DE202011051038U1 - Apparatus for processing elongated elements, in particular pipes - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for processing elongated elements, in particular pipes, with - a clamping device (18) for clamping an element (12) with at least one clamping jaw (20a, 20b), which can be moved between a clamping position and a loose position by means of a clamping lever device (22a, 22b) and a machining head (14) which is axially movable and has a tool (16) for machining the element (12), characterized in that - at least one contour surface (36a, 36b) is arranged on the machining head (14), - And at least one guide element (40a, 40b) is arranged in contact with the contour surface (36a, 36b) such that the guide element (40a, 40b) is displaced with respect to the contour surface (36a, 36b) when the machining head (14) moves , - A lever gear (30a, 30b) connected to the guide element (40a, 40b) controls the clamping lever devices (22a, 22b) for moving the clamping jaw (20a, 20b) into the clamping position.

Description

The invention relates to a device for processing elongate elements, in particular pipes.

In the processing of pipes, for example for automotive brake lines, fuel lines, etc., various forming and processing steps over the length of the pipe or at the ends can be performed, in particular bending, pressing, crimping, flanging, etc. These operations are by a corresponding machining tool is performed, which is arranged on a machining head. There are systems for pipe processing are known in which a plurality of processing steps is performed successively in juxtaposed processing stations. In this case, a pipe is usually transferred between parallel stations in the transverse direction to its longitudinal axis, wherein in each station processing takes place.

For the respective processing under application of force at the respective processing station, the clamping of the tube is required. In this case, usually clamping jaws of a Losposition in which the tube is free and, for example, can be passed between the stations, moved to a clamping position in which the tube is clamped and thus fixed for machining.

In the DE 299 15 106 U1 a device for forming elongate elements, in particular pipes and rods is disclosed. The elements to be reshaped are held there by a clamping device, which is assigned tools to a tool changer. To drive the tools a forming drive is provided. At the front, a tool has a forming die. The clamping device has a stationary upper clamping jaw and associated lower clamping jaw, which is movable in the vertical direction. The lower jaw is associated with a toggle device through which the clamping takes place via a triangular pressure tab and a pressure cylinder. A carriage with the tool can then be moved to perform the processing on the element to be formed.

It is an object of the invention to provide a simply constructed processing device with which the processing is possible in a fast cycle.

This object is achieved by a device according to claim 1 and a processing system according to claim 16. Dependent claims relate to advantageous embodiments of the invention.

The invention is based on the finding that, in particular in the case of a plurality of processing stations, the time sequence of the clamping and machining can be decisive for the cycle times to be achieved. Therefore, it is proposed to couple the movement of the machining head in a special way with the clamping. In this way, on the one hand fast and accurate time sequence can be achieved without much effort. On the other hand, the saving of separate controls or drives is possible.

The device and installation according to the invention is suitable for processing any type of elongate elements. It is mainly thought of pipes, and in particular to the processing of pipe ends. Accordingly, the invention will be explained below with regard to the machining of pipes and in particular pipe ends. However, as will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, the device is also useful with other elongated elements, such as bars, etc., and may also include processing steps that do not merely engage one end of the elongated element.

The device according to the invention has a clamping device for clamping a tube with at least one clamping jaw, which is movable by means of a clamping lever device between a clamping position and a Losposition. The tensioning lever device is preferably designed as a toggle device. A machining head is axial, d. H. movable in the longitudinal direction of a tube held in the clamping device and has a suitable tool for machining. The tool is thereby advanced against the pipe and thereby performs the processing step. As a tool many different types come into question, for example. For expanding or tapering the pipe ends, for boring, radius turning, over-turning, etc., for form drilling, inner and outer bevels etc. Particularly preferred tools are stamping tools without further moving parts just by pressing on a pipe end edit this, eg. Crimping. In addition, a machining can also be done by the jaws, for example. By molding, pressing etc.

