Marking device for piping

Abstract

To provide a marking device for piping that makes it possible to perform marking at a position where the distance from a pipe end of a pipe to be connected is reliably ensured.SOLUTION: A marking device for piping is configured such that a housing of the marking device for piping has a double structure including a bottomed cylindrical outer case and a bottomed cylindrical inner case, the pipe to be connected is properly inserted into the inner case arranged so that a trajectory of marking means approaching the pipe to be connected interferes with an opening end, the pipe to be connected is pressed toward a bottom portion side, and the inner case retreats from the trajectory when a bottom portion of the inner case is brought into contact with a bottom portion of the outer case.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a marking device for pipes. [Background technology]

[0002] When connecting piping, it is necessary to properly set the insertion depth of the connected pipe into the fitting and / or equipment, etc., so it is customary to mark the outer surface of the connected pipe with a mark (for example, a line mark, etc.) indicating the proper insertion depth. If the mark is properly marked, the worker can visually check that the end of the fitting, etc. and the mark are in a predetermined positional relationship (for example, that they are aligned, etc.) during construction, and can then confirm that the connected pipe has been inserted with the proper insertion depth before performing fastening work such as crimping or screwing.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open Publication No. 52-139591) discloses a tool that engages a stopper (projection) provided at one end of a scale with the pipe end of the connectable pipe and applies insertion guide lines (line marks) to the outer surface of the connectable pipe using a marking pen attached to a predetermined position on the other end of the scale. Also, Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2-57788) discloses (as prior art) a tool that draws two line marks by rotating the connectable pipe while the end of the connectable pipe to be connected to a pipe fitting is abutted against a butt gauge.

[0004] However, in all of the above conventional techniques, it is possible to apply a line mark to the outer surface of a pipe to be connected even when the engagement between the pipe and the scale and the abutment of the pipe against the gauge are improper. If the engagement between the pipe and the scale and the abutment of the pipe against the gauge are improper, the position at which the line mark is applied on the outer surface of the pipe to be connected (the distance from the pipe end) will also be improper. Thus, there is a need in this technical field for a drawing tool that can reliably apply a line mark in the correct position. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 52-139591 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2-57788 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] As described above, there is a need in the art for a drawing tool that can reliably apply line marks at appropriate positions. Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a pipe marking device that can mark at a position that reliably ensures a distance from the end of the pipe to be connected. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] Therefore, after extensive research, the inventors have discovered that the above problem can be solved by configuring the piping marking device so that the housing has a double structure consisting of a bottomed cylindrical inner case and a bottomed cylindrical outer case, and the piping marking device is configured so that when the connected pipe is properly inserted into the inner case, which is positioned so that the track along which the marking means approaches the connected pipe interferes with the open end, and the inner case is pressed toward the bottom side to abut the bottom of the inner case against the bottom of the outer case, the inner case retracts from the track.

[0008] Specifically, the piping marking device of the present invention (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "device of the present invention") is a piping marking device that applies a predetermined mark to a first position on the outer surface of a connected pipe, which is a first distance away from the end face of the connected pipe.

[0009] The device of the present invention comprises an inner case, an outer case, and an arm. The inner case is a cylindrical case with a bottom into which a connection pipe is slidably inserted. The outer case is a cylindrical case with a bottom into which the inner case is slidably inserted. The arm is pivotally supported at a second position that is a predetermined second distance away from the open end in the axial direction of the outer case so as to be rotatable on a plane parallel to the axial direction of the outer case on the radial outside of the outer case.

[0010] Furthermore, a marking means is attached which is a means for applying a mark at a third position, which is a position a third distance away from the second position of the arm, which is a predetermined distance greater than the second distance.

[0011] Additionally, in the first state where the bottom of the inner case is spaced apart from the bottom of the outer case without contacting it, part of the rotation path of the marking means caused by the rotation of the arm interferes with the open edge of the inner case, whereas in the second state where the bottom of the inner case is in contact with the bottom of the outer case, the rotation path of the marking means caused by the rotation of the arm does not interfere with the open edge of the inner case. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] As described above, in the device of the present invention, in the first state where the bottom of the inner case is spaced apart from the bottom of the outer case without contacting it, part of the rotation path of the marking means caused by the rotation of the arm interferes with the open end of the inner case. On the other hand, in the second state where the bottom of the inner case is in contact with the bottom of the outer case, the rotation path of the marking means caused by the rotation of the arm does not interfere with the open end of the inner case.

[0013] Therefore, unless the connecting pipe is inserted all the way to the bottom of the inner case and the tip of the connecting pipe presses against the bottom of the inner case, reaching the second state in which the bottom of the inner case abuts against the bottom of the outer case, the arm cannot be rotated to bring the marking means into contact with the outer surface of the connecting pipe.In other words, the device of the present invention can mark a position where the distance from the end of the connecting pipe is reliably guaranteed.

