CA1169449A - Pipe unions - Google Patents
Pipe unionsInfo
- Publication number
- CA1169449A CA1169449A CA000385657A CA385657A CA1169449A CA 1169449 A CA1169449 A CA 1169449A CA 000385657 A CA000385657 A CA 000385657A CA 385657 A CA385657 A CA 385657A CA 1169449 A CA1169449 A CA 1169449A
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- blank
- wall
- punch
- metal
- unsupported
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Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
According to the present invention, a new cold working metal process is disclosed for the formation of metal pipe union components, which includes blanks for so called gas meter swivels, which are actually pipe unions components with a slight adaptation. Both male and female components are made by the process. The process cold works a metal elongated hollow open ended blank to deform an unsupported circumferential portion of the blank wall into a predetermined shape. The steps of the process comprise supporting portions of the blank wall exterior and interior in a manner to define a shaping section of the predetermined shape in the area of the unsupported wall portion;
applying a compressive load on the blank ends of sufficient force to exceed the compressive yield strength of the metal blank thereby deforming the unsupported wall portions to cause the deforming metal to flow into the shaping section to provide said predetermined shape. Pipe connectors produced by this process are inexpensive, less subject to material defects and, therefore, more reliable in the field.
According to the present invention, a new cold working metal process is disclosed for the formation of metal pipe union components, which includes blanks for so called gas meter swivels, which are actually pipe unions components with a slight adaptation. Both male and female components are made by the process. The process cold works a metal elongated hollow open ended blank to deform an unsupported circumferential portion of the blank wall into a predetermined shape. The steps of the process comprise supporting portions of the blank wall exterior and interior in a manner to define a shaping section of the predetermined shape in the area of the unsupported wall portion;
applying a compressive load on the blank ends of sufficient force to exceed the compressive yield strength of the metal blank thereby deforming the unsupported wall portions to cause the deforming metal to flow into the shaping section to provide said predetermined shape. Pipe connectors produced by this process are inexpensive, less subject to material defects and, therefore, more reliable in the field.
Description
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1 FIELD_OF THE INVEN_ION
The present invention is directed to a process for cold forming of various pipe union components by compressively loading a tubular blank and selectively supporting the blank to define a cavity into which the deformed material moves.
BACKGROUND OF THE_INVEN_ION
Cold working of metal into a predetermined shape is commonly undertaken in extrusion and coining operations.
Extrusion techniques are usually multi-stage with the solid metal blank being successively exposed to various punch and die operations until the desired end product is achieved. The punch compress the metal to exceed the compressive yield strength thereof, such that the metal will flow and assume the shape defined by the die and punch. Because the process is multi-staged, the extent of deformation in any one stage is small and controllable such that the precision of the final product is a direct result of the multi-stage operation.
Obviously multi-stage operations are more expensive to operate than single-stage operations; however, the accuracy required dictates the use of multi-stage processes.
Cold working a metal by coining is commonly used; however, this operation normally requires the entire blank to be worked. The resulting product has good definition and tolerances can be controlled. However, in some circumstances it is not desirable to have the entire blank undergo the coining operation. In yet a further cold working metal process, the end of a blank is loaded compressively with a portion of the blank sidewall at one end left unsupported.
With sufficient load, the compressive yield strength of the material is reached causing the metal to be upset and flow 1 into the unsupported area. This type of process may be usea in forming the head on a valve stem, the head on a nail, etc.
Mechanical pipe unions and pipe fittings for equipment are presently made by a casting operation or a welding operation.
For example, a meter swivel used in the gas industry, which is essentially a small length of pipe with a flange and a spigot at one end, is produced by either casting the entire unit or by welding a flange to the body of the swivel. Swivels produced by either of these methods are somewhat prone to leaks caused by porosity in the cast swivels and cracks or flaws in the units that have welded flanges. Obviously, these units could be produced by a series of machining operations overcoming the quality control problem; however, the production costs could not be justified.
The present invention seeks to mitigate the problems experienced by the prior art structures by providing a simple production process which allows the manufacture of a number of mechanical piping connectors at reduced costs and improved quality.
SUMMARY OF_THE INVENTION
The process according to the present invention, comprises cold working a metal elongated hollow open ended blank to deform a circumferential portion of the blank wall into a predetermined shape comprising the steps of supporting portions of the blank wall interior and exterior, defining a shaping section of said predetermined shape in the area of the unsupported blank wall portion, applying a compressive load on the blank ends of sufficient force to exceed the compressive yield strength of the metal blank wall thereby deforming the unsupported wall portions to cause the deforming metal to flow ''3 1 into the shaping section to provide said predetermined shape.
According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the process includes cold working a metal tubular blank to deform a circumferential portion of the blank wall to form an external flange on the tubular blank. The process includes the steps of supporting the interior wall of said blank along its length with a first support means, supporting the blank wall exterior portions with a second support means in a manner to provide a circumferential unsupported wall portion, such that the second support means defines an annular cavity applying a compressive load on the blank ends of sufficient force to exceed the compressive yield strength of the metal blank thereby, deforming the unsupported blank wall portion causing the deforming metal to flow into the cavity to form the annular flange.
The process of the present invention uses a modified punch and die arrangement for providing a cavity to the exterior of the blank intermediate its end portions such that during cold working of the blank by compressive loading of the blank, the upset metal flows into the cavity and is coined by the successive movement of the punch. It is believed the coining operation limits the extent and position of any fold lines, developed during the upsetting, such that this fold line does not reduce the overall strength of the product.
