Measuring device
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GEBERIT INT AG
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-06
Smart Images
Figure EP2026051359_06082026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] F07461
[0002] 1
[0003] TITLE
[0004] MEASURING DEVICE
[0005] TECHNICAL AREA
[0006] The present invention relates to a measuring device for determining the correct insertion depth of a pipe end into an interior of a fitting according to claim 1, a measuring arrangement according to claim 16 and a measuring method according to claim 17.
[0007] STATE OF THE ART
[0008] Connections between press fittings and pipes are known from the prior art, for example from EP 4 086 494. To create a connection between the pipe and the press fitting, a pipe end is inserted into the press fitting, and the press fitting is then crimped against the pipe. The tightness of this connection depends, among other things, on the insertion depth of the pipe into the press fitting. However, this insertion depth is not visible from the outside. Therefore, determining the insertion depth before and after crimping a press fitting is only possible with considerable effort.
[0009] PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Based on this prior art, the invention is based on the objective of providing a measuring device that enables the reliable detection of a correct or incorrect insertion depth of a pipe end into a fitting. In particular, a particularly preferred objective of the present invention is that the measurement can be carried out reliably and easily.
[0011] The measuring device according to claim 1 solves these and other tasks. Accordingly, a measuring device serves to determine the correct insertion depth of a pipe end into the interior of a fitting, in particular a press fitting. The measuring device comprises a receiving element with a receiving contour extending at least partially around a central axis for receiving the fitting with the pipe end inserted.
[0012] 2
[0013] The fitting consists of a pipe end, at least one radiation source fixed to the receiving element for emitting ionizing radiation, in particular X-rays or gamma radiation, in the form of a beam along a radiation direction, and at least one radiation detector fixed to the receiving element. The detector is designed to detect the ionizing radiation emitted by the radiation source as well as the radiation penetrating the fitting and, if applicable, the pipe end, and to determine an absorption value corresponding to the received ionizing radiation. The fitting with the inserted pipe end can be positioned precisely within the receiving contour. With the correct insertion depth of the pipe end in the fitting, its position within the receiving contour is such that the pipe end lies within the effective range of the radiation beam.If the insertion depth is incorrect, the position of the pipe end within the receiving contour is such that it lies outside the effective range of the radiation beam. When the pipe end is within the effective range of the radiation beam, a first absorption value can be measured that is lower than a second absorption value that can be measured when the pipe end is outside the effective range of the radiation beam.
[0014] The measuring device essentially detects the presence or absence of the pipe end in the area where the ionizing radiation is active. The measuring device therefore has a very simple structure.
[0015] If the pipe end is within the effective range of the radiation beam, the first absorption value is measurable. This first absorption value corresponds to a correct insertion depth. If the pipe end is outside the effective range of the radiation beam, the second absorption value is measurable. This second absorption value corresponds to an incorrect insertion depth.
[0016] The measuring device records an absorption value for four wall thicknesses when the pipe end is correctly inserted, and an absorption value for two wall thicknesses when the pipe end is incorrectly inserted. The purpose of the measuring device is therefore not an imaging procedure, but simply to provide the absorption values from which it can be determined whether four wall thicknesses are present when the pipe end is correctly inserted, or whether two wall thicknesses are present when the pipe end is incorrectly inserted.
[0017] The term "positionally fixed" is to be understood as meaning that the radiation source and the radiation detector are fixed in position to the receiving element and thus fixed. F07461
[0018] 3
[0019] The radiation source and / or the radiation detector are arranged to fit the recording contour. They are preferably interchangeably arranged on the recording element.
[0020] Preferably, the radiation source is a radiation source with a low radiation power, wherein the radiation power is so low that the measuring device can be used safely without radiation protection measures. The radiation path is preferably so low that its use for an imaging procedure is not possible.
[0021] The term "insertion depth" refers to the relative insertion depth or position of the pipe end into or within the fitting.
