JP7598769B2 - Cutting Tools - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a cutting tool for cutting long objects, particularly corrugated pipes.

Conventionally, cutters or scissors have generally been used to cut long objects such as corrugated pipes used in piping. However, even experienced workers have found it difficult to cut long objects with a consistent cross-sectional shape using cutters or scissors. As a result, various cutting tools have been proposed.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a sheath tube cutting tool capable of cutting a bellows-shaped circular sheath tube. In the following paragraphs, the reference numerals of Patent Document 1 are shown in parentheses. The sheath tube cutting tool (C1), which is a first embodiment of Patent Document 1, is formed in a substantially U-shape having a recess (11) into which a bellows-shaped sheath tube (PO) can be fitted, and two parallel protrusions (12) are provided on the edge of the recess (11) and have a shape that matches the valley (P1) of the sheath tube (PO), and a blade (13) capable of cutting the sheath tube (PO) is provided at a position corresponding to the peak (P2) of the sheath tube (PO), that is, between the two protrusions (12). On the other hand, a sheath tube cutting jig (C2) which is a second embodiment of Patent Document 1 is configured by hingedly connecting a pair of half members (2, 2) which can be joined into a ring shape having a circular hole through which a bellows-shaped sheath tube (PO) can be inserted, with a pin (3), and each half member (2, 2) is configured with a doughnut portion (21) having a shape obtained by equally dividing a doughnut-shaped member in the radial direction, and a handle portion (22) provided on the outer periphery of the doughnut portion (21). Both half members (2, 2) are provided with two rows of convex portions (24) which can be fitted into valley portions (P1) of the sheath tube (PO) on the circular hole edge portion (23) of the doughnut portion (21), and a blade (25) which can cut the sheath tube (PO) in the length direction is provided at a position corresponding to the peak portion (P2) of the sheath tube (PO), i.e., between the two rows of convex portions (24, 24). That is, when the handles (22, 22) of both halves (2, 2) of the sheath tube cutting jig (C2) are brought together, the donut portions (21, 21) of both halves (2, 2) are joined into a ring shape.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-213761

The sheath pipe cutting tool (cutting tool) of the first embodiment of Patent Document 1 is formed in a non-movable C-shape and can only cut pipes of a specific diameter, making it inconvenient. In contrast, the sheath pipe cutting tool (cutting tool) of the second embodiment of Patent Document 1 is capable of cutting pipes of different diameters by hinge-connecting a pair of half-split members. When cutting a pipe with the sheath pipe cutting tool, the user operates the pair of handles of the sheath pipe cutting tool with both hands to open the pair of half-split members and place the pipe between the pair of half-split members. Then, by operating the pair of handles with both hands to bring the pair of half-split members together, the pair of half-split members are closed and the blade is brought into contact with the pipe. Furthermore, the pipe is cut by rotating the sheath pipe cutting tool relative to the pipe while holding the pair of handles with the hands and maintaining the closed state. In this way, in order to cut a pipe with the sheath pipe cutting tool, the user had to repeatedly grip and operate the pair of protruding handles. Therefore, it was a problem that the user could not easily perform the cutting work. In other words, conventional cutting tools do not sufficiently consider user convenience, and further improvements in operability are required.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and the object of the present invention is to provide a cutting tool that makes it possible to cut long objects of different diameters with simpler operations.

A cutting tool according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a pair of divided bodies rotatably connected to each other via a rotation axis extending in an axial direction, forming an arrangement space therebetween for placing an elongated body by sandwiching the elongated body therebetween, and having opening and closing ends operable to open and close for introducing the elongated body into the arrangement space;
a cutting blade provided on at least one of the pair of divided bodies and facing the arrangement space to cut the elongated body;
The present invention is characterized in that it is equipped with a drive unit formed on the opening and closing end sides of the pair of divided bodies, and which rotates the pair of divided bodies in an opening direction by being pressed by the elongated body entering the arrangement space through the opening and closing ends.

A cutting tool of form 2 of the present invention is characterized in that, in the cutting tool described in form 1, the drive unit is connected to the opening and closing ends on the outer surfaces of the pair of segments and has a guide surface that guides the elongated body abutting the outer surfaces of the pair of segments to the opening and closing ends.

A cutting tool of form 3 of the present invention is characterized in that, in the cutting tool described in form 2, when the long body is a corrugated tube having concave and convex portions alternately arranged in the longitudinal direction, the guide surface is formed with a guide protrusion that protrudes into the concave portions.

The cutting tool of form 4 of the present invention is characterized in that, in the cutting tool described in form 3, it further comprises a guide piece provided on at least one of the pair of segments, extending from the inner surface of the segment toward the arrangement space and formed to fit into the recess, and the axial positions of the guide piece and the guide protrusion are consistent.

The cutting tool of form 5 of the present invention is characterized in that, in the cutting tool described in any one of forms 1 to 4, when the elongated body is a corrugated tube having concave and convex portions alternately arranged in the longitudinal direction, the cutting tool further comprises a pair of guide pieces provided on both axial sides of the cutting blade and inserted into adjacent concave portions of the corrugated tube.

A cutting tool according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the cutting tool according to any one of the first to fifth aspects , further comprising a biasing means for biasing the pair of divided bodies in a closing direction.

The cutting tool of form 7 of the present invention is characterized in that, in the cutting tool described in any one of forms 1 to 6, the pair of segments are provided with gripping portions extending in the axial direction for pressing the pair of segments in a closing direction.

A cutting tool of aspect 8 of the present invention is characterized in that, in the cutting tool according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, the cutting blade is provided offset toward one end side of the axial direction of the divided body.

The cutting tool of form 9 of the present invention is characterized in that, in the cutting tool described in any one of forms 1 to 8, a cutting blade is provided on each of the pair of segments, and each cutting blade is arranged at the same axial position and biased toward the opening and closing end side of each segment.

A cutting tool according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the cutting tool according to any one of the first to ninth aspects , wherein the pair of segments is provided with the cutting blade,
the arrangement space is configured to be capable of arranging a first elongated body having a first diameter and a first center point, and a second elongated body having a second diameter larger than the first diameter and a second center point;
when the first elongated body is disposed in the arrangement space, the pair of cutting blades contact the first elongated body at two contact points, and two straight lines sequentially connecting one contact point, the first center point, and the other contact point form a first central angle;
when the second elongated body is disposed in the arrangement space, the pair of cutting blades contact the second elongated body at two contact points, and two straight lines sequentially connecting one contact point, the second center point, and the other contact point form a second central angle;
The pair of cutting blades are positioned such that the second central angle is closer to 180 degrees than the first central angle.

A cutting tool according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention includes a pair of divided bodies rotatably supported by a rotation shaft extending in an axial direction, forming an arrangement space for placing an elongated body by sandwiching the pair of divided bodies inside, the pair of divided bodies having opening and closing ends operable to open and close for introducing the elongated body into the arrangement space;
a cutting blade provided on at least one of the pair of divided bodies and facing the arrangement space to cut the elongated body,
The pair of divided bodies is characterized in that it is provided with gripping portions extending in the axial direction and for pressing the pair of divided bodies in a closing direction.

A cutting tool according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention includes a pair of divided bodies rotatably supported by a rotation shaft extending in an axial direction, forming an arrangement space for placing an elongated body by sandwiching the pair of divided bodies inside, the pair of divided bodies having opening and closing ends operable to open and close for introducing the elongated body into the arrangement space;
a cutting blade provided on at least one of the pair of divided bodies and facing the arrangement space to cut the elongated body,
The pair of divided bodies are provided with gripping portions extending in an axial direction and configured to press the pair of divided bodies in a closing direction,
the pair of divided bodies are arranged in the arrangement space so as to sandwich the elongated body on the inside, and are capable of moving in the axial direction relative to the elongated body such that the elongated body penetrates both ends of the divided bodies in the axial direction,
The cutting blade is characterized in that it is configured to be able to cut and split the elongated body in the axial direction by relative movement in the axial direction of the elongated body while the elongated body is placed in the arrangement space.

A cutting tool according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the cutting tool according to the twelfth aspect , wherein the cutting blade includes a base portion protruding inward from the divided body, and a blade portion formed on an edge of the base portion facing the arrangement space,
The cutting blade may be provided with a covering member at a tip end of the base portion in a protruding direction thereof, the covering member partially covering the blade portion.

