half-groove into a respective casing using the tool according to the invention. These are as follows:

[0023] In the first approach, the base body can be positioned within the duct segment such that the cutting device protruding beyond the proximal end of the base body is initially located outside the duct segment (before the actual cutting of the half-groove). The tool is positioned precisely so that the cutting device, with its cutting edge parallel to a central axis of the duct segment, strikes an end face of the duct segment's casing and comes into contact with this face. The base body is positioned with its proximal end in close proximity to the proximal end of the duct segment, so that the base body itself is located inside the duct segment, but the cutting device is (still) outside.A subsequent rotary drive of the tool via the rotary linkage combined with an axial advance of the tool parallel to the central axis of the duct segment into the duct segment then leads to the cutting edge of the cutting device cutting into the duct from the end face of the casing in a direction parallel to the central axis. In doing so, the material of the casing is successively cut off over a portion of the thickness of the casing by means of the cutting edge of the cutting device, starting from the end face of the casing, with the casing being removed from its inside. The thickness of the casing is thereby locally reduced in the end section of the duct segment, so that the half-groove is formed. In principle, the material is removed on the inside of the casing and starting from the end face.

[0024] The "depth" of the half-groove corresponds to the dimension, measured radially relative to the center axis of the duct segment, by which the thickness of the casing is reduced during this process, starting from the inner surface of the casing. This depth can be determined particularly easily by the arrangement of the cutting edge relative to the second partial body. The latter, like the first partial body, rests against the inner surface of the casing due to the described "hotdog mechanism", so that the base body is guided within the duct segment by both partial bodies. Due to their respective contact with the inner surface, the partial bodies cannot move further outwards, nor can the base body unfold further under the action of the spring device. The radial position of the cutting edge of the cutting device relative to the casing of the duct segment is determined accordingly - and with it the depth of the half-groove.

[0025] In order to form the half-groove circumferentially along the casing, the tool is then rotated at least one revolution around the longitudinal axis of the base body. It is also conceivable for the tool to be rotated several revolutions. This essentially depends on how far the half-groove is to extend in a direction parallel to the central axis of the duct segment, i.e. how long the half-groove is to be. In a preferred embodiment, the cutting edge is shaped and / or inclined in such a way that it automatically "draws" into the material of the casing as the tool rotates, so that only a small amount of additional force is required on the tool in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tool for the described advance.

[0026] The axial advance of the tool relative to the duct segment can preferably be stopped at a previously defined distance by means of a stop element of the cutting device. Upon reaching the respective distance or after a certain length by which the tool has moved in a direction parallel to the central axis of the duct segment since the start of the cutting process, the stop element strikes the end face of the casing, thereby preventing further movement of the tool parallel to the central axis of the duct segment. In this way, the length of the groove (measured parallel to the central axis of the duct) is fixed. After all of this, in the first procedure, the cutting device cuts into the casing in the axial direction of the duct segment, starting from the end face.

[0027] In the second approach, the base body is positioned within the duct segment in such a way that the cutting device protruding beyond the proximal end of the base body is already located within the duct segment prior to the cutting process. In this case, the base body is further "folded closed" compared to the first case, so that the cutting device can and has entered the duct segment with the cutting edge protruding radially outward beyond the second partial body. The at least one spring element of the spring device pushes the two partial bodies of the base body apart, and the base body is thus folded open until the cutting device, with its cutting edge, is in direct contact with the inner surface of the duct segment's casing.Since the cutting edge projects radially outwards beyond the second partial body, the second partial body as such - unlike the first partial body - is not yet in contact with the inner surface of the casing of the duct segment at this point in time.

[0028] To cut the half-groove, it is important that the tool is aligned relative to the duct segment so that the cutting edge of the cutting device rests against the casing in the area where the half-groove is to be created, i.e. at a proximal end of the duct segment. This is necessary so that the finished half-groove extends as intended in the axial direction of the duct segment, starting from the end face of the casing. The tool is now rotated via the rotary rod, with the cutting edge of the cutting device cutting radially outwards into the material of the casing, starting from the inner casing surface of the casing. The base body gradually opens further, by the amount by which the cutting edge penetrates the material of the casing in the radial direction. This entry is limited by the fact that the second partial body (if applicable) is soon inserted into the casing.via contact elements described below) against the inner surface of the casing, thereby preventing the base body from further opening—and thus preventing the cutting edge from radially penetrating the casing of the cable duct segment. The distance of the cutting edge from the respective stop surface of the second partial body, measured in the radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the base body, defines the penetration depth of the cutting edge into the casing and thus the depth of the generated half-groove, measured in the radial direction.

[0029] As in the first case, it may be sufficient to rotate the tool approximately one revolution around the longitudinal axis of the base body to completely produce the half-groove. It is also conceivable that multiple revolutions are performed. The length of the half-groove measured in the axial direction of the duct segment is determined by the length of at least one cutting edge of the cutting device measured parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base body. Before the start of the actual cutting process, the cutting device is preferably positioned relative to the casing such that the cutting edge still protrudes slightly beyond the end face of the duct segment, so that the half-groove is reliably cut right up to the face of the duct segment.

[0030] When using the second approach, the tool typically does not advance in a direction parallel to the central axis of the duct segment, although this is fundamentally possible. Therefore, the two different approaches can be distinguished primarily by the primary movement of the cutting edge relative to the casing of the duct segment: In the first approach, the cutting edge gradually advances in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the duct segment during the cutting process, whereas in the second approach, it moves radially into the casing of the duct segment.

[0031] The tool according to the invention has many advantages. In particular, it is particularly easy, preferably solely by means of a manual drive, to create a respective half-groove at a proximal end of a respective duct segment on the inside of the casing. To connect two duct segments, it is therefore only necessary to insert the tool successively, first into the first duct segment and then into the second duct segment, and to use it to cut the respective half-groove. Both duct segments then each have a half-groove at their ends, so that when the respective end faces butt together, the weld bead, which inherently protrudes inwards, remains within the groove formed jointly by the two half-grooves when the two duct segments butt together.Subsequent cutting off of the welding bead is not necessary as there is no radial protrusion of the welding bead into the free cross-section of the formed duct.