[0022] The fitting is positioned securely within the receiving contour and is therefore fixed in relation to the receiving element itself and to the radiation source and the radiation detector.
[0023] The receiving contour preferably partially or completely surrounds a receiving chamber, wherein the fitting can be inserted into the receiving chamber with the pipe end. The receiving contour preferably extends partially or completely around the central axis.
[0024] The fitting can be firmly connected to the pipe end before the measurement is taken with the measuring device. In other versions, however, the fitting can also be loosely in contact with the pipe end, in which case the correct insertion depth can be determined with the measuring device before crimping.
[0025] The term "pipe end" refers to the end section of a pipe. The end section is the part that protrudes into the fitting.
[0026] In one version, the receiving element is a single piece. In another version, the receiving element is multi-part, consisting of several receiving element components, which can be positioned together relative to the fitting before measurement.
[0027] Preferably, the radiation source is an isotope source. Particularly preferably, the radiation source is a gamma radiation source. Particularly preferably, the radiation source comprises one or more of the following selected from the group F07461.
[0028] 4
[0029] Radioisotopes: Barium-133, Sodium-22, Cesium-137 and / or Cobalt-60.
[0030] Preferably, the radiation output of the barium-133 source is at most 3 MBq, particularly at most 1 MBq. Preferably, the radiation output of the sodium-22 source is at most 3 M Bq, particularly at most 1 MBq. Preferably, the radiation output of the cesium-137 source is at most 700 kBq, particularly at most 10 kBq. Preferably, the radiation output of the cobalt-60 source is at most 300 kBq, particularly at most 100 kBq. Bq is the SI unit becquerel.
[0031] Preferably, the receiving contour has at least one stop surface. The fitting can be positioned with a corresponding surface on the stop surface. In the inserted state, the corresponding surface comes into firm contact with the stop surface. Viewed along the central axis, the radiation beam lies at a distance from the stop surface. This distance is less than the correct insertion depth of the pipe end relative to the corresponding surface. Furthermore, this distance is greater than the incorrect insertion depth of the pipe end relative to the corresponding surface. The incorrect insertion depth is less than the correct insertion depth and less than the specified distance between the stop surface and the radiation beam.
[0032] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the corresponding surface is an end face forming one end of the fitting. The fitting can be positioned against this end face. In the installed state, the end face comes into firm contact with the stop surface. In other embodiments, other surfaces of the fitting can also abut other stop surfaces.
[0033] Preferably, the receiving element has a penetration with an inlet opening and an outlet opening for the transmission of the aforementioned ionizing radiation. The radiation source is arranged relative to the inlet opening such that the ionizing radiation propagates through the penetration from the inlet opening to the outlet opening. The outlet opening faces the receiving contour. The ionizing radiation enters the receiving contour from the outlet opening.
[0034] The aforementioned breakthrough forms, limits, or defines the specified beam of ionizing radiation. F07461
[0035] 5
[0036] Preferably, the opening, viewed in the direction of the central axis, has a light dimension in the range of 0.1 to 5 millimeters, particularly in the range of 0.2 to 3 millimeters, and especially preferably in the range of 0.5 to 1 millimeter.
[0037] In one variant, the opening has a circular cylindrical cross-section, with the diameter corresponding to the aforementioned light dimension.
[0038] In another variant, the opening is slot-shaped, with the light intensity measured along the central axis being smaller than the light intensity measured perpendicular to the central axis. The light intensity measured along the central axis is preferably in the range mentioned above. The light intensity measured perpendicular to the central axis can be larger than the light intensity measured above.
[0039] Preferably the breakthrough extends along an axis, wherein the axis extends perpendicular to the said central axis and wherein the axis and the central axis of the receiving contour preferably intersect.
[0040] Preferably, the receiving element has an opening for the radiation detector with an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is oriented towards the receiving contour such that the ionizing radiation propagates through the opening from the inlet to the outlet, with the radiation detector being located at the outlet. The radiation detector detects the ionizing radiation that propagates through the opening.