A cutting tool of form 14 of the present invention is characterized in that, in the cutting tool described in form 12 or 13, the arrangement space is configured to be capable of arranging a first corrugated tube having a first diameter and a second corrugated tube having a second diameter larger than the first diameter, and when the first or second corrugated tube is arranged in the arrangement space, the first or second corrugated tube can be cut to form a continuous slit in the longitudinal direction at one circumferential location by relative axial movement of the cutting blade.

The cutting tool of form 15 of the present invention is characterized in that, in the cutting tool described in any one of forms 12 to 14, at least one of the pair of divided bodies is provided on the opening/closing end side with a position display unit that displays the axial position of the cutting blade, and/or an arrangement position indicating unit that indicates the arrangement position of the end of the elongated body that is arranged in the arrangement space.

According to the cutting tool of the first embodiment of the present invention , the drive unit formed on the open/close end side of the pair of segments is pressed by the long body entering the arrangement space through the open/close end, thereby rotating the pair of segments in the opening direction. In other words, the user can introduce the long body into the arrangement space between the pair of segments by operating the cutting tool so as to press the long body against the drive unit on the open/close end side. Therefore, the cutting tool of the present invention significantly improves operability for the user.

According to the cutting tool of the present invention in the second aspect , in addition to the effects of the invention in the first aspect , the user can press the elongated body against the guide surface to guide the elongated body into the arrangement space via the open opening and closing ends. Therefore, the cutting tool of the present invention significantly improves the operability for the user.

According to the cutting tool of the third aspect of the present invention , in addition to the effects of the second aspect of the invention, the guide protrusions enter the recesses of the corrugated tube, so that the corrugated tube abutting the guide surface can be locked in the longitudinal direction. This prevents the corrugated tube from shifting from the guide surface in the longitudinal direction, and allows the corrugated tube to be easily positioned.

According to the cutting tool of form 4 of the present invention , in addition to the effects of the invention of form 3, the axial positions of the guide piece and the guide protrusion are consistent, so that when the corrugated tube is guided by the guide surface and introduced into the arrangement space from the opening and closing end, the recess of the corrugated tube slides from the guide protrusion to the guide piece, preventing the corrugated tube from shifting in the longitudinal direction.

According to the cutting tool of the fifth aspect of the present invention , in addition to the effects of any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention ,
The pair of guide pieces clamp the protrusions of the corrugated tube from both sides in the axial direction of the cutting blade, thereby preventing the corrugated tube from shifting in the longitudinal direction during cutting. In addition, the guide pieces engage with the corrugated tube in the longitudinal direction, preventing the cut pieces of the corrugated tube from falling off the cutting tool after cutting.

According to the cutting tool of the sixth aspect of the present invention , in addition to the effects of any one of the first to fifth aspects , the biasing means biases the pair of divided bodies in the closing direction, so that the cutting tool can be maintained in a compact form when not in use. Furthermore, after the opening and closing ends are opened and the elongated body is placed in the arrangement space, the biasing force of the biasing means can automatically rotate the pair of divided bodies in the closing direction, so that the cutting blades can come into contact with the elongated body. Furthermore, since the biasing means maintains the closed state after cutting, the cut pieces of the elongated body are prevented from falling out of the cutting tool.

According to the cutting tool of the seventh aspect of the present invention , in addition to the effect of any one of the first to sixth aspects , when cutting a long body placed in the arrangement space, the user can hold the gripping portion and press the pair of halves in the closing direction, thereby maintaining the cutting blades biting into the outer surface of the long body, and the user can easily rotate the cutting tool in the circumferential direction of the long body by moving the wrist. In other words, the user can operate the gripping portion to perform pressing and rotating operations with one hand.

According to the cutting tool of form 8 of the present invention , in addition to the effects of any one of the inventions of forms 1 to 7, since the cutting blade is biased toward one end side in the axial direction of the divided body, it is relatively easy to visually check the contact portion between the cutting blade and the elongated body.

According to the cutting tool of the ninth aspect of the present invention , in addition to the effects of any one of the first to eighth aspects , the pair of cutting blades cut the elongated body from both sides at the same axial position, making it possible to cut the elongated body more efficiently. Also, since each cutting blade is arranged biased toward the opening and closing ends of each divided body, when a relatively large-diameter elongated body is arranged in the arrangement space such that the opening and closing ends of the pair of divided bodies are not closed, the pair of cutting blades can contact the elongated body at a position farther apart on the outer periphery of the elongated body (compared to when the cutting blades are arranged in the middle of the divided bodies). In other words, when cutting a large-diameter elongated body, the overlap of the movement paths of the pair of cutting blades during rotation can be reduced, and the required rotation angle can be made closer to 180 degrees.

According to the cutting tool of the tenth aspect of the present invention , in addition to the effects of any one of the first to ninth aspects , the pair of cutting blades are positioned such that the second central angle when the second elongated body having a larger diameter is disposed in the arrangement space is larger (approaching 180 degrees) than the first central angle when the first elongated body is disposed in the arrangement space. This reduces the overlap of the movement paths of the pair of cutting blades when rotating when cutting the second elongated body having a larger diameter. As a result, the rotation angle required to cut the second elongated body can be reduced compared to the first elongated body having a small diameter, which is relatively easy to rotate.

According to the cutting tool of form 11 of the present invention , when cutting an elongated body placed in the arrangement space, the user holds the gripping portion and presses the pair of divided bodies in the closing direction, thereby maintaining the cutting blade biting into the outer surface of the elongated body, and the user can easily rotate the cutting tool in the circumferential direction of the elongated body by moving the wrist. In other words, compared to conventional cutting tools in which the user re-holds the handle that extends in the direction in which the elongated body separates, the cutting tool of the present invention allows the user to rotate the cutting tool in one hand while holding the gripping portion, thereby significantly improving operability in cutting the elongated body.

According to the cutting tool of the twelfth embodiment of the present invention , when cutting an elongated body arranged in the arrangement space, the user can hold the pair of divided bodies in the closing direction by gripping the gripping portion, thereby maintaining the cutting blades biting into the outer surface of the elongated body. The user can then relatively slide the cutting tool in the axial direction of the elongated body to cut or split it in the axial direction. In other words, compared to conventional cutting tools, the cutting tool of the present invention allows the user to operate the cutting tool while holding the gripping portion with one hand, thereby significantly improving operability in cutting or splitting an elongated body.

According to the cutting tool of the thirteenth aspect of the present invention , in addition to the effect of the invention of the twelfth aspect , a covering member that covers the tip of the cutting blade is provided, so that the user can be prevented from touching the tip of the blade and being injured. In other words, the cutting tool takes into consideration safety in operating the cutting tool.

According to the cutting tool of the fourteenth aspect of the present invention , in addition to the effects of the invention of the twelfth or thirteenth aspect , the cutting tool can arrange different kinds of corrugated tubes in the arrangement space and cut each corrugated tube in the axial direction, thereby making it possible to form slits in the corrugated tubes as entrances for wiring/piping materials to be housed in the corrugated tubes.

According to the cutting tool of form 15 of the present invention , in addition to the effects of any of the inventions of forms 12 to 14, the user can easily determine the cutting position of the elongated body by checking a position display unit that displays the axial position of the cutting blade, and/or, by using a placement position indicating unit that indicates the placement position of the end of the elongated body to be placed in the placement space, it is easy to position the elongated body so that it is cut in the axial direction from the end.

