EP1156895B1 - Crimping ring, method for making same and manufacturing installation - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a shrinking ring comprising a metal band wound on itself, the ends of which are linked by a connecting element presenting minus an anchor edge, according to the preamble to the first claim, as well as a shrink ring and a manufacturing facility.

Document EP-A-0 610 108, in accordance with the preamble of claims 1 and 13, discloses a constriction ring made from a metal strip whose ends have a similar thickness half the thickness of the strip and have, for example, studs of fixation. To link these ends together, a mounting plate, having, for example, openwork, is placed so that a stud commits to each day. Then, the free end of the studs is riveted on the brochure.

This manufacturing process and the ring it allows to obtain give overall satisfaction. However, the process requires a first step which consists in halving the thickness of the ends of the strip while by forming fixing pads. Areas of reduced thickness and their studs must then be precisely dimensioned to allow placement and the timing of the fixing plate, this plate also in front be performed with great precision. In addition, a minimum clearance is necessary, between the plate and the strip, and between the two ends of the strip, to compensate for the tolerances of positioning of the studs in the openings of the brochure. This game risks weakening the final link.

According to this method, it is therefore necessary to form the studs at the ends of the strip, conform the plate, put the plate in place by engaging the studs in the openings of the latter, riveting the studs and, in addition, operating the finishes (elimination of excess material, ...). This succession of operations is ultimately relatively long and costly.

The invention aims to improve the aforementioned method to overcome the disadvantages noted above.

This object is achieved thanks to the fact that, to connect said element of connection at one end of the strip, the connection element is placed against said end so that the anchoring edge of the connecting element is located opposite this end and pressure is exerted on the connecting element so as to push the material from said end of the strip which is under the connecting element while sparing in this end a fixing member able to cooperate with said anchoring edge for retaining one relative to the other the connecting element and said end of the band, so that the thickness of the ring in the region of the connecting element is substantially equal to the thickness of the strip.

As will be seen below, according to the embodiment considered, the anchor edge (s) may consist of the edges an opening formed in the connecting element, or even by a conformation appropriate (indentations, angular cuts ...) of the contour or one of the faces of the connecting element.

The connecting element is thus connected to the ends of the strip by a simple mechanical pressure action which repels the material located under the connecting element (by cutting or pushing it back). The element of bond is integrated in the thickness of the strip, the bond being the cause of no notable excess thickness and the ring thus obtained has a shape cylindrical, the inner and outer cylindrical surfaces of which are smooth.

Once the connecting element is placed against the end of the strip, the pressure is exerted on all or substantially the entire surface of the element of connection which covers said end, which makes it possible to integrate the element of connection in the thickness of this end.

Once the connecting element has been properly conformed with its anchor edges, it suffices to carry out a pressure step to put said element in place and ensure the connection by forming the member (s) of fixing, without the need to pre-form said fixing members. The connecting element serves as a shaping tool and remains in place in the ring to ensure the connection.

The connecting element may consist of a connecting piece distinct from the strip, this part having at least two anchoring edges. With this part, at least one fixing member is housed in each from both ends of the strip, said fixing members being respectively able to cooperate with each of said anchoring edges for respectively connect the connecting piece to the first and to the second end of the strip.

This connecting piece may have a generally similar shape to that of a brochure. It can also have a different shape and present reliefs, as will be seen below.

Thus, in the method of the invention, the connecting piece is directly used as a tool for shaping the ends of the strip and is embedded in both ends of the strip, so in the ring, which it links. This conformation is therefore simplified and obtained directly during the installation of the part. In addition, the link between the piece and the ends of the strip is obviously made without play. results that the possible manufacturing tolerances of the part or a possible imprecision of its positioning on the tape before the pressure stage have no effect on the quality of the connection ultimately obtained.

In some cases, the connecting element can also be produced in a first end of the strip during a step of conformation and to connect the two ends of the strip, the first end conformed with the second end of the strip and exerts said pressure.

This time, it is directly the first end of the strip which constitutes the connecting element and which serves as a tool for shaping the second end of the strip, in which it is embedded. The link is finally carried out without additional parts and without play.

According to a first embodiment, the connecting element is used as a tool which is used to crush the end of the strip on which it is placed until the thickness of the ring in the region of the element of bond is substantially equal to the current thickness of the strip and to cause a backflow of the material from this end leading to the formation of at least one fixing member against the anchoring edge of the connecting element. This connecting element is embedded in the band and remains embedded in the ring.