[0041] The opening for the radiation detector is preferably slot-shaped. The amount of light passing through along the central axis is smaller than the amount passing through perpendicular to the central axis. In other words, the opening has the cross-section of an elongated slot. The amount of light passing through along the central axis is preferably in the range mentioned above. The amount of light passing through perpendicular to the central axis can be larger than the aforementioned amount of light passing through. It is particularly preferred that the minimum amount of light passing through the slot-shaped opening is equal to the amount of light passing through the opening for the radiation source.
[0042] The slot-shaped opening has the advantage that a larger cross-section can be covered, thereby reducing negative effects in the beam path. For example, F07461
[0043] 6
[0044] More radiation reaches the radiation detector and the noise can be reduced.
[0045] Preferably, the breakthrough for the radiation source has a smaller cross-sectional area than the breakthrough for the radiation detector.
[0046] If the two openings are slot-shaped, the slots preferably have the same orientation.
[0047] Preferably, the receiving element has a certain mass. The mass is such that ionizing radiation in radiation directions that differ from the breakthrough is received by the receiving element.
[0048] Preferably, the receiving element is provided from a material such that ionizing radiation in radiation directions different from the breakthrough is received by the receiving element.
[0049] The mass and material are preferably chosen so that as little natural background radiation as possible is detected by the radiation detector.
[0050] Preferably, the radiation source and the radiation detector are arranged opposite each other with respect to the central axis. The radiation source and the radiation detector are positioned opposite each other along the recording contour. Preferably, one radiation detector is arranged for each radiation source. Preferably, the radiation beam intersects the central axis.
[0051] In the first variant, exactly one radiation source is positioned. Relative to the recording contour, the radiation source is located at a point where the pipe end must be positioned at its minimum depth when connected to the fitting at the correct insertion depth.
[0052] In a second variant, several radiation sources are arranged at intervals along the central axis. At least one radiation source is located, relative to the image contour, at a point where the pipe end must be positioned at its minimum depth when connected to the fitting at the correct insertion depth. F07461
[0053] 7
[0054] Preferably, when the first absorption value is determined, a signal corresponding to that value is provided, which indicates the correct insertion depth. Preferably, when the second absorption value is determined, a signal corresponding to that value is provided, which indicates an incorrect insertion depth.
[0055] The signals are, for example, electrical signals that can be further processed and / or displayed using various elements.
[0056] Preferably, the measuring device further comprises a display element with which the quality of the insertion depth can be indicated based on the aforementioned signal. Preferably, the display element indicates whether the insertion depth is correct or incorrect. Preferably, the measuring device further comprises a data storage device in which the signal can be stored together with identification data of the fitting. Preferably, the measuring device further comprises a communication module with which the signal can be transmitted together with identification data of the fitting.
[0057] The measuring device can be provided as a standalone unit, allowing the insertion depth of the pipe end into the fitting to be determined for fittings that are already crimped. Alternatively, the measuring device can be attached to or integrated into a crimping tool or crimping device, thus providing installers with assistance in ensuring the correct insertion depth during crimping, and / or enabling control and / or documentation of the crimping process.
[0058] A measuring arrangement comprises a measuring device as described above and a fitting with an interior space into which a pipe end is inserted to an insertion depth.
[0059] In a method for determining the correct insertion depth of a pipe end into the interior of a fitting, particularly a press fitting, the measuring device described above is used. According to the method, the fitting is positioned precisely within the receiving contour. The radiation detector receives the radiation emitted by the radiation source and detects the fitting and, if applicable, the pipe end. F07461
[0060] 8
[0061] Penetrating ionizing radiation. The radiation detector determines an absorption value corresponding to the received ionizing radiation. When the pipe end is within the effective range of the radiation beam, a first absorption value is measured, which is lower than a second absorption value measured when the pipe end is outside the effective range of the radiation beam.
[0062] As mentioned at the beginning, the measuring device is used to determine the insertion depth of a pipe end into a fitting.