[0032] Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous that the cutting action of the cutting device on the casing of the respective duct segment produces, at best, only a single chip, but in any case, only a small number of individual (large) chips of the material from which the casing of the duct segment is formed. This is due to the fact that the cutting edge penetrates the casing material and cuts it cleanly, instead of machining or milling the latter into a multitude of small individual chips, as is common in the state of the art. Consequently, cleaning the respective duct segment after cutting the respective half-groove is particularly easy and can be done in just a few steps, which both accelerates work progress and promotes overall cleanliness on the construction site. Furthermore, a lower (or ideally no) release of microplastics into the environment compared to the state of the art is advantageous.

[0033] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the tool, the pivot axis is arranged in a radially outer edge region of the base body, viewed in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the base body. This embodiment allows the base body to cover the largest possible diameter range for various duct segments for which the tool can be used, by pivoting the two partial bodies relative to each other about the pivot axis.

[0034] In principle, i.e. regardless of the advantageous arrangement of the pivot axis described above, it is advisable to manually compress or fold the base body before inserting it into the respective duct segment by pivoting the two partial bodies towards each other about the pivot axis against the spring force of at least one spring element of the spring device. In this way, the effective diameter of the base body can be reduced to a minimum, so that the base body can at least be inserted into those duct segments whose inner diameter is larger than the minimum diameter of the base body when in its folded state. The latter is typically caused by the two partial bodies abutting against each other and therefore cannot be pivoted further towards each other about the pivot axis.

[0035] As soon as the base body is located within the duct segment, the manual force used to press the two partial bodies together is released, so that the two partial bodies - due to the spring force of at least one spring element of the spring device - move away from each other about the pivot axis. This is equivalent to unfolding the base body. In principle, this can only occur until the tool strikes the inner surface of the casing. As explained above, this striking can at least also occur by the cutting device striking the inner surface of the casing (see the second procedure described above). In the event that the cutting device is located outside the duct segment (see the first procedure described above), this striking can also be caused exclusively by parts of the base body or the two partial bodies.It is also conceivable that the partial bodies, according to the advantageous embodiment described below, have contact elements designed for direct contact with the inner surface of the casing. The base body can be folded out within a certain range, so that the base body can be inserted into duct segments of different diameters and the tool can therefore be used as intended with different duct segments. Therefore, the tool is not limited to duct segments with a specific diameter, but can be used for duct segments of different diameters, at least as long as the diameters are within a certain range.

[0036] Furthermore, a particularly advantageous embodiment of the tool can be one in which the first partial body has a proximal end plate forming a proximal end of the first partial body and a distal end plate forming a distal end of the first partial body. The end plates are firmly connected to one another by means of elongated connecting rods extending in the longitudinal direction of the base body. It is harmless and therefore also conceivable for the first partial body to have additional "middle plates" arranged between the proximal end plate and the distal end plate, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the base body.

[0037] The described embodiment is analogously also advantageous for the second partial body, wherein in a particularly advantageous embodiment of the tool both partial bodies are formed in the manner described each with a proximal end plate and a distal end plate, which are firmly connected to one another by means of connecting rods.

[0038] The design with the end plates contributes to the particularly simple construction of the respective partial body, whereby the functional units of the tool (rotary linkage, cutting device and spring device) can be arranged particularly easily on the end plates, in particular the proximal end plates. The connecting rods create a certain length of the base body, over which the base body can extend within the respective duct segment. This length contributes to the stability of the tool, which the tool exhibits during its intended use during a rotary movement within a respective duct segment. In particular, the base body can rest on the respective end plates of the partial bodies on the inner circumferential surface of the duct segment, such that the tool is guided via corresponding contact points in the duct segment.This prevents the base body from “wobbling” during the cutting action with the casing.

[0039] The respective end plates of the first partial body and / or the second partial body are preferably at least substantially identical in construction. This allows the number of different parts constituting the tool as a whole to be reduced.

[0040] The individual elements of each partial body, i.e. in particular the respective end plates and the connecting rods, can be made of steel or stainless steel.

[0041] Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the end plates are oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the base body. In this way, the end plates act as a "bulkhead" and thus contribute to the high rigidity and stability of the respective sub-body.

[0042] If both partial bodies each have a proximal end plate and a distal end plate, it can be particularly advantageous if both partial bodies extend at least substantially over the entire length of the base body, wherein preferably the proximal end plates of the two partial bodies on the one hand and the distal end plates of the two partial bodies on the other hand are each directly connected to one another. This connection can be in the form of a screw connection, for example. For example, the proximal end plates of both partial bodies can be connected to one another by means of a bolt oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base body. The same applies to the two distal end plates. The bolts are preferably arranged coaxially to one another so that their longitudinal axes are congruent. In this embodiment, the longitudinal axes of the bolts define the pivot axis about which the two partial bodies can be pivoted relative to one another.Such a design is also implemented in the exemplary embodiment below. The arrangement of the respective end plates (proximal and distal) in direct contact with one another results in the proximal and distal ends of the two partial bodies being located at least substantially at the same positions along the longitudinal axis of the main body, relative to the longitudinal axis. Therefore, in this design, any protrusion of, for example, the rotary rod or the cutting device beyond the proximal end of the respective associated partial body is always accompanied by these parts protruding beyond the proximal end of the main body.

[0043] If both partial bodies each have a proximal end plate and a distal end plate, it can further be particularly advantageous if the end plates of the two partial bodies, viewed in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main body, each have at least approximately a semicircular shape. In this case, it is further preferably provided that mutually corresponding end plates (i.e., the two proximal end plates of the two partial bodies and / or the two distal end plates of the two partial bodies) complement each other at least approximately to form a full circular surface, at least when the main body is in a fully folded state.In this embodiment, the base body as a whole has the shape of an elongated cylinder, the two opposing end surfaces of which are formed by the proximal end plates and distal end plates of the two partial bodies, and the longitudinal axis of which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base body and parallel to the connecting rods of the two partial bodies. In this embodiment, the base body is particularly well suited to being inserted into a conduit segment with a circular diameter. It is also within the scope of the invention for one partial body to be larger than the other partial body, wherein - as realized in the exemplary embodiment below - for example, the proximal end plate and the distal end plate of the first partial body can each be larger than the proximal end plate and the distal end plate of the second partial body.Irrespective of this, the end plates can be designed in such a way that the mutually corresponding end plates (proximal or distal) together form at least essentially a full circular surface, at least when the base body is in a closed state.

[0044] If both partial bodies each have a proximal end plate and a distal end plate as described, it may also be advantageous if an imaginary envelope enclosing the base body, which is applied to the end plates of the two partial bodies from the outside, has at least approximately the shape of a cylinder. This configuration is particularly easy to achieve in combination with the configuration described above as advantageous, in which the end plates each have at least approximately the shape of a semicircle.