[0014] Other objects, other features and attendant advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent from the following description of the embodiments of the present invention which will be given with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing one example of the configuration of a pipe marking device (first device) according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing another example of the configuration of the first device. [Figure 3] 1A is a schematic side view of a first device in a first state, and FIG. 1B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along a plane including a central axis common to an inner case and an outer case. [Figure 4] 1A is a schematic side view of the first device in a second state, and FIG. 1B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along a plane including a central axis AX common to the inner case and the outer case. [Figure 5] 1A is a schematic side view illustrating the first device in which the second state is achieved by inserting a connected pipe into the inner case, and FIG. 1B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along a plane including the central axis AX. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one example of the configuration of a pipe marking device (second device) according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of the configuration of the second device. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one example of the configuration of a pipe marking device (third device) according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9]FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one example of the configuration of a pipe marking device (fourth device) according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one example of the configuration of a pipe marking device (fifth device) according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] First Embodiment A pipe marking device according to a first embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, may be referred to as "first device") will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0017] <composition> The first device is a piping marking device that applies a predetermined mark to the outer peripheral surface of the connected pipe at a first position that is a predetermined first distance away from the end face of the connected pipe.

[0018] As mentioned at the beginning of this specification, when connecting piping, it is necessary to properly set the insertion depth of the connected pipe into the fitting and / or equipment, etc., and therefore it is customary to mark the outer surface of the connected pipe with a mark (e.g., a line mark, etc.) indicating the proper insertion depth. If the mark is properly marked, the worker can visually check that the end of the fitting, etc. and the mark are in a predetermined positional relationship (e.g., they are aligned, etc.) during construction, and can then confirm that the connected pipe has been inserted with the proper insertion depth before performing fastening work such as crimping or screwing. The mark given to the outer surface of the connected pipe by the first device corresponds to such a mark.

[0019] The first device includes an inner case, an outer case, and an arm. The inner case is a cylindrical case with a bottom into which a connection pipe is slidably inserted. The outer case is a cylindrical case with a bottom into which the inner case is slidably inserted. The arm is pivotally supported at a second position that is a predetermined second distance away from the open end in the axial direction of the outer case so as to be rotatable on a plane parallel to the axial direction of the outer case on the radial outside of the outer case.

[0020] That is, the housing of the first device has a double structure consisting of a cylindrical inner case with a bottom and a cylindrical outer case with a bottom. The inner case of the first device has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the connection pipe, to the extent that the connection pipe inserted in the axial direction from the open end, which is the end opposite the bottom of the inner case, can slide around the axis (circumferential direction) and in the axial direction inside the inner case. Also, the outer case of the first device has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the inner case, to the extent that the inner case inserted in the axial direction from the open end, which is the end opposite the bottom of the outer case, can slide in the axial direction.

[0021] The arm is pivotally supported at a second position, which is a predetermined second distance away from the open end in the axial direction of the outer case, toward the bottom, so that the arm can rotate freely in a plane parallel to the axial direction of the outer case on the radial outside of the outer case. The arm rotates around the second position, so that the end of the arm opposite the second position approaches the open ends of the inner case and the outer case. Typically, the arm is pivotally supported by a support member erected radially outward from the outer case, as described below.

[0022] Furthermore, a marking means is attached, which is a means for applying a mark at a third position, which is a position a third distance away from the second position of the arm, which is a predetermined distance greater than the second distance.

[0023] As described above, the mark is a mark applied to the outer surface of the pipe to be connected for the purpose of checking whether the insertion depth of the pipe to be connected into the fitting and / or equipment is appropriate during piping connection work. The nature of the mark is not particularly limited as long as this purpose can be achieved. For example, the mark may be a circular line mark (circle) applied around the entire outer surface of the pipe to be connected, a line mark as a line segment (arc) having a predetermined length in the circumferential direction of the pipe to be connected, a figure having such a line segment as one side, or a dot-shaped mark applied at one or more locations on the outer surface of the pipe to be connected.

[0024] Furthermore, if the relative rotation angle between the connected pipe and the fitting, etc. about the axis needs to be a predetermined appropriate angle, a mark may be provided on the outer surface of the connected pipe that allows confirmation of whether the relative rotation angle between the connected pipe and the fitting, etc. is the predetermined appropriate angle. Such a mark may be, for example, a mark provided at a predetermined position on the outer surface of the connected pipe that faces a mark provided separately on the end of the fitting, etc. only when the relative rotation angle between the connected pipe and the fitting, etc. is the predetermined appropriate angle. The mark corresponding to the relative rotation angle between the connected pipe and the fitting, etc. and the mark corresponding to the insertion allowance of the connected pipe described above may be provided separately or integrally.

[0025] The marking means is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of applying the above-mentioned mark to the outer peripheral surface of the connected pipe. For example, the marking means may be a pen such as a felt-tip pen, a felt-tip pen, or a ballpoint pen that applies ink supplied to the tip to an object, or may be an ink pad or an ink pad such as an ink-soaked sponge that applies ink to an object by stamping.