[0063] Further embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.
[0064] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0065] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings, which serve only for illustration and are not to be interpreted restrictively. The drawings show:
[0066] Fig. 1 shows a schematic sectional view through a measuring device according to the invention in a particularly preferred embodiment for determining a correct insertion depth of a pipe end into an interior of a fitting, wherein the insertion depth is correct;
[0067] Fig. 2 is a detailed view of Figure 2;
[0068] Fig. 3 shows a schematic sectional view through a measuring device according to the invention, where the insertion depth is not correct;
[0069] Fig. 4 shows a detail view of Figure 3;
[0070] Fig. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of a receiving element of the measuring device of the preceding figures;
[0071] Fig. 6 shows another schematic perspective view of a receiving element of the measuring device from the preceding figures; and
[0072] Fig. 7 shows a typical absorption profile when measured at different points of the connection between the pipe end and the fitting.
[0073] DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXECUTION FORMS
[0074] Figures 1 to 6 show different views of a measuring device 1 according to the invention, based on a preferred embodiment. The measuring device F07461
[0075] 9
[0076] 1 serves to determine the correct insertion depth T of a pipe end 2 into an interior 3 of a fitting 4. The fitting 4 is preferably a press fitting. The insertion depth can be determined with the measuring device before, during and / or after connecting the pipe end 2 to the fitting 4.
[0077] The measuring device 1 comprises a receiving element 5, at least one radiation source 7 fixedly positioned relative to the receiving element 5, and at least one radiation detector 8 fixedly positioned relative to the receiving element 5. The radiation source 7 and the radiation detector 8 are preferably fixedly connected to or arranged on the receiving element 5. The radiation source 7 and / or the radiation detector 8 are preferably interchangeably connected to the receiving element 5.
[0078] The receiving element 5 has a receiving contour 6 that extends at least partially around a central axis M. The fitting 4, together with the pipe end 2, can be positioned precisely within the receiving contour 6, at least in the direction of the central axis M. The receiving element 5 is moved towards the pipe end 2 and the fitting 4. The pipe end 2 and the fitting 4 are typically fixed in a building installation.
[0079] The at least one radiation source 7 is designed such that it emits ionizing radiation in the form of a beam B along a radiation direction R. The beam B is represented as a symbolic dashed line in Figures 1 to 4. In the embodiment shown, the radiation direction R is essentially perpendicular to the central axis M of the receiving contour 6. The beam B intersects the central axis M.
[0080] The at least one radiation detector 8 is designed to detect the ionizing radiation emitted by the radiation source 7 and penetrating the fitting 4 and, if applicable, the pipe end 2. Furthermore, the at least one radiation detector 8 is designed to determine an absorption value A1, A2 corresponding to or correlating with the received ionizing radiation.
[0081] Figures 1 to 4 show the positioning of the fitting 4 in the receiving contour 6. The fitting 4, together with the pipe end 2, can be positioned precisely in the receiving contour 6. With a correct insertion depth T of the pipe end 2 (see F07461).
[0082] 10
[0083] With fitting 4, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the pipe end 2 lies within the effective range of the radiation beam B. In this case, the radiation beam penetrates two wall thicknesses of fitting 4 and two wall thicknesses of pipe end 2. If the insertion depth T of pipe end 2 in fitting 4 is incorrect, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the pipe end 2 lies outside the effective range of the radiation beam B. In this case, the radiation beam B penetrates two wall thicknesses of fitting 4, but not the wall thicknesses of pipe end 2, as these lie outside the effective range of the radiation beam B. When pipe end 2 lies within the effective range of the radiation beam B, a first absorption value A1 is measurable, which is lower than a second absorption value A2, which is measurable when pipe end 2 lies outside the effective range of the radiation beam B. With the correct insertion depth of the pipe end 2 according to Figures 1 and 2, the first absorption value A1 is measured.Therefore, when measuring the first absorption value A1, it can be concluded that the insertion depth of the pipe end 2 into the fitting 4 is correct. If the insertion depth of the pipe end 2 is incorrect according to Figures 3 and 4, the second absorption value A2 is measured. When measuring the second absorption value A2, it can be concluded that the insertion depth of the pipe end 2 into the fitting 4 is incorrect.