This material discharge induces total contact between the edges for anchoring the connecting element and the fixing members formed by discharge. For example, the connecting element can be perforated, in which case the fixing members are formed by studs or the like driven back into the openings of this connecting element.

As indicated above, we can choose as connecting element a separate piece of tape. In this case, even if, for example due cutting tolerances, the extreme edges of the strip are not entirely joined when the part is placed against the band, the operation of pressure induces a discharge of the material of the strip which allows not only the formation of the fasteners, but also the filling any clearance between said extreme edges.

According to a second embodiment, the connecting element is used as a cutting tool. In this case, pressure is exerted on the connecting element so as to cut the repelled material from the strip by said connecting element and until the latter takes the place of the cut and repelled material, and the cut material is eliminated and rejected. In this case also, the connecting element is embedded in the ends of the strip which it cuts, however, over their entire thickness.

So even if the manufacturing tolerances affect the dimensions of the connecting element, the clearances between the connecting element and the strip, since the cut is always adapted to the dimensions of this element of link.

Preferably, in this second embodiment, a connecting element consisting of a solid connecting piece (having, in general, the shape of a plate) distinct from the band, whose outline defines anchor and cut edges.

The invention also relates to a shrink ring comprising a metal strip wound on itself, the ends of which are linked by a connecting element having at least one anchoring edge.

The invention aims to improve the shrink ring known by the document EP-A-0 610 108, as presented above.

This object is achieved by the fact that the connecting element is connected to one end of the strip by a fixing member arranged against the edge anchoring by the establishment of said connecting element, to the fact that the connection between the strip and the connecting element is free of play and the fact that the thickness of the ring in the region of the connecting element is substantially equal to the thickness of the strip.

In the restricting ring of the invention, the member (s) of fixation are directly formed by a backflow of the material against the or the anchoring edges of the connecting element or by a portion of strip remaining against the anchor edge after cutting the strip by the connecting element, which remains in place in the cutout. The quality of connection between the connecting element and the strip is reinforced by the absence of play, so that the ring is extremely solid and the connection of its ends more resistant to the necking operation carried out during the place the ring on the object to be tightened. The connecting element is embedded in the band.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the connecting element is consisting of a separate piece of tape, the anchor edge (s) can then be formed by the edges of at least one opening of the part or by an appropriate conformation (indentations, angular cuts ...) of the surface of said part, that is to say of at least one of its faces and / or of its periphery.

According to another advantageous embodiment, the connecting element consists of a first end of the strip comprising at least an anchor edge. Advantageously, this anchoring edge is formed by a openwork and the first and second ends of the strip are crushed one against the other, a stud belonging to the second end being formed in said opening.

The invention also relates to an installation for manufacturing a shrinking ring comprising means for winding a strip metallic on itself and to bind the ends of said strip by a connecting element having at least one anchoring edge.

The invention aims to provide a simple installation, which can operate at high production rates to allow reliable and virtually backlash-free shrink ring manufacturing in the region of the connection of its ends.

This object is achieved thanks to the fact that the installation of the invention comprises means for placing the connecting element against a end of the strip, so that at least one anchoring edge of said strip connecting element is located opposite said end, as well as a tool press intended to exert pressure on the connecting element so repelling the material from said end of the strip which is under the connecting element while providing in this end a member of fixing able to cooperate with said anchoring edge to retain one by relative to the other the connecting element and said end of the strip, such so that the thickness of the ring in the region of the connecting element is substantially equal to the thickness of the strip.

Means for arranging the extreme edges of the facing strip one of the other can for example equip a winding station, in which the strip is gradually wound on itself until its extreme edges are placed end to end or practically end to end end. In this case, the connecting element may consist of a piece of link supplied from a store, which can be set up against the strip by means of gripping, wedging and positioning. The tool press works for example in the manner of a punch biased back and forth between a rest position in which it allows the establishment a strip and a connecting piece facing said tool, and a position of work in which it performs the pressure operation of the connecting piece. On this occasion, the strip can be held in a counter-tool of rigging.

The connecting element can be directly constituted by a first end of the strip, in which case the installation advantageously comprises means for conforming said end as a connecting element with minus an anchor edge (openwork ...), while the winding station places the two ends of the strip against each other.