[0026] Furthermore, in the first device, as described above, the marking means is attached to a third position that is a third distance away from the first end of the arm that is greater than the second distance. Therefore, when the arm rotates and the end of the arm opposite to the second position approaches the open ends of the inner case and the outer case, the marking means can reach a position farther from the bottom of the outer case in the axial direction than the open ends.

[0027] The position reached by the marking means as described above is a position where a first mark should be applied to the outer circumferential surface of the connected pipe for the purpose of checking whether the insertion depth of the connected pipe into the fitting and / or equipment, etc. is appropriate during piping connection construction as described above. Specific examples of such a position include, but are not limited to, a position that coincides with the position of the end of the fitting, etc., or a position a predetermined distance away from the position of the end of the fitting, etc., when the insertion depth of the connected pipe is appropriate.

[0028] In addition, in the first state in which the bottom of the inner case is in a position separated from the bottom of the outer case without abutting it, the first device is configured so that part of the rotational path of the marking means caused by the rotation of the arm interferes with the open end of the inner case.

[0029] The interference between part of the rotation path of the marking means and the open end of the inner case as the arm rotates as described above means that the open end of the inner case protrudes from the open end of the outer case, and when the arm is rotated to move the marking means closer to the central axis of the inner case, the tip of the marking means comes into contact with the inner case, preventing the arm from rotating any further. Therefore, in the first state, even if a connection pipe is inserted into the inner case, the marking means cannot apply a mark to the outer surface of the connection pipe.

[0030] On the other hand, in the second state in which the bottom of the inner case is in a position in which it abuts the bottom of the outer case, the first device is configured so that the rotational trajectory of the marking means accompanying the rotation of the arm does not interfere with the open end of the inner case.

[0031] As described above, the fact that the rotational path of the marking means associated with the rotation of the arm does not interfere with the open end of the inner case means that the inner case does not protrude from the open end of the outer case, and the tip of the marking means does not come into contact with the open end of the inner case even if the arm is rotated to move the marking means closer to the central axis of the inner case. Therefore, in the second state, the marking means can apply a connection pipe mark to the outer surface of the connection pipe inserted into the inner case.

[0032] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing one example of the configuration of a first device having the above-described configuration. The first device 101a shown in Fig. 1 is a pipe marking device that applies a predetermined mark to a first position p1 on the outer surface of a connected pipe (not shown), which is a position a predetermined first distance d1 away from the end face of the connected pipe. As shown in Fig. 1, the first device 101a includes an inner case 10, an outer case 20, and an arm 30.

[0033] The inner case 10 is a cylindrical case with a bottom into which a connected pipe (not shown) is slidably inserted. The outer case 20 is a cylindrical case with a bottom into which the inner case 10 is slidably inserted. The arm 30 is pivotally supported at a second position p2 that is a predetermined second distance d2 away from the open end 21 in the axial direction of the outer case 20 so as to be rotatable on a plane parallel to the axial direction of the outer case 20 on the radial outside of the outer case 20.

[0034] 1, the arm 30 is pivotally supported by a support portion 22 that stands outward in the radial direction from the outer case 20. However, the mechanism for pivotally supporting the arm 30 is not limited as long as the arm 30 rotates around the second position p2 so that the end of the arm 30 opposite the second position p2 can approach the open end 11 of the inner case 10 and the open end 21 of the outer case 20.

[0035] 1 includes two arms 30 facing each other with the axes of the inner case 10 and the outer case 20 sandwiched therebetween. This configuration is preferable because, for example, in the second state described above, an operator can grasp the two arms 30 with one hand and rotate the arms 30 to bring the marking means 40 into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the connectable pipe inserted into the inner case, thereby easily applying a mark. However, the number of pairs of arms and marking means included in the first device is not limited to two, and may be one, as in the first device 101b illustrated in FIG. 2, or three or more.

[0036] Furthermore, a marking means 40, which is a means for applying a mark, is attached to a third position p3, which is a position separated from the second position p2 of the arm 30 by a third distance d3, which is a predetermined distance greater than the second distance d2 (d2 <d3)。

[0037] In the first device 101a illustrated in FIG. 1, an ink pad that applies ink to an object by stamping is used as the marking device 40. However, as described above, the marking device 40 is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of applying a mark to the outer circumferential surface of the connected pipe. For example, as in the first device 101b illustrated in FIG. 2, the marking device 40 may be a pen such as a felt-tip pen, a felt-tip pen, or a ballpoint pen that applies ink supplied to the tip to the object. Alternatively, the marking device 40 may be an ink pad that applies ink to the object by stamping.

[0038] 1, two ink pads are attached to each arm 30 at two different third positions p3 as marking means 40, and two marks can be applied to the outer circumferential surface of the connectable tube. However, the number of marks applied to the outer circumferential surface of the connectable tube (i.e., the number of third positions where marking means 40 are attached on each arm 30) is not limited to two, and may be one, or three or more.

[0039] However, a configuration having multiple marking means, such as the first device 101a illustrated in Figure 1, is useful for avoiding a situation where, for example, a mark is provided in an inappropriate position, leading to a mistaken judgment that the insertion depth of the connected pipe into the fitting and / or equipment is appropriate, resulting in inappropriate fastening work such as crimping or screwing.

