EP1035930B1 - Forming tool heating device - Google Patents

Forming tool heating device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1035930B1
EP1035930B1 EP98954516A EP98954516A EP1035930B1 EP 1035930 B1 EP1035930 B1 EP 1035930B1 EP 98954516 A EP98954516 A EP 98954516A EP 98954516 A EP98954516 A EP 98954516A EP 1035930 B1 EP1035930 B1 EP 1035930B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
tube
forming tool
bending
polar
tool
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
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EP98954516A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1035930A1 (en
Inventor
Jean-François Rochas
Serge Cappello
Jean-Paul Bruyas
Jean-Paul Chastan
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Silfax Sarl
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Silfax Sarl
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Publication of EP1035930A1 publication Critical patent/EP1035930A1/en
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    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B21MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
    • B21DWORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
    • B21D7/00Bending rods, profiles, or tubes
    • B21D7/02Bending rods, profiles, or tubes over a stationary forming member; by use of a swinging forming member or abutment
    • B21D7/022Bending rods, profiles, or tubes over a stationary forming member; by use of a swinging forming member or abutment over a stationary forming member only
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B21MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
    • B21DWORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
    • B21D7/00Bending rods, profiles, or tubes
    • B21D7/16Auxiliary equipment, e.g. for heating or cooling of bends