According to the invention, it is now provided that at least one contour surface is arranged on the machining head and a guide element is displaceably arranged in contact with the contour surface so that it is displaced with respect to the contour surface during a movement of the machining head, ie a relative movement between the guide element and the contour surface is produced. In this case, the guide element is indirectly or directly in connection with a lever mechanism, which is the tension lever device for moving the clamping jaw in the clamping position controls. Thus, the movement of the machining head and the contour surface arranged thereon relative to the guide element for driving the tensioning device.

In this way, both a drive and a control of the tensioning movement are automatically given in synchronization with the movement of the machining head. A separate drive for the clamping device can be omitted.

There are various possibilities for the movement of the guide element relative to the contour surface. Thus, the guide element on the contour surface, for example. Be performed in the manner of a slotted guide. Preferably, the guide element with the contour surface in only one-sided, d. H. unguided contact. It can, for example, slide as a sliding element on the surface. However, to reduce the friction, the guide element preferably has a roller which rolls on the contour surface when the machining head moves.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the contour surface on a height profile. Here, the height direction is to be understood as substantially perpendicular to the contour surface. During the movement of the guide element relative to the contour surface, a guide of the guide element thus takes place in the height direction, ie. H. the guide element is pushed away during the movement relative to the contour surface by an increasing height and can thus fulfill its drive and possibly drive function. It is preferred that the profiling of the contour surface, d. H. the direction of the variable height is arranged transversely to the direction of movement of the machining head. This results in a situation in which, during the axial movement of the machining head, a deflection of the guide element takes place in the transverse direction, which is transmitted to the tensioning device via the tensioning lever device.

Preferably, the clamping device has at least two clamping jaws, which are arranged, for example, opposite each other. In this case, one of the clamping jaws can be fixed, but it is preferred that in each case a clamping lever device is provided on both clamping jaws, so that each of the clamping jaws is to be moved between a clamping position and a Losposition. It is further preferred that at least one of the clamping jaws or their clamping lever device is coupled to a spring, so that the clamping force between the clamping jaws is limited by the spring. This avoids damage in the event of incorrect clamping.

In embodiments with at least two movable clamping jaws, which are respectively controlled by a clamping lever device, it is preferred that the machining head has at least two contoured surfaces and each clamping lever device is connected to a ferry element which is in contact with the respective contoured surface. In this case, each clamping jaw is associated with a lever mechanism associated with the respective guide element. In this way, the control of both clamping jaws is effected by the movement of the machining head on each of the two contour surfaces.

Here, the two contour surfaces and the lever mechanism may be formed the same, so that move the jaws synchronously. Preferably, however, the contour surfaces and / or the lever mechanism are formed differently, so that a clamping characteristic with non-synchronous movement of the clamping jaws is possible. In particular, the two contour surfaces may be formed so differently by their shape that one of the clamping jaws earlier reaches the clamping position than the second clamping jaw. In this way, the position that the pipe assumes in the clamping, set very precisely.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the lever mechanism comprises at least one rocker arm on which the guide element is provided. Upon movement of the guide element relative to the contour surface of the rocker arm is driven to a pivoting movement. This pivoting movement can, for example, directly or indirectly to control the tension lever device, in particular knee lever device used. Particularly preferably, the rocker arm is coupled by a coupling lever with the tension lever device.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a return element is provided on the tensioning lever device and / or on the lever mechanism in order to act on the clamping jaw in the direction of the Losposition. Alternatively, the return element can also be provided in order to act on the guide element in the direction of the contour surface, that is, for example, to press against it. As will become clear in connection with the preferred embodiment, the return element particularly preferably fulfills both functions, ie. H. It can solve the clamping and at the same time ensures a constantly secured system of the guide element on the contour surface. In particular, the return element may be provided as a return spring. This return spring can, for example, be attached to the rocker arm.

The drive of the machining head is preferably designed for axial movement. Particularly preferred for this purpose is a spindle drive.