Furthermore, the combined upsetting and coining operation allow for a simple process which allows adequate control on the external dimensions of the flange and the thickness thereof.
BRIEF_DESCRIPTION OF_T~E_DRAWINGS
Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings wherein:
1 Figure 1 is an exploded sectional perspective view of the punch and die arrangement according to the present invention;
Figure 2 is a partial section through the apparatus of Figure 1, showing the inter-relationship between the punch and die cavity;
Figure 3 is a partial sectional view similar to Figure 2, showing a blank undergoing deformation;
Figure 4 is a partial sectional view through the press with the punch coining the flange on the blank;
Figure 5 is a partial sectional view of the apparatus showing the blank in its final deformed state;
Figure 6 is a partial sectional view of the apparatus with a modified punch arrangement for providing a tapered spigot;
Figure 7a is a partial sectional view of the apparatus of Figure 6 prior to deformation of the blank;
Figure 7b is a partial sectlonal view of the apparatus of Figure 6 with the punch in its final position;
Figure 8 is a partial sectional view of the apparatus with a modified punch for forming a bevelled spigot;
Figures 9a and 9b are partial sectional views of the apparatus of Figure 8 with the blank both before and after deformation;
Figures 10, 11, 12 and 13 are partial sectional views of the apparatus modified for a two-stage operation for forming a male pipe connection with a tapered bore;
Figure 1~ is a partial perspective of the starting blank used in Figure 10 and the final product produced in Figure 13;
Figures 15 and 16 show the apparatus adapted for the two stage process of producing a female component compatible with the product shown in Figure 14;
1 Figure 17 shows the original blank used in Eigure 15 and the final product of Figure 16; and Figure 18 is a sectional view through the male and female coupling produced by the apparatus of Figures 10 through 16.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION_OF THE_PREFERRED_EMBODIMENTS
The apparatus of Figure 1 uses a punch 2 in combination with a die 10 and an internal plug 20 for cold working the blank 100 in a manner to provide an exterior flange intermediate its end portions. The plug 2 has a threaded lower end 3 for engaging with the internally threaded die base 11 and the plug is designed to support the interior walls of the hollow open ended blank 100 when it is being deformed.
During the forming operation, the die 10 is exposed to high internal stresses and must be designed to have sufficient strength to avoid failure thereof. To assist in this matter, an internal tooled steel sleeve 12 has been provided which is of a diameter slightly greater than the external diameter of blank 100 and thereby, provides support for the lower sidewall portions of the blank. When the blank is placed within the die, it is forced downwardly such that the sleeve 12 surrounds at least a portion of the blank and the base 101 of the blank, abuts with the upper surface 13 of the ejector sleeve 14.
Movement of the ejector sleeve may be controlled by a hydraulic cylinder, a crank arrangement or other means for moving the sleeve upwardly to eject the deformed blank. The diameter of the plug 2 approximately corresponds to the internal diameter of the ejector sleeve 14 such that the lower portion of the blank is tightly enclosed by the tooled steel sleeve 12, the internal plug 2 and the ejector sleeve 14.
Once the blank has been positioned within the die, the 1 punch 2 is moved downwardly to contact the upper portion 102 of the blank which is extending slightly above the upper portion of the sleeve 12. The punch 2 has been provided with a spring loaded section 4 which co-operates with the upper portion 5 of the plug such that during downward rnovement of the punch, the spring loaded section 4 and the upper portion 5 of the plug engage and thereby align the punch and die.
The lower surface 7 of the punch has been provided with a stepped cross section such that at least a portion of the upper end of the blank is located within this stepped region. The upper portion 15 of the die has an interior tool steel insert 17 which has an internal diameter corresponding to the desired diameter of the flange to be formed. The outer diameter 9 of the punch is sized to approximately correspond to the internal diameter of this sleeve 17 such that the lower edge 8 of the punch, the upper portion 16 of the sleeve 12 in combination with the internal diameter of sleeve 17, define a cavity into which the blank may deform. In its initial position, the blank 100 extends above the sleeve 12 and a portion of the exterior wall of the blank is left unsupported between the upper portion of sleeve 12 and the lower portion of the punch. The interior stepped portion of the punch provides support for the end 102 of the blank. Similarly, the internal portion of the blank is supported by plug 2.
As can be seen in Figure 2, the blank 100 has been positioned within the die and an upper portion 105 of the blank extends above the tool steel sleeve 12. The plug 2 is supporting the interior walls of the blank and the lower portion of the blank is supported by the sleeve 12. As the punch 2 is moved downward, towards the die the center portion 4 3'~
1 interacts with the upper portion 5 of the plug to assure alignment of the exterior of the punch and sleeve 17.
Subsequent downward movement of the punch is not limited as the center portion is spring loaded and slides upwardly.
As shown in Figure 3, the center portion of the punch has fully engaged within the upper portion 15 of the plug and the blank 100 is undergoing deformation. The upper portion 102 of the blank is supported within the stepped portion 7 of the punch while the lower portion of the blank 101 is within the sleeve 12. The unsupported exterior wall portion 107 is deforming outwardly as the force applied by the punch 2 has exceeded the compressive yield strength of the blank upsetting the metal blank. A slight fold line 109 has occured on a portion of the interior wall of the blank caused by the outward bulging of the blank during the initial stages of the deformation process. This may not occur if a blank of greater wall thickness is used.