1A is a schematic perspective view of a cutting tool according to one embodiment (first embodiment) of the present invention in a closed state, and FIG. 1B is a schematic perspective view of a cutting tool in an open state. 2A is a plan view of the cutting tool of FIG. 1 in a closed state, and FIG. 2B is a plan view of the cutting tool of FIG. 1 in an open state. 2A is a front view of the cutting tool of FIG. 1 in a closed state, and FIG. 2B is a front view of the cutting tool of FIG. 1 in an open state. 2A and 2B are rear and side views of the cutting tool of FIG. 1 in a closed state; FIG. 3( a ) is a cross-sectional view of the cutting tool taken along the line AA. FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the cutting tool of FIG. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the cutting tool of FIG. 1 . FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the cutting blade assembly of FIG. 7; 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a process of cutting a corrugated tube with a cutting tool according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1A and 1B are schematic plan views showing a process for cutting a corrugated tube with a cutting tool of one embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) shows a process for abutting the cutting tool against the corrugated tube, and (b) shows a process for pressing the cutting tool against the corrugated tube. 4 is a plan view of the cutting tool according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which a corrugated tube is placed in the placement space. FIG. FIG. 12 is a front view of the cutting tool and corrugated tube of FIG. 11 . 1 is a partially enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of a cutting tool and a corrugated tube, showing a state in which a cutting blade is biting into the corrugated tube held in an arrangement space, in a cutting tool according to an embodiment of the present invention; 14 is a cross-sectional view of the cutting tool and corrugated tube of FIG. 13 . 13 is a partially enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of the cutting tool and the corrugated tube, showing the configuration after the corrugated tube has been cut in the arrangement space in the cutting tool of one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a cutting tool according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which a corrugated tube with a larger diameter is disposed in the arrangement space. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a cutting tool according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which a corrugated tube with a larger diameter is placed in the placement space. FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing a cutting tool according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of a cutting blade unit of the cutting tool of FIG. 16 . A cross-sectional view of the cutting tool of Figure 16 in which a corrugated tube is arranged in the arrangement space is shown, showing (a) a first corrugated tube having a first diameter, and (b) a second corrugated tube having a second diameter. FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing a cutting tool according to another embodiment (second embodiment) of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing a cutting tool according to another embodiment (third embodiment) of the present invention. 13A is a schematic perspective view of a cutting tool according to another embodiment (fourth embodiment) of the present invention in a closed state, and FIG. 24A and 24B are plan views of the cutting tool of FIG. 23 in a closed state and an open state, respectively. 24A is a front view of the cutting tool of FIG. 23 in a closed state, and FIG. 24B is a front view of the cutting tool of FIG. 23 in an open state. 24A and 24B are rear and side views of the cutting tool of FIG. 23 in a closed state. 24(a) is a cross-sectional view of the cutting tool taken along the line CC. 25(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD, and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE of the cutting tool of FIG. 25(a). FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of the cutting tool of FIG. 23 . 24 is a schematic diagram showing a step of cutting a corrugated tube with the cutting tool of FIG. 23, illustrating the step of aligning the ends of the corrugated tube. 24A and 24B are schematic cross-sectional views showing a step of cutting a corrugated tube with the cutting tool of FIG. 23, in which (a) shows a step of contacting the cutting tool with the corrugated tube, and (b) shows a step of pressing the cutting tool against the corrugated tube. 24 is a plan view of the cutting tool of FIG. 23 , showing a state in which a corrugated tube is placed in the arrangement space. 24 is a plan view of the cutting tool of FIG. 23 , showing a state in which a corrugated tube is placed in the arrangement space. 24A and 24B are schematic longitudinal and transverse sectional views showing a process of cutting a corrugated tube in an axial direction using the cutting tool of FIG. 23 . 24A and 24B are schematic longitudinal and transverse sectional views showing a process of cutting a larger diameter corrugated tube in the axial direction using the cutting tool of FIG. 23 .

One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the shapes of each figure referred to in the following description are conceptual or schematic diagrams for explaining preferred shapes and dimensions, and the dimensional ratios do not necessarily match the actual dimensional ratios. In other words, the present invention is not limited to the dimensional ratios in the drawings.

The cutting tool 100 of one embodiment of the present invention is used to cut a corrugated tube 10, which is an elongated body having alternating recesses 11 and protrusions 12 in the longitudinal direction, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. More specifically, the cutting tool 100 is rotated in the circumferential direction of the corrugated tube 10, and the cutting blade 111 rotates to cut the corrugated tube 10.

Figures 1(a) and (b) are perspective views of the cutting tool 100 of this embodiment in a closed state (initial position) and an open state (deformed position). Figures 2(a) and (b) are plan views of the cutting tool 100 in a closed state and an open state. Figures 3(a) and (b) are front views of the cutting tool 100 in a closed state and an open state. Figures 4(a) and (b) are rear and side views of the cutting tool 100 in a closed state. Figures 5 and 6 are vertical cross-sectional views A-A and horizontal cross-sectional views B-B of the cutting tool 100. Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the cutting tool 100.

The cutting tool 100 of this embodiment includes a pair of movably assembled divided bodies 101, 102, a pair of cutting blades 111, 111 provided on each of the pair of divided bodies 101, 102 to cut the corrugated tube 10, and a spring 109 that biases the pair of divided bodies 101, 102 in the closing direction. The cutting tool 100 extends from the upper end to the lower end along an axial direction that coincides with the longitudinal direction of the long body (corrugated tube 10) to be cut. The cutting tool 100 has an upper portion on the axial upper side that functions to cut the corrugated tube 10, and a lower portion that extends axially downward from the upper portion and is operated by the user. In other words, the cutting blade 111 is provided biased toward one end of the divided bodies 101, 102 in the axial direction.

The pair of divided bodies 101, 102 are movably combined. Here, the pair of divided bodies 101, 102 are defined as a first divided body 101 and a second divided body 102. The first divided body 101 and the second divided body 102 each extend along an axial direction (which coincides with the longitudinal direction when in use) and have a base end (fixed end) and a tip end (free end) in a plan view. In addition, each divided body 101, 102 has an arc shape extending circumferentially from the base end to the tip end in a plan view, and the inner concave curved surfaces face each other.

The first divided body 101 and the second divided body 102 are connected to each other rotatably via a pivot 103 at the base end. The first divided body 101 and the second divided body 102 have complementary shapes at the base end and are combined via the pivot 103. In this embodiment, the pivot 103 is a long metal pin extending in the axial direction, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the pivot of the present invention merely means the central axis of rotation of the pair of divided bodies, and its form can be changed arbitrarily. In addition, the pair of divided bodies 101, 102 have inner surfaces facing each other, and form an arrangement space 104 between them for placing the corrugated tube 10 to be cut, sandwiched between them. And, at the tip located on the opposite side of the pivot 103 of the cutting tool 100, an opening and closing end 105 capable of opening and closing for introducing the corrugated tube 10 into the arrangement space 104 is formed. As shown in Figures 2 and 6, in the closed state, the pair of divided bodies 101, 102 abut via abutment surfaces 105a, 105a at the opening and closing end 105.

In addition, a drive unit 106 is provided at the upper portion of each divided body 101, 102, which rotates the pair of divided bodies 101, 102 in the opening direction by being pressed toward the center of the arrangement space 104. The drive unit 106 is formed adjacent to the opening and closing ends 105 of each divided body 101, 102. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the drive unit 106 forms the tip surface of the divided body 101, 102 and has a guide surface 106a connected to the opening and closing end 105 on the outer surface. The guide surface 106a is an inclined plane that is inclined so that the side closer to the opening and closing end 105 (abutment surfaces 105a, 105a) is located on the base end side and the side farther from the opening and closing end 105 is located on the tip end side in a plan view. That is, the guide surface 106a can function to guide the corrugated tube 10 that is in sliding contact with the surface to the open/close end 105, and convert the pressing force of the corrugated tube 10 that is trying to pass through the open/close end 105 into a force that rotates the pair of divided bodies 101, 102 in the opening direction. In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, each guide surface 106a of the pair of divided bodies 101, 102 has a guide protrusion 106b that protrudes so as to enter the recess 11 of the corrugated tube 10. The guide protrusion 106b is two protrusions that extend in the circumferential direction and extend continuously through the closed open/close end 105. These two upper and lower protrusions are configured to sandwich the protrusion 12 of the corrugated tube 10. As described later, the guide protrusion 106b can function to prevent the corrugated tube 10 that is in contact with the guide surface 106a from shifting in the longitudinal direction and to position the part to be cut. The guide protrusion 106b may extend beyond the guide surface 106a to the contact surface 105a or inner peripheral surface of the segments 101 and 102.

The lower portion of each divided body 101, 102 is provided with a gripping portion 107 that extends in the axial direction and presses the pair of divided bodies 101, 102 in the closing direction. The gripping portion 107 is connected to the axially lower side of the upper portion. Each gripping portion 107 has a semi-cylindrical shape with dimensions that make it easy for a user to hold with one hand. In other words, a user can easily open and close the divided bodies 101, 102 by holding the gripping portion 107 with one hand and simply opening and closing the hand. The user can also rotate the cutting tool 100 by holding the gripping portion 107 with one hand and moving the wrist.