• la figure 1 montre, en vue de côté, une bande à partir de laquelle peut être fabriquée une bague à rétreindre selon l'invention,
• la figure 2 montre la bande de la figure 1 au cours de son processus d'enroulement,
• la figure 3A illustre la jonction des extrémités de cette bande à l'aide d'une pièce de liaison, selon une première variante,
• la figure 3B est une vue analogue à la figure 3A, montrant une deuxième variante,
• la figure 4 montre la bague des figures précédentes, dans la région des extrémités de la bande,
• la figure 5 est une vue de dessus de la bague montrant la zone de la liaison des extrémités de la bande,
• la figure 6 montre, en coupe, un outil de presse permettant de fabriquer la bague de la figure 5,
• la figure 7 est une vue partielle de la bague de la figure 5, en coupe selon la ligne VII-VII,
• les figures 8 et 9 sont des vues partielles de bagues réalisées conformément au premier mode de réalisation, avec différentes formes de pièces de liaison,
• la figure 10 montre, en vue de côté, les extrémités de la bande avant leur liaison à l'aide d'une pièce de liaison représentée en coupe longitudinale,
• la figure 11 montre, en vue de dessus, une bande servant à réaliser une bague à rétreindre selon une variante de réalisation et illustre la conformation de sa première extrémité en élément de liaison,
• la figure 12 est une coupe selon la ligne XII-XII de la figure 11,
• la figure 13 illustre la liaison des deux extrémités de cette bande pour former la bague à rétreindre,
• la figure 14 montre une variante de l'élément de liaison de la figure 11,
• la figure 15 est une vue de côté de la figure 14,
• la figure 16 est une vue analogue à la figure 3A pour le deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention, dans lequel la liaison des extrémités de la bande est réalisée par découpe à l'aide d'une pièce de liaison, et
• la figure 17 est une vue partielle dans la région des extrémités de la bande après leur liaison à l'aide.de la pièce de liaison de la figure 16.

The invention will be well understood and its advantages will appear better on reading the detailed description which follows, of embodiments shown by way of nonlimiting examples. The description refers to the accompanying drawings in which:

• FIG. 1 shows, in side view, a strip from which a shrinking ring can be made according to the invention,
• FIG. 2 shows the strip of FIG. 1 during its winding process,
• FIG. 3A illustrates the junction of the ends of this strip using a connecting piece, according to a first variant,
• FIG. 3B is a view similar to FIG. 3A, showing a second variant,
• FIG. 4 shows the ring of the preceding figures, in the region of the ends of the strip,
• FIG. 5 is a top view of the ring showing the zone of the connection of the ends of the strip,
• FIG. 6 shows, in section, a press tool making it possible to manufacture the ring of FIG. 5,
• FIG. 7 is a partial view of the ring of FIG. 5, in section along the line VII-VII,
• FIGS. 8 and 9 are partial views of rings produced in accordance with the first embodiment, with different forms of connecting pieces,
• FIG. 10 shows, in side view, the ends of the strip before their connection using a connecting piece shown in longitudinal section,
• FIG. 11 shows, in top view, a strip used to produce a ring to be constricted according to an alternative embodiment and illustrates the conformation of its first end as a connecting element,
• FIG. 12 is a section along line XII-XII of FIG. 11,
• FIG. 13 illustrates the connection of the two ends of this strip to form the ring to be constricted,
• FIG. 14 shows a variant of the connecting element of FIG. 11,
• FIG. 15 is a side view of FIG. 14,
• FIG. 16 is a view similar to FIG. 3A for the second embodiment of the invention, in which the ends of the strip are joined by cutting using a connecting piece, and
• FIG. 17 is a partial view in the region of the ends of the strip after their connection using the connecting piece of FIG. 16.

Figure 1 shows a metal strip 10, for example steel or made of aluminum, of the type suitable for making a ring to be constricted. This strip is for example cut from a strip and has a thickness substantially constant over its entire length.

For the production of a ring to be shrunk from this strip, the two ends 10A and 10B of the latter are brought together one from the other. This is for example carried out during a rolling operation which can be carried out in several successive phases, of which figure 2 shows the beginning.

At the end of this operation, the strip can be completely wound on itself so that its extreme edges 11A and 11B (free edges of the ends 10A and 10B) are arranged end to end or substantially end to end. Figure 3A shows this situation.

In this figure, it can also be seen that a connecting element having the form of a separate piece 12 from the strip 10 is brought into the region of the ends 10A and 10B. As can be better understood from Figure 5, this piece has a plurality of openings. In the present case, it comprises two series of three openings 14 arranged on either side of a transverse line of symmetry M.