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a tool for shaping tubes which are made of polar or dielectric plastic material, with a bending the tubes fitted with the shaping tool and a process for bending the tubes, according to the preambles of claims 1, 7 and 13 respectively.
  • the technique currently used consists in shaping a tube of material plastic on a template machined to the shape we want to give to the tube and this on its entire length.
  • the template plus tube assembly is heated and then cooled.
  • the tube and the template are heated by means of conduction system (water hot, steam, hot air) or radiation (infrared).
  • the geometry of the part or of the tube depends on the geometry of the template, which implies making a template per piece according to the shape it must get.
  • the object of the shaping tool according to the present invention as defined in claim 1 is to place a plastic dielectric tube in an electric frequency field and of high tension so as to agitate the molecules of the material, in order to cause a heating inside the tube.
  • the tube shaping tool according to the invention comprises means for heating by dielectric loss using frequencies which are adapted to the materials polar constituting the tube, in order to conform it.
  • the shaping tool according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is isolated from the outside through a shielding cage retaining external radiation electromagnetic waves from the heating means.
  • the shaping tool is preferably made from an insulating material.
  • the shaping tool includes heating means which can be constituted of two electrodes each formed by a metal plate arranged in two parallel planes on either side of the shaping tool, said first plate being connected to an alternating voltage source, while the other is connected to ground.
  • the bending machine comprises an elongated frame integral with a carriage provided with a mandrel for holding a bending tube of material polar or dielectric plastic so as to be able to move said tube in rotation about its axis and in a direction longitudinal to a bending head located at one end of said frame, characterized in that said head bending tool includes at least one shaping tool and means of heating by dielectric loss using frequencies which are adapted to the polar materials constituting said tube in order to conform it.
  • the bending machine has a bending head which comprises means for cooling the tube which are arranged according to the same longitudinal axis as that carrying said tube.
  • the bending machine comprises a bending head which can be isolated from the machine frame via a shielding cage retaining external radiation from electromagnetic waves from heating means.
  • the bending machine according to the invention comprises a tool for shaping the tubes which is preferably made of an insulating material.
  • the bending machine according to the invention has heating means which preferably consist of two electrodes in the form of metal plates arranged in two parallel planes and on both sides the shaping tool, said first plate being connected to an alternating voltage source while said second is connected to ground.
  • FIGS. 1 to 3 show a machine for bending 1 of the tubes 2 produced in plastic and more particularly in dielectric materials or polar.
  • the bending machine 1 comprises a fixed frame 3 which is elongated and which carries one of its ends a bending head 4.
  • the latter comprises a first 5 guide devices 5 for ensuring the horizontal movements of said bending head 4 relative to the main axes of the fixed frame 3.
  • the fixed frame 3 is integral on one of its sides and parallel to its axis longitudinal of a guide rail 6 on which slides a carriage 7 which is moves towards and away from the bending head 4.
  • the guide rail 6 is offset laterally and in height relative to the axis longitudinal of the frame 3 to present the carriage 7 along a longitudinal axis parallel to that of the bending head 4.
  • the carriage 7 comprises a mandrel 8 for receiving the tube 2 to be bent which is brought via a loading station 9 provided with swivel arm 10 and 11. The latter come to take the tubes 2 to be bent in a store 12 located next to the loading station 9.
  • the bending head 4 of the machine 1 is placed in a cage shield 32 so as to isolate it from the outside during the shaping of the tube 2.
  • the cage 32 consists of walls 13 joined together by a ceiling 14 and a floor 15, while doors 16 allow access to the interior of said cage in order to be able to intervene on the bending head 4.
  • the cage 32 is made of an insulating material to avoid any risk of danger during the shaping of the tube 2.
  • the bending machine 1 is controlled by different units 17, 18, 19 of programming and control to obtain the bending of tube 2 in material dielectric plastic.
  • FIG. 4 there is shown the bending head 4 which includes a horizontal arm 20 secured at one of its ends to a plate 21 which cooperates with the guide device 5 ensuring the horizontal movements of said head by relation to the main axes of the building 3.
  • the arm 20 comprises, opposite the plate 21, an assembly 22 extending vertically above said arm and carrying a roller 23, a tool for form 24 and heating means 25.
  • the winding roller 23 is mounted to rotate freely around a vertical axis 26 which is integral with an articulated arm 27.
  • the arm 27 is controlled to pivot in rotation about the vertical axis of the assembly 22 and of the shaping tool 24.
  • the shaping tool 24 is fixed on the assembly 22 at the same level as the roller 23 and the horizontal axis carrying the carriage 7 secured to the mandrel 8 fitted with tube 2.
  • cooling means 28 consist, for example, of a nozzle 29 connected to a source of cold air pressure.
  • the nozzle 29 comes to cooperate with the end of the tube 2 which is opposite to that to be bent in the forming tool 24.
  • the mandrel 28 also allows to rotate the tube 2 around its longitudinal axis.
  • the shaping tool 24 is adapted to the diameter of the tube 2, of the polar material constituting said tube and the bending radius to which it must conform.
  • the shaping tool 24 is made of an insulating plastic material and insensitive to electric fields such as material marketed under the brand TÉFLON®.
  • the tool could be produced in ceramic without changing its characteristics.
  • the heating means 25 of the tube 2 to be bent consist of two electrodes 30 and 31 each formed from a metal plate with a circular profile.
  • the first electrode or plate 30 is disposed above and against the tool. shaping 24, while the second electrode or plate 31 is located just in below and against said tool.
  • the electrode 30 is connected to the unit 19 which delivers an alternating voltage source, while the other electrode 31 is connected to a ground not shown.
  • FIGS. 5 to 8 the different stages of bending the tube 2 are shown. radius of curvature of the forming tool 24.
  • the tube 2 is brought by the carriage 7 so that the mandrel 8 secured to the cooling nozzle 29 cooperates with the end of the tube opposite to that which is going to be formed.
  • the tube 2 is positioned close to the shaping tool 24, while the roller 23 is moved laterally to block said tube so that it cooperates with the internal profile of each. Indeed the roller 23 and the tool 24 has an internal profile which depends on the external diameter of the tube 2 ( Figures 6 and 7).
  • the arm 27 carrying the roller 23 pivots in rotation about the vertical axis of the assembly 22 which merges with that of the shaping tool 24 in order to cold deform the tube 2 to the bending radius (figure 8).
  • an alternating voltage is applied by means of unit 19 to electrode 30, while the other electrode 31 is connected to ground.
  • This voltage generates an electric field of frequency and high voltage so as to agitate the molecules of the dielectric material constituting the tube 2, so that the latter heats up.
  • the heating means 25 emit when the temperature of the tube 2 of external radiation from electromagnetic waves. These radiations are recovered by the shielding cage 32 to avoid any risk of temperature rise for individuals in the vicinity of the machine 1.
  • heating means 25 make it possible to raise the temperature of the tube 2 in seconds.
  • the cooling means 28 blows cold air under pressure via the nozzle 29 inside the tube 2 in order to cool it so that it retains its bending shape to the radius of the tool 24.
  • the arm 27 returns to its original position and the roller 23 moves laterally in order to release the tube 2.
  • the tube 2 can be moved along its axis longitudinal and rotate around it to perform another bending said tube in a different plane.
  • the length, rotation and bending movements of the tube 2 are carried out by numerically controlled axes managed by control units 17 and 18.
  • the shaping tool could include several radii of bending, while the bending head would be provided with guide means vertical in order to present the correct shaping tool according to the radius of bending to be obtained.
  • the shaping tool 24 can be used on any other machine different from tube bending machines. Also, the implementation tool form can be used independently of the example described above. In indeed, the bending machine 1 is an example of using the shaping tool 24 which is not limiting.
  • Unit 19 includes a high frequency assembly which consists of a transmitter capable of emitting a power whose level is adjustable, and of a capacitive type processing structure in which is placed the material to be treated.
  • the generator is of the amplifier type driven by quartz.
  • the energy from the generator is transmitted to the treatment structure via a impedance adapter by coaxial cable of known impedance.
  • the adapter impedance is equipped with two variable and motorized elements to transmit all the energy from the generator to the load. This function is ensured automatically thanks to a double sensor whose output signals are amplified and processed by electronics that control each of the two motors coupled with variable elements.
  • the automatic tuning system allows optimize and manage the energy level transmitted to the entire treatment product and thus ensure good reproducibility of the treatment.
  • the application structure of the field (capacity per example) is optimized to transmit energy adequately and homogeneous in the areas to be treated.
  • the shape of the electrodes is therefore optimized depending on the diameter and thickness of the tube and the bending radius.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Shaping Of Tube Ends By Bending Or Straightening (AREA)
  • Yarns And Mechanical Finishing Of Yarns Or Ropes (AREA)
  • Finish Polishing, Edge Sharpening, And Grinding By Specific Grinding Devices (AREA)
  • Machines For Laying And Maintaining Railways (AREA)
  • Heating, Cooling, Or Curing Plastics Or The Like In General (AREA)
  • General Induction Heating (AREA)

Abstract

The tube (2) forming tool (24) comprises means for heating (25) by dielectric loss using frequencies adapted to the polar materials constituting the tube (2) so as to shape them.