In addition, multiple ribs extending in an arc perpendicular to the axial direction are formed on the inner surface of the lower portion of the divided bodies 101, 102. Furthermore, near the lower end of each divided body 101, 102, a window portion 108 is provided that allows a portion of the corrugated tube 10 arranged in the arrangement space 104 to be viewed from the outside. It is also possible to attach a rope to the window portion 108 to prevent falls when working at height.

As shown in FIG. 4, a spring 109 is disposed near the lower end of the pivot shaft 103 of the cutting tool 100. The spring 109 is a torsion coil spring that is fitted around the lower end of the pivot shaft 103, and applies a force in the rotation direction to the pair of segments 101, 102. That is, the spring 109 functions as a biasing means that biases the pair of segments 101, 102 in the closing direction. The spring 109 constantly biases the segments 101, 102 in the closing direction, thereby allowing the cutting tool 100 to be maintained in a compact form.

A pair of cutting blades 111, 111 are provided on both of the pair of divided bodies 101, 102, respectively, and are arranged opposite each other at the same position in the axial direction. The cutting edge of each cutting blade 111 faces the arrangement space 104 to cut the corrugated tube 10. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the pair of cutting blades 111, 111 are located approximately in the center of the arc of the divided bodies 101, 102 (i.e., approximately halfway between the base end and the tip end) and face each other. Each cutting blade 111 has a sharp tip and has a blade on both sides in the circumferential direction. In other words, when the cutting edge of the cutting blade 111 is biting into the corrugated tube 10, the cutting blade 111 rotates relative to the corrugated tube 10 in the circumferential direction, so that the cutting blade 111 can cut the corrugated tube 10 on a plane perpendicular to the axial direction. In addition, the cutting blade 111 is provided biased toward one end side of the axial direction of the divided bodies 101, 102 so as to be easily visible from the upper end.

In addition, a pair of upper and lower guide pieces 112, 112 are provided above and below each cutting blade 111 in the axial direction. Each guide piece 112 extends on a plane perpendicular to the axial direction and is made of a fan-shaped thin plate corresponding to the outer peripheral shape of the corrugated tube 10. In addition, each guide piece 112 can be elastically deformed in the axial direction. Each guide piece 112 is configured with a thickness that allows it to enter the recess 11 of the corrugated tube 10. The pair of guide pieces 112, 112 are separated from each other so that the protrusion 12 of the corrugated tube 10 can be placed between them. The cutting blade 111 is located at the intermediate position between the pair of guide pieces 112, 112. The pair of guide pieces 112, 112 are located at the same position in the axial direction as the pair of guide protrusions 106b, 106b. The guide protrusions 106b and the guide pieces 112 may be connected to form a continuous protrusion. In this case, the corrugated tube 10 can be continuously transferred from the guide protrusion 106b to the guide piece 112.

In addition, it is preferable that the inner peripheral edge of the guide piece 112 is located at the same position as the tip of the cutting blade 111 or radially inward from the tip of the cutting blade 111 in a plan view. In other words, since the tip of the cutting blade 111 does not protrude from the guide piece 112 toward the center, the user is prevented from touching the cutting blade 111 with his or her hand and getting injured.

In this embodiment, the cutting blade 111 and the guide piece 112 are fixed at predetermined positions on the segments 101 and 102 as part of the cutting blade cartridge 110. As shown in FIG. 7, the cutting blade cartridge 110 is configured to be easily attached and detached to the upper surface of each segment 101 and 102 with screws and nuts.

8 is an exploded perspective view of the cutting blade cartridge 110. As shown in FIG. 8, the cutting blade cartridge 110 is an assembly in which a cutting blade 111 embedded in a blade housing 113a at the center of a base 113 having a predetermined thickness in an arc shape is combined with a cover 114 covering the blade housing, and a pair of guide pieces 112, 112 arranged on the upper and lower surfaces of the base 113. The cutting blade 111 is held at approximately the center position in the circumferential and thickness directions of the base 113. The thickness of the base 113 also forms the separation distance between the pair of guide pieces 112, 112. By replacing the worn-out cutting blade cartridge 110 of the cutting tool 100 with a new cutting blade cartridge 110, the deteriorated cutting blade 111 can be easily replaced. Alternatively, it is also possible to replace it with a cutting blade cartridge of a different form (for example, see FIG. 19) depending on the object to be cut and the purpose.

Next, a method for cutting the corrugated tube 10 using the cutting tool 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 9 to 14. This method generally includes the steps of introducing the corrugated tube 10 into the arrangement space 104 between the pair of segments 101, 102 of the cutting tool 100, and rotating the cutting tool 100 relatively around the corrugated tube 10 to cut the corrugated tube 10.

The process of introducing the corrugated tube 10 into the placement space 104 will be described in detail. First, the gripping portion 107 of the cutting tool 100 is loosely gripped with one hand. As shown in FIG. 9, the opening and closing end 105 of the cutting tool 100 is directed toward the outer surface of the corrugated tube 10, and the cutting tool 100 is held in a position to cut the corrugated tube 10, and the cutting tool 100 is brought relatively close to the corrugated tube 10. At this time, the longitudinal direction of the corrugated tube 10 is aligned with the axial direction of the cutting tool 100.

Next, as shown in FIG. 10(a), the location where the corrugated tube 10 is to be cut is positioned, and the drive unit 106 of the cutting tool 100 is brought into contact with the corrugated tube 10 according to the cutting position. The outer surface of the corrugated tube 10 abuts against both guide surfaces 106a, and the guide protrusion 106b enters the recess 11 of the corrugated tube 10. The corrugated tube 10 is guided by the guide surface 106a toward the opening and closing end 105. At this time, the protrusion 12 (including the cutting location) is sandwiched between the pair of upper and lower guide protrusions 106b, 106b from above and below, thereby locking the corrugated tube 10 and the cutting tool 100 in the axial direction (longitudinal direction). This restricts the cutting tool 100, which is positioned relative to the corrugated tube 10, from sliding in the axial direction relative to the corrugated tube 10.

Then, as shown in FIG. 10(b), the cutting tool 100 is pressed against the corrugated tube 10 so that the corrugated tube 10 passes through the opening and closing end 105. This pressing force then acts on the drive unit 106 of the cutting tool 100, which drives the pair of segments 101, 102 in the opening direction. The pair of segments 101, 102 gradually rotate in the opening direction, and finally the opening and closing end 105 is opened to a width that allows the corrugated tube 10 to pass through. Through this opened opening and closing end 105, the corrugated tube 10 is placed in the arrangement space 104 between the pair of segments 101, 102 of the cutting tool 100.

Figures 11 and 12 show the state in which the corrugated tube 10 is placed in the arrangement space 104 of the cutting tool 100 for the cutting process. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the cutting tool 100 clamps the corrugated tube 10 between a pair of segments 101, 102, with the outer surface of the corrugated tube 10 facing forward from the opening and closing end 105. In this state, the user can press the pair of segments 101, 102 in the closing direction by tightening their grip on the gripping portion 107, causing the cutting edge of the cutting blade 111 to dig into the outer surface of the corrugated tube 10.

As shown in FIG. 13, when the corrugated tube 10 is placed in the arrangement space 104, a pair of upper and lower guide pieces 112, 112 enter the recesses 11, 11 of the corrugated tube 10, respectively, and sandwich the protrusion 12 to be cut. This prevents the corrugated tube 10 from shifting in the axial direction (longitudinal direction) within the arrangement space 104. At this time, the cutting blade 111 bites into approximately the center of the protrusion 12 in the longitudinal direction. In addition, since the pair of upper and lower guide pieces 112, 112 are in the same axial position as the pair of upper and lower guide protrusions 106b, 106b, the corrugated tube 10 passing through the opening and closing end 105 can be introduced into the arrangement space 104 without shifting in the axial direction.