In the present invention, it is preferred to use a blank of reduced wall thickness in order to reduce overall material costs and also reduce the magnitude of the forces exerted on the die. However, there is a relationship between the total amount of deformation, the distance through which it is to be moved and the thickness of the blank wall in order to avoid material defects formed during the single-stage cold working operation. In cases where the extent of deformation is great, multi-stage operations are used and/or the thickness of the blank wall is increased. One particular problem is a direct result of the unsupported wall portion of the blank bowing outwardly during the initial stages with this bowing being reflected in the end product by a fold line visible on ~-~g~
1 the interior of the finished product. This bowing action, and particularly the location and extent of the fold line, is limited due to the cavity defining sleeve 17. If the sleeve is of too great a diameter or the blank wall thickness is too thin, a complete collapse or folding of the blank wall may occur. This is not desirable, as the quality of the resulting product is affected. The parameters for thin wall single-stage deformation should be selected such that, although some bowing may occur during the initial stages, complete deformation is a result of the upsetting of the metal in combination with the bowing. When this occurs, the sleeve 17 causes upset metal to to flow inwardly toward the plug and this limits the extent of the fold line as well as shifts its position somewhat downwardly. This is apparent from Figure 5, where the fold line 10 is not positioned on the center line of flange 115 and is of reduced length compared to the circumstance had complete folding of the blank sidewall occured.
Therefore, from the above! it can be appreciated that the position and extent of the fold line produced when deforming thin walled blanks in a single-stage cold working operation may be controlled within certain ranges of deformation by positively limiting the extent of bowing by the size of the die cavity, such that after the metal is upset, it will be forced to flow inwardIy and slightly downwardly. This movement of metal is further enhanced by the coining action of the punch and die.
Control of the bowing action of the blank may be particularly valuable when the blank material is a piece of electrically seam welded pipe as the weld portion tends to be somewhat harder and prone to cracking if the deformation is too 3,~
1 great. This type of biank is used to reduce material costs as it is readily available and in common use.
In Figure 4, the deformation process has continued and the downward movement of the punch has caused a coining deformation of the bulged portion of the blank. This coining action produces a well defined flange 15. From a review of Figures 4 and 5, it can be seen that sleeve 17 acts to positively limit the bulging action of the tubular blank and allows the coining action of the lower portion of the punch and the upper portion of the sleeve 12 to accurately form the flange 115.
As shown in the formed product of Figure 5, the fold line 109 has been limited by the coining operation and is normally of an extent less than the original thickness of the blank.
This fold line normally occurs slightly above the lower extreme of the flange 115 such that the flange compensates for this slight defect.
Therefore, in reviewing Figures 2 through 5, it can be appreciated that the downward movement of the punch causes a high compressive load on the blank 100 such that the compressive yield strength of the blank is reached. At this point, thickening of the unsupported sidewalls of the blank occurs which continues with the downward movement of the punch. After sufficient downward movement the upsetting operation is compounded by the coining action of the lower portion of the punch and the upper portion of sleeve 12. Thus, the external diameter of the flange is well defined by sleeve 17 and the flange thickness is determined by the original unsupported length of the blank and the thickness of the blank. Sleeve 17 may positively limit the extent of blank bowing during initial stages of the operation and redirects '3~
1 the upset material inward with further downward movement of the punch.
As can be seen in the final product of Figure 5, the upper portion of the blank 102, which may constitute a spigot, has been supported and maintained throughout the deformation process. Thus, it can be appreciated that the punch and die according to these Figures, allows for the forming of a flange intermediate the end portions of a tubular blank and preferably with the single stroke of the punch. Also the thickness of the flange is determined by the length of the blank.
The embodiments shown in Figures 6 and 7, and Figures 8 and 9, are to a punch arrangement which allows the formation of a modified spigot portion at the upper end portion 102 of the blank. In Figures 6 and 7, a tapered spigot portion 120 is provided which may be used in case~ where the spigot must be reduced in diameter than the diameter of the blank. In forming the tapered spigot of reduced wall thickness, the upper portion of the blank is also upset during the downward movement of the punch and cold worked into the desired shape. The forming of the flange is similar to that described with respect to Figures
1 FIELD_OF THE INVEN_ION
The present invention is directed to a process for cold forming of various pipe union components by compressively loading a tubular blank and selectively supporting the blank to define a cavity into which the deformed material moves.
BACKGROUND OF THE_INVEN_ION
Cold working of metal into a predetermined shape is commonly undertaken in extrusion and coining operations.
Extrusion techniques are usually multi-stage with the solid metal blank being successively exposed to various punch and die operations until the desired end product is achieved. The punch compress the metal to exceed the compressive yield strength thereof, such that the metal will flow and assume the shape defined by the die and punch. Because the process is multi-staged, the extent of deformation in any one stage is small and controllable such that the precision of the final product is a direct result of the multi-stage operation.
Obviously multi-stage operations are more expensive to operate than single-stage operations; however, the accuracy required dictates the use of multi-stage processes.
Cold working a metal by coining is commonly used; however, this operation normally requires the entire blank to be worked. The resulting product has good definition and tolerances can be controlled. However, in some circumstances it is not desirable to have the entire blank undergo the coining operation. In yet a further cold working metal process, the end of a blank is loaded compressively with a portion of the blank sidewall at one end left unsupported.