As already explained, the device according to the invention is particularly suitable for use in processing plants with a plurality of parallel processing stations arranged side by side. In this case, transfer devices are provided to transfer the pipes between the processing stations.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the invention will be described in more detail with reference to drawings. Showing:

1 a schematic side view of a processing device with clamping device in Losposition;

2 in a schematic side view of the processing device 1 with the clamping device in clamping position;

3 in an enlarged view of a machining head with contour surfaces and guiding elements of the processing device 1 . 2 ;

4 a pipe processing plant with parallel processing stations.

In 1 and 2 is a schematic side view of a device 10 for processing a pipe 12 shown. In this case, only the respective moving parts are shown for better understanding, which are of course each stored or attached to a machine frame or frame (not shown).

For clamping the tube 12 a jig is provided with an upper and lower jaw 20a . 20b , which in a linear guide (not shown) between an in 1 shown Losposition, in which the interposed tube 12 is freely movable and therefore, for example, also laterally into the device 10 can be introduced and one in 2 shown clamping position movable, in which the jaws 20a . 20b from above and below against the pipe 12 Press and clamp this.

Furthermore, the device comprises 10 a machining head 14 , The machining head 14 can be axial in the direction of in 1 drawn arrow are moved towards the pipe 12 between an in 1 illustrated rest position and a in 2 shown processing position.

The machining head 14 carries a tool 16 , For example, a crimping tool. The tool 16 machined in the example shown, the end of the tube 12 , for example, by beading, by moving it by the movement of the machining head 14 axially on the end of the tube 12 is pressed and the tube end so reshaped. As will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, various types of tools may be used 16 be provided on the processing head 14 be attached.

The machining head 14 has a spindle drive 24 , He is with a spindle nut 28 firmly connected. A spindle 26 is rotatably driven by a drive, for example. Electric motor, hydraulic motor, pneumatic motor, etc., but even held stationary. This results in an advance of the machining head depending on the direction of rotation 14 in the in 1 direction shown to move from the rest to the processing position or vice versa.

The jaws 20a . 20b are with tension lever devices 22a . 22b connected, by which they can be moved between the Losposition and clamping position in a linear guide (not shown). As tension lever devices 22a . 22b is for both jaws 20a . 20b in each case a knee lever device provided from two toggle levers, which in the Losposition ( 1 ) form an obtuse angle to each other and in the clamping position ( 2 ) are almost or even fully extended, that are arranged parallel to each other. This toggle construction results in a high clamping force, so that through the jaws 20a . 20b with appropriate form and a reshaping processing can be made. So that it is in the case of incorrect clamping, for example. An obliquely inserted tube 12 or a pipe 12 of incorrect diameter does not damage the device 10 comes, is indeed the lower toggle construction 22b fixed with its lower toggle on the machine frame, the upper toggle construction 22a but with her upper toggle over a spring 38 connected to the machine frame. The feather 38 is designed as a highly preloaded gas spring high stiffness, so that they do not or only slightly deflects in conventional clamping forces.

At the in 1 . 2 shown construction is for the clamping device 18 no separate drive provided. Instead, the movement of the machining head 14 via lever gear 30a . 30b with the clamping device 18 coupled, so that on the one hand, the driving force of the spindle drive 24 also for the clamping device 18 is used and on the other hand, the machining movement of the machining head 14 exactly with the clamping movement of the clamping device 18 is coordinated.

For coupling the machining head 14 with the clamping device 18 have the lever mechanism 30a . 30b rocker arm 34a . 34b on that in joints 35a . 35b are pivotable. The rocker arms 34a . 34b point to one side of each joint 35a . 35b a first lever arm with a roller element 40a . 40b on and are on a second Lever arm with coupling levers 32a . 32b hinged, with their other end at the articulation points of the toggle devices 22a . 22b are articulated. Next act return springs 44a . 44b on the second lever arms of the rocker arms.

By the power of the return springs 44a . 44b become the rocker arms 34a . 34b always so charged that the roles 40a . 40b at the machining head 14 issue. For this purpose, the machining head 14 Contact surfaces (contour surfaces) 36a . 36b on which the roles 40a . 40b during movement of the machining head 14 roll.