[0045] Again with reference to the advantageous embodiment in which both partial bodies each have a proximal end plate and a distal end plate as described, it can also be particularly advantageous if the at least one spring element of the spring device is supported either with its first end on the proximal end plate of the first partial body and with its second end on the proximal plate of the second partial body or with its first end on the distal end plate of the first partial body and with its second end on the distal end plate of the second partial body. In principle, it is also conceivable for the spring element to be supported, for example, on connecting rods of the two partial bodies. The arrangement on mutually corresponding end plates (proximal or distal) is nevertheless advantageous with regard to the assembly of the spring element.

[0046] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the spring device comprises at least two spring elements, wherein the first spring element is supported with its ends on the proximal end plates of the two partial bodies, as described, while the second spring element is supported with its ends on the distal end plates of the two partial bodies. The described support of the at least one spring element can be combined in a particularly advantageous manner with the embodiments described above as advantageous, which also relate to the embodiment of the two partial bodies, each with a proximal end plate and a distal end plate.

[0047] In a further advantageous embodiment of the tool according to the invention, the partial bodies each have at least one contact element, wherein the contact elements are arranged radially outward on the respective associated partial body. The “radially outward” arrangement refers to the longitudinal axis of the base body. The contact elements are intended and configured to come into direct contact with an inner circumferential surface of the casing of the cable duct segment when the base body is inserted into the cable duct segment. This contact is preferably designed to be sliding or rolling. The contact elements ensure that the two partial bodies can be guided on the inner circumferential surface of the casing during a designated rotational movement of the base body about its longitudinal axis, carried out within the cable duct segment.The contact elements have the advantage that they form defined contact points of the base body with the inner surface of the casing of the cable duct segment, which promotes the stability of the mounting of the base body in the cable duct segment.

[0048] If contact elements are present, it can be particularly advantageous if the contact elements each have a roller bearing, by means of which they can roll on the inner casing surface during the rotational movement of the base body within the respective cable duct segment. The rotational axes of the roller bearings are oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base body. The advantage of this design is that the base body can be guided along the casing of the cable duct segment with particularly low friction, making using the tool particularly comfortable for the user. In particular, with this design, the only resistance the user is faced with for the rotational movement of the base body is largely the force required for the cutting edge to penetrate the casing material or to cut the half-groove.

[0049] If the partial bodies have the described contact elements, it can furthermore be particularly advantageous if the partial bodies have a total of at least six contact elements, which are combined into two groups of three. The two groups of three contact elements are arranged at least substantially together in a plane oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main body and are spaced from one another when viewed in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the main body. For example and preferably, the first of the two groups of three can be assigned to a proximal end of the main body and the second group of three can be assigned to a distal end of the main body. This configuration is particularly advantageous in combination with an embodiment in which the two partial bodies each have a proximal end plate and a distal end plate, as explained above.In this combination, it is particularly advantageous if the first group of three contact elements is arranged on the proximal end plates of the partial bodies, while the second group of three contact elements is arranged on the distal end plates of the partial bodies.

[0050] If the contact elements are divided into two groups of three as described, it may also be advantageous for the first partial body to have two contact elements of each group of three, and for the second partial body to have the third contact element of each group of three. In this configuration, the first partial body thus has a total of four contact elements (two contact elements of the first group of three and two contact elements of the second group of three), and the second partial body has a total of two contact elements (one contact element per group of three).

[0051] In another particularly advantageous embodiment of the tool, the cutting device has a stop element that is located further outward from the cutting edge of the cutting device in the radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the base body. The stop element is preferably adjustable in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the base body. The stop element can function differently depending on the method of using the tool (see the explanation of the two methods above).

[0052] In the first approach, the stop element ensures that the advance of the tool in a direction parallel to the center axis of the duct segment is limited to a previously defined amount. The limitation occurs when the stop element hits the end face of the casing once the respective cutting process has progressed accordingly. Viewed in the longitudinal direction of the base body, the stop element is located on a side of the cutting edge facing away from the base body, so that during the cutting of the respective half-groove, the cutting edge first enters the casing from the end face in the axial direction of the duct segment and only later does the stop element hit the end face of the casing. The cutting edge can then no longer penetrate the casing, so that the length of the groove is limited. The cutting process is then completed.

[0053] In the second approach, the stop element is designed to strike the end face of the casing, i.e. the proximal face of the casing, during the positioning of the base body (and not only during the cutting process) in the respective duct segment, thereby defining a position of the cutting edge intended for the intended engagement of the cutting edge with the casing of the duct segment. According to the second approach, the base body is positioned within the duct segment in such a way that the cutting edge of the cutting device also enters the duct segment with its cutting edge, and as a result, the cutting edge of the cutting device rests against the inner casing surface of the casing. For the correct production of the half-groove, it is important that the cutting device is correctly positioned relative to the casing of the duct segment.This positioning is facilitated by the described stop element. In particular, it ensures that the base body is only inserted into the duct segment until the stop element strikes the end face of the casing, thereby preventing further insertion of the base body into the duct segment.

[0054] The stop element is positioned relative to the cutting device such that, during the described stop action, the cutting edge of the cutting device is arranged in the desired position relative to the casing of the duct segment. Thus, for further use of the tool, it is subsequently only necessary to apply a torque to the rotating rod and rotate the tool relative to the duct segment in the manner described, whereby the cutting device cuts into the material of the casing with its cutting edge in a radial direction and cuts the half-groove into the casing as desired. Meanwhile, the stop element remains in contact with the end face of the casing. There is no axial movement of the tool relative to the duct segment.By means of an advantageous adjustability of the stop element in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base body, the position of the cutting device relative to the casing can be adjusted as desired.

[0055] In a further advantageous embodiment of the tool, the cutting edge of the cutting device has at least one cutting section in which a cutting edge of the cutting edge runs straight and is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base body. This design of the cutting edge is particularly advantageous for using the tool in the second procedure described above. Thus, a cutting edge with a cutting edge oriented in the manner described is particularly well suited to cutting into the casing of the respective duct segment in a radial direction. The cutting edge is preferably designed and / or oriented in such a way that it automatically "draws" into the material of the casing during the rotational movement of the tool relative to the duct segment.