With sufficient load, the compressive yield strength of the material is reached causing the metal to be upset and flow 1 into the unsupported area. This type of process may be usea in forming the head on a valve stem, the head on a nail, etc.
Mechanical pipe unions and pipe fittings for equipment are presently made by a casting operation or a welding operation.
For example, a meter swivel used in the gas industry, which is essentially a small length of pipe with a flange and a spigot at one end, is produced by either casting the entire unit or by welding a flange to the body of the swivel. Swivels produced by either of these methods are somewhat prone to leaks caused by porosity in the cast swivels and cracks or flaws in the units that have welded flanges. Obviously, these units could be produced by a series of machining operations overcoming the quality control problem; however, the production costs could not be justified.
The present invention seeks to mitigate the problems experienced by the prior art structures by providing a simple production process which allows the manufacture of a number of mechanical piping connectors at reduced costs and improved quality.
SUMMARY OF_THE INVENTION
The process according to the present invention, comprises cold working a metal elongated hollow open ended blank to deform a circumferential portion of the blank wall into a predetermined shape comprising the steps of supporting portions of the blank wall interior and exterior, defining a shaping section of said predetermined shape in the area of the unsupported blank wall portion, applying a compressive load on the blank ends of sufficient force to exceed the compressive yield strength of the metal blank wall thereby deforming the unsupported wall portions to cause the deforming metal to flow ''3 1 into the shaping section to provide said predetermined shape.
According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the process includes cold working a metal tubular blank to deform a circumferential portion of the blank wall to form an external flange on the tubular blank. The process includes the steps of supporting the interior wall of said blank along its length with a first support means, supporting the blank wall exterior portions with a second support means in a manner to provide a circumferential unsupported wall portion, such that the second support means defines an annular cavity applying a compressive load on the blank ends of sufficient force to exceed the compressive yield strength of the metal blank thereby, deforming the unsupported blank wall portion causing the deforming metal to flow into the cavity to form the annular flange.
The process of the present invention uses a modified punch and die arrangement for providing a cavity to the exterior of the blank intermediate its end portions such that during cold working of the blank by compressive loading of the blank, the upset metal flows into the cavity and is coined by the successive movement of the punch. It is believed the coining operation limits the extent and position of any fold lines, developed during the upsetting, such that this fold line does not reduce the overall strength of the product.
Furthermore, the combined upsetting and coining operation allow for a simple process which allows adequate control on the external dimensions of the flange and the thickness thereof.
BRIEF_DESCRIPTION OF_T~E_DRAWINGS
Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings wherein:
1 Figure 1 is an exploded sectional perspective view of the punch and die arrangement according to the present invention;
Figure 2 is a partial section through the apparatus of Figure 1, showing the inter-relationship between the punch and die cavity;
Figure 3 is a partial sectional view similar to Figure 2, showing a blank undergoing deformation;
Figure 4 is a partial sectional view through the press with the punch coining the flange on the blank;
Figure 5 is a partial sectional view of the apparatus showing the blank in its final deformed state;
Figure 6 is a partial sectional view of the apparatus with a modified punch arrangement for providing a tapered spigot;
Figure 7a is a partial sectional view of the apparatus of Figure 6 prior to deformation of the blank;
Figure 7b is a partial sectlonal view of the apparatus of Figure 6 with the punch in its final position;
Figure 8 is a partial sectional view of the apparatus with a modified punch for forming a bevelled spigot;
Figures 9a and 9b are partial sectional views of the apparatus of Figure 8 with the blank both before and after deformation;
Figures 10, 11, 12 and 13 are partial sectional views of the apparatus modified for a two-stage operation for forming a male pipe connection with a tapered bore;
Figure 1~ is a partial perspective of the starting blank used in Figure 10 and the final product produced in Figure 13;
Figures 15 and 16 show the apparatus adapted for the two stage process of producing a female component compatible with the product shown in Figure 14;
1 Figure 17 shows the original blank used in Eigure 15 and the final product of Figure 16; and Figure 18 is a sectional view through the male and female coupling produced by the apparatus of Figures 10 through 16.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION_OF THE_PREFERRED_EMBODIMENTS
The apparatus of Figure 1 uses a punch 2 in combination with a die 10 and an internal plug 20 for cold working the blank 100 in a manner to provide an exterior flange intermediate its end portions. The plug 2 has a threaded lower end 3 for engaging with the internally threaded die base 11 and the plug is designed to support the interior walls of the hollow open ended blank 100 when it is being deformed.
During the forming operation, the die 10 is exposed to high internal stresses and must be designed to have sufficient strength to avoid failure thereof. To assist in this matter, an internal tooled steel sleeve 12 has been provided which is of a diameter slightly greater than the external diameter of blank 100 and thereby, provides support for the lower sidewall portions of the blank. When the blank is placed within the die, it is forced downwardly such that the sleeve 12 surrounds at least a portion of the blank and the base 101 of the blank, abuts with the upper surface 13 of the ejector sleeve 14.
Movement of the ejector sleeve may be controlled by a hydraulic cylinder, a crank arrangement or other means for moving the sleeve upwardly to eject the deformed blank. The diameter of the plug 2 approximately corresponds to the internal diameter of the ejector sleeve 14 such that the lower portion of the blank is tightly enclosed by the tooled steel sleeve 12, the internal plug 2 and the ejector sleeve 14.