This piece 12 is arranged against the strip so that at least an opening 14 is placed on the first end 10A of the strip and that minus another opening is placed on the second end 10B of this bandaged. For example, we make the line of symmetry M of the part of connection corresponds appreciably with the junction line of the edges free 11A and 11B. The connecting piece can be placed against the strip in upstream of the station in which the pressure step is carried out or in this station. It is temporarily held in place against the tape by means of provisional maintenance. It can be claws or the like, spring-mounted and likely to retract or be concealed in the thickness of the press tool when carrying out the pressing step.

However, in FIGS. 3A and 3B, these holding means are constituted by a blank press 16 which presses the region of the ends of the ring against the counter-tool 20. This blank press has a liner 16A in which the press tool 18 slides with practically zero play, this liner having a section corresponding to that of the press tool and to contour of the connecting piece, so that this piece is held by the lining wall. To allow the installation of the part 12 in the liner 16A in the inactive position of the press tool 18, the blank press 16 has an opening (for example a slot 16B) which is released in said inactive position. We can also provide that this connecting piece either in place when the blank holder is moved away from the strip.

It is also conceivable that the manufacturing facility includes means for placing the connecting element, for example the connecting piece 12, on the press tool and that this tool is able to carry this connecting element to arrange it against the strip, continuously the pressure operation. Thus, the connecting piece 12 can be carried by the active face 18A of the press tool 18 which for this purpose comprises means timing or temporary maintenance. For example, the connecting piece can be retained by means of the electromagnet type.

For carrying out the pressure step, the strip, or at least the region of its ends 10A and 10B, is maintained by being wedged between the counter tool 20 and the blank press 16. The press tool can be moved between an inactive position, shown in Figures 3A and 3B, in which it allows the establishment of the band in the press station the installation, and an active position in which it performs the step of pressure.

In the example shown in FIG. 3A, the strip has been shaped so that it has a given curvature in the region of its ends 10A and 10B from before the fitting of the connecting piece. Through example, this curvature already corresponds to the curvature that the ring to shrink complete. The active face 18A of the press tool 18 also has a curvature substantially equal to this curvature given, which allows the connecting part to be properly conformed. Through elsewhere, although we have shown in Figure 3A the connecting piece 12 in a substantially flat configuration, this part can, prior to its placed on the strip, having been shaped so as to present substantially the same curvature as the strip in the region of its ends 10A and 10B.

In the variant of FIG. 3B, the ends 10A and 10B of the strip have been brought together so as to be substantially contiguous but the tape has not been rolled in the region of its ends, regions that remain therefore substantially flat. The part 12 is also flat, of same as the active face 18'A of the press tool 18 '.

In FIGS. 3A and 3B, it can be seen that the active face, 18A or 18'A of the press tool has recesses, respectively 19 and 19 ', which, during the press operation, are arranged in correspondence with the openings 14 of the connecting piece 12. Such recesses are also visible on the active face 28A of the press tool 28 of FIG. 6, which presents two series of three corresponding recesses 29 respectively in the openings 14 of the part 12.

In addition to these recesses 19, 19 ', 29, the active face of the press tool has solid parts 18B, 18'B, 28B arranged in correspondence with the solid parts of the room.

Figures 4 and 7 show, for two variants, the finished ring, in the region of its interconnected ends. In Figure 4, the coin connecting 12 has been arranged on the inside of the ring. We can see that this part is practically embedded in the thickness of the ring, the thickness E of the ring in the region of the connecting piece being substantially equal to its current thickness E '. This current thickness corresponds to the thickness of the strip 10 in which the ring is formed; this is the thickness the ring (except possibly in the region of the studs 15) before its necking.

To keep, under the connecting piece, part of the material of the strip, the thickness e of the connecting piece is less than the thickness E ', by example of the order of half this thickness E '.

We understand by considering Figure 4 that the pressure of the workpiece connection on the ends 10A and 10B of the strip has been carried out in such a way that these ends have been crushed until the thickness E (which corresponds to the sum of the thickness e of the connecting piece and the strip thickness remaining under this connecting piece) is substantially equal to the thickness E 'and so that the material of the strip is pushed back in the openings of the connecting piece to form fixing studs 15.

Due to the presence of the recesses 19, 19 'or 29 of the tool press, the fixing pads 15 even slightly protrude from the face of the connecting piece in contact with this tool as shown in Figure 4. Depending on the layout of the connecting piece and the height of these overshoots, we can let them remain or, on the contrary, operate a step final elimination of the surplus of repressed material.