As shown in FIG. 14, the user can cut the corrugated tube 10 by holding the gripping portion 107 with one hand and rotating the cutting tool 100 around the corrugated tube 10 in the direction of the arrow while moving the wrist. Conversely, the corrugated tube 10 may be rotated in the circumferential direction without moving the cutting tool 100.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, a pair of cutting blades 111, 111 contact the corrugated tube 10 at two contact points, and one contact point, the center point C1, and the other contact point are located approximately on the diameter of the corrugated tube 10. In other words, two straight lines connecting one contact point, the center point C1, and the other contact point in order form a central angle, which is approximately 180 degrees. In addition, the pair of cutting blades 111, 111 contact the outer surface of the corrugated tube 10 at the most distant position on the outer circumference of the corrugated tube 10. This allows the user to cut the corrugated tube 10 by rotating the cutting tool 100 180 degrees around the corrugated tube 10. In general, the closer this central angle is to 180 degrees, the fewer overlapping points in the rotation trajectory (movement path) of the pair of cutting blades 111, 111, and the amount of rotation operation can be reduced. On the other hand, as the central angle moves away from 180 degrees, the rotation trajectories of the pair of divided bodies 101, 102 overlap, forcing the user to perform more rotation operations. In other words, minimizing the amount of rotation operation leads to improved operability for the user. Therefore, it is preferable to set the positions of the pair of cutting blades 111, 111 so that they are aligned on the diameter of the corrugated tube 10 in accordance with the diameter of the corrugated tube 10 to be cut.

Figure 15 shows the shape after the corrugated tube 10 has been cut with the cutting tool 100. As shown in Figure 15, the corrugated tube 10 has been cut along the outer circumferential surface of the convex portion 12. The outer surface of the side wall connecting the outer surface of the concave portion 11 and the outer surface of the convex portion 12 is placed on the guide piece 112. This prevents the cut piece of the corrugated tube 10 from accidentally falling out of the arrangement space 104 due to the biasing force of the spring 109 alone, even if the user loosens the grip of the gripping portion 107. The cut piece of the corrugated tube 10 can be removed from the arrangement space 104 by the user opening the division bodies 101 and 102.

The cutting tool 100 of this embodiment is configured to fit the corrugated tube 10 having a first diameter and a first axial width as the first elongated body. However, the cutting tool 100 is capable of cutting corrugated tubes of different sizes. The corrugated tube 10' described next has a second diameter and a second center point C2 larger than the first diameter (reference diameter of the cutting tool 100) as the second elongated body. In addition, the axial width of the recessed portion 11 and the protruding portion 12 of the corrugated tube 10' is larger than the axial width of the corrugated tube 10 (reference width of the cutting tool 100).

As shown in FIG. 16, even if the axial width of the unevenness of the corrugated tube 10' is greater than the axial width of the corrugated tube 10 and greater than the distance between the pair of upper and lower guide pieces 112, 112, the guide pieces 112, 112 can be elastically bent and changed in the direction of moving apart vertically, so that the convex portion 12 can be positioned between the guide pieces 112, 112.

As shown in FIG. 17, the second diameter of the corrugated tube 10' is larger than the first diameter of the corrugated tube 10, so that the pair of divided bodies 101, 102 are positioned in a more open direction. In this state, the cutting blade 111 is located in the middle of the divided bodies 101, 102, and is therefore positioned closer to the base end side (rotation axis 103) of the corrugated tube 10'. That is, the central angle (inner angle) formed by two straight lines connecting one contact point, the center point C2, and the other contact point in order is about 140 degrees. Therefore, there is an overlapping portion in the rotation trajectory of the pair of cutting blades 111, 111, and a rotation operation amount of at least 220 degrees is required to completely cut the corrugated tube 10' in the circumferential direction. This means that when cutting a corrugated tube with a large or small diameter different from the reference diameter, an additional rotation operation amount is required, which reduces the operability of the user. In particular, rotating the cutting tool 100 around a corrugated tube with a larger diameter requires a greater distance for the cutting tool 100 to move, which can result in additional problems such as increased wrist movement and increased frequency of gripping, making operation even more difficult.

In order to address the above additional problem, the cutting tool 100 of this embodiment is provided with a cutting blade position adjustment means that allows the position of the cutting blade 111 to be changed according to the diameter of the corrugated pipe to be cut. In other words, the cutting blade position adjustment means is a plurality of types of cutting blade cartridges in which the cutting blades are arranged at different positions. More specifically, the second form of cutting tool 100 shown in FIG. 18 is obtained by replacing the cutting blade cartridge 110 with a second cutting blade cartridge 110-2 in which the cutting blade 111 is arranged at a different position. As shown in FIG. 19, the second cutting blade cartridge 110-2 is configured to arrange the cutting blade 111 on the tip side of the divided bodies 101 and 102. Specifically, in the second cutting blade cartridge 110-2, unlike the cutting blade cartridge 110, a blade housing portion 113a is formed on the tip side of the base 113'.

20(a) and (b) respectively show a configuration in which a corrugated tube 10 having a first diameter and a first center point C1 is arranged in the arrangement space 104, and a configuration in which a corrugated tube 10' having a second diameter and a second center point C2 is arranged in the arrangement space 104. As shown in FIG. 20, each of the pair of cutting blades 111, 111 is arranged at the same position in the axial direction and is arranged biased toward the opening and closing ends of each divided body 101, 102.

As shown in FIG. 20(a), in a configuration in which a corrugated tube 10 of a first diameter is placed in the placement space 104, the cutting blades 111, 111 are located on the tip side (the opening and closing end 105 side) of the center point C1 of the corrugated tube 10. The central angle (inner angle) formed by two straight lines connecting one contact point, the center point C1, and the other contact point in sequence is approximately 100 degrees. Therefore, overlapping points occur in the rotation trajectories of the pair of cutting blades 111, 111, and a rotational operation amount of at least 260 degrees is required to completely cut the corrugated tube 10 in the circumferential direction. However, rotating the cutting tool 100 around a corrugated tube 10 of a smaller diameter requires less wrist turning by the user, making it easier to operate than a larger diameter one.

As shown in FIG. 20(b), in the form in which the corrugated tube 10' of the second diameter is arranged in the arrangement space 104, the cutting blades 111, 111 are located almost on a diameter passing through the center point C2 of the corrugated tube 10'. That is, the central angle of two straight lines sequentially connecting one contact point, the center point C2, and the other contact point is about 180 degrees. Therefore, there is almost no overlap in the rotation trajectory of the pair of cutting blades 111, 111, and a (minimum) rotation operation amount of 180 degrees is sufficient to completely cut the corrugated tube 10 in the circumferential direction. That is, in the cutting tool 100 of this embodiment, when cutting a relatively large diameter corrugated tube 10', the overlap of the movement path during rotation of the pair of cutting blades 111, 111 is small. As a result, the rotation angle required to cut the corrugated tube 10' can be reduced compared to a small diameter corrugated tube 10 that is relatively easy to rotate. Therefore, when cutting multiple corrugated tubes of different sizes, it is preferable to select the second cutting blade cartridge 110-2.

Although not shown, cutting blades 111, 111 may be arranged on the base end side of the divided bodies 101, 102 as a third cutting blade cartridge. In this case, it becomes easier to cut a corrugated tube with a third diameter smaller than the corrugated tube 10 having the first diameter (reference diameter). When cutting a large number of small diameter corrugated tubes, it is preferable to select the third cutting blade cartridge.

In other words, by changing the cartridge as the cutting blade position adjustment means according to the type of corrugated tube to be cut and the corresponding diameter (and number of tubes), the amount of rotational operation by the user can be reduced, making the cutting work of long objects more efficient.

The following describes the effects of the cutting tool 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

According to the cutting tool 100 of this embodiment, the drive unit 106 formed on the opening and closing ends 105 of the pair of divided bodies 101, 102 is pressed by the corrugated tube 10 entering the arrangement space 104 through the opening and closing ends 105, thereby rotating and driving the pair of divided bodies 101, 102 in the opening direction. In other words, the user can introduce the corrugated tube 10 into the arrangement space 104 between the pair of divided bodies 101, 102 by operating the cutting tool 100 with one hand so as to press the corrugated tube 10 against the drive unit 106 (guide surface 106a) on the opening and closing end 105 side. Therefore, the cutting tool 100 of this embodiment significantly improves operability for the user.