Once the blank has been positioned within the die, the 1 punch 2 is moved downwardly to contact the upper portion 102 of the blank which is extending slightly above the upper portion of the sleeve 12. The punch 2 has been provided with a spring loaded section 4 which co-operates with the upper portion 5 of the plug such that during downward rnovement of the punch, the spring loaded section 4 and the upper portion 5 of the plug engage and thereby align the punch and die.
The lower surface 7 of the punch has been provided with a stepped cross section such that at least a portion of the upper end of the blank is located within this stepped region. The upper portion 15 of the die has an interior tool steel insert 17 which has an internal diameter corresponding to the desired diameter of the flange to be formed. The outer diameter 9 of the punch is sized to approximately correspond to the internal diameter of this sleeve 17 such that the lower edge 8 of the punch, the upper portion 16 of the sleeve 12 in combination with the internal diameter of sleeve 17, define a cavity into which the blank may deform. In its initial position, the blank 100 extends above the sleeve 12 and a portion of the exterior wall of the blank is left unsupported between the upper portion of sleeve 12 and the lower portion of the punch. The interior stepped portion of the punch provides support for the end 102 of the blank. Similarly, the internal portion of the blank is supported by plug 2.
As can be seen in Figure 2, the blank 100 has been positioned within the die and an upper portion 105 of the blank extends above the tool steel sleeve 12. The plug 2 is supporting the interior walls of the blank and the lower portion of the blank is supported by the sleeve 12. As the punch 2 is moved downward, towards the die the center portion 4 3'~
1 interacts with the upper portion 5 of the plug to assure alignment of the exterior of the punch and sleeve 17.
Subsequent downward movement of the punch is not limited as the center portion is spring loaded and slides upwardly.
As shown in Figure 3, the center portion of the punch has fully engaged within the upper portion 15 of the plug and the blank 100 is undergoing deformation. The upper portion 102 of the blank is supported within the stepped portion 7 of the punch while the lower portion of the blank 101 is within the sleeve 12. The unsupported exterior wall portion 107 is deforming outwardly as the force applied by the punch 2 has exceeded the compressive yield strength of the blank upsetting the metal blank. A slight fold line 109 has occured on a portion of the interior wall of the blank caused by the outward bulging of the blank during the initial stages of the deformation process. This may not occur if a blank of greater wall thickness is used.
In the present invention, it is preferred to use a blank of reduced wall thickness in order to reduce overall material costs and also reduce the magnitude of the forces exerted on the die. However, there is a relationship between the total amount of deformation, the distance through which it is to be moved and the thickness of the blank wall in order to avoid material defects formed during the single-stage cold working operation. In cases where the extent of deformation is great, multi-stage operations are used and/or the thickness of the blank wall is increased. One particular problem is a direct result of the unsupported wall portion of the blank bowing outwardly during the initial stages with this bowing being reflected in the end product by a fold line visible on ~-~g~
1 the interior of the finished product. This bowing action, and particularly the location and extent of the fold line, is limited due to the cavity defining sleeve 17. If the sleeve is of too great a diameter or the blank wall thickness is too thin, a complete collapse or folding of the blank wall may occur. This is not desirable, as the quality of the resulting product is affected. The parameters for thin wall single-stage deformation should be selected such that, although some bowing may occur during the initial stages, complete deformation is a result of the upsetting of the metal in combination with the bowing. When this occurs, the sleeve 17 causes upset metal to to flow inwardly toward the plug and this limits the extent of the fold line as well as shifts its position somewhat downwardly. This is apparent from Figure 5, where the fold line 10 is not positioned on the center line of flange 115 and is of reduced length compared to the circumstance had complete folding of the blank sidewall occured.
Therefore, from the above! it can be appreciated that the position and extent of the fold line produced when deforming thin walled blanks in a single-stage cold working operation may be controlled within certain ranges of deformation by positively limiting the extent of bowing by the size of the die cavity, such that after the metal is upset, it will be forced to flow inwardIy and slightly downwardly. This movement of metal is further enhanced by the coining action of the punch and die.
Control of the bowing action of the blank may be particularly valuable when the blank material is a piece of electrically seam welded pipe as the weld portion tends to be somewhat harder and prone to cracking if the deformation is too 3,~
1 great. This type of biank is used to reduce material costs as it is readily available and in common use.
In Figure 4, the deformation process has continued and the downward movement of the punch has caused a coining deformation of the bulged portion of the blank. This coining action produces a well defined flange 15. From a review of Figures 4 and 5, it can be seen that sleeve 17 acts to positively limit the bulging action of the tubular blank and allows the coining action of the lower portion of the punch and the upper portion of the sleeve 12 to accurately form the flange 115.
As shown in the formed product of Figure 5, the fold line 109 has been limited by the coining operation and is normally of an extent less than the original thickness of the blank.
This fold line normally occurs slightly above the lower extreme of the flange 115 such that the flange compensates for this slight defect.
Therefore, in reviewing Figures 2 through 5, it can be appreciated that the downward movement of the punch causes a high compressive load on the blank 100 such that the compressive yield strength of the blank is reached. At this point, thickening of the unsupported sidewalls of the blank occurs which continues with the downward movement of the punch. After sufficient downward movement the upsetting operation is compounded by the coining action of the lower portion of the punch and the upper portion of sleeve 12. Thus, the external diameter of the flange is well defined by sleeve 17 and the flange thickness is determined by the original unsupported length of the blank and the thickness of the blank. Sleeve 17 may positively limit the extent of blank bowing during initial stages of the operation and redirects '3~
1 the upset material inward with further downward movement of the punch.