[0040] For example, there are cases where a mark is provided at a position on the outer surface of a connected pipe that is shifted from the original first position, or where a connected pipe is misused with a mark provided at an inappropriate position corresponding to connection to another fitting and / or device, etc. that has specifications different from those of the original fitting and / or device, etc. Even in such cases, if the connected pipe is inserted with the appropriate insertion allowance during piping connection work, it is determined that the positional relationship between the fitting and / or device, etc. and the mark is not normal, and it is possible to prevent fastening work such as crimping and screwing from being performed in an inappropriate state.

[0041] However, if a connected pipe is inserted into a fitting and / or device with an improper insertion depth during piping connection work, even if a mark is provided at a position offset from the original first position as described above, the deviation of the mark from the first position may be offset by the improper insertion depth of the connected pipe. In this case, because the positional relationship between the fitting and / or device and the mark appears normal, it may be erroneously determined that the insertion depth of the connected pipe is correct, and fastening work such as crimping or screwing may be performed in an improper state.

[0042] 1, when two marking means 40 are attached to two different third positions p3 and two marks are applied to the outer peripheral surface of the connectable pipe, it is possible to more reliably determine whether the insertion depth of the connectable pipe is appropriate based not only on the positional relationship between one mark and the fitting and / or equipment, etc., but also on the positional relationship between the other mark and the fitting and / or equipment, etc., and the positional relationship between the one mark and the other mark. In other words, the configuration provided with multiple marking means as described above is useful for avoiding a situation where, for example, a mark is applied in an inappropriate position, which leads to a false determination that the insertion depth of the connectable pipe into the fitting and / or equipment, etc. is appropriate, resulting in inappropriate fastening work such as crimping or screwing.

[0043] However, to reiterate, the number of marks applied to the outer surface of the connected pipe (i.e., the number of third locations where marking means are attached on each arm) is not limited to two, as mentioned above, but may be one, or three or more.

[0044] 3A is a schematic side view of the first device 101a in the first state, and FIG. 3B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along a plane including the central axis AX common to the inner case 10 and the outer case 20. As described above, the first state is a state in which the bottom of the inner case is spaced apart from the bottom of the outer case without contacting it. As illustrated in FIG. 3, in the first device 101a in the first state, part of the rotation path of the marking means 40 caused by the rotation of the arm 30 interferes with the open end of the inner case 10.

[0045] 3 , the open end of the inner case 10 protrudes from the open end of the outer case 20, and when the arm 30 is rotated to move the marking device 40 closer to the central axis AX, the tip of the marking device 40 comes into contact with the open end of the inner case 10 (see the black arrow in the figure), preventing the arm 30 from rotating any further. As a result, in the first state, even if a connected pipe (not shown) is inserted into the inner case 10, the marking device 40 cannot apply a mark to the outer surface of the connected pipe. In other words, even if a connected pipe (not shown) is inserted into the inner case 10, the marking device 40 cannot apply a mark to the outer surface of the connected pipe unless the connected pipe is inserted with an appropriate insertion depth, the tip of the connected pipe presses the bottom of the inner case 10 against the bottom of the outer case 20, and a state is achieved in which the bottom of the inner case 10 abuts the bottom of the outer case 20.

[0046] 4A is a schematic side view of the first device 101a in the second state, and FIG. 4B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first device 101a taken along a plane including the central axis AX common to the inner case 10 and the outer case 20. As described above, the second state is a state in which the bottom of the inner case abuts the bottom of the outer case. As illustrated in FIG. 4, in the first device 101a in the second state, the rotation path of the marking means 40 caused by the rotation of the arm 30 does not interfere with the open end of the inner case 10.

[0047] That is, as illustrated in Figure 4, the inner case 10 does not protrude from the open end of the outer case 20, and even if the arm 30 is rotated to bring the marking means 40 closer to the central axis AX, the tip of the marking means 40 does not come into contact with the inner case 10.

[0048] 5A is a schematic side view and FIG. 5B is a schematic cross-sectional view along a plane including the central axis AX illustrating a first device 101a in which the second state is achieved by inserting a connectable pipe 50 into the inner case 10. In the first device 101a illustrated in FIG. 5, the tip of the connectable pipe 50 inserted into the inner case 10 presses the bottom of the inner case 10, and the bottom of the inner case 10 abuts against the bottom of the outer case 20, thereby achieving the second state.

[0049] 4, there is no interference between the rotational path of the marking means 40 caused by the rotation of the arm 30 and the open end of the inner case 10. That is, the inner case 10 does not protrude from the open end of the outer case 20, and even if the arm 30 is rotated to bring the marking means 40 closer to the central axis AX as shown by the hollow arrow in FIG. 5(a), the tip of the marking means 40 does not come into contact with the inner case 10. As a result, in the second state, the tip of the marking means 40 can be brought into contact with the appropriate position (i.e., the first position) on the outer peripheral surface of the connectable pipe 50 inserted into the inner case 10 to apply a mark.