In the variant of FIGS. 6 and 7, the active face 28A of the tool press is concave, the connecting piece 12 being arranged on the outside of the ring as shown in Figure 7. This variant has the advantage to prevent any protrusion of the studs 15 beyond the face of the connecting piece does not injure the object to be tightened.

Figure 5 shows, in top view, the region of the ring which includes the connecting piece 12. This figure corresponds to a view according to the arrow F in FIG. 4 or according to arrow G in FIG. 7.

We see in Figure 5 that the width L12 of the part 12 is less at the width L of the strip 10. These two widths are measured in the direction axial of the ring to be shrunk. The connecting piece is arranged so that leave longitudinal margins of strips, respectively 13A and 13B, on either side of the longitudinal edges 12A and 12B of the workpiece link. The longitudinal direction is that of the length of the strip 10. These margins 13A and 13B are each partly provided in each from the two ends 10A and 10B of the strip.

In the ring of Figure 5, the connecting piece is therefore embedded not only in the thickness of the strip, but also in the width of the latter. This feature has the advantage of further strengthening the connection between the two ends of the strip, since the connecting piece is not accessible from either of the longitudinal edges of the bandaged.

It also has the advantage of preventing the edges of the part are not subject to corrosion.

In FIG. 5, the region of the ring which includes the connecting piece is still placed on the press counter tool 20. It is wedged in this counter-tool which for this purpose has a recess provided with edges of wedging 21. We have indicated in broken broken lines a possible form of clearance 21 'between the press tool and the counter tool during the pressure, this clearance 21 'being filled, during the pressure step, with the excess material due to the discharge of the material from the strip.

The pressure step can be followed by a step in which the excess material can be eliminated. Overall, the forms of the press tool and the press counter tool are determined so as to control the discharge of the material from the strip in certain areas. This repression obviously takes place preferably through the openings of the connecting piece to create the fixing studs 15. As indicated above, a side discharge can be authorized in the zones 21 '. The repressed material can also fill a possible clearance between the edges extremes 11A and 11B of the strip when these edges are arranged in look at each other.

Of course, the pressure step is carried out so that the material of the strip is crushed and pushed back preferentially to the material of the connecting piece 12. Those skilled in the art can adjust accordingly (travel speed, maximum pressure, delivery area preferential) the different parameters of the pressure step.

It will very advantageously choose to use a connecting piece whose mechanical resistance is greater than the mechanical resistance presented by the strip. For example, the connecting piece may be made of steel coated with aluminum, the steel being hardened so as to have a mechanical resistance of the order of 600 to 1000 N / mm ² , for example of the order of 930 N / mm ² , while the strip may be made of aluminum having a mechanical strength of the order of 300 N / mm ² . One can imagine that the connecting piece and the strip are made from the same basic material but that, after their cutting in the strip, they have undergone a work hardening or a heat treatment giving greater resistance to the piece of binding only to the band.

Furthermore, a person skilled in the art will choose the number and the size of the openings so as to obtain the desired material discharge to form the studs.

In FIG. 8, the ends 10A and 10B of the strip are connected by a connecting piece 22 whose outline forms the anchoring edges. The ends 22A and 22B of the connecting piece form wide heads, of width L22, while the intermediate section 23 is thinner. So the extreme edges 25 of heads 22A and 22B form anchoring edges ensuring the connection against compression forces of the ends 10A and 10B towards each other, while the "internal" edges 27 (neighbors of the section 23) heads 22A and 22B provide the connection against tensile forces of the ends 10A and 10B relative to each other. These anchor edges cooperate with the fastening members 25 'and 27' of the band pushed back against said anchoring edges during the establishment of the connecting piece.

Optionally, in addition to the anchoring edges 25 and 27 which are produced around its periphery, the connecting piece 22 may have openings 24, shown in broken lines, the edges of which form edges additional anchors.

Figure 9 shows a connecting piece 32 having a central aperture 34 disposed astride the ends 10A and 10B of the strip. The repression of the material of the strip during the positioning of this part of pressure connection forms a fixing stud 35 belonging in part at each of the ends 10A and 10B. The edges of the aperture 34 which are oriented transversely to the length of the strip form edges anchor resistant to tensile forces, while the ends 39 of the connecting piece resist compressive forces by cooperating with the fixing members 39 'pushed against these edges during the installation of the connecting piece.