[0084] Figure 7 shows the corresponding absorption values at different insertion depths. The x-axis represents the insertion depth, and the y-axis represents the absorption value measured by the radiation detector. At the correct insertion depth, a first absorption value A1 is measured. At an incorrect insertion depth, a second absorption value A2 is measured. The first absorption value A1 is lower than the second absorption value A2. The curve shown in Figure 7 is an example illustrating the absorption value at different measurement positions. In the illustrated embodiment, the radiation source 7 and the radiation detector 8 are located, relative to the recording contour 6, at the position where the pipe end 2 must be when connected to the fitting 4 at the correct insertion depth.The insertion depth ranges mentioned are to be understood as examples and may be larger or smaller in other versions.
[0085] The radiation source 7 is preferably a gamma radiation source. For example, the radiation source 7 can comprise one or more radioisotopes selected from the following group: barium-133, sodium-22, cesium-137, and / or cobalt-60. The radiation output of the radiation source 7 is preferably selected such that it does not pose any health risks to the user. For example, the F07461
[0086] 11
[0087] Radiation power of the radiation source as follows:
[0088] Radiation power of radiation source 7 with barium-133 at a maximum of 3 M Bq, in particular at a maximum of 1 MBq
[0089] Radiant power of radiation source 7 with sodium-22 at a maximum of 3 MBq, in particular at a maximum of 1 MBq
[0090] Radiant power of radiation source 7 with cesium-137 at a maximum of 700 kBq, especially at a maximum of 10 kBq.
[0091] Radiant power of radiation source 7 with Cobalt-60 at a maximum of 300kBq, in particular at a maximum of 100kBq.
[0092] The sectional views in Figures 1 to 4 show that the receiving contour 6 has a stop surface 9. The stop surface 9 is part of a recess 19. The recess 19 forms a receptacle for a bead 23 of the fitting 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the fitting 4 is also held in the recess 19 relative to the stop surface 9 because the bead 23 also abuts the recess 19 relative to the stop surface 9. The fitting 4 has a seal 24 in the bead 23. The fitting 4 can be positioned against the stop surface 9 with an end face 11 forming one end 10 of the fitting 4. When the fitting 4 is in the receiving contour 6, the end face 11 rests against the stop surface 9. The beam of light B is spaced X1 away from the stop surface 9, viewed in the direction of the central axis M.
[0093] Figure 2 shows the correct insertion depth of the pipe end 2 into the fitting 4. The distance X1 is less than the correct insertion depth T of the pipe end 2 from the end face 11. This ensures that, at the correct insertion depth, the pipe end 2 is always within the beam B and that the beam penetrates the wall of the pipe end 2. This allows the first absorption value A1 to be measured.
[0094] Figure 4 shows the situation where the pipe end 2 is not inserted to the correct depth into the fitting 4. The beam of light penetrates the wall 20 of the pipe end 2. Figure 3 shows the situation where the insertion depth T is incorrect. The incorrect insertion depth T is less than the distance X1. Thus, the pipe end 2 is positioned such that the beam of light B does not penetrate the wall of the pipe end 2, resulting in the measurement of the second absorption value A2.
[0095] Figures 1, 3 and 5 show that there is a breakthrough in the receiving element 5 12F07461
[0096] 12
[0097] The opening 12 has an inlet opening 13 and an outlet opening 14. The radiation source 7 is arranged relative to the inlet opening 13 such that the ionizing radiation propagates through the opening 12 from the inlet opening 13 to the outlet opening 14. The outlet opening 14 faces the receiving contour 6. Preferably, the fitting 4 comes into contact with an outer surface 21 of a surface area 22 of the receiving contour 6 that surrounds the outlet opening 14.