Description

La présente invention est relative à un outil de mise en forme des tubes qui sont réalisés dans une matière plastique polaire ou diélectrique, à une machine à cintrer les tubes munis de l'outil de mise en forme et d'un procédé de cintrage des tubes, selon les préambules des revendications 1, 7 et 13 respectivement.The present invention relates to a tool for shaping tubes which are made of polar or dielectric plastic material, with a bending the tubes fitted with the shaping tool and a process for bending the tubes, according to the preambles of claims 1, 7 and 13 respectively.

La technique actuellement utilisée consiste à mettre en forme un tube en matière plastique sur un gabarit usiné à la forme que l'on désire donner au tube et ceci sur toute sa longueur. L'ensemble gabarit plus tube est chauffé puis refroidit. Le tube et le gabarit sont chauffés par l'intermédiaire de système de conduction (eau chaude, vapeur, air chaud) ou de rayonnement (infra rouge).The technique currently used consists in shaping a tube of material plastic on a template machined to the shape we want to give to the tube and this on its entire length. The template plus tube assembly is heated and then cooled. The tube and the template are heated by means of conduction system (water hot, steam, hot air) or radiation (infrared).

Cette technique d'élévation de la température implique que l'ensemble du tube et du gabarit soit amené à la température de déformation du tube, ce qui est généralement long du fait de sa masse importante.This technique of raising the temperature implies that the entire tube and of the template is brought to the tube deformation temperature, which is generally long due to its large mass.

On constate que la géométrie de la pièce ou du tube dépend de la géométrie du gabarit, ce qui implique de réaliser un gabarit par pièce suivant la forme qu'elle doit obtenir.It can be seen that the geometry of the part or of the tube depends on the geometry of the template, which implies making a template per piece according to the shape it must get.

C'est à ces inconvénients qu'entend plus particulièrement remédier la présente invention.It is these drawbacks that the present invention intends to remedy more particularly. invention.

L'outil de mise en forme suivant la présente invention tel que défini dans la revendication 1 a pour objet de placer un tube en matériau plastique diélectrique dans un champ électrique de fréquence et de tension élevée de façon à agiter les molécules du matériau, afin d'entraíner un échauffement à l'intérieur du tube.The object of the shaping tool according to the present invention as defined in claim 1 is to place a plastic dielectric tube in an electric frequency field and of high tension so as to agitate the molecules of the material, in order to cause a heating inside the tube.

L'outil de mise en forme d'un tube comporte selon l'invention des moyens d'échauffement par perte diélectrique utilisant des fréquences qui sont adaptées aux matériaux polaires constituant le tube, afin de le conformer.The tube shaping tool according to the invention comprises means for heating by dielectric loss using frequencies which are adapted to the materials polar constituting the tube, in order to conform it.

L'outil de mise en forme selon un mode de réalisation préféré de la présente invention est isolé de l'extérieur par l'intermédiaire d'une cage de blindage retenant les rayonnements extérieurs des ondes électromagnétiques provenant des moyens d'échauffement.The shaping tool according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is isolated from the outside through a shielding cage retaining external radiation electromagnetic waves from the heating means.

L'outil de mise en forme est réalise de préférence dans une matière isolante.The shaping tool is preferably made from an insulating material.

L'outil de mise en forme comporte des moyens d'échauffement qui peuvent être constitués de deux électrodes formée chacune d'une plaque métallique disposée dans deux plans parallèles et de part et d'autre de l'outil de mise en forme, ladite première plaque étant reliée à une source de tension alternative, tandis que l'autre est raccordée à la masse. The shaping tool includes heating means which can be constituted of two electrodes each formed by a metal plate arranged in two parallel planes on either side of the shaping tool, said first plate being connected to an alternating voltage source, while the other is connected to ground.

La machine à cintrer suivant la présente invention comporte un bâti allongé solidaire d'un chariot muni d'un mandrin de maintien d'un tube a cintrer en matériau plastique polaire ou diélectrique de manière à pouvoir déplacé ledit tube en rotation autour de son axe et dans une direction longitudinale vers une tête de cintrage située à une extrémité dudit bâti, caractérisée en ce que ladite tête de cintrage comporte au moins un outil de mise en forme est des moyens d'échauffement par perte diélectrique utilisant des fréquences qui sont adaptées aux matériaux polaires constituant ledit tube afin de le conformer.The bending machine according to the present invention comprises an elongated frame integral with a carriage provided with a mandrel for holding a bending tube of material polar or dielectric plastic so as to be able to move said tube in rotation about its axis and in a direction longitudinal to a bending head located at one end of said frame, characterized in that said head bending tool includes at least one shaping tool and means of heating by dielectric loss using frequencies which are adapted to the polar materials constituting said tube in order to conform it.

La machine à cintrer conforme à un mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention présente une tête de cintrage qui comprend des moyens de refroidissement du tube qui sont disposés suivant le même axe longitudinal que celui portant ledit tube.The bending machine according to a preferred embodiment of the invention has a bending head which comprises means for cooling the tube which are arranged according to the same longitudinal axis as that carrying said tube.