In FIG. 10, the connecting piece 42 has openings 44 whose edges 43 protrude from the underside of the connecting piece. When pressure of the connecting piece on the ends 10A and 10B of the strip, these edges 43 are anchored in the thickness of the strip. To get within openings 44, fixing pads, formed by the discharge of the material the band and participating in the holding of the link, provision is advantageously made that the total height h of the edges 43, measured from the face of the workpiece connection opposite them, ie less than the current thickness E 'of the bandaged. If the height h is equal to the thickness E ', the strength of the connection will be obtained by anchoring the edges 43 in the strip and by the extreme edges 49 of the connecting piece, the material pushed back into the openings 44 being able possibly be eliminated later.

The variants of FIGS. 8 to 10 are given by way of examples not limiting. We can imagine other variants such as the presence indentations, grooves or the like on the underside of the workpiece link. To control the discharge of material and expel the air which is pushed forward of this material, the grooves or the like may communicate with the ambient air, on the edges of the connecting piece or by openings of the latter.

In the variant execution of the method described with reference to Figures 3A, 3B and 5, we put the connecting piece in place against the two ends of the strip before carrying out the pressure step. According to another variant, the connecting piece is placed against the first end of the strip by placing at least one first anchoring edge on the first end of said strip, pressure is exerted on the connecting piece of so as to repel the material from said first end which is under the connecting piece while providing, in this first end, at less a first fixing member able to cooperate with the first edge the second end of the strip against the workpiece connection by placing said second end opposite at least one second anchor edge of the connecting piece and pressure is exerted on said piece so as to repel the material from said second end while providing, in this second end, at least a second fixing member capable of cooperating with the second anchoring edge. This variant may also target the second embodiment (cut) exposed below.

With reference to FIGS. 11 to 14, a variant will now be described of the invention in which the connecting element is shaped to the first end of the strip.

Figure 11 shows, in top view, the strip 110 from which is made the ring to shrink according to this variant. It is by example of a strip analogous to strip 10, cut from a strip of material usually used to make the rings swaging.

This time, the connecting element 112 is directly produced in the first end 110A of the strip 110. Indeed, this first end 110A has undergone a conforming step in which at least one has practiced an anchoring edge in said first end.

In FIGS. 11 to 13, several anchoring edges are provided and are formed by the edges of the openings 114. To do this, one can for example use a punching tool 132 placed in a station punching comprising a punching counter-tool 130 on which is disposed the end 110A of the strip, and the punching tool 132 being movable perpendicular to the counter-tool between a position separated from the band and an active punching position. The punching tool includes a number of punches 134 adapted to the openings that one wishes practice.

For example, the end 110A of the strip is arranged in a recess in the form of recess 136 which the counter-tool has 130. This housing itself has cavities 138 allowing the punch to cross the strip right through and allowing the evacuation of waste from perforation 114 '.

Advantageously, the connecting element 112 has a thickness e less than the current thickness E 'of the strip 110. It is therefore possible to use the punching tool 132 also as a press tool which is used for reduce the thickness of the end 110A during the punching operation. A clearance 140 is then provided between the punching counter-tool and the punching tool to allow the material to be pushed back surplus. For example, this clearance 140 is produced using a suitable form of housing 136.

As shown in Figure 13, to connect the two ends 110A and 110B of the strip, the perforated end 110A which constitutes the connecting element 112 with the other end 110B of the strip and we realize the pressing step using a press tool 128. The end 110B of the band is held in place in the counter tool 120 and the press tool 128 is moved to this counter tool so as to apply pressure to the 110A end of the strip leading to a backflow of the material the end 110B of the strip through the openings 114 to form studs of fixation. During the pressure step, excess material from the end 110B can also be pushed back. This repression of matter excess can fill any gaps and be eliminated by the after.

During the pressure step, it is the material of the end 110B which is crushed and pushed back preferentially to that of the end 110A. For to do this, we can act on the parameters of displacement and conformation press tool and its counter tool. Preferably, we make sure that the end 110A has a mechanical resistance greater than that presents the end 110B of the strip. To do this, the process of realization of the ring to be restricted advantageously comprises a step in which the strip 110 is subjected to a treatment giving its first end 110A has greater mechanical resistance than presents the second end. This treatment may interest a region of the strip which includes the end 110B, the desired reduction of which is mechanical resistance compared to the initial mechanical resistance, or otherwise interest a part of the strip which includes its 110A end to increase the mechanical resistance. We will use for example a heat treatment or work hardening. Treatment can be operated practically in conjunction with the 110A end shaping step as a connecting element 112 or immediately after this step.