[0050] 1 and 3 to 5(a), the outer peripheral surface of the outer case 20 is formed with a slit-shaped hole 23 into which the protrusion 12 protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the inner case 10 is slidably fitted in the axial direction. This hole can function to define the axial movable range of the inner case inside the outer case. Furthermore, the axial position of the inner case inside the outer case can be confirmed based on the position of the protrusion protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the inner case in this hole.

[0051] <effect> As described above, in the first device, in the first state where the bottom of the inner case is spaced apart from the bottom of the outer case without contacting it, part of the rotation path of the marking means caused by the rotation of the arm interferes with the open end of the inner case. On the other hand, in the second state where the bottom of the inner case is in contact with the bottom of the outer case, the rotation path of the marking means caused by the rotation of the arm does not interfere with the open end of the inner case.

[0052] Therefore, the arm cannot be rotated to bring the marking means into contact with the outer surface of the connectable pipe unless the connectable pipe is inserted all the way to the bottom of the inner case and the tip of the connectable pipe presses against the bottom of the inner case so that the bottom of the inner case abuts against the bottom of the outer case, thereby reaching the second state. In other words, with the first device, it is possible to mark a position where the distance from the end of the connectable pipe is reliably guaranteed.

[0053] Second Embodiment A pipe marking device according to a second embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, may be referred to as a "second device") will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0054] As described above, in the pipe marking devices (devices of the present invention) according to the present invention, including the first device, in the first state in which the bottom of the inner case is spaced apart from the bottom of the outer case without abutting it, part of the rotation path of the marking means caused by the rotation of the arm interferes with the open end of the inner case. On the other hand, in the second state in which the bottom of the inner case is in contact with the bottom of the outer case, the rotation path of the marking means caused by the rotation of the arm does not interfere with the open end of the inner case.

[0055] Therefore, unless the connecting pipe is inserted all the way to the bottom of the inner case and the tip of the connecting pipe presses against the bottom of the inner case, reaching the second state in which the bottom of the inner case abuts against the bottom of the outer case, the arm cannot be rotated to bring the marking means into contact with the outer surface of the connecting pipe.In other words, the device of the present invention can mark a position where the distance from the end of the connecting pipe is reliably guaranteed.

[0056] However, for example, if the operator forgets to return to the first state after achieving the second state in the previous marking and attempts to perform the next marking while still in the second state, the second state has already been achieved, and the rotation path of the marking means does not interfere with the open end of the inner case. Even if the first device has been returned to the first state, for example, the operator's hand or part of the connected pipe may touch the open end of the inner case, causing the inner case to be pushed further into the outer case, unintentionally achieving the second state. Even in this case, the rotation path of the marking means does not interfere with the open end of the inner case.

[0057] As described above, even if the second state is unintentionally achieved, the rotational path of the marking means does not interfere with the open end of the inner case. Therefore, even if the connection pipe is not inserted into the inner case until the tip of the connection pipe reaches the bottom of the inner case, the arm can be rotated sufficiently to mark the outer surface of the connection pipe. However, in this state, the mark will be placed in an incorrect position on the outer surface of the connection pipe, rather than the correct position (i.e., the first position).

[0058] <composition> Therefore, the second device is a piping marking device that is the above-mentioned first device, further comprising a first biasing means that biases the bottom of the inner case and the bottom of the outer case in a direction separating them.

[0059] The specific configuration of the first biasing means is not particularly limited as long as it can bias the bottom of the inner case and the bottom of the outer case in a direction separating them. The first biasing means may be, for example, an elastic member interposed between the bottom surfaces of the inner case and the outer case. In this case, the elastic member may be, for example, a compression coil spring or a leaf spring. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3 to 5(a), the first biasing means may be configured such that a protrusion 12 protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the inner case 10, the protrusion 12 protrudes outward through a slit-shaped hole 23 extending in the axial direction and formed in the outer peripheral surface of the outer case 20, and the protrusion 12 is biased toward the open end 21 of the outer case 20 by, for example, a tension coil spring or an elastic material such as rubber.

[0060] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the second device. The second device 102a shown in FIG. 6 includes a compression coil spring 61 as an elastic member interposed between the bottom surface of the inner case 10 and the bottom surface of the outer case 20 as a first biasing means for biasing the bottom of the inner case 10 and the bottom of the outer case 20 in a direction separating them. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6(a), when the inner case 10 is not pressed toward the bottom side, the repulsive force of the compression coil spring 61 biases the bottom of the inner case 10 and the bottom of the outer case 20 in a direction separating them. That is, the first state is reliably achieved, and a part of the rotation path of the marking means 40 accompanying the rotation of the arm 30 interferes with the open end of the inner case 10. Therefore, even if a connected pipe (not shown) is inserted into the inner case 10, the marking means 40 cannot mark the outer surface of the connected pipe.