La machine à cintrer suivant la présente invention comporte une tête de cintrage qui peut être isolée du bâti de la machine par l'intermédiaire d'une cage de blindage retenant les rayonnements extérieurs des ondes électromagnétiques provenant des moyens d'échauffement.The bending machine according to the present invention comprises a bending head which can be isolated from the machine frame via a shielding cage retaining external radiation from electromagnetic waves from heating means.

La machine à cintrer suivant l'invention comporte un outil de mise en forme des tubes qui est réalisé de préférence une matière isolante.The bending machine according to the invention comprises a tool for shaping the tubes which is preferably made of an insulating material.

La machine à cintrer conforme à l'invention présente des moyens d'échauffement qui sont constitués de préférence de deux électrodes en forme de plaques métalliques disposées dans deux plans parallèles et de part et d'autre l'outil de mise en forme, ladite première plaque étant reliée à une source de tension alternative tandis que ladite seconde est raccordée à la masse.The bending machine according to the invention has heating means which preferably consist of two electrodes in the form of metal plates arranged in two parallel planes and on both sides the shaping tool, said first plate being connected to an alternating voltage source while said second is connected to ground.

Le procédé de cintrage d'un tube en matière plastique suivant la présente invention, consiste :

  • à disposer un tube contre un outil de mise en forme au moyen d'un galet enrouleur,
  • à déformer à froid le tube par l'intermédiaire du galet enrouleur,
  • à chauffer le tube par des moyens d'échauffement par perte diélectrique utilisant des fréquences qui sont adaptées aux matériaux polaires constituant le tube,
  • à refroidir le tube par une injection d'air sous pression.
The process for bending a plastic tube according to the present invention consists of:
  • placing a tube against a shaping tool by means of a winding roller,
  • cold deforming the tube via the winding roller,
  • in heating the tube by means of heating by dielectric loss using frequencies which are adapted to the polar materials constituting the tube,
  • to cool the tube by an injection of pressurized air.

La description qui va suivre en regard des dessins annexés, donnés à titre d'exemples, permettra de mieux comprendre l'invention, les caractéristiques qu'elle présente et les avantages qu'elle est susceptible de procurer:

  • Figures 1 et 2 sont des vues en perspective illustrant la machine à cintrer suivant un mode de réalisation de la présente invention.
  • Figure 3 est une vue en perspective montrant la machine à cintrer munie à l'une de ses extrémités de sa tête de cintrage.
  • Figure 4 est une vue en perspective représentant la tête de cintrage de la machine à cintrer suivant la présente invention.
  • Figure 5 est une vue en perspective illustrant la tête de cintrage avant la mise en place du tube en matière plastique à former.
  • Figure 6 est une vue de face montrant la mise en place du tube en matière plastique à l'intérieur de l'outil de mise en forme de la tête de cintrage.
  • Figure 7 est une vue en perspective représentant le tube en matière plastique avant son cintrage autour de l'outil de mise en forme.
  • Figure 8 est une vue semblable à celle de figure 7, mais illustrant le tube en matière plastique cintré autour de l'outil de mise en forme.
  • The description which follows with reference to the appended drawings, given by way of examples, will allow a better understanding of the invention, the characteristics which it presents and the advantages which it is capable of providing:
  • Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views illustrating the bending machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the bending machine provided at one of its ends with its bending head.
  • Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the bending head of the bending machine according to the present invention.
  • Figure 5 is a perspective view illustrating the bending head before the establishment of the plastic tube to be formed.
  • Figure 6 is a front view showing the establishment of the plastic tube inside the shaping tool of the bending head.
  • Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the plastic tube before its bending around the shaping tool.
  • Figure 8 is a view similar to that of Figure 7, but illustrating the plastic tube bent around the shaping tool.
  • On a montré en figures 1 à 3 une machine à cintrer 1 des tubes 2 réalisés en matière plastique et plus particulièrement dans des matériaux diélectriques ou polaires.FIGS. 1 to 3 show a machine for bending 1 of the tubes 2 produced in plastic and more particularly in dielectric materials or polar.

    La machine à cintrer 1 comporte un bâti fixe 3 allongé et portant à l'une de ses extrémités une tête de cintrage 4. Cette dernière comprend un premier 5 dispositifs de guidage 5 permettant d'assurer les déplacements horizontaux de ladite tête de cintrage 4 par rapport aux axes principaux du bâti fixe 3.The bending machine 1 comprises a fixed frame 3 which is elongated and which carries one of its ends a bending head 4. The latter comprises a first 5 guide devices 5 for ensuring the horizontal movements of said bending head 4 relative to the main axes of the fixed frame 3.

    Le bâti fixe 3 est solidaire sur l'un de ses cotés et parallèlement à son axe longitudinal d'un rail de guidage 6 sur lequel coulisse un chariot 7 qui se rapproche et s'éloigne de la tête de cintrage 4.The fixed frame 3 is integral on one of its sides and parallel to its axis longitudinal of a guide rail 6 on which slides a carriage 7 which is moves towards and away from the bending head 4.