As can be seen in the final product of Figure 5, the upper portion of the blank 102, which may constitute a spigot, has been supported and maintained throughout the deformation process. Thus, it can be appreciated that the punch and die according to these Figures, allows for the forming of a flange intermediate the end portions of a tubular blank and preferably with the single stroke of the punch. Also the thickness of the flange is determined by the length of the blank.
The embodiments shown in Figures 6 and 7, and Figures 8 and 9, are to a punch arrangement which allows the formation of a modified spigot portion at the upper end portion 102 of the blank. In Figures 6 and 7, a tapered spigot portion 120 is provided which may be used in case~ where the spigot must be reduced in diameter than the diameter of the blank. In forming the tapered spigot of reduced wall thickness, the upper portion of the blank is also upset during the downward movement of the punch and cold worked into the desired shape. The forming of the flange is similar to that described with respect to Figures
2 through 5, however, the upset material at the end of the blank also flows downward and further limits the extent of the fold line.
In Figure 7a it can be seen that the punch 2 for forming this tapered spigot has a tapered lower section 50 and at the upper portion of the blank 102, is deformed with the downward movement of the punch. With further downward movement of the punch as shown in Flgure 7b, the tapered spigot portion 120 has been provided with the flange 115 provided intermediate the end portions of the blank. Thus in using this specially configured 1 punch, a spigot portion may be formed of a wall thickness less than the thickness of the blank wall.
With respect to Figures 8 and 9, the punch 2 has been provided with a curvilinear recessed portion 62 for producing a spigot of similar section. This type of spigot is particularly useful in forming the male components for pipe unions. Figure 9a shows the punch prior to contact with the blank lO0 while Figure 9b shows the punch in its final downward position.
Figure 8 shows the simultaneous deformation of the upper portion 102b of the blank and the upsetting and coining of the bulging portion of the blank in producing the flange 115.
In some circumstances, such as for meter swivels, it is desired to retain the end portion of a tubular blank and position the flange intermediate the end portions to result in a product having the desired flange thickness and diameter.
E~owever, in other circumstances, it is desired to adapt the spigot portion to a special shape such as that of Figure 7, where the spigot and flange may subsequently be coated to provide an insulating flange or that of Figures 8 and 9, where a male component of a pipe union is simultaneously formed with the upsetting and coining of the blank to produce a flange intermediate the end portions.
Figures 10 through 13 illustrate a multi-stage process for transforming the tubular blank 200 shown in Figures 10 and 14 into the male component of a pipe union shown as 250 in Figures 13 and 14. The plug la has been provided with a truncated conical upper section for allowing thickening of the interior wall of the blank. With the downward movement of the modified punch 2a, which has been provided with a recessed portion 210, having sidewalls corresponding to the conical portion of the 1 punch, the upper portion of the blank is contacted by the lower sloped edge 215 of the punch such that a force is exerted on the blank causing the material to upset. Further movement of the punch causes a flow of the material generally downwardly and inwardly until the blank contacts the upper conical section of the plug. Figure 11 illustrates the modified form of the blank after suffficient downward movement of the punch 2a .
After the blank has taken on the shape shown in Figure 11, the punch 2a is withdrawn and the modified blank is removed from the die by the upward movement of the ejector sleeve 14.
The modified blank, produced by the apparatus of Figure 11, is subsequently placed in the tooled steel die 12b of Figure 12. The punch 2b cooperates with the die 12b to upset the deformed blank 200a and cause the formation of a curvilinear seal portion 300 as well as the exterior flange 310~ With respect to Figures 12 and 13, the downward movement of the modified punch 2b forms a flange portion 310 intermediate the end portions of the modified blank 200a by first upsetting the metal and forcing it out into the cavity defined by the lower edge of the punch and the modified tool steel insert 17b. Continued downward movement of the punch which first caused upsetting of the blank, now causes coining of the material which is moved outwardly into the cavity 400 to provide good definition of the Elange 310. The spigot portion of the blank 200a has also undergone modification, allowing the formation of the curvilinear sealing portion 300. As with the other structures, the finished product may be removed from the apparatus of figure 13 by movlng the ejector sleeve 14 upwardly, after the punch has been removed.
A complimentary female component for the male component 1 shown in Figure 14 may be produced by the multi-stage process illustrated with respect to Figures 15 and 16. In Figure 15, a blank 200c has been upset by the downward movement of the punch 2c and forced to take on the shape defined by the cavity, bound by the modified punch 2c, the modified plug lc and the modified die lOc. This deformed blank 2c is then inserted in a second punch and die apparatus as shown in Figure 16 with the punch 2d, the die lOd and the plug ld, defining the cavity into which the material of the blank flows. This results in a complimentary female pipe component of a pipe union for the male component 250 with the female component having a sloped portion 360 for receiving the male component to provide a line seal. The thickened sidewall 370 of the female connector may be externally threaded to facilitate mechanically coupling of the male and female components as shown in Figure 8.
Furthermore, the inside surface of the female component is tapered which can subsequently be internally threaded for connection with a pipe.
Figure 17 shows the shape of the original blank 200c used with the punch and die of figure 15 and the transformed final product produced by the die and punch arrangement of Figure 17.