As in particular from the enlarged view in 3 can be seen, the contour surfaces 36a . 36b different height profiles. At the upper contour surface 36a closes at a horizontally arranged first area 37a a second area 37b with a certain slope, in which the contour surface 36a in its course over the longitudinal direction of the machining head 14 lifts in the transverse direction, that extends to the outside. At the second area 37b closes a third, in turn horizontal area 37c at.

Also at the second, in 3 shown below contact surface 36b is the history in a first and third horizontal area 39a . 39c and a second rising area 39b divided. However, here is the rising range 39b considerably steeper and shorter than at the first contact surface 36a ,

Starting from the in 1 shown Losposition results at a feed of the machining head 14 a relative movement between the rollers 40a . 40b as guide elements and the respective contoured surfaces in contact therewith 36a . 36b , The roles roll 40a . 40b on the contour surfaces 36a . 36b and follow the given height profile. From reaching the respective second section of the contact surfaces 36a . 36b become the roles 40a . 40b through the rising contour surfaces 36a . 36b deflected up and down, causing a pivotal movement of the rocker arms 34a . 34b around the respective joints 35a . 35b results. Over the coupling levers 32a . 32b this pivotal movement is on the toggle devices 22a . 22b Transfer them so that they are stretched and tightening the jaws 20a . 20b in the in 2 move shown clamping position.

The movement of the clamping jaws follows 20a . 20b the profile of the contour surfaces 36a . 36b ie the lower jaw 20b is due to the steeper slope of the lower contour surface 36b moved faster and reached the clamping position earlier, while the upper jaw 20a due to the smaller increase of the associated contour surface 36a is moved slower and later reaches the clamping position. Due to this different control always results in the clamping position a fixed positioning of the pipeline 12 , namely the lower toggle device 22b the lower jaw 20b is always stretched while the upper jaw 20a pressed as strong as it is from the respective tolerances and the pressure of the spring 38 results.

The through the profiles of the contact surfaces 36a . 36b predetermined clamping characteristics are relative to the feed of the machining head 14 doing so selected that the machining by the tool 16 takes place as soon as the required restraint is given. So a very tight timing of machining and clamping can be achieved.

After processing, the machining head 14 from the machining position ( 2 ) in the rest position ( 1 ) withdrawn. This also moves due to the coupling and the clamping device 18 from the clamping position ( 2 ) into the lot position ( 1 ). The return springs 44a . 44b ensure the retrieval of the rocker arms 34a . 34b and releasing the toggle devices 22a . 22b ,

While in 1 - 3 always show only elements of a single processing station, usually pipelines are processed in successive processing stations. 4 schematically shows two parallel juxtaposed processing stations 50 a processing plant 60 , In processing plants are usually a significantly larger number of processing stations 50 available. The different processing stations 50 can do very different processing steps on the pipe 12 To run. Between the processing stations 50 is through transfer devices 52 the respective pipeline 12 pass in the transverse direction.

In the 1 - 3 shown and described above with clamping device can at one or more of the processing stations 50 be provided. In this case, in each successive cycles pipelines 12 between the processing stations 50 pass, so that in the following processing station 50 the next processing step is completed. In the rest position of the machining head and Losposition of the clamping device ( 1 ) can the pipeline 12 through the transfer device 52 moved in the transverse direction and inside the tensioning device 18 be positioned. Then done by the spindle drive 24 at the same time the clamping and processing, as well as the subsequent retraction of the machining head 14 , The thus freed, now edited pipeline 12 can then in a following step across the processing station 50 taken and passed on. By processing and clamping device, the processing plant 60 have a simple structure, in particular, the number of drives can be kept low. Nevertheless, a high clocking can be achieved because a good synchronization between machining and clamping is specified by the device described.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 29915106 U1 [0004]

Claims (16)