In addition, according to the cutting tool 100 of this embodiment, when cutting the corrugated tube 10 placed in the arrangement space 104, the user holds the gripping portion 107 and presses the pair of divided bodies 101, 102 in the closing direction, so that the cutting blade 111 maintains a state in which it is biting into the outer surface of the corrugated tube 10, and the user can easily rotate the cutting tool 100 in the circumferential direction of the corrugated tube 10 by moving the wrist. In other words, compared to a conventional cutting tool (see Patent Document 1) in which the handle extending in the direction of separation of the corrugated tube 10 is re-held, the cutting tool 100 of this embodiment can be rotated in the hand while holding the gripping portion 107, thereby significantly improving the operability in cutting the corrugated tube 10.

Furthermore, according to the cutting tool 100 of this embodiment, by replacing the cutting blade cartridge 110 as a cutting blade position adjustment means, the amount of rotation can be increased or decreased according to the size of the outer diameter of the corrugated tube. In particular, since each cutting blade 111, 111 is arranged to the side of the opening and closing ends 105 of each divided body 101, 102, when a relatively large diameter corrugated tube 10' is arranged in the arrangement space 104 so that the opening and closing ends 105 of the pair of divided bodies 101, 102 are not closed (see FIG. 20 (b)), the pair of cutting blades 111, 111 can contact the corrugated tube 10' at a position farther apart on the outer circumference of the corrugated tube 10' than when the cutting blade 111 is arranged in the middle of the divided bodies 101, 102 (see FIG. 17). In other words, when cutting a large-diameter corrugated pipe 10', the overlap of the rotational trajectories (movement paths) of the pair of cutting blades 111, 111 during rotation can be reduced, and the required rotation angle can be brought closer to 180 degrees.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various embodiments and modifications are possible. Several modifications of the present invention are described below. In each embodiment, components that share the same last two digits have the same or similar characteristics, unless otherwise specified, and some of the descriptions thereof will be omitted.

(1) The cutting tool of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and may take various forms. For example, FIG. 21 shows a cutting tool 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 21, the cutting tool 200 may have a compact form in which the gripping portion is omitted. The cutting tool 200 includes at least a drive portion 206 (guide surface 206a), which greatly improves operability for the user.

(2) The cutting tool of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and can take various forms. FIG. 22 shows a cutting tool 300 according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 22, the cutting tool of the present invention may omit the drive unit (guide unit). The cutting tool 300 includes at least a grip unit 307, which greatly improves operability for the user.

(3) The shape and dimensions of the cutting tool of the present invention are not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the guide surface does not have to be an inclined plane, and may be a curved surface, etc. The drive unit may be formed at a position axially spaced from the cutting blade. Furthermore, when the pair of segments are closed, the opening and closing ends may be open. The cutting blade may be disposed between the pair of guide pieces so as to cut the recess of the corrugated tube. Furthermore, the cutting blade may be formed on only one of the pair of segments, or three or more cutting blades may be provided. The length of the cutting blade may be selected arbitrarily depending on the shape of the elongated body to be cut.

(4) The cutting tool of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and may take various forms. The cutting tool may have multiple pairs of cutting blades, and the blades that are mainly used may differ depending on the diameter of the elongated body to be cut, and there may be blades that are cutting and blades that are idle (or blades that are less involved in cutting) depending on the diameter. For example, the cutting blades 111, 111 positions of the cutting blade cartridge 110 of the first form of this embodiment may be combined with the cutting blades 111, 111 positions of the cutting blade cartridge 110-2 of the second form. That is, a first cutting blade may be formed at approximately the middle position of each divided body, and a second cutting blade may be formed at the tip side position of each divided body. When cutting an elongated body of a reference diameter, the first cutting blade mainly cuts the elongated body, and the second cutting blade is not very involved in cutting. On the other hand, when cutting an elongated body of a diameter larger than the reference diameter, the second cutting blade mainly cuts the elongated body, and the first cutting blade is not very involved in cutting. In addition, three pairs of cutting blades may be provided at three locations, the base end position, the middle position, and the tip end position, to accommodate three types of elongated bodies: small diameter, standard diameter, and large diameter.

(5) The cutting tool of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can take various forms. For example, the biasing means for biasing the pair of segments in the closing direction may be omitted. Even without the biasing means, the pair of segments can be manually opened and closed.

(6) The cutting tool of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be used for cutting various long bodies. The long body may be a straight tube without any irregularities, a solid wire, a cable covering material, etc. For example, when cutting a spiral corrugated tube with the cutting tool 100, it is possible to cut the tube by opening and closing it in response to the irregularities of the corrugated tube while preventing it from opening by hand.

(7) An additional problem with the conventional cutting tool (Patent Document 1) is that the conventional cutting tool is capable of cutting a long body along the radial direction, but does not take into consideration cutting or splitting a long body in the axial direction, and therefore cannot perform axial splitting of a long body. In contrast, the present invention provides a cutting tool that allows a user to operate the cutting tool while holding the grip with one hand, thereby significantly improving operability in axial splitting of a long body. Below, a cutting tool 400 of the fourth embodiment will be described as an example.

Figures 23(a) and (b) are perspective views of the cutting tool 400 of this embodiment in a closed state (initial position) and an open state (deformed position). Figures 24(a) and (b) are plan views of the cutting tool 400 in a closed state and an open state. Figures 25(a) and (b) are front views of the cutting tool 400 in a closed state and an open state. Figures 26(a) and (b) are rear and side views of the cutting tool 400 in a closed state. Figures 27 and 28 are a CC longitudinal cross-sectional view, a D-D transverse cross-sectional view, and an E-E cross-sectional view of the cutting tool 400. Figure 29 is an exploded perspective view of the cutting tool 400.

The cutting tool 400 of this embodiment includes a pair of movably assembled divided bodies 401, 402, a cutting blade 411 provided on one of the pair of divided bodies 401, 402 to cut the corrugated tube 10 in the axial direction, and a spring 409 that biases the pair of divided bodies 401, 402 in the closing direction. The cutting tool 400 extends from the upper end to the lower end along an axial direction that coincides with the longitudinal direction of the long body (corrugated tube 10) to be cut. The cutting tool 400 has an upper part on the axial upper side that functions to cut the corrugated tube 10, and a lower part that extends axially below the upper part and is operated by the user. In other words, the cutting blade 411 is provided biased toward one end of the divided bodies 401, 402 in the axial direction.

The pair of divided bodies 401, 402 are movably combined. Here, the pair of divided bodies 401, 402 are defined as a first divided body 401 and a second divided body 402. The first divided body 401 and the second divided body 402 each extend along an axial direction (which coincides with the longitudinal direction when in use) and have a base end (fixed end) and a tip end (free end) in a plan view. In addition, each divided body 401, 402 has an arc shape extending circumferentially from the base end to the tip end in a plan view, and the inner concave curved surfaces face each other.

The first divided body 401 and the second divided body 402 are rotatably connected to each other via a pivot shaft 403 at the base end. The first divided body 401 and the second divided body 402 have mutually complementary shapes at the base end and are combined via the pivot shaft 403. The pair of divided bodies 401, 402 have inner surfaces facing each other, forming an arrangement space 404 between them for placing the corrugated tube 10 to be cut, sandwiched between them. An opening/closing end 405 that can be opened and closed to introduce the corrugated tube 10 into the arrangement space 404 is formed at the tip located on the opposite side of the pivot shaft 403 of the cutting tool 400.

The lower portion of each divided body 401, 402 is provided with a gripping portion 407 that extends in the axial direction and is used to press the pair of divided bodies 401, 402 in the closing direction. The gripping portion 407 is connected to the axially lower side of the upper portion. Each gripping portion 407 has a semi-cylindrical shape that is easy for a user to hold with one hand. In other words, a user can easily open and close the divided bodies 401, 402 by holding the gripping portion 407 with one hand and opening and closing the hand. The user can also move the cutting tool 400 in the axial direction by holding the gripping portion 407 with one hand and moving the hand axially.