[0098] The opening 12, with its diameter, essentially defines the shape of the beam B. The opening 12 has a diameter in the range of 0.1 to 5 millimeters, particularly in the range of 0.2 to 3 millimeters, and most preferably in the range of 0.5 to 1 millimeter, as viewed in the direction of the central axis M. The opening 12 preferably has a circular cylindrical cross-section, the diameter of which corresponds to the aforementioned diameter. In another embodiment, the opening 12 can also be slot-shaped. The opening 12 extends along an axis Y. The axis Y is preferably the central axis of the opening. Here, the axis Y extends perpendicular to the aforementioned central axis M. The axis Y and the central axis M intersect. The beam B will therefore also strike the fitting 4 and the pipe end 2 perpendicular to the central axis M.
[0099] Figures 1, 3, and 6 show that the receiving element 5 has an opening 15 for the radiation detector 8. The opening 15 has an inlet opening 16 and an outlet opening 17. The inlet opening 16 is oriented towards the receiving contour 6 such that the ionizing radiation propagates through the opening 15 from the inlet opening 16 to the outlet opening 17. The radiation detector 8 is located at the outlet opening 17. The opening 15 also extends in the direction of the aforementioned axis Y. Preferably, the fitting 4 comes into contact with an outer surface 21 of a surface area 22 of the receiving contour 6 that surrounds the outlet opening 17.
[0100] In the illustrated embodiment, the opening 15 for the radiation detector 8 is slot-shaped. This can be seen in Figure 6. The slot-shaped opening is designed such that the light intensity, viewed in the direction of the central axis M, is smaller than the light intensity viewed transversely to the central axis M. Preferably, the light intensity, viewed in the direction of the central axis M, is in the range of 0.1 to 5 millimeters, particularly in the range of 0.2 to 3 millimeters, and most preferably in the range of 0.5 to 1 millimeter.
[0101] 13
[0102] Figures 1, 3, 5 and 6 show that the radiation source 7 and the radiation detector 8 are arranged opposite each other with respect to the central axis M. The radiation beam B thus extends transversely through the cross-section of the recording contour 6.
[0103] In the illustrated embodiment, exactly one radiation source 7 and one radiation detector 8 are arranged. Relative to the receiving contour 6, the radiation source 7 is located at a position where the pipe end 2 must be when it is connected to the fitting at the correct insertion depth.
[0104] In other embodiments not shown in the figures, several radiation sources 7 are arranged at intervals from one another, viewed along the central axis M. At least one radiation source 7 is located, relative to the receiving contour 6, at a point where the pipe end 2 must be positioned when it is inserted into the fitting to the correct depth.
[0105] Preferably, when the first absorption value A1 is detected, a signal S corresponding to the first absorption value A1 is provided, which indicates the correct insertion depth. When the second absorption value A2 is detected, a signal S corresponding to the second absorption value A2 is provided, which indicates the incorrect insertion depth. The signal S is provided either by the radiation detector or by a control unit functionally connected to the radiation detector.
[0106] The signal S can be processed in various ways. For example, the measuring device 1 can also have a display element 18, which, based on the aforementioned signal S, can indicate the quality of the insertion depth. This means that the display element shows the user whether the insertion depth of the pipe end 2 is correct or incorrect. For example, the measuring device 1 can also have a data storage unit in which the signal S can be stored together with the fitting's identification data. The measurement results from various measurements can therefore be stored in the data storage unit for documentation purposes. For example, the measuring device 1 can also have a communication module with which the signal S can be transmitted together with the fitting's identification data. For example, the measurement results can be sent to a computer or to a cloud network.