[0056] In combination with the advantageous design of the cutting edge described above, but also independently thereof, it can be particularly advantageous if the cutting edge has at least one cutting section in which a cutting edge of the cutting edge extends at least partially in the radial direction towards the longitudinal axis of the base body. In the simplest case, the cutting edge can be oriented radially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the base body, extending within a plane oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the base body. However, it is advantageous if the cutting edge extends straight with respect to the longitudinal axis of the base body, at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the base body, or in a bent or curved manner.This design of the cutting device is particularly well suited for use in the first procedure described above, in which the base body is inserted into the respective duct segment until the cutting device strikes the end face of the casing from the outside with its cutting edge or comes into contact with the end face. During the subsequent rotational movement of the tool relative to the duct segment, the cutting device then cuts into the casing with its cutting edge, resulting in a movement of the cutting device or the tool as a whole in a direction parallel to a central axis of the duct segment. A movement of the cutting device or the cutting edge during the process of cutting the half-groove in the radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the base body does not occur.The angled orientation of the cutting section relative to the longitudinal axis results in a smooth entry of the cutting edge into the shell material. Furthermore, this shape results in the finished half-groove being formed with a beveled flank at the end facing away from the shell's end face, which acts like a chamfer.

[0057] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the cutting edge of the cutting device has two cutting sections that directly adjoin one another, so that one cutting section transitions seamlessly into the other cutting section. In this embodiment, it is particularly advantageous if the cutting edge of the first cutting section, as explained above, is straight and oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base body, and the cutting edge in the second cutting section extends at least partially in the radial direction toward the longitudinal axis of the base body. In this embodiment, the cutting device can be used selectively for both of the above-described procedures.It is particularly advantageous if the cutting edge in the second cutting section extends at an angle between 45° and 80°, preferably at an angle between 50° and 70°, inclined relative to the cutting edge in the first cutting section.

[0058] Furthermore, a configuration in which the cutting device has at least one second cutting edge arranged radially outward relative to the longitudinal axis of the base body can be particularly advantageous, such that it is suitable for machining the casing of the duct segment in the region of its outer casing surface, at least when the tool is used in the first procedure described above. For the success of the invention, it is primarily important that the respective half-groove is cut into the casing on the inner casing surface of the casing, whereby the radially measured thickness of the casing is locally reduced starting from the inner casing surface.As explained above, this creates a space on the inside of the casing into which a respective inwardly protruding weld bead can enter during the connection of two duct segments without radially protruding into the free cross-section of the formed duct. In addition to the half-groove, it can nevertheless be advantageous to also form or cut the casing of the respective duct segment on its outside. This can be done in a particularly simple manner during the same work step in which the half-groove is also cut into the casing as intended. For this purpose, a described embodiment of the cutting device with a second cutter is advantageous, which is arranged radially on the outside of the cutting device in such a way that, when the tool is used as intended, it can come into cutting engagement with the casing in the region of its outer casing surface.This makes it possible, for example, to provide the casing with an external bevel. Accordingly, it can be particularly advantageous if the second cutting edge of the cutting device has at least one cutting section in which a cutting edge of the second cutter runs at an angle, for example, at an angle in a range between 30° and 60°.

[0059] Finally, the tool can also be advantageous if the rotating rod has a polygonal profile, preferably in the form of a hexagon, at an end facing away from the base body, which is suitable for the positive connection of a manually or motor-driven auxiliary tool. With this configuration, it can be particularly easy to connect, for example, a toggle handle or other auxiliary tool to the rotating rod in a torque-transmitting manner. For example, it is conceivable to connect an auxiliary tool to the rotating rod that is motor-operated. This auxiliary tool can, for example, have a reduction gear, so that it is conceivable, for example, to use the auxiliary tool in conjunction with a commercially available cordless screwdriver or a commercially available drill, wherein a torque provided by the cordless screwdriver or the drill is transmitted via the auxiliary tool orwhose reduction gear is transferred to the rotating rod and thereby the tool is driven in rotation relative to the duct segment.

[0060] The underlying problem is further solved by means of a set having the features of claim 21. This set comprises a duct segment extending along a central axis and a tool according to the present invention. When the base body is inserted into the duct segment, the longitudinal axis of the base body is oriented parallel to the central axis of the duct segment. At least one of the two partial bodies of the base body, preferably both partial bodies, is supported on the inner circumferential surface of the duct segment. Furthermore, in this state of the base body, the cutting edge of the cutting device is in direct contact with the casing of the duct segment such that the cutting edge can cut into the casing of the duct segment when the tool is rotated as intended.Depending on the position of the tool relative to the duct segment, this cutting can be performed in two different ways, as explained above. Please refer to the above explanations for details. Examples of implementation

[0061] The invention is explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment illustrated in the figures. It shows: Fig. 1: A first side view of a tool according to the invention, Fig. 2: A second side view of the tool according to Fig. 1, Fig. 3: A view of a proximal end of the tool according to Fig. 1, Fig. 4: A longitudinal view of a distal end of the tool according to Fig. 1 here, Fig. 5: A view of the distal end of the tool according to Fig. 1, Fig. 6: A view of the proximal end of the tool according to Fig. 1 in a state in which a base body of the tool is inserted into a duct segment, Fig. 7: A detail of a cutting device of the tool when the base body is in the state inserted into the duct segment for use of the tool according to the second procedure, Fig. 8: A detail of the cutting device of the tool according to Fig. 1, Fig. 9a-c: A schematic representation of a proximal end section of a duct segment in whose casing a half-groove is cut, as well as a schematic representation of a connection between two duct segments by means of a frontal joint.

[0062] An example of implementation that is shown in the Fig. 1 to 8, relates to a tool 1 according to the invention, which is designed to introduce a half-groove 2 into a casing 3 of a duct segment 4. This introduction consists in the tool 1 cutting into the casing 3 by means of a cutting device 7 from an inner side of the casing 3 in a proximal end section of the duct segment 4, so that the half-groove 2 is formed on the inner side of the casing 3 and extends to a front end of the casing 3 (as in Fig. 9 is shown schematically).