In addition, a drive unit 406 is provided at the lower portion of each divided body 401, 402, which rotates the pair of divided bodies 401, 402 in the opening direction by being pressed toward the center of the arrangement space 404. The drive unit 406 is adjacent to the opening and closing ends 405 of each divided body 401, 402 and is formed below the cutting blade 411. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 28(b), the drive unit 406 has a guide unit 406a connected to the outer surface side of the opening and closing ends 405 on the outer surface. The guide unit 406a is composed of a plurality of ribs arranged in the axial direction and a flange formed at the lower end of the axial direction, and is inclined so that the side closer to the opening and closing ends 405 is located on the base end side and the side farther from the opening and closing ends 405 is located on the tip end side in a plan view. That is, the guide portion 406a can function to guide the corrugated tube 10, which is in sliding contact with the surface, to the opening and closing end 405, and convert the pressing force of the corrugated tube 10 attempting to pass through the opening and closing end 405 into a force that rotates the pair of divided bodies 401, 402 in the opening direction. In addition, the ribs and flanges that make up the guide portion 406a can partially enter the recess 11 of the corrugated tube 10, and function to prevent the corrugated tube 10 abutting against the guide portion 406a from shifting in the longitudinal direction.

Furthermore, a step 421 is provided on the upper side of the drive unit 406 for abutting the end face of the corrugated tube 10 to position the corrugated tube 10 in the axial direction. The step 421 is located at the boundary between the upper and lower parts of each divided body 401, 402. In particular, the step 421 is connected to the drive unit 406 on the axially upper side and has an abutment surface facing axially downward. On the other hand, the surface facing the step 421 is open so that the corrugated tube 10 can be positioned. In other words, the step 421 functions as a placement position indicator that indicates to the user the placement position of the end of the elongated body to be placed in the placement space 404.

In addition, a position indicator 422 is provided on the outer surface of the pair of divided bodies 401, 402 on the opening/closing end 405 side to visually indicate the axial position of the cutting blade 411. The position indicator 422 is a mark facing the front of the cutting tool 400, and is formed at approximately the same axial position as the cutting blade 411. Note that the position indicator 422 may be formed on only one of the pair of divided bodies 401, 402.

In addition, one or more protrusions 423 extending along the axial direction are formed on the inner surface of the lower portion of the divided bodies 401, 402 facing the arrangement space 404. The protrusions 423 can function to reinforce the divided bodies 401, 402 and to guide smooth relative axial movement of the corrugated tube 10 within the arrangement space 404.

The cutting blade 411 is provided only on the first divided body 401 of the pair of divided bodies 401, 402. The cutting blade 411 faces the arrangement space 404 to cut the corrugated tube 10 in the axial direction. In this embodiment, one cutting blade 411 is arranged in the arrangement space 404 to cut the corrugated tube 10 to form a continuous slit in the longitudinal direction at one location in the circumferential direction. Note that two or more cutting blades may be provided when the corrugated tube 10 is divided into two or more pieces in the axial direction.

As shown in FIG. 29, the cutting blade 411 includes a base plate 415 that protrudes inward from the inner surface of the first divided body 401, and a blade portion 416 formed on the edge of the base plate 415 facing the arrangement space 404. The base plate 415 has a rectangular plate shape and has an edge consisting of an upper edge, a lower edge, and a tip edge. The blade portion 416 has a blade capable of cutting the corrugated tube 10 on the axially lower edge of the base plate 415. In addition, a covering member 417 is provided on the tip of the base plate 415 in the protruding direction. Here, as shown in FIG. 29, the cutting blade 411 and the covering member 417 are combined to form a cutting blade cartridge 410 that is replaceably fixed to the first divided body 401 with a screw. The covering member 417 covers the sharp corners of the blade portion 416, thereby ensuring the safety of the user. That is, the cutting blade 411 can cut the corrugated tube 10 in the axial direction with the covering member 417 attached since the portion of the blade 416 (excluding the sharp portion) facing downward in the axial direction is exposed. Then, when the cutting tool 400 slides relatively in the axial direction of the corrugated tube 10 with the blade portion 416 of the cutting blade 411 biting into the corrugated tube 10, the cutting blade 411 can cut the flesh of the corrugated tube 10 along the axial direction. In this way, since the tip of the cutting blade 411 is covered with the covering member 417, it is possible to prevent a user from touching the tip of the cutting blade 411 with their hand and being injured. Note that the blade portion 416 may be formed on the upper side and/or tip of the edge of the base portion 415 of the cutting blade 411 depending on the application.

30 to 35, a method for cutting and splitting the corrugated tube 10 in the axial direction using the cutting tool 400 of this embodiment will be described. This method generally includes a step of introducing the corrugated tube 10 into the arrangement space 404 between a pair of divided bodies 401, 402 of the cutting tool 400, and a step of cutting the corrugated tube 10 by sliding the cutting tool 400 relatively in the axial direction of the corrugated tube 10. The main purpose of this method is to form a slit extending in the longitudinal direction in the corrugated tube 10, and introduce wiring/piping material into the inside of the corrugated tube 10 from there, or to cover the wiring/piping material with the corrugated tube 10. Alternatively, the corrugated tube 10 may be split vertically by performing two or more cutting operations on one corrugated tube 10, and the purpose may be to reduce the volume when discarding. In addition, the length of the elongated body is not particularly limited, and a tube whose axial length is shorter than the tube diameter may also be included in the elongated body.

The process of introducing the corrugated tube 10 into the arrangement space 404 will be described in detail. First, the gripping portion 407 of the cutting tool 400 is loosely gripped with one hand. As shown in FIG. 30, the opening and closing end 405 of the cutting tool 400 is directed toward the outer surface of the corrugated tube 10, and the cutting tool 400 is brought relatively close to the corrugated tube 10. At this time, the longitudinal direction of the corrugated tube 10 and the axial direction of the cutting tool 400 are aligned. Then, the outer surface of the corrugated tube 10 is brought into contact with the guide portion 406a (see FIG. 31(a)), and the end face of the corrugated tube 10 is brought into contact with the step portion 421 (contact surface), thereby performing the relative positioning process of the cutting tool 400 and the corrugated tube 10. The user may perform the positioning by visually checking the position display portion 422.

31(b), the cutting tool 400 is pressed against the corrugated tube 10 so that the corrugated tube 10 passes through the opening and closing end 405. This pressing force acts on the driving unit 406 of the cutting tool 400, which drives the pair of segments 401, 402 in the opening direction. The pair of segments 401, 402 gradually rotate in the opening direction, and finally the opening and closing end 405 is opened to a width that allows the corrugated tube 10 to pass through. Through this opened opening and closing end 405, the corrugated tube 10 is placed in the arrangement space 404 between the pair of segments 401, 402 of the cutting tool 400 (the space located axially below the cutting blade 411).

32 and 33 show the state in which the corrugated tube 10 is placed in the arrangement space 404 of the cutting tool 400 for the cutting process. As shown in FIG. 32 and FIG. 33, the cutting tool 400 clamps the corrugated tube 10 with a pair of divided bodies 401, 402, and the outer surface of the corrugated tube 10 faces the front from the opening and closing end 405. In this state, the user can maintain the clamping of the corrugated tube 10 by the pair of divided bodies 401, 402 by tightening the grip of the gripping portion 407. At this time, the cutting blade 411 is located axially above the end of the corrugated tube 10, and the exposed part of the blade portion 416 faces the end face of the corrugated tube 10. In addition, the covering member 417 is located radially inward from the flesh of the corrugated tube 10 in a plan view. The pair of split bodies 401, 402 are arranged in the arrangement space 404 with the corrugated tube 10 sandwiched between them, and can move axially relative to the corrugated tube 10 so that the corrugated tube 10 penetrates both axial ends of the split bodies 401, 402.

Next, the cutting tool 400 is slid relative to the corrugated tube 10 in the axial direction, so that the cutting blade 411 cuts the corrugated tube 10 from the end face downward. Figures 34(a) and (b) show the intermediate process of cutting the corrugated tube 10 in the axial direction. As shown in Figures 34(a) and (b), the cutting blade 411 moves axially downward to cut the flesh of the corrugated tube 10, and the covering member 417 moves axially downward through the hollow space of the corrugated tube 10, forming a long slit S in the corrugated tube 10. Then, when the cutting blade 411 reaches the lower end of the corrugated tube 10, a slit S can be formed for introducing wiring and piping materials over the entire axial direction of the corrugated tube 10. If necessary, the slit S may be formed in a part of the axial direction of the corrugated tube 10. It is also possible to change the shape of the cutting blade 411 and remove the covering member 417 from the cutting blade 411 to expose the cutting edge at the tip side of the cutting blade 411 and form a slit S only in the center part (not including both ends) of the corrugated tube 10.