The forged products, produced by these multi~stage processes, are complimentary and may be joined in the manner shown in figure 1~. The female component 345 has been provided with threads 500 on the exterior portion for engagement with a nut member 700 having an inwardly directed ledge 710. This nut member is adapted to slide over the exterior portion of the male component 250 with the inwardly directed ledge 710 engaging the flange 310. The specially adapted curvilinear spiyot 300 is received within the sloped portion 360 of the 1 female connector such that a seal is provided between these components with the tightening of the nut member 700. It can be appreciated that the interior walls of the male and female components may be threaded for engagement with a threaded pipe.
Although various preferred embodiments have been described herein in the invention, it will be understood that variations may be made thereto, without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.
In Figure 7a it can be seen that the punch 2 for forming this tapered spigot has a tapered lower section 50 and at the upper portion of the blank 102, is deformed with the downward movement of the punch. With further downward movement of the punch as shown in Flgure 7b, the tapered spigot portion 120 has been provided with the flange 115 provided intermediate the end portions of the blank. Thus in using this specially configured 1 punch, a spigot portion may be formed of a wall thickness less than the thickness of the blank wall.
With respect to Figures 8 and 9, the punch 2 has been provided with a curvilinear recessed portion 62 for producing a spigot of similar section. This type of spigot is particularly useful in forming the male components for pipe unions. Figure 9a shows the punch prior to contact with the blank lO0 while Figure 9b shows the punch in its final downward position.
Figure 8 shows the simultaneous deformation of the upper portion 102b of the blank and the upsetting and coining of the bulging portion of the blank in producing the flange 115.
In some circumstances, such as for meter swivels, it is desired to retain the end portion of a tubular blank and position the flange intermediate the end portions to result in a product having the desired flange thickness and diameter.
E~owever, in other circumstances, it is desired to adapt the spigot portion to a special shape such as that of Figure 7, where the spigot and flange may subsequently be coated to provide an insulating flange or that of Figures 8 and 9, where a male component of a pipe union is simultaneously formed with the upsetting and coining of the blank to produce a flange intermediate the end portions.
Figures 10 through 13 illustrate a multi-stage process for transforming the tubular blank 200 shown in Figures 10 and 14 into the male component of a pipe union shown as 250 in Figures 13 and 14. The plug la has been provided with a truncated conical upper section for allowing thickening of the interior wall of the blank. With the downward movement of the modified punch 2a, which has been provided with a recessed portion 210, having sidewalls corresponding to the conical portion of the 1 punch, the upper portion of the blank is contacted by the lower sloped edge 215 of the punch such that a force is exerted on the blank causing the material to upset. Further movement of the punch causes a flow of the material generally downwardly and inwardly until the blank contacts the upper conical section of the plug. Figure 11 illustrates the modified form of the blank after suffficient downward movement of the punch 2a .
After the blank has taken on the shape shown in Figure 11, the punch 2a is withdrawn and the modified blank is removed from the die by the upward movement of the ejector sleeve 14.
The modified blank, produced by the apparatus of Figure 11, is subsequently placed in the tooled steel die 12b of Figure 12. The punch 2b cooperates with the die 12b to upset the deformed blank 200a and cause the formation of a curvilinear seal portion 300 as well as the exterior flange 310~ With respect to Figures 12 and 13, the downward movement of the modified punch 2b forms a flange portion 310 intermediate the end portions of the modified blank 200a by first upsetting the metal and forcing it out into the cavity defined by the lower edge of the punch and the modified tool steel insert 17b. Continued downward movement of the punch which first caused upsetting of the blank, now causes coining of the material which is moved outwardly into the cavity 400 to provide good definition of the Elange 310. The spigot portion of the blank 200a has also undergone modification, allowing the formation of the curvilinear sealing portion 300. As with the other structures, the finished product may be removed from the apparatus of figure 13 by movlng the ejector sleeve 14 upwardly, after the punch has been removed.
A complimentary female component for the male component 1 shown in Figure 14 may be produced by the multi-stage process illustrated with respect to Figures 15 and 16. In Figure 15, a blank 200c has been upset by the downward movement of the punch 2c and forced to take on the shape defined by the cavity, bound by the modified punch 2c, the modified plug lc and the modified die lOc. This deformed blank 2c is then inserted in a second punch and die apparatus as shown in Figure 16 with the punch 2d, the die lOd and the plug ld, defining the cavity into which the material of the blank flows. This results in a complimentary female pipe component of a pipe union for the male component 250 with the female component having a sloped portion 360 for receiving the male component to provide a line seal. The thickened sidewall 370 of the female connector may be externally threaded to facilitate mechanically coupling of the male and female components as shown in Figure 8.
Furthermore, the inside surface of the female component is tapered which can subsequently be internally threaded for connection with a pipe.
Figure 17 shows the shape of the original blank 200c used with the punch and die of figure 15 and the transformed final product produced by the die and punch arrangement of Figure 17.
The forged products, produced by these multi~stage processes, are complimentary and may be joined in the manner shown in figure 1~. The female component 345 has been provided with threads 500 on the exterior portion for engagement with a nut member 700 having an inwardly directed ledge 710. This nut member is adapted to slide over the exterior portion of the male component 250 with the inwardly directed ledge 710 engaging the flange 310. The specially adapted curvilinear spiyot 300 is received within the sloped portion 360 of the 1 female connector such that a seal is provided between these components with the tightening of the nut member 700. It can be appreciated that the interior walls of the male and female components may be threaded for engagement with a threaded pipe.