    Le rail de guidage 6 est décalé latéralement et en hauteur par rapport à l'axe longitudinal du bâti 3 pour présenter le chariot 7 suivant un axe longitudinal parallèle à celui de la tête de cintrage 4.The guide rail 6 is offset laterally and in height relative to the axis longitudinal of the frame 3 to present the carriage 7 along a longitudinal axis parallel to that of the bending head 4.

    Le chariot 7 comporte un mandrin 8 pour la réception du tube 2 à cintrer qui est amené par l'intermédiaire d'un poste de chargement 9 muni de bras pivotant 10 et 11. Ces derniers viennent prendre les tubes 2 à cintrer dans un magasin 12 disposé à coté du poste de chargement 9.The carriage 7 comprises a mandrel 8 for receiving the tube 2 to be bent which is brought via a loading station 9 provided with swivel arm 10 and 11. The latter come to take the tubes 2 to be bent in a store 12 located next to the loading station 9.

    On remarque que la tête de cintrage 4 de la machine 1 est placée dans une cage de blindage 32 de manière à l'isoler de l'extérieur lors de la mise en forme du tube 2.Note that the bending head 4 of the machine 1 is placed in a cage shield 32 so as to isolate it from the outside during the shaping of the tube 2.

    La cage 32 est constituée de parois 13 réunies entres elles par un plafond 14 et un plancher 15, tandis que des portes 16 permettent l'accès à l'intérieur de ladite cage afin de pouvoir intervenir sur la tête de cintrage 4.The cage 32 consists of walls 13 joined together by a ceiling 14 and a floor 15, while doors 16 allow access to the interior of said cage in order to be able to intervene on the bending head 4.

    La cage 32 est réalisée dans un matériau isolant pour éviter tout risque de danger lors de la mise en forme du tube 2.The cage 32 is made of an insulating material to avoid any risk of danger during the shaping of the tube 2.

    La machine à cintrer 1 est commandée par différentes unités 17, 18, 19 de programmation et de contrôle pour obtenir le cintrage du tube 2 en matière plastique diélectrique. The bending machine 1 is controlled by different units 17, 18, 19 of programming and control to obtain the bending of tube 2 in material dielectric plastic.

    En figure 4 on a représenté la tête de cintrage 4 qui comprend un bras horizontal 20 solidaire à l'une de ses extrémités d'une plaque 21 qui coopère avec le dispositif de guidage 5 assurant les déplacements horizontaux de ladite tête par rapport aux axes principaux du bâti 3.In Figure 4 there is shown the bending head 4 which includes a horizontal arm 20 secured at one of its ends to a plate 21 which cooperates with the guide device 5 ensuring the horizontal movements of said head by relation to the main axes of the building 3.

    Le bras 20 comporte à l'opposé de la plaque 21 un ensemble 22 s'étendant verticalement au-dessus dudit bras et portant un galet enrouleur 23, un outil de forme 24 et des moyens d'échauffement 25.The arm 20 comprises, opposite the plate 21, an assembly 22 extending vertically above said arm and carrying a roller 23, a tool for form 24 and heating means 25.

    Le galet enrouleur 23 est monté libre en rotation autour d'un axe vertical 26 qui est solidaire d'un bras articulé 27. Le bras 27 est commandé pour pivoter en rotation autour de l'axe vertical de l'ensemble 22 et de l'outil de mise en forme 24.The winding roller 23 is mounted to rotate freely around a vertical axis 26 which is integral with an articulated arm 27. The arm 27 is controlled to pivot in rotation about the vertical axis of the assembly 22 and of the shaping tool 24.

    L'outil de mise en forme 24 est fixé sur l'ensemble 22 au même niveau que le galet enrouleur 23 et que l'axe horizontal portant le chariot 7 solidaire du mandrin 8 muni du tube 2.The shaping tool 24 is fixed on the assembly 22 at the same level as the roller 23 and the horizontal axis carrying the carriage 7 secured to the mandrel 8 fitted with tube 2.

    On remarque que le mandrin 8 se prolonge par des moyens de refroidissement 28 qui sont constitués, par exemple, d'une buse 29 raccordée à une source de pression d'air froid. La buse 29 vient coopérer avec l'extrémité du tube 2 qui est opposée à celle devant être cintré dans l'outil de mise en forme 24.Note that the mandrel 8 is extended by cooling means 28 which consist, for example, of a nozzle 29 connected to a source of cold air pressure. The nozzle 29 comes to cooperate with the end of the tube 2 which is opposite to that to be bent in the forming tool 24.

    Le mandrin 28 permet également d'entraíner en rotation le tube 2 autour de son axe longitudinal.The mandrel 28 also allows to rotate the tube 2 around its longitudinal axis.

    L'outil de mise en forme 24 est adapté au diamètre du tube 2, du matériau polaire constituant ledit tube et du rayon de cintrage auquel il doit conformer.The shaping tool 24 is adapted to the diameter of the tube 2, of the polar material constituting said tube and the bending radius to which it must conform.

    L'outil de mise en forme 24 est réalisé dans une matière plastique isolante et insensible aux champs électriques telle que par exemple une matière commercialisée sous la marque TÉFLON®. L'outil pourrait être réalisé en céramique sans pour cela changer ses caractéristiques.The shaping tool 24 is made of an insulating plastic material and insensitive to electric fields such as material marketed under the brand TÉFLON®. The tool could be produced in ceramic without changing its characteristics.