[0107] will be transmitted. F07461
[0108] 15
[0109] REFERENCE MARK LIST
[0110] 1 measuring device
[0111] 2 pipe ends
[0112] 3 Interior
[0113] 4 Fitting
[0114] 5 Recording element
[0115] 6 Recording contour
[0116] 7 Radiation source
[0117] 8 Radiation detector
[0118] 9 stop surface
[0119] 10 End
[0120] 11 Front surface
[0121] 12 Breakthrough for 7
[0122] 13 Entrance opening for 12
[0123] 14 Exit opening for 12
[0124] 15 Breakthrough for 8
[0125] 16 Entrance opening for 15
[0126] 17 Exit opening for 15
[0127] 18 Display element
[0128] 19 punctures
[0129] 20 wall
[0130] 21 outdoor area
[0131] 22 Area
[0132] 23 bulge
[0133] 24 Seal
[0134] A1, A2 Absorption values
[0135] B radiation bundle
[0136] T insertion depth
[0137] R Radiation direction
[0138] M Central axis
[0139] Y axis of 12
[0140] X1 Distance
Claims
F07461 16 PATENT CLAIMS 1. Measuring device (1) for determining a correct insertion depth (T) of a pipe end (2) into an interior (3) of a fitting (4), in particular a press fitting, comprising, a receiving element (5) with a receiving contour (6) extending at least partially around a central axis (M) for receiving the fitting (4) with inserted pipe end (2), at least one radiation source (7) positioned in a fixed position relative to the receiving element (5) for emitting ionizing radiation, in particular X-rays or gamma radiation, in the form of a beam (B) along a direction of radiation (R), and at least one radiation detector (8) positioned in a fixed position relative to the receiving element (5), which is designed to detect the ionizing radiation emitted by the radiation source (7) and penetrating the fitting (4) and, if applicable, the pipe end (2), and to determine an absorption value (A1, A2) corresponding to the received ionizing radiation, wherein the fitting (4) can be positioned precisely in the receiving contour (6), wherein, with a correct insertion depth of the pipe end (2) in the fitting (4), the pipe end (2) lies within the effective area of the radiation beam (B), and, with an incorrect insertion depth, the pipe end (2) lies outside the effective area of the radiation beam (B), and where, when the pipe end (2) is in the effective range of the beam (B), a first absorption value (A1) can be measured which is lower than a second absorption value (A2) which can be measured when the pipe end (2) is outside the effective range of the beam (B).
2. Measuring device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the radiation source (7) is an isotope source, wherein the isotope source is preferably a gamma radiation source, in particular that the radiation source (7) comprises one or more radioisotopes selected from the following group: barium-133, sodium-22, cesium-137 and / or cobalt-60.F07461 17 3. Measuring device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the radiant power of the radiation source (7) with barium-133 is at most 3 MB / s, in particular at most 1 MB / s, and / or that the radiant power of the radiation source (7) with sodium-22 is at most 3 MB / s, in particular at most 1 MB / s; and / or that the radiant power of the radiation source (7) with cesium-137 is at most 700 kB / s, in particular at most 10 kB / s; and / or that the radiant power of the radiation source (7) with cobalt-60 is at most 300 kB / s, in particular at most 100 kB / s.
4. Measuring device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving contour (6) has at least one stop surface (9) on which the fitting (4) can be positioned with a corresponding surface (11), wherein the beam of rays (B) is spaced at a distance (X1) from the stop surface (9) when viewed in the direction of the central axis (M), where the distance (X1) is smaller than the correct insertion depth (T) of the pipe end (2) as seen from the corresponding surface (11); and where the distance (X1) is greater than the incorrect insertion depth (T) of the pipe end (2) seen from the corresponding surface (11).
5. Measuring device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the corresponding surface (1) is an end face (11) forming an end (10) of the fitting (4).
6. Measuring device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a breakthrough (12) with an inlet opening (13) and an outlet opening (14) for the passage of said ionizing radiation is arranged in the receiving element (5), wherein the radiation source (7) is arranged to the inlet opening (13) such that the ionizing radiation propagates in the breakthrough (12) from the inlet opening (13) to the outlet opening (14) and wherein the outlet opening (14) faces the receiving contour (6).