[0063] The tool 1 comprises a base body 5, which is formed by two partial bodies 11, 12. The base body 5 is elongated and has a longitudinal axis 13. In the example shown, the base body 5 has a length of 450 mm measured parallel to the longitudinal axis 13 and a diameter of 200 mm measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 13. The two partial bodies 11, 12 extend here and preferably each at least substantially over the entire length of the base body 5. The two partial bodies 11, 12 are connected to one another to form a pivot axis 14, wherein the partial bodies 11, 12 are pivotable relative to one another about the pivot axis 14. The pivot axis 14 is arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis 13 and spaced from the longitudinal axis 13. In particular, the pivot axis 14 runs in a radially outer edge region of the base body 5 in the example shown.Due to the pivotability of the two partial bodies 11, 12 relative to each other, the base body 5 can be alternately opened and closed (“hotdog mechanism”).

[0064] The two partial bodies 11, 12 are constructed similarly to one another in the example shown. Accordingly, each partial body 11, 12 has a proximal end plate 20, 21 and a distal end plate 22, 23. The proximal end plate 20 of the first partial body 11 is firmly connected to the associated distal end plate 22 of the first partial body 11 by means of a plurality of elongated connecting rods 24, wherein the connecting rods 24 extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base body 5. Analogously, the proximal end plate 21 of the second partial body 12 and the distal end plate 23 of the second partial body 12 are also firmly connected to one another by means of a plurality of connecting rods 24. The proximal end plate 20 of the first partial body 11 forms a proximal end 17 of the first partial body 11. Accordingly, the proximal end plate 21 of the second partial body 12 forms a proximal end 18 of the second partial body 12.Analogously, the distal end plates 22, 23 form a distal end 40 of the first partial body 11 and a distal end 41 of the second partial body 12, respectively. Both the end plates 20, 21, 22, 23 and the connecting rods 24 are made of steel in the example shown. The two partial bodies 11, 12 each extend at least substantially over the entire length of the base body 5, with the proximal end plates 20, 21 and the distal end plates 22, 23 being associated with one another in such a way that they are connected to one another by means of bolts 43 arranged coaxially to one another to form the pivot axis 14. This is particularly clearly shown in FIG. Fig. 4.

[0065] The proximal end plates 20, 21 are directly connected to one another, so that the proximal ends 17, 18 of the two partial bodies 11, 12 are located at almost the same position along the longitudinal axis 13 of the main body 5. They are offset relative to one another by only one thickness of the respective end plate, with the proximal end plate 21 of the second partial body 12 preferably being positioned in front of the proximal end plate 20 of the first partial body 11. In the example shown, a proximal end 30 of the main body 5 is therefore formed by the proximal end 18 of the second partial body 12 (namely, by a proximal front side of the proximal end plate 21 of the second partial body 12).The distal end plates 22, 23 of the two partial bodies 11, 12 are connected to each other in the same way, with the distal end plate 23 of the second partial body 12 being positioned in front of the distal end plate 22 of the first partial body 11, viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis 13 of the base body 5. In the example shown, the distal end plate 22 of the first partial body 11 (or its distal rear side) thus defines both a distal end 40 of the first partial body 11 and a distal end 31 of the base body 5.

[0066] The bolts 43, with their congruent longitudinal axes, together define the pivot axis 14 about which the two partial bodies 11, 12 can be pivoted relative to one another.

[0067] The partial bodies 11, 12 are designed in the example shown such that the two end plates 20, 22 of the first partial body 11 are at least substantially identical in construction to one another. The same also applies to the two end plates 21, 23 of the second partial body 12. Furthermore, at least the end plates 20, 22 of the first partial body 11 are designed in the example shown such that they each have approximately the shape of a semicircle. In contrast, the end plates 21, 23 are designed to be slightly truncated, deviating from the shape of a semicircle, in the interest of saving weight, as can be clearly seen from the figures. Nevertheless, the base body 5 as a whole is designed such that it has at least approximately a cylindrical basic shape. The same applies to a Fig. 5 schematically illustrates the envelope 25, which is imaginarily applied to the end plates 20, 21, 22, 23 of the two partial bodies 11, 12 from the outside. In the example shown, this envelope 25 has at least approximately the shape of a cylinder.

[0068] In the example shown, the partial bodies 11, 12 have a total of six contact elements 26, 26'. These contact elements are combined into two groups of three, the first of the two groups of three being assigned to the proximal end plates 20, 21 of the two partial bodies 11, 12, and the second of the two groups of three being assigned to the distal end plates 22, 23 of the two partial bodies 11, 12. This is implemented in the example shown in such a way that two contact elements 26 of a respective group of three are arranged on the first partial body 11, and the respective third contact element 26' of a respective group of three is arranged on the second partial body 12.Specifically, this means that two contact elements 26 of the first group of three are arranged on the proximal end plate 20 of the first partial body 11 and the third contact element 26' of the first group of three are arranged on the proximal end plate 21 of the second partial body 12, while two contact elements 26 of the second group of three are arranged on the distal end plate 22 of the first partial body 11 and the third contact element 26' of the second group of three are arranged on the distal end plate 23 of the second partial body 12. In other words, the contact elements 26, 26' of the first group of three are assigned to the proximal end 30 of the main body 5, and the contact elements 26, 26' of the second group of three are assigned to a distal end 31 of the main body 5.

[0069] The contact elements 26, 26' here and preferably each have a roller bearing, by means of which they can roll on an inner circumferential surface 27 of the casing 3 of the casing segment 4 during a rotational movement of the base body 5 within the respective cable duct segment 4. The rotational axes 29 of the roller bearings 28 are each oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis 13 of the base body 5. Thus, the contact elements 26, 26' are intended and configured to come into direct contact with the inner circumferential surface 27 of the casing 3. Accordingly, the contact elements 26, 26' are formed radially outwardly as part of the respective partial body 11, 12, so that the described contact of a respective partial body 11, 12 with the inner circumferential surface 27 takes place here and preferably via the contact elements 26, 26'.

[0070] The tool 1 further comprises a rotating rod 6, which is connected to the base body 5 in a torque-transmitting manner. The rotating rod 6 is connected to the first of the two partial bodies 11, 12, as can be clearly seen from the Fig. 3 to 5. The connection of the rotating rod 6 to the first partial body 11 results in the exertion of a torque on the rotating rod 6 being transmitted directly to the first partial body 11 and finally, due to the connection of the first partial body 11 to the second partial body 12, to the entire base body 5. In this way, the base body 5 can be driven in rotation about the longitudinal axis 13 of the base body 5 by applying a torque to the rotating rod 6. In the example shown, a longitudinal axis 38 of the rotating rod 6 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 13 of the base body 5, wherein the two longitudinal axes 13, 38 are at least substantially congruent with one another.This design has the advantage that the rotary linkage 6 moves, as far as possible, non-translationally in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 38 of the rotary linkage 6 during a rotary drive of the tool 1 and its rotation relative to a respective duct segment 4. A slight offset of the longitudinal axis 38 relative to the longitudinal axis 13 of the base body 5 is tolerable, since with such a design the rotary linkage 6 would only move on a circular path with a small diameter around the longitudinal axis 13 of the base body 5.