[0061] 6(b), the bottom of the inner case 10 is pressed toward the bottom of the outer case 40 by the tip of the connectable pipe 50 inserted into the inner case 10 against the repulsive force of the compression coil spring 61, causing the bottom of the inner case 10 to abut against the bottom of the outer case 40. That is, the second state is achieved, and the rotation path of the marking means 40 caused by the rotation of the arm 30 does not interfere with the open end of the inner case 10. Therefore, even if the arm 30 is rotated as shown by the hollow arrow to move the marking means 40 closer to the central axis AX, the tip of the marking means 40 does not come into contact with the inner case 10. As a result, the tip of the marking means 40 can be abutted against the appropriate position (first position) on the outer peripheral surface of the connectable pipe 50 inserted into the inner case 10 to apply a mark.

[0062] Fig. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of the configuration of the second device. The second device 102b shown in Fig. 7 includes a first biasing means, which is a means for biasing the bottom of the inner case 10 and the bottom of the outer case 20 in a direction separating them from each other, and includes a tension coil spring 62 that biases the protrusion 12, which protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface of the inner case 10 through a slit-shaped hole 23 formed in the outer peripheral surface of the outer case 20, toward the open end of the outer case 20. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 7(a), when the inner case 10 is not pressed toward the bottom side, the contraction force of the tension coil spring 62 acting between the protrusion 12 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the inner case 10 and the protrusion 24 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer case 20 biases the bottom of the inner case 10 and the bottom of the outer case 20 in a direction separating them from each other. In other words, the first state is reliably achieved, and part of the rotational path of the marking means 40 caused by the rotation of the arm 30 interferes with the open end of the inner case 10, so that even if a connected pipe (not shown) is inserted into the inner case 10, the marking means 40 cannot apply a mark to the outer surface of the connected pipe.

[0063] 7(b), the bottom of the inner case 10 is pressed toward the bottom of the outer case 40 by the tip of the connectable pipe 50 inserted into the inner case 10 against the contraction force of the tension coil spring 62, causing the bottom of the inner case 10 to abut against the bottom of the outer case 40. That is, the second state is achieved, and the rotation path of the marking means 40 caused by the rotation of the arm 30 does not interfere with the open end of the inner case 10. Therefore, even if the arm 30 is rotated as shown by the hollow arrow to move the marking means 40 closer to the central axis AX, the tip of the marking means 40 does not come into contact with the inner case 10. As a result, the tip of the marking means 40 can be abutted against the appropriate position (first position) on the outer peripheral surface of the connectable pipe 50 inserted into the inner case 10 to apply a mark.

[0064] <effect> As described above, the second device further includes a first biasing means for biasing the bottom of the inner case and the bottom of the outer case in a direction separating them. Therefore, unless the bottom of the inner case is pressed toward the bottom of the outer case against the biasing force of the first biasing means, the bottom of the inner case cannot abut against the bottom of the outer case. In other words, the unintentional achievement of the second state is avoided. As a result, the possibility of the unintentional achievement of the second state and the mark being applied to an improper position (i.e., a position other than the first position) on the outer surface of the connected pipe can be reduced. In other words, the second device allows marking to be applied at a position that more reliably ensures the distance from the pipe end of the connected pipe.

[0065] Third Embodiment A pipe marking device according to a third embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, may be referred to as "third device") will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0066] As described above, in the pipe marking devices (devices of the present invention) according to the present invention, including the first and second devices, the arm is pivotally supported on the radially outer side of the outer case so as to be rotatable within a plane parallel to the axial direction of the outer case. Therefore, for example, if an operator's hand or the like touches the arm or the marking means, the arm may rotate in a direction that brings the marking means closer to the central axis.

[0067] If the arm unintentionally rotates in a direction that brings the marking means closer to the central axis when the bottom of the inner case is separated from the bottom of the outer case without abutting it (first state), part of the rotation path of the marking means that accompanies the rotation of the arm interferes with the open edge of the inner case, which could result in an unintended mark being made on the open edge of the inner case or the tip of the marking means being damaged by unintended contact between the open edge of the inner case and the marking means.Furthermore, if the arm unintentionally rotates in a direction that brings the marking means closer to the central axis when the inner case is pressed by the connected pipe inserted into the inner case and the bottom of the inner case abuts against the bottom of the outer case (second state), there is a risk that a mark will be made on the outer surface of the connected pipe at a timing not intended by the operator.

[0068] <composition> Therefore, the third device is a piping marking device which is the first or second device described above and further includes a second biasing means which is a means for biasing the marking means in a direction away from the central axis of the inner case.

[0069] The specific configuration of the second biasing means is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of biasing the marking means in a direction away from the central axis of the inner case. For example, the second biasing means may be configured as an elastic member interposed between the outer peripheral surface of the outer case and the arm or the marking means. In this case, the elastic member may be, for example, a compression coil spring or a leaf spring. Alternatively, the second biasing means may be configured as a torsion spring arranged to wind around the pivot shaft of the arm, which is pivotally supported by the support portion of the outer case.