Apparatus for processing elongated elements, in particular pipes, with - a tensioning device ( 18 ) for clamping an element ( 12 ) with at least one clamping jaw ( 20a . 20b ), which by means of a tension lever device ( 22a . 22b ) is movable between a clamping position and a Losposition, - and a processing head ( 14 ), which is axially movable and a tool ( 16 ) for editing the element ( 12 ), characterized in that - at the machining head ( 14 ) at least one contour surface ( 36a . 36b ), and - at least one guiding element ( 40a . 40b ) in contact with the contour surface ( 36a . 36b ) is arranged so that during a movement of the machining head ( 14 ) the guiding element ( 40a . 40b ) opposite the contour surface ( 36a . 36b ) is moved, - one with the guide element ( 40a . 40b ) associated lever gear ( 30a . 30b ) the tension lever devices ( 22a . 22b ) for moving the clamping jaw ( 20a . 20b ) in the clamping position. Device according to claim 1, in which - the guiding element ( 40a . 40b ) is a roller which, during movement of the machining head ( 14 ) on the contour surface ( 36a . 36b ) rolls off. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which - the contour surface ( 36a . 36b ) has a height profile, by which in dependence on a feed of the machining head ( 14 ) a deflection of the guide element ( 40a . 40b ) in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of the machining head ( 14 ) is given. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which - the tensioning device ( 18 ) two jaws ( 20a . 20b ), wherein at least one of the clamping jaws or a clamping lever device coupled thereto ( 22a . 22b ) with a spring ( 38 ), so that the clamping force between the jaws ( 20a . 20b ) by the spring ( 38 ) is limited. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which - the tensioning device ( 18 ) two jaws ( 20a . 20b ), wherein at each of the clamping jaws, a tensioning lever device ( 22a . 22b ) is provided to move the jaws between a clamping position and a Losposition. Device according to claim 5, in which - the machining head ( 14 ) at least two contour surfaces ( 36a . 36b ), and - the tension lever devices ( 22a . 22b ) each via lever gear ( 30a . 30b ) with guiding elements ( 40a . 40b ) - so that during a movement of the machining head ( 14 ) the guiding elements ( 40a . 40b ) with respect to the respective contour surface ( 36a . 36b ) and so movement of the jaws ( 20a . 20b ) is driven in the respective clamping position. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein - the two contour surfaces ( 36a . 36b ) and / or lever mechanism ( 30a . 30b ) for different control of the two jaws ( 20a . 20b ) are formed. Apparatus according to claim 7, in which - the two contour surfaces ( 36a . 36b ) are so different from their height profile that one of the jaws ( 20b ) reached the clamping position earlier than the second clamping jaw ( 20a ). Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which - the tension lever device ( 22a . 22b ) is a toggle device. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which - the lever mechanism ( 30a . 30b ) at least one rocker arm ( 34a . 34b ), on which the guide element ( 40a . 40b ) is provided, wherein the rocker arm by the movement of the guide element relative to the contour surface ( 36a . 36b ) is driven to a pivoting movement. Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein - the rocker arm ( 34a . 34b ) with the tension lever device ( 22a . 22b ) is coupled. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which - on the tension lever device ( 22a . 22b ) and / or on the lever gear ( 30a . 30b ) a return element ( 44a . 44b ) is provided to the jaw ( 22a . 22b ) in the direction of the Losposition apply and / or to the guide element ( 40a . 40b ) in the direction of the contour surface ( 36a . 36b ). Device according to claim 12 and any one of claims 10, 11, in which - the return element ( 44a . 44b ) as a return spring on the rocker arm ( 34a . 34b ) is provided. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which - at the machining head ( 14 ) A spindle drive is provided to move the machining head in the axial direction. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which - the machining head ( 14 ) a tool ( 16 ) for forming a tube end. Processing plant for elongated elements with - a plurality of parallel juxtaposed processing stations ( 50 ) for elongated elements, - transfer devices ( 52 ) are provided to the elements between the processing stations ( 50 ), and at least one of the processing stations ( 50 ) at least one device for processing according to one of the preceding claims is provided.

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