    Les moyens d'échauffement 25 du tube 2 à cintrer sont constitués de deux électrodes 30 et 31 formés chacune d'une plaque métallique à profil circulaire.The heating means 25 of the tube 2 to be bent consist of two electrodes 30 and 31 each formed from a metal plate with a circular profile.

    La première électrode ou plaque 30 est disposée au-dessus et contre l'outil de mise en forme 24, tandis que la seconde électrode ou plaque 31 est situé juste en dessous et contre ledit outil.The first electrode or plate 30 is disposed above and against the tool. shaping 24, while the second electrode or plate 31 is located just in below and against said tool.

    Ainsi l'outil de mise en forme 24 est pris en sandwich entre les deux plaques 30 et 31 des moyens d'échauffement 25 de la machine à cintrer 1.Thus the shaping tool 24 is sandwiched between the two plates 30 and 31 of the heating means 25 of the bending machine 1.

    L'électrode 30 est relié à l'unité 19 qui délivre une source de tension alternative, tandis que l'autre électrode 31 est raccordé à une masse non représentée.The electrode 30 is connected to the unit 19 which delivers an alternating voltage source, while the other electrode 31 is connected to a ground not shown.

    En figures 5 à 8 on a représenté les différentes étapes de cintrage du tube 2 au rayon de courbure de l'outil de mise en forme 24. In FIGS. 5 to 8, the different stages of bending the tube 2 are shown. radius of curvature of the forming tool 24.

    Le tube 2 est amené par le chariot 7 de manière que le mandrin 8 solidaire de la buse de refroidissement 29 coopère avec l'extrémité du tube opposée à celle qui va être formée.The tube 2 is brought by the carriage 7 so that the mandrel 8 secured to the cooling nozzle 29 cooperates with the end of the tube opposite to that which is going to be formed.

    Le tube 2 est positionné à proximité de l'outil de mise en forme 24, tandis que le galet 23 est déplacé latéralement pour bloquer ledit tube afin qu'il coopère avec le profil interne de chacun. En effet le galet 23 et l'outil 24 présente un profil interne qui dépend du diamètre externe du tube 2 (figure 6 et 7).The tube 2 is positioned close to the shaping tool 24, while the roller 23 is moved laterally to block said tube so that it cooperates with the internal profile of each. Indeed the roller 23 and the tool 24 has an internal profile which depends on the external diameter of the tube 2 (Figures 6 and 7).

    Le bras 27 portant le galet 23 pivote en rotation autour de l'axe vertical de l'ensemble 22 qui se confond avec celui de l'outil de mise en forme 24 afin de déformer à froid le tube 2 au rayon de cintrage (figure 8).The arm 27 carrying the roller 23 pivots in rotation about the vertical axis of the assembly 22 which merges with that of the shaping tool 24 in order to cold deform the tube 2 to the bending radius (figure 8).

    Après enroulement du tube 2 autour de l'outil 24, une tension alternative est appliquée au moyen de l'unité 19 à l'électrode 30, tandis que l'autre électrode 31 est reliée à la masse. Cette tension engendre un champ électrique de fréquence et de tension élevée de façon à agiter les molécules du matériau diélectrique constituant le tube 2, afin que ce dernier s'échauffe.After winding the tube 2 around the tool 24, an alternating voltage is applied by means of unit 19 to electrode 30, while the other electrode 31 is connected to ground. This voltage generates an electric field of frequency and high voltage so as to agitate the molecules of the dielectric material constituting the tube 2, so that the latter heats up.

    Les moyens d'échauffement 25 émettent lors de l'élévation de la température du tube 2 des rayonnements extérieurs provenant des ondes électromagnétiques. Ces rayonnements sont récupérés par la cage de blindage 32 pour éviter tout risque d'élévation de la température des individus se trouvant à proximité de la machine 1.The heating means 25 emit when the temperature of the tube 2 of external radiation from electromagnetic waves. These radiations are recovered by the shielding cage 32 to avoid any risk of temperature rise for individuals in the vicinity of the machine 1.

    Il va de soi que lors du cintrage du tube 2 les portes 16 de la cage 32 sont fermées et qu'aucun individu ne doit se trouver à l'intérieur de cette dernière.It goes without saying that during the bending of the tube 2 the doors 16 of the cage 32 are closed and that no individual should be inside it.

    On constate que seule la partie du tube 2 situé entre les électrodes 30 et 31 s'échauffe donc de la partie à cintrer, étant donné que la conduction des matières plastiques est très faible.It can be seen that only the part of the tube 2 located between the electrodes 30 and 31 therefore heats up from the part to be bent, since the conduction of materials plastics is very weak.

    On note que les moyens d'échauffement 25 permettent d'élever la température du tube 2 en quelques secondes.It is noted that the heating means 25 make it possible to raise the temperature of the tube 2 in seconds.

    Ensuite les moyens de refroidissement 28 assure un soufflage d'air froid sous pression par l'intermédiaire de la buse 29 à l'intérieur du tube 2 afin de le refroidir pour qu'il conserve sa forme de cintrage au rayon de l'outil 24.Then the cooling means 28 blows cold air under pressure via the nozzle 29 inside the tube 2 in order to cool it so that it retains its bending shape to the radius of the tool 24.