[0071] In the example shown, the rotary linkage 6 comprises an elongated push rod 37, which is connected to both the proximal end plate 20 and the distal end plate 22 of the first partial body 11, so that a torque can be transmitted from the push rod 37 to the first partial body 11. Irrespective of this, the rotary linkage 37 is designed such that it projects beyond the proximal end 17 of the first partial body 11 and in particular beyond the proximal end 30 of the main body 5 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 13 of the main body 5. This is particularly evident from the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. At its proximal end, the rotating rod 6 in the example shown has a polygonal profile, here in the form of a hexagon, as can be seen particularly well from Fig. 3. This makes it particularly easy to connect an auxiliary tool in a form-fitting manner to the rotating rod 6, so that a torque can be exerted on the rotating rod 6 by means of the auxiliary tool and the tool 1 as a whole can be driven in rotation relative to the respective duct segment 4.

[0072] The tool 1 further comprises a spring device 8, which in the example shown comprises exactly one spring element 9. The spring element 9 is formed here by a gas pressure spring, which is particularly well suited to the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. The spring element 9 is supported with its first end 15 on the first partial body 11, namely on its proximal end plate 20, and with its second end 16 on the second partial body 12, namely also its proximal end plate 21. The spring element 9 is pre-tensioned in such a way that it tends to pivot the two partial bodies 11, 12 away from each other about the pivot axis 14, i.e., to unfold the base body 5. In this case, the spring element 9 is here and preferably provided with an inner end stop, which defines a maximally unfolded state of the base body 5. In other words, the said end stop prevents an elongation of the spring element 9 that exceeds a maximum dimension. This maximally elongated state of the spring element 9 or the maximally unfolded state of the base body 5 is particularly well determined by Fig. 3.

[0073] The spring element 9 is arranged relative to the pivot axis 14 such that a spring axis of the spring element 9, along which the spring force of the filter element 9 acts, runs at a distance from the pivot axis 14 and is thus suitable for exerting a torque on the two partial bodies 11, 12 about the pivot axis 14. In the present example, the spring axis particularly preferably extends within a plane oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 13 of the base body 5. By applying a typically manual force that acts counter to the spring force of the spring device 8, the two partial bodies 11, 12 can be pivoted towards each other about the pivot axis 14 and thus transferred into a folded state. In the example shown, the pivoting movement of the two partial bodies 11, 12 towards each other is limited by the two partial bodies 11, 12 abutting against each other.

[0074] To facilitate the application of the described manual force to overcome the spring force of the preloaded spring element 9, the tool 1 in the example shown has a gripping rod 10 which, analogous to the proximal end of the rotating rod 6, protrudes beyond a proximal end 30 of the base body 5. The gripping rod 10 is connected here to the proximal end plate 21 of the second partial body 12 and extends from said end plate 21 in the proximal direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 13 of the base body 5. By means of the gripping rod 10, in cooperation with the rotating rod 6, it is particularly easy to manually apply a force which causes the gripping rod 10 and the rotating rod 6 to approach each other counter to the spring force of the filter element 9. The resulting pivoting of the two partial bodies 11, 12 towards each other about the pivot axis 14 is equivalent to the above-described folding of the base body 5.After the manual force is released, the spring device 8 causes the base body 5 to open again.

[0075] The tool 1 further comprises the cutting device 7 already mentioned above, which in the example shown has a cutting edge 19 and a stop element 32. The cutting device 7 is directly connected to the second partial body 12, in the example shown, namely to the proximal end plate 21 of the second partial body 12. The cutting device 7 extends from the proximal end 18 of the second partial body 12 parallel to the longitudinal axis 13 of the base body 5 in the direction away from the base body 5. In this case, it protrudes beyond the proximal end 30 of the base body 5. Thus, both the rotary rod 6 and the cutting device 7 each protrude in the proximal direction from the base body 5 beyond the proximal end 30 of the base body 5. This is particularly evident from the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Furthermore, the cutting device 7 is arranged radially outwardly on the second partial body 12 relative to the longitudinal axis 13 of the base body 5, wherein the cutting edge 19 projects radially outward beyond the second partial body 12. This is particularly well illustrated by Fig. 8 recognizable.

[0076] In the example shown, the cutting edge 19 of the cutting device 7 has two cutting sections 34, 35. In the first cutting section 34 of the cutting edge 19, a cutting edge 36 of the cutting edge 19 extends straight in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 13 of the base body 5. In the second cutting section 35, however, the cutting edge 36 extends at an angle 39 relative to the first cutting section 34. The angle 39 is approximately 60° in the example shown. As a result, the cutting edge 36 in the second cutting section 35 is oriented at an incline in the radial direction towards the longitudinal axis 13 of the base body 5. The second cutting section 35 is designed such that the cutting edge 36 extends straight within the second cutting section 35, analogous to the first cutting section 34.In the example shown, the two cutting sections 34, 35 merge directly into one another, so that the cutting edge 36 transitions seamlessly from the first cutting section 34 into the second cutting section 35. At a transition from the first cutting section 34 to the second cutting section 35, the cutting edge 36 is bent or curved. The design of the cutting device 7 in the manner described has the particular advantage that the tool 1 can be used in two different procedures without changing the cutting device 7. These procedures have already been explained above in the general description, so that a detailed explanation of this is omitted within the scope of the exemplary embodiment.