[0070] Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the third device. In the third device 103 shown in Fig. 8, the second biasing means 70 is formed by a compression coil spring interposed between the outer case 20 and the arm 30. With this configuration, the marking means 40 is biased in a direction away from the central axis AX of the inner case 10. As a result, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the arm 30 will rotate in a direction that brings the marking means 40 closer to the central axis AX of the inner case 10 due to, for example, an operator's hand touching the arm 30 or the marking means 40.

[0071] <effect> As described above, the third device further includes a second biasing means for biasing the marking means in a direction away from the central axis of the inner case. This reduces the possibility that the arm will rotate in a direction that moves the marking means closer to the central axis of the inner case, for example, if an operator's hand or the like touches the arm or the marking means. As a result, the third device reduces problems such as unintended marking on the open end of the inner case in the first state, damage to the tip of the marking means due to unintended contact between the open end of the inner case and the marking means, and unintended marking on the outer surface of the connected pipe in the second state.

[0072] Fourth Embodiment A pipe marking device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, may be referred to as the "fourth device") will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0073] As described above, the piping marking devices (devices of the present invention) of the present invention, including the first device to the third device, can mark at a position where the distance from the pipe end of the connected pipe is reliably guaranteed.

[0074] However, when the arm is rotated in the second state to apply a mark by bringing the marking portion of the marking means (for example, the tip of a pen or the surface of an ink pad) into contact with the appropriate position (first position) on the outer surface of the connectable pipe inserted into the inner case, there is a risk that the marking portion of the marking means will be pressed excessively against the outer surface of the connectable pipe. In this case, there is a risk that the marking portion of the marking means will be deformed or damaged, or that the position where the mark is applied will be shifted from the first position due to bending of the arm, etc.

[0075] <composition> Therefore, the fourth device is a piping marking device which is any of the first to third devices described above and further includes a rotation limiting means which is a means for limiting the rotation range of the arm to thereby determine the positional relationship between the first position of the connected pipe in the second state and the tip of the marking means to a predetermined positional relationship.

[0076] The specific configuration of the rotation limiting means is not particularly limited as long as it is possible to limit the rotation range of the arm to establish a predetermined positional relationship between the first position of the connectable pipe and the tip of the marking means in the second state. For example, the rotation limiting means may be configured with a buffer member that is sandwiched between the outer peripheral surface of the outer case and the arm to prevent the distance between the marking portion of the marking means and the outer peripheral surface of the connectable pipe from becoming excessively small. Such a buffer member may be made of, for example, rubber or low-resilience foam material. Alternatively, the rotation limiting means may limit the rotation range of the arm by abutting the outer case or the support portion with the arm around the rotation axis of the arm, which is journaled by the support portion of the outer case.

[0077] With the above configuration, for example, when an operator grasps the arm and rotates it to apply a mark by abutting the marking means against the outer peripheral surface of the connected pipe inserted into the inner case, the positional relationship between the first position of the connected pipe in the second state and the marking portion of the marking means can be determined so that the marking portion of the marking means is not pressed excessively against the outer peripheral surface of the connected pipe.

[0078] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the fourth device. In the fourth device 104 shown in Fig. 9, the rotation limiting means 80 is constituted by a rubber block attached to a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the outer case 20 that faces the arm 30. However, the position at which the rotation limiting means 80 is attached is not limited to the above, and for example, the rotation limiting means 80 may be attached to the surface of the outer arm 30 that faces the outer peripheral surface of the case 20.

[0079] In either case, the height (diametric dimension) of the rotation limiting means 80 is determined, for example, so that the marking portion of the marking means abuts the first position of the connected pipe with a strength suitable for applying a mark when the arm 30 rotates and abuts against the rotation limiting means 80. With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the risk of the marking means 40 being pressed excessively against the outer peripheral surface of the connected pipe (not shown) when the second state is achieved, for example, which could cause the marking portion of the marking means 40 to be deformed or damaged.

[0080] <effect> As described above, the fourth device further includes a rotation limiting means for limiting the rotation range of the arm to set a predetermined positional relationship between the first position of the connectable pipe and the tip of the marking means in the second state. As a result, the fourth device can reduce the risk that, when applying a mark to the outer peripheral surface of the connectable pipe in the second state, the marking portion of the marking means will be pressed excessively against the outer peripheral surface of the connectable pipe, causing deformation or damage to the marking portion of the marking means, or that the position where the mark is applied will shift from the first position due to bending of the arm, etc.

[0081] Fifth Embodiment A pipe marking device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, may be referred to as the "fifth device") will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0082] As described above, in the piping marking devices (devices of the present invention) according to the present invention, including the first to fourth devices, the arm cannot be rotated to bring the marking means into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the pipe to be connected unless the pipe to be connected is inserted all the way to the bottom of the inner case and the tip of the pipe presses against the bottom of the inner case, thereby reaching the second state in which the bottom of the inner case abuts against the bottom of the outer case. In other words, the device of the present invention can mark a position where the distance from the end of the pipe to be connected is reliably guaranteed.