Although various preferred embodiments have been described herein in the invention, it will be understood that variations may be made thereto, without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (13)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A process for cold working a metal elongate hollow open ended blank to deform a circumferential portion of the blank wall into a predetermined shape comprising supporting portions of said blank wall interior and exterior and defining a shaping section of said predetermined shape in the area of the unsupported blank wall portion, applying a compressive load on said blank ends of sufficient force to exceed the compressive yield strength of said metal blank wall to deform the unsupported wall portions to cause the deforming metal to flow into said shaping section to provide said predetermined shape.
2. A process for cold working a metal tubular blank to deform a circumferential portion of the blank wall to form an annular external flange on said tubular blank intermediate its ends comprising supporting the interior wall of said blank along its length with a first support means, supporting the blank wall exterior portions with a second support means in a manner to provide a circumferential unsupported wall portion, said second support means defining an annular cavity portion, applying a compressive load on the blank ends of sufficient force to exceed the compressive yield strength of the metal blank thereby deforming the unsupported blank wall portion causing the deforming metal to flow into said cavity to form said annular flange.
3. A process of claim 2 for forming a tubular spigot portion adjacent said formed annular flange, comprising cold working simultaneously the end portion of said blank to form said spigot adjacent said flange.
4. A process of claim 3 for forming said spigot portion of a wall thickness essentially the same as wall thickness of said tubular blank comprising supporting the exterior circumferential wall portion for a depth equal to the desired depth of said spigot.
5. A process of claim 3 for forming said spigot portion of a wall thickness less than the wall thickness of said tubular blank comprising upsetting the blank end portion with an angular face which forces the metal to flow against the first support means and downward towards said cavity, the diameter of the angular face portion determining the thickness of said spigot.
6. A process of claim 2 wherein said tubular blank as positioned in said second support means is supported at a first end by an immovable support, said second support means supporting said tubular blank exterior wall from said first end to near the second end, the extent of unsupported sidewall being sufficient such that when deformed, it provides sufficient metal to form said flange of a desired thickness.
7. A process for forming an annular flange on a tubular blank proximate an end thereof with a spigot located at the blank end adjacent said flange comprising supporting the interior wall of said blank, supporting a portion of the exterior wall of said blank, supporting a portion of the exterior wall of said blank to leave a circumferential portion of the wall including the end unsupported and defining a cavity adjacent the unsupported portion of the blank wall, pushing on the end of said blank while supporting a circumferential portion of the wall at the end with a sufficient force to upset the unsupported wall portion causing it to bow outwardly in a controlled manner, upsetting the blank material to flow outwardly and coining this material to form said flange intermediate the ends of the blank.
8. A process of claim 7, wherein said cavity controls the extent the blank bows during the initial stages of the cold working process.
9. A process of claim 7 wherein an angular face is used to push on said tubular end to form a spigot which is of a thickness less than the thickness of said wall.
10. A process of claim 7 wherein a cylindrical plug is positioned within said tubular blank to support its interior surface, said blank being inserted within a die to support the portion of the blank exterior below the portion which is to be deformed, positioning a punch on the blank end, said punch being recessed to support the wall portion at the end of the blank, forcing said punch into said die which defines said cavity about the unsupported portion of blank wall to upset the unsupported blank portion and coin the bulging portion to form said flange.
11. A process of claim 10, wherein said punch has an angled annular face which abuts the blank end and deforms the metal against the plug and downwardly in coining the bulging portion to form a spigot adjacent said flange which is thinner than the wall thickness of said blank.
12. A multi-stage process for cold working a metal tubular blank to deform said blank to deform said blank in multiple stages to form a male component of a pipe union, said process comprising placing a tubular blank in a die cavity which supports the exterior surface of said blank, a tapered plug being positioned within said blank where the base of the blank contacts the tapered plug, supporting the base of the blank, forcing a punch against the blank upper end, said punch having an annular angled face which deforms the blank wall towards and against said tapered plug to form a shortened blank of thicker wall, removing said punch and in a second stage forcing a punch having a recessed face portion of a configuration which forms a flange and spigot for co-operating with a female component of a pipe union.
13. A multi-stage process for cold working a metal tubular blank to deform said blank in multiple stages to form a female component of a pipe union, said process comprising placing a tubular blank in a die which supports the exterior of said blank, locating separable plug portions within said blank to support upper and lower portions of said blank and to define a cavity in the area of the unsupported interior wall, supporting a first end of said blank and forcing a punch against the second end of said blank to deform the unsupported wall portion inwardly into the cavity and against said separable plug portions and said punch and positioning another set of separable plug portions within the worked blank to define a cavity interior of the blank which defines spigot receiving area and flange for a co-operating male component of a pipe union, forcing a punch along said plug to deform the blank wall into said cavity to form the finish surface for said female compounds.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US194,957 | 1980-10-08 | ||
| US06/194,957 US4362043A (en) | 1975-09-17 | 1980-10-08 | Pipe unions |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1169449A true CA1169449A (en) | 1984-06-19 |
Family
ID=22719519
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000385657A Expired CA1169449A (en) | 1980-10-08 | 1981-09-11 | Pipe unions |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1169449A (en) |
-
1981
- 1981-09-11 CA CA000385657A patent/CA1169449A/en not_active Expired
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