[0077] In the first procedure, in which the cutting device 7 cuts into the duct segment 4 with its cutting edge 19 in the axial direction thereof, starting from an end face 33 of the casing 3, the second cutting section 35 is particularly active, which is brought into direct contact with the end face 33 of the casing 3 prior to cutting the respective half-groove 2. The cutting edge 19 is shaped and / or oriented such that, during a rotational movement of the tool 1 relative to the duct segment 4, it "draws" into the material of the casing 3 in the axial direction of the duct segment 4, either automatically or at least with only minimal manual assistance from the user. The radially measured depth of the created half-groove 2 is defined by the radial extension of the cutting edge 19 in the second cutting section 35, measured in the radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis 13 of the base body 5.During the cutting of the half-groove 2, all contact elements 26, 26' of the two partial bodies 11, 12 are in contact with the inner jacket surface 27 of the jacket 3. The advance of the tool 1 in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cable duct segment 4 is preferably carried out by means of the device shown in . Fig. 8, which is arranged further radially outward relative to the cutting edge 19. This stop element 32 ultimately strikes the end face 33 of the casing 3 during the cutting process, thereby preventing further movement of the tool 1 in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cable duct segment 4. This defines the length of the produced half-groove 2, measured parallel to the center axis of the cable duct segment 4. The stop element 32 is preferably adjustable so that changes in this regard are readily possible. The half-groove 2 is produced as intended on the inside of the casing 3.

[0078] In the second procedure, the cutting device 7 with the first cutting section 34 of the cutting edge 19 is brought into contact with the inner circumferential surface 27 of the casing 3 of the wiring duct segment 4 at the proximal end of the wiring duct segment 4. As the tool 1 is rotated, the cutting edge 19 with the first cutting section 34 then interacts with the casing 3 in a cutting manner, wherein the cutting edge 19, in the example shown, is shaped and / or oriented in the first cutting section 34 such that it automatically "draws in" the material of the casing 3 in the radial direction, assisted by the action of the spring device 8. The cutting edge 19 can penetrate into the casing 3 in the radial direction until the second partial body 12 strikes the inner circumferential surface 27 of the casing 3 with its contact elements 26'.Thus, by positioning the first cutting section 34 of the cutting edge 19 relative to the second partial body 12, it is possible to determine how deep the half-groove 2 is to be or will be cut into the casing 3 in the radial direction, starting from the inner casing surface 27. For the correct positioning of the cutting device 7 relative to the casing 3 in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the duct segment 4 before the start of the cutting process, the . Fig. 8, a stop element 32 is provided, which is arranged further radially outward relative to the cutting edge 19 and can thus strike the end face 33 of the casing 3. The cutting edge 19 is positioned such that the half-groove 2, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the duct segment 4, extends from the end face 33 of the casing 3.

[0079] Based on the representation in the Fig. 9a to 9c, the principle of the functioning of the half-grooves 2 in the course of connecting two cable duct segments 4 to one another is finally apparent. In particular, the half-grooves 2 of mutually associated cable duct segments 4 together create a groove ("king groove") into which a respective welding bead 42, which is created in principle during the welding connection of the two cable duct segments 4, can enter. The half-grooves 2 can be shaped depending on the shape of the cutting edge(s) 19 of the respective cutting device 7. For example, a respective half-groove 2 can be formed in a Fig. 9a to 9c, the longitudinal section of the duct segment 4 has a rectangular shape. A shape with a beveled rear wall (“bevel”) is also conceivable, as shown here as an example. Other shapes are also conceivable. As can be seen in particular from Fig.As can be seen from Figure 9c, the weld bead 42 has sufficient space on the inside of the casing 3 due to the groove formed, without the weld bead 42 radially protruding into a free cross-section of the formed conduit duct. Therefore, the weld bead 42 does not need to be removed after the two conduit duct segments 4 have been connected to each other. List of reference symbols 1 tool 2 half groove 3 coats 4 duct 5 basic bodies 6 rotating rods 7 Cutting device 8 Spring device 9 Spring element 10 Grab bar 11 first part of the body 12 second part of the body 13 Longitudinal axis of the base body 14 Swivel axis 15 first end of the spring element 16 second end of the spring element 17 proximal end of the first partial body 18 proximal end of the second part of the body 19 cutting edge 20 proximal endplate of the first partial body 21 proximal endplate of the second partial body 22 distal end plate of the first partial body 23 distal end plate of the second partial body 24 connecting rod 25 Envelopes 26, 26' contact element 27 inner surface 28 roller bearings 29 axis of rotation 30 proximal end of the main body 31 distal end of the main body 32 stop element 33 End face of the casing of the duct segment 34 first cutting section of the cutting edge 35 second cutting section of the cutting edge 36 Cutting edge of the cutting edge 37 Push rod 38 Longitudinal axis of the rotating rod 39 angles 40 distal end of the first partial body 41 distal end of the second part of the body 42 Weld bead 43 bolts