[0083] However, if the worker determines whether the second state has been achieved based on the feel when manually inserting the connected pipe into the inner case and / or the position of the protrusion protruding from the outer surface of the inner case in the slit-like hole formed in the outer surface of the outer case, which is visually inspected by the worker, there is a risk of operational errors occurring due to, for example, a misunderstanding by the worker.

[0084] <composition> Therefore, the fifth device is a piping marking device which is any of the first to fourth devices described above and further includes a contact detection means which is a means for detecting whether the second state has been achieved.

[0085] The specific configuration of the contact detection means is not particularly limited as long as it can detect whether the second state, in which the bottom of the inner case is in contact with the bottom of the outer case, has been achieved. For example, the contact detection means can be configured with a sensor that can detect whether the bottom of the inner case is in contact with the bottom of the outer case. Examples of such sensors that can be used include a proximity sensor, a limit switch, and a microswitch.

[0086] In addition, the contact detection means may be configured to store data including information corresponding to the result of determining whether the second state has been achieved based on a signal output from a sensor or the like as described above in a data storage device (e.g., an IC tag such as an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag or a microcomputer) provided in the contact detection means, or to transmit the data to an external recording device (e.g., a memory provided in another computer) via wired or wireless communication means.

[0087] Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the fifth device. In the fifth device 105 shown in Fig. 10, the contact detection means 90 is made up of a proximity sensor 90s disposed on the bottom of the outer case 20 and a microcomputer 90c that receives and records a signal output from the proximity sensor 90s. The signal is transmitted from the proximity sensor 90s to the microcomputer 90c via communication means provided in each of them.

[0088] With the above configuration, the fifth device 105 can reliably detect whether the bottom of the inner case is in contact with the bottom of the outer case, i.e., whether the second state has been achieved. Therefore, the fifth device 105 can reliably mark a position where the distance from the end of the connected pipe is reliably guaranteed. Furthermore, the data obtained as described above regarding the success or failure of the second state can be used as a construction record of the piping composed of the target connected pipe.

[0089] <effect> As described above, in the fifth device, whether the bottom of the inner case is in a position where it abuts against the bottom of the outer case, i.e., whether the second state is achieved, can be confirmed by the abutment detection means, rather than by the operator's touch or visual inspection. Therefore, with the fifth device, marking can be reliably performed at a position where the distance from the pipe end of the connection pipe is reliably guaranteed.

[0090] For the purpose of explaining the present invention, several embodiments having specific configurations have been described above, sometimes with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited to these exemplary embodiments, and it goes without saying that appropriate modifications can be made within the scope of the claims and the matters described in the specification. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 101a, 101b, 102a, 102b, 103, 104, 105...Pipe marking device 10...Inner case 11...Open end 12...Protrusion 20...Outer case 21...Open end 22...Support part 23...Slit-shaped hole 24…Protrusion 30...Arm 40...Marking means 50…Connected pipe 61,62...first biasing means 70...Second biasing means 80...Rotation limiting means 90...contact detection means 90s…Proximity sensor 90c...microcomputer AX...Central axis of the inner case d1...first distance d2…Second distance d3...Third distance p1…1st position p2…Second position p3…3rd position

Claims

1. A piping marking device that applies a predetermined mark to an outer peripheral surface of a connected pipe at a first position that is a first distance away from an end face of the connected pipe, the first position being a predetermined distance, a cylindrical inner case with a bottom into which the connection pipe is slidably inserted; a cylindrical outer case with a bottom into which the inner case is slidably inserted; an arm pivotally supported at a second position, which is a position spaced a second distance, which is a predetermined distance, from the open end of the outer case toward the bottom in the axial direction of the outer case, so as to be rotatable on a plane parallel to the axial direction of the outer case on the radial outside of the outer case; Equipped with a marking means is attached to the arm at a third position that is a third distance away from the second position, the third distance being a predetermined distance greater than the second distance; In a first state in which the bottom of the inner case is in a position separated from the bottom of the outer case without contacting the bottom of the outer case, a part of a rotation path of the marking means caused by the rotation of the arm interferes with an open end of the inner case, In a second state in which the bottom of the inner case is in contact with the bottom of the outer case, a rotational path of the marking means caused by the rotation of the arm does not interfere with the open end of the inner case. Piping marking device.

2. 2. The piping marking device according to claim 1, The housing further includes a first biasing means for biasing the bottom of the inner case and the bottom of the outer case in a direction separating them from each other. Piping marking device.

3. The piping marking device according to claim 1 or 2, The marking device further includes a second biasing means for biasing the marking means in a direction away from the central axis of the inner case. Piping marking device.

4. The piping marking device according to claim 1 or 2, The device further includes a rotation limiting means for limiting the rotation range of the arm to thereby determine a predetermined positional relationship between the first position of the connectable pipe and the tip of the marking means in the second state. Piping marking device.

5. The piping marking device according to claim 1 or 2, The device further includes a contact detection means for detecting whether the second state is achieved. Piping marking device.

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