7. Measuring device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the opening (12) has a diameter in the range of 0.1 to 5 millimeters, particularly in the range of 0.2 to 3 millimeters, and most preferably in the range of 0.5 to 1 millimeter, as viewed in the direction of the central axis (M); and / or that the opening (12) extends along an axis (Y), wherein the axis (Y) extends perpendicular to said central axis (M) and wherein the axis (Y) and the central axis (M) preferably 18 cut.
8. Measuring device (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the opening (12) has a circular cylindrical cross-section; or that the opening (12) is slit-shaped, wherein the light measure in the direction of the central axis (M) is smaller than the light measure seen transversely to the central axis (M).
9. Measuring device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a breakthrough (15) for the radiation detector (8) with an inlet opening (16) and an outlet opening (17) is arranged in the receiving element (5), wherein the inlet opening (16) is directed towards the receiving contour (6) such that the ionizing radiation spreads in the breakthrough (15) from the inlet opening (16) to the outlet opening (17) and wherein the radiation detector (8) is arranged at the outlet opening (17).
10. Measuring device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the opening (15) for the radiation detector (8) is slit-shaped, wherein the light intensity viewed in the direction of the central axis (M) is smaller than the light intensity viewed transversely to the central axis (M) and / or that the opening (15) extends along an axis (Y), wherein the axis (Y) extends perpendicular to said central axis (M) and wherein the axis (Y) and the central axis (M) preferably intersect.
11. Measuring device (1) according to one of the preceding claims 4 to 10, characterized in that, that the receiving element (5) has a certain mass such that ionizing radiation in radiation directions different from the breakthrough (12, 15) is received by the receiving element (5); and / or that the receiving element (5) is provided from a material which is such that ionizing radiation in radiation directions which are different from the breakthrough (12, 15) is received by the receiving element (5).
12. Measuring device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the radiation source (7) and the radiation detector (8) are arranged relative to each other with respect to the central axis (M); and / or that one radiation detector (8) is arranged for each radiation source (7). F07461 19 13. Measuring device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that exactly one single radiation source (7) is arranged; or that, viewed in the direction of the central axis (M), several radiation sources (7) are arranged spaced apart from each other, wherein at least one radiation source (7) is located, viewed relative to the receiving contour (6), at a location where the pipe end (2) must be when it is inserted into the fitting (4) at the correct insertion depth.
14. Measuring device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, upon determination of the first absorption value (A1), a signal (S) corresponding to the first absorption value (A1) is provided with which the correct insertion depth can be signaled, and that when the second absorption value (A2) is determined, a signal (S) corresponding to the second absorption value (A2) is provided, with which the incorrect insertion depth can be signaled.
15. Measuring device (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that the measuring device (1) further comprises a display element (18) with which the quality of the insertion depth can be displayed based on the said signal (S); and / or that the measuring device (1) further comprises a data storage device in which the signal (S) can be stored together with identification data of the fitting; and / or that the measuring device further comprises a communication module with which the signal (S) can be transmitted together with identification data of the fitting.
16. Measuring arrangement comprising a measuring device according to one of the preceding claims and a fitting (4) with an interior (3) into which a pipe end (2) is inserted with an insertion depth (T).
17. Method for determining a correct insertion depth (T) of a pipe end (2) into an interior (3) of a fitting (4), in particular a press fitting, according to a device according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 14, wherein the fitting (4) is positioned precisely in the receiving contour (6), wherein the radiation detector (8) receives the ionizing radiation emitted by the radiation source (7) and penetrating the fitting and, if applicable, the pipe end (2), and determines an absorption value (A1, A2) corresponding to the received ionizing radiation, and F07461 20 wherein, when the end of the tube (2) is in the effective range of the beam (B), a first absorption value (A1) is measured which is lower than a second absorption value (A2) which is measured when the end of the tube (2) is outside the effective range of the beam (B).