    Le bras 27 revient dans sa position d'origine et le galet 23 se déplace latéralement afin de libérer le tube 2. Par exemple, le tube 2 peut être déplacé suivant son axe longitudinal et entraíner en rotation autour de ce dernier pour effectuer un autre cintrage dudit tube dans un plan différent.The arm 27 returns to its original position and the roller 23 moves laterally in order to release the tube 2. For example, the tube 2 can be moved along its axis longitudinal and rotate around it to perform another bending said tube in a different plane.

    On remarque que compte tenu de la possibilité de réaliser des cintres en chauffant et en refroidissant rapidement un tube 2 enroulé autour d'un outil de mise en forme 24, il devient possible de réaliser des géométries différentes par enchaínement de cintres successifs. Note that given the possibility of making hangers in heating and rapidly cooling a tube 2 wound around a tool shaping 24, it becomes possible to produce different geometries by chain of successive hangers.

    Les déplacements en longueur, de rotation et de cintrage du tube 2 sont réalisés par des axes à commande numérique gérés par les unités de contrôle 17 et 18.The length, rotation and bending movements of the tube 2 are carried out by numerically controlled axes managed by control units 17 and 18.

    On note que l'outil de mise en forme pourrait comprendre plusieurs rayons de cintrage, tandis que la tête de cintrage serait munie de moyens de guidage verticaux afin de présenter l'outil de mise en forme adéquate selon le rayon de cintrage à obtenir.It is noted that the shaping tool could include several radii of bending, while the bending head would be provided with guide means vertical in order to present the correct shaping tool according to the radius of bending to be obtained.

    On constate que l'outil de mise en forme 24 peut être utilisé sur toute autre machine différente des machines à cintrer les tubes. Egalement, l'outil de mise en forme peut être utilisé indépendamment de l'exemple décrit précédemment. En effet, la machine à cintrer 1 est un exemple d'utilisation de l'outil de mise en forme 24 qui n'est pas limitatif.It is noted that the shaping tool 24 can be used on any other machine different from tube bending machines. Also, the implementation tool form can be used independently of the example described above. In indeed, the bending machine 1 is an example of using the shaping tool 24 which is not limiting.

    L'unité 19 comprend un ensemble haute fréquence qui est constitué d'un émetteur capable d'émettre une puissance dont le niveau est réglable, et d'une structure de traitement du type capacitive dans laquelle est placée la zone de matériau à traiter. Pour répondre aux contraintes de la norme NE 55011, le générateur est du type amplificateur piloté par quartz.Unit 19 includes a high frequency assembly which consists of a transmitter capable of emitting a power whose level is adjustable, and of a capacitive type processing structure in which is placed the material to be treated. To meet the constraints of standard NE 55011, the generator is of the amplifier type driven by quartz.

    L'énergie issue du générateur est transmise à la structure de traitement via un adaptateur d'impédance par un câble coaxial d'impédance connue. L'adaptateur d'impédance est équipé de deux éléments variables et motorisés pour transmettre toute l'énergie issue du générateur à la charge. Cette fonction est assurée automatiquement grâce à un double capteur dont les signaux de sortie sont amplifiés et traités par une électronique qui commande chacun des deux moteurs couplés aux éléments variables.The energy from the generator is transmitted to the treatment structure via a impedance adapter by coaxial cable of known impedance. The adapter impedance is equipped with two variable and motorized elements to transmit all the energy from the generator to the load. This function is ensured automatically thanks to a double sensor whose output signals are amplified and processed by electronics that control each of the two motors coupled with variable elements.

    Lors de l'échauffement, les caractéristiques diélectriques du matériau traité évoluent avec la température. Le système automatique d'accord permet d'optimiser et de gérer pendant tout le traitement le niveau d'énergie transmis au produit et d'assurer ainsi une bonne reproductivité du traitement.During heating, the dielectric characteristics of the treated material evolve with temperature. The automatic tuning system allows optimize and manage the energy level transmitted to the entire treatment product and thus ensure good reproducibility of the treatment.

    En ce qui concerne l'applicateur, la structure d'application du champ (capacité par exemple) est optimisée de façon à transmettre l'énergie de manière adéquate et homogène dans les zones à traiter. La forme des électrodes est donc optimisée en fonction du diamètre et de l'épaisseur du tube et du rayon de cintrage.Regarding the applicator, the application structure of the field (capacity per example) is optimized to transmit energy adequately and homogeneous in the areas to be treated. The shape of the electrodes is therefore optimized depending on the diameter and thickness of the tube and the bending radius.