We see in Figure 13 that the strip 110 has been rolled so that it has a given curvature in the region of its ends superimposed 110A and 110B. Press tool 128 has an active face whose curvature is adapted to this given curvature.

The method advantageously includes a final rolling step of the ring to be shrunk and elimination of excess material due to discharge, first, from the end 110A and, then, from the end 110B.

Figures 14 and 15 show a variant for the shape of the end 110A of the strip which carries the connecting element 142. This is made by crushing the 110A end which reduces its thickness (up to approximately half the current thickness of the strip) and by elimination (cutting) of the waste shown in broken lines and designated by the reference 142 '. This "punching" (crushing + cutting) can be done in one or two passes.

In the example shown, this cutting results in giving element 142 is substantially T-shaped, with a free end formed by a wide head 142A connected to the strip by a thinner trunk 143, the head width may be equal to or less than the current width of the bandaged.

This T shape is an example of the case where the edges anchor of the connecting element which is formed at one end of the strip are formed on the contour or surface of this connecting element. As in the case of FIG. 8, an anchoring edge 145 is formed at the free end of head 142A and two anchoring edges 147 are formed on the edge "internal" of this head.

In addition, such a connecting element may have one or more openings, such as openwork 144 shown in broken lines.

Referring to Figures 16 and 17, we now describe the mode of embodiment in which the connecting element connects the ends of the strip by filling in a cut made by this connecting element.

In FIG. 16, the ends 210A and 210B of the strip 210 are placed end to end in a cutting and joining station. The element of connection, constituted by a piece 212 is disposed against these ends in being maintained in a suitably shaped liner 216A produced in a blank press 216. As in FIGS. 3A and 3B previously described, other means of support are possible (claws ...). The extremities of the strip are held between the blank press 216 and a counter-tool of cutout 220 which has a cavity 220A generally having the shape of the Exhibit 212 and allowing the evacuation of cutting waste. So we have indicated waste 210'A and 210'B from the previous cut.

Press tool 218 has an active face 218A of suitable shape to that of the connecting piece. It is movable back and forth in the liner 216A enters an inactive position shown in Figure 16 (in which the means 216B for positioning the connecting piece are released) and an active press position. The blank press 216 and / or the counter tool 220 are movable to allow insertion of the ends of the strip and their hold in locked position. The stroke of tool 218 is adjusted so that to allow the cutting of the ends of the strip while arranging the part link 212 so that it takes the place of waste from cutting eliminated.

The connection between the connecting piece and the strip is made without play. Optionally, to help maintain the connecting piece in the plan of the ends of the strip, it is possible, after the installation of said connecting piece, make a few non-opening punching points on the interface edges of the connecting piece and the strip, as indicated by reference 213 in FIG. 17.

In this figure, we can better distinguish the appearance of the connecting piece which is generally similar to that of FIG. 8, with its wide heads 222A, 222B and its intermediate section 223, except that its thickness E212 is equal to the current thickness E 'of the strip. The width L212 of the heads wide is less than the current width L of the strip. Anchor edges 225 and 227, respectively formed at the free ends and at the edges "internal" heads 222A and 222B, cooperate with the fixing members 225 'and 227', formed by the cutting edges adjacent to said edges anchor.

Claims (26)