The cutting tool 400 of this embodiment is configured to be able to cut and split the second corrugated tube 10' having a second diameter larger than the first diameter of the first corrugated tube 10 in addition to the first corrugated tube 10 having the first diameter described above. Figures 35(a) and (b) are schematic diagrams showing the form of cutting and splitting the second corrugated tube 10' having a second diameter. As shown in Figures 35(a) and (b), by increasing the degree of opening of the opening and closing end 405, the second corrugated tube 10' can be placed in the arrangement space 404, and the second corrugated tube 10' can be cut and split in the axial direction in the same way. That is, the arrangement space 404 is configured to be able to place the first corrugated tube 10 having a first diameter and the second corrugated tube 10' having a second diameter larger than the first diameter.

According to the cutting tool 400 of this embodiment, when cutting the long body (corrugated tube 10) placed in the arrangement space 404, the user can hold the gripping portion 407 and hold the pair of divided bodies 401, 402 in the closing direction, thereby maintaining the cutting blade 411 in a state of biting into the outer surface of the long body. Then, the user can relatively slide the cutting tool 400 in the axial direction of the long body to cut it in the axial direction. In other words, compared to conventional cutting tools, the cutting tool 400 of this embodiment allows the user to operate the cutting tool 400 while holding the gripping portion 407 with one hand, greatly improving the operability in cutting and cutting the long body. Note that the drive unit 406 may be omitted from the cutting tool 400.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, but may be implemented in various forms within the scope of the present invention.

(Additional Note)
In accordance with the disclosure herein, the cutting tool may further take the following forms:

(Form 1)
a pair of divided bodies rotatably connected to each other via a rotation shaft extending in an axial direction, forming an arrangement space therebetween for placing the elongated body by sandwiching it therebetween, and having opening and closing ends operable to open and close for introducing the elongated body into the arrangement space;
a pair of cutting blades provided at the same axial position of each of the pair of divided bodies and facing the arrangement space to cut the elongated body;
A cutting tool, characterized in that each of the cutting blades is disposed biased toward an opening/closing end of each of the divided bodies.

(Form 2)
a pair of divided bodies rotatably connected to each other via a rotation shaft extending in an axial direction, forming an arrangement space therebetween for placing the elongated body by sandwiching it therebetween, and having opening and closing ends operable to open and close for introducing the elongated body into the arrangement space;
a pair of cutting blades provided at the same axial position of each of the pair of divided bodies and facing the arrangement space to cut the elongated body;
a cutting blade position adjustment means for adjusting a position of the cutting blade relative to the divided body;
Equipped with
A cutting tool characterized in that the cutting blade can be positioned toward one of the opening and closing ends of each of the divided bodies by a position adjustment means.

100 Cutting tool 101 First divided body 102 Second divided body 103 Rotation shaft 104 Arrangement space 105 Opening/closing end 105a Contact surface 106 Drive portion 106a Guide surface 106b Guide protrusion 107 Grip portion 108 Window 109 Spring (biasing means)
110 Cutting blade cartridge 111 Cutting blade 112 Guide piece 113 Base 113a Blade storage section 114 Cover 411 Cutting blade 415 Base plate section 416 Blade section 417 Covering member 421 Step section (position indication section)
422 Position display portion 423 Protrusion portion 10 Corrugated tube 11 Concave portion 12 Convex portion

Claims (8)

a pair of divided bodies rotatably connected to each other via a rotation axis extending in an axial direction, forming an arrangement space therebetween for placing the elongated body by sandwiching it therebetween, and having opening and closing ends operable to open and close for introducing the elongated body into the arrangement space;
a cutting blade provided on at least one of the pair of divided bodies and facing the arrangement space to cut the elongated body;
a drive unit formed on the opening and closing ends of the pair of divided bodies and configured to rotate the pair of divided bodies in an opening direction by being pressed by the elongated body entering the arrangement space via the opening and closing ends,
the arrangement space is configured so that a first elongated body having a first diameter and a second elongated body having a second diameter larger than the first diameter can be arranged in the arrangement space by changing a distance between the opening and closing ends;
The cutting blade is positioned opposite the other divided body regardless of whether the first elongated body or the second elongated body is placed in the arrangement space, and is configured so that the cutting tip of the cutting blade bites into the elongated body by pressing the pair of divided bodies in a closing direction, and the cutting tool is characterized in that the elongated body can be cut by rotating the elongated body sandwiched between the pair of divided bodies whose opening and closing ends are not closed relative to an axis. a pair of divided bodies rotatably connected to each other via a rotation axis extending in an axial direction, forming an arrangement space therebetween for placing the elongated body by sandwiching it therebetween, and having opening and closing ends operable to open and close for introducing the elongated body into the arrangement space;
a cutting blade provided on at least one of the pair of divided bodies and facing the arrangement space to cut the elongated body;
a drive unit formed on the opening and closing ends of the pair of divided bodies and configured to rotate the pair of divided bodies in an opening direction by being pressed by the elongated body entering the arrangement space via the opening and closing ends,
The cutting blade is provided on each of the pair of divided bodies,
the arrangement space is configured to be capable of arranging a first elongated body having a first diameter and a first center point, and a second elongated body having a second diameter larger than the first diameter and a second center point;
when the first elongated body is disposed in the arrangement space, the pair of cutting blades contact the first elongated body at two contact points, and two straight lines sequentially connecting one contact point, the first center point, and the other contact point form a first central angle;
when the second elongated body is disposed in the arrangement space, the pair of cutting blades contact the second elongated body at two contact points, and two straight lines sequentially connecting one contact point, the second center point, and the other contact point form a second central angle;
The cutting tool, wherein the pair of cutting blades are positioned such that the second central angle is closer to 180 degrees than the first central angle. The cutting tool according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a biasing means for biasing the pair of divided bodies in a closing direction. The cutting tool according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the pair of segments is provided with a gripping portion extending in the axial direction for pressing the pair of segments in a closing direction. The cutting tool according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the cutting blade is provided offset toward one end of the divided body in the axial direction. The cutting tool according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the cutting blade is provided on each of the pair of divided bodies, the cutting blades are arranged at the same axial position, and the cutting blades can be changed to a first position biased toward the opening and closing ends of the divided bodies and a second position farther away from the opening and closing ends of the divided bodies than the first position by a cutting blade position adjustment means for adjusting the position of the cutting blade relative to the divided bodies. a pair of divided bodies that are rotatably supported by a rotation shaft extending in an axial direction, form an arrangement space for placing the elongated body by sandwiching the elongated body therebetween, and have opening and closing ends that can be opened and closed to introduce the elongated body into the arrangement space;
a cutting blade provided on at least one of the pair of divided bodies and facing the arrangement space to cut the elongated body,
the arrangement space is configured so that a first elongated body having a first diameter and a second elongated body having a second diameter larger than the first diameter can be arranged in the arrangement space by changing a distance between the opening and closing ends;
A cutting tool characterized in that the pair of segments are provided with gripping portions extending axially and for pressing the pair of segments in a closing direction, the cutting blade is biased toward one end of the segments in the axial direction, and the gripping portion is provided on the other end side of the cutting blade and is positioned axially offset from the cutting blade . a pair of divided bodies that are rotatably supported by a rotation shaft extending in an axial direction, form an arrangement space for placing the elongated body by sandwiching the elongated body therebetween, and have opening and closing ends that can be opened and closed to introduce the elongated body into the arrangement space;
a pair of cutting blades provided on each of the pair of divided bodies and facing the arrangement space to rotate the elongated body in a circumferential direction and cut the elongated body;
a cutting blade position adjustment means for adjusting a position of the cutting blade with respect to the divided body so as to change an overlap amount of the rotation loci of the pair of cutting blades in the circumferential direction ,
the arrangement space is configured so that a first elongated body having a first diameter and a second elongated body having a second diameter larger than the first diameter can be arranged in the arrangement space by changing a distance between the opening and closing ends;
A cutting tool characterized in that the pair of segments are provided with gripping portions extending in an axial direction for pressing the pair of segments in a closing direction.

Images