    Claims (13)

    1. Tool for forming a tube made of a polar or dielectric plastic material, which comprises heating means (25), characterized in that said heating means are means of heating by dielectric loss, using frequencies which are adapted to suit the polar materials of which the tube (2) is made, in order to shape them.
    2. Forming tool according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises means (28) of cooling the polar materials tube (2) which are arranged along the same longitudinal axis as the axis bearing said tube (2).
    3. Forming tool according to Claim 1, characterized in that it is isolated from the outside by a shielding cage (32) which holds back the external radiation of electromagnetic waves from the heating means (25).
    4. Forming tool according to Claim 1, characterized in that it is made of an insulating material.
    5. Forming tool according to Claim 1, characterized in that a wrapping pulley (23) pivots about the forming tool (24) so as to shape the polar material tube (2) in the cold state to the radius of said tool.
    6. Forming tool according to Claim 1, characterized in that the heating means (25) consist of two electrodes each one formed of a metal plate (30, 31) arranged in two parallel planes, one on each side of the forming tool (24), said first plate (30) being connected to an AC voltage source (19), while the other (31) is connected to ground.
    7. Bending machine of the kind comprising an elongate frame (3) secured to a carriage (7) equipped with a chuck (8) for holding a tube (2) to be bent, made of a polar or dielectric plastic material, so as to be able to move said tube in terms of rotation about its axis and in a longitudinal direction towards a bending head (4) located at one end of said frame, characterized in that the bending head (4) comprises at least one forming tool (24) and means (25) of heating by dielectric loss, using frequencies which are adapted to suit the polar materials of which the tube (2) is made, in order to shape them .
    8. Bending machine according to Claim 7, characterized in that the bending head (4) comprises means (28) of cooling the polar materials tube (2) which are arranged along the same longitudinal axis as the axis bearing said tube (2).
    9. Bending machine according to Claim 7, characterized in that the bending head (4) is isolated from the frame (3) of the machine (1) by a shielding cage (32) which holds back the external radiation of electromagnetic waves from the heating means (25).
    10. Bending machine according to Claim 7, characterized in that the tool (4) for forming the polar materials tube (2) is made of an insulating material.
    11. Bending machine according to Claim 7, characterized in that the bending head comprises a wrapping pulley (23) which pivots about the forming tool (24) so as to shape the polar material tube (2) in the cold state to the profile of said tool.
    12. Bending machine according to Claim 7, characterized in that the heating means (25) consist of two electrodes each one formed of a metal plate (30, 31) arranged in two parallel planes, one on each side of the forming tool (24), the first plate (30) being connected to an AC voltage source (19), while the other (31) is connected to ground.
    13. Method for bending a tube (2) made of a polar or dielectric plastic material, characterized in that it consists in:
      placing a tube (2) against a forming tool (24) by means of a wrapping pulley (23),
      using the wrapping pulley (23) to deform the tube (2) in the cold state,
      using means (25) of heating by dielectric loss to heat the tube (2) using frequencies which are adapted to suit the polar materials of which the tube (2) is made,
      cooling the tube (2) by injecting air under pressure.
    EP98954516A 1997-11-07 1998-11-05 Forming tool heating device Expired - Lifetime EP1035930B1 (en)

    Applications Claiming Priority (3)

    Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
    FR9714259 1997-11-07
    FR9714259A FR2770794B1 (en) 1997-11-07 1997-11-07 DEVICE FOR HEATING A SHAPING TOOL
    PCT/FR1998/002360 WO1999024189A1 (en) 1997-11-07 1998-11-05 Forming tool heating device

    Publications (2)

    Publication Number Publication Date
    EP1035930A1 EP1035930A1 (en) 2000-09-20
    EP1035930B1 true EP1035930B1 (en) 2002-02-13

    Family

    ID=9513348

    Family Applications (1)

    Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
    EP98954516A Expired - Lifetime EP1035930B1 (en) 1997-11-07 1998-11-05 Forming tool heating device

    Country Status (6)

    Country Link
    EP (1) EP1035930B1 (en)
    AT (1) ATE213183T1 (en)
    CA (1) CA2309306A1 (en)
    DE (1) DE69803879T2 (en)
    FR (1) FR2770794B1 (en)
    WO (1) WO1999024189A1 (en)

    Families Citing this family (3)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    DE102004003682A1 (en) * 2004-01-24 2005-08-11 Klingelnberg Ag Method for hot-flow forming and a device for carrying out the method
    FR2929140B1 (en) * 2008-03-26 2010-07-30 Faurecia Sys Echappement BENDING MACHINE FOR TUBES
    SG10201907808VA (en) 2018-09-05 2020-04-29 Blm Spa Machine for the working of tubes provided with a device for detecting any slippage of the tube being worked

    Family Cites Families (3)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    FR1450807A (en) * 1965-07-15 1966-06-24 Improvements in methods and devices for deforming sections of metal tubes and in deformed tubes obtained
    DE2220910A1 (en) * 1972-04-28 1973-12-20 Babcock & Wilcox Ag METHOD AND DEVICE FOR THE PRODUCTION OF ARCHES FROM PIPES OR HOLLOW BODIES IN THE HOT BENDING PROCESS
    JPS5645220A (en) * 1979-09-21 1981-04-24 Dai Ichi High Frequency Co Ltd Bending method for metallic pipe

    Also Published As

    Publication number Publication date
    FR2770794A1 (en) 1999-05-14
    ATE213183T1 (en) 2002-02-15
    CA2309306A1 (en) 1999-05-20
    WO1999024189A1 (en) 1999-05-20
    FR2770794B1 (en) 2000-01-21
    DE69803879D1 (en) 2002-03-21
    EP1035930A1 (en) 2000-09-20
    DE69803879T2 (en) 2002-10-10

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