Claims

[1] Tool (1) for introducing a half-groove (2) into a casing (3) of a duct segment (4), comprising - an elongated base body (5), - a rotating rod (6) connected to the base body (5), - a cutting device (7) arranged on the base body (5), - a spring device (8) with at least one spring element (9), wherein the base body (5) comprises two partial bodies (11, 12) which are connected to one another to form a pivot axis (14) of the base body (5) extending parallel to a longitudinal axis (13) of the base body (5) and spaced from the longitudinal axis (13), wherein the partial bodies (11, 12) are pivotable relative to one another about the pivot axis (14), wherein the at least one spring element (9) of the spring device (8) is supported at its one end (15) on the first partial body (11) and at its other end (16) on the second partial body (12), wherein the at least one spring element (9) is prestressable or prestressed in such a way that a spring force of the spring element (9) acting as a result of the prestressing tends to pivot the two partial bodies (11, 12) away from each other about the pivot axis (14), wherein the rotary linkage (6) is connected to a first of the two partial bodies (11, 12) in a torque-transmitting manner, so that a torque applied to the rotary linkage (6) can be transmitted to the first partial body (11) and thereby the base body (5) as a whole can be driven in rotation about an axis of rotation parallel to its longitudinal axis (13), wherein at least a part of the rotary rod (6) projects in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (13) of the base body (5) beyond a proximal end (30) of the base body (5), wherein the cutting device (7) is arranged on the second of the two partial bodies (11, 12) in such a way that a cutting edge (19) of the cutting device (7) projects radially outwards beyond the second partial body (12) with respect to the longitudinal axis (13) of the base body (5), so that the cutting edge (19) can engage with the casing (3) of the line duct segment (4) as intended for cutting the half-groove (2) when the base body (5) is in a state inserted into the line duct segment (4), wherein the cutting device (7) is arranged at a proximal end (18) of the second partial body (12) and projects beyond the proximal end (30) of the base body (5) in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (13) of the base body (5). [2] Tool (1) according to claim 1, characterized bythat the pivot axis (14) - viewed in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (13) of the base body (5) - runs in a radially outer edge region of the base body (5). [3] Tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by in that the first partial body (11) has a proximal end plate (20) forming the proximal end (17) of the first partial body (11) and a distal end plate (22) forming a distal end (40) of the first partial body (11), wherein the end plates (20, 22) are firmly connected to one another by means of elongated connecting rods (24) extending in the longitudinal direction of the base body (5). [4] Tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that the second partial body (12) has a proximal end plate (21) forming the proximal end (18) of the second partial body (11) and a distal end plate (23) forming a distal end (41) of the second partial body (11), wherein the end plates (21, 23) are firmly connected to one another by means of elongated connecting rods (24) extending in the longitudinal direction of the base body (5). [5] Tool (1) according to claim 3 and / or 4, characterized by that the end plates (20, 21, 22, 23) are at least substantially identical in construction. [6] Tool (1) according to claim 5, insofar as it refers back to claims 3 and 4, characterized bythat the end plates (20, 21, 22, 23) - of the two partial bodies (11, 12) viewed in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (13) of the base body (5) - each have at least approximately a shape in the manner of a semicircular surface, wherein preferably mutually corresponding end plates (20, 21, 22, 23) of the two partial bodies (11, 12) complement each other at least approximately to form a full circular surface when the base body (5) is in a completely folded state when viewed in the said cross-section. [7] Tool (1) according to claim 5, insofar as it is dependent on claims 3 and 4, or according to claim 6, characterized by that an imaginary envelope (25) applied from the outside to the end plates (20, 21, 22, 23) of the two partial bodies (11, 12) has at least approximately the shape of a cylinder. [8] Tool (1) according to claims 3 and 4 or according to claim 5, insofar as it is dependent on claims 3 and 4, or according to one of claims 6 or 7, characterized by that the at least one spring element (9) of the spring device (8) i) with its first end (15) on the proximal end plate (20) of the first partial body (11) and with its second end (16) on the proximal end plate (21) of the second partial body (12) or ii) is supported with its first end (15) on the distal end plate (22) of the first partial body (11) and with its second end (16) on the distal end plate (23) of the second partial body (12). [9] Tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that the partial bodies (11, 12) each have at least one contact element (26, 26'), wherein the contact elements (26, 26') are arranged radially on the outside of the respectively associated partial body (11, 12) and are provided and designed to come into direct, preferably sliding or rolling, contact with an inner circumferential surface (27) of the casing (3) of the cable duct segment (4) when the base body (5) is inserted into the cable duct segment (4), so that the partial bodies (11, 12) can be guided on the inner circumferential surface (27) of the cable duct segment (4) by means of the contact elements (26, 26') during a rotational movement of the base body (5) about its longitudinal axis (13) carried out as intended within the cable duct segment (4). [10] Tool (1) according to claim 9, characterized bythat the contact elements (26, 26') each have a roller bearing (28) by means of which they can roll on the inner circumferential surface (27) during a rotational movement of the base body (5) within the line duct segment (4), wherein axes of rotation (29) of the roller bearings (28) are oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis (13) of the base body (5). [11] Tool (1) according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized byin that the partial bodies (11, 12) have a total of at least six contact elements (26, 26'), wherein the contact elements (26, 26') are combined into two groups of three, wherein the contact elements (26, 26') belonging to a respective group of three are arranged at least substantially together in a plane oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (13) of the base body (5), wherein the two groups of three are spaced from one another in the direction of the base body (5) parallel to the longitudinal axis, wherein preferably the first group of three is assigned to a proximal end (30) of the base body (5) and the second group of three is assigned to a distal end (31) of the base body (5). [12] Tool (1) according to claim 10, characterized by that the first partial body (11) has two contact elements (26) of a respective group of three and the second partial body (12) has the third contact element (26') of the respective group of three. [13] Tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the at least one spring element (9) of the spring device (8) is formed by a spiral spring and / or a gas pressure spring and / or a torque spring. [14] Tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that the cutting device (7) has a stop element (32), which is preferably adjustable in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the base body (5), which stop element is arranged further outwards than the cutting edge (19) of the cutting device (7) when viewed in the radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis (13) of the base body (5) and is provided and designed to strike an end face (33) of the casing (3) of the cable duct segment (4) during the positioning of the base body (5) in the cable duct segment (4) and thereby to establish a position of the cutting edge (19) intended for the intended engagement of the cutting edge (19) with the casing (3) of the cable duct segment (4). [15] Tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the cutting edge (19) has at least one cutting section (34) in which a cutting edge (36) of the cutting edge (19) runs straight and is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis (13) of the base body (5). [16] Tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the cutting edge (19) has at least one cutting section (35) in which the cutting edge (36) is oriented in the radial direction towards the longitudinal axis (13) of the base body (5) and is straight or curved. [17] Tool (1) according to claims 15 and 16, characterized by that the two cutting sections (34, 35) are connected to one another in such a way that the cutting edge (36) transitions seamlessly from a first of the two cutting sections (34) into the second cutting section (35). [18] Tool (1) according to claim 17, characterized byin that the cutting edge (36) in each of the two cutting sections (34, 35) runs straight, the cutting edge (36) in the first cutting section (34) being oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis (13) of the base body (5) and in the second cutting section (35) being inclined relative to the first cutting section (34) in such a way that the cutting edge (36) in the second cutting section (35) extends at an angle (39) between 45° and 80°, preferably at an angle (39) between 50° and 70°, inclined relative to the cutting edge (36) in the first cutting section (34). [19] Tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the rotary linkage (6) comprises an elongated push rod (37), wherein a longitudinal axis (38) of the rotary linkage (6) extends parallel to the longitudinal axis (13) of the base body (5). [20] Tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the rotary rod (6) has a polygonal profile, preferably in the form of a hexagon, in an end facing away from the base body (5) for the positive connection of a manually or motor-driven rotary tool. [21] Set comprising a duct segment (4) extending along a central axis and a tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the longitudinal axis (13) of the base body (5) is oriented parallel to the central axis of the duct segment (4) when the base body (5) is inserted into the duct segment (4), wherein at least the first partial body (11), preferably both partial bodies (11, 12), when the base body (5) is in the state inserted into the duct segment (4), is supported on the inner lateral surface (27) of the duct segment (4), wherein the cutting edge (19) of the cutting device (7) is in direct contact with the casing (3) of the duct segment (4) when the base body (5) is in the state inserted into the duct segment (4) in such a way that the cutting edge (19) can cut into the casing (3) of the duct segment (4) when the tool (1) is driven in rotation as intended.

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