1. A method of manufacturing a swaging ring comprising a metal strip (10, 110, 210) rolled into a hoop with its ends (10A, 10B; 110A, 110B; 210A, 210B) connected together by a connection element (12; 22; 32; 42; 112; 142; 212) having at least one anchor edge (14; 24, 25, 27; 34, 39; 43, 44; 114; 145, 147; 225, 227),
      the method being characterised in that to connect said connection element to one end (10A, 10B; 110B; 210A, 210B) of the strip (10, 110, 210), the connection element is placed against said end in such a manner that said anchor edge of the connection element is in register with said end, and pressure is exerted on the connection element (12; 22; 32; 42; 112; 142; 212) in such a manner as to upset the material of said end of the strip lying beneath the connection element while providing a fixing member (15; 25', 27'; 35, 39'; 225', 227') in said end suitable for co-operating with said anchor edge to hold the connection element and said end of the strip relative to each other in such a manner that the thickness (E) of the ring in the region of the connection element is substantially equal to the thickness (E') of the strip.
2. A method according to claim 1, characterised in that a connection element is provided constituted by a connection piece (12; 22; 32; 42; 212) that is separate from the strip (10, 210), said piece having at least two anchor edges (14; 24, 25, 27; 34, 39; 43, 44; 225, 227), and in that at least one fixing member (15; 25', 27'; 35, 39'; 225', 227') is provided in each of the two ends of the strip (10A, 10B; 210A, 210B), said fixing members being suitable for co-operating respectively with each of said anchor edges so as to connect the connection piece respectively to the first and second ends of the strip.
3. A method according to claim 2, characterised in that a connection piece (12, 22, 42, 212) is provided whose maximum width (L12, L22, L212) is less than the width (L) of the strip (10, 210), and in that said connection piece is placed in such a manner as to leave longitudinal margins (13A, 13B) of the strip (10) along longitudinal edges (12A, 12B) of said piece (12, 22, 42, 212).
4. A method according to claim 3, characterised in that the end edges (11A, 11B) of the strip (10; 210) are placed facing each other, in that the connection piece (12; 22; 32; 42; 212) is placed against the strip by placing at least a first anchor edge (14; 25, 27; 34, 39; 43; 225, 227) on the first end (10A; 210A) of the strip (10; 210) and at least a second anchor edge (14; 25, 27; 34, 39; 43; 225, 227) on the second end (10B; 210B) of the strip, and in that pressure is exerted in such a manner as to upset the material of the two ends (10B; 210B) of the strip beneath the connection piece while forming fixing members (15; 25, 27'; 35, 39'; 225', 227') in each of said two ends, said fixing members being suitable for co-operating respectively with said first and second anchor edges.
5. A method according to claim 3, characterised in that the connection piece (12; 22; 32; 42; 212) is placed against the first end (10A; 210A) of the strip (10; 210) by placing at least a first anchor edge (14; 25, 27; 34, 39; 43; 225, 227) on the first end (10A; 210A) of said strip (10; 210), pressure is exerted on the connection piece (12; 22; 32; 42; 212) in such a manner as to upset the material of said first end (10A; 210A) which underlies the connection piece while forming at least one first fixing member (15; 25, 27'; 35, 39'; 225', 227') in said first end suitable for co-operating with the first anchor edge, the second end (10B; 210B) of the strip is placed against the connection piece by placing said second end in register with at least one second anchor edge of the connection piece, and pressure is exerted on said piece in such a manner as to upset the material of said second end (110B) while forming at least one second fixing member in said second end suitable for co-operating with the second anchor edge (14; 25, 27; 34, 39; 43; 225, 227).
6. A method according to claim 1, characterised in that the connection element (112; 142) is formed in a first end (110A) of the strip (110) during a shaping step, and in that in order to connect together the two ends of the strip, the shaped first end (112; 142) is superposed on the second end (110B) of the strip (110) and said pressure is exerted.
7. A method according to claim 6, characterised in that the strip (110) is subjected to treatment imparting mechanical strength to the first end (110A) of said strip that is greater than the mechanical strength of the second end (110B) of the strip.
8. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that a connection element (12; 22; 32; 42; 112; 142) is used of thickness (e; h) that is less than the ordinary thickness (E') of the strip, in that the connection element is placed against one end of the strip, and in that pressure is exerted on said connection element (12; 22; 32; 42; 112; 142) in such a manner as to flatten said end of the strip until the thickness (E) of the ring in the vicinity of the connection element is substantially equal to the ordinary thickness (E') of the strip and in such a manner as to cause the material of said end (10A, 10B; 110B) to be upset so as to form at least one retaining element against the anchor edge of the connection element.
9. A method according to claim 8, characterised in that a connection element (12; 22; 32; 42; 112; 142) is used having at least one hole (14; 24; 34; 44; 114; 144) whose edge forms an anchor edge, and in that the pressure exerted on the connection element causes material of the metal strip (10; 110) to be upset so as to form a fixing stud (15, 35) in said hole.
10. A method according to claim 9, characterised in that a connection element is provided constituted by a connection piece (12; 22; 42) that is separate from the strip, said piece having at least two holes (14; 24; 44), and in that the piece is put into position and pressure is exerted thereon in such a manner as to cause material of the first end (10A) of the strip (10) to be upset, thereby causing a first fixing stud (15) belonging to said first end to be formed in a first hole of the connection piece, and causing the material of the second end (10B) of the strip to be upset so as to form a second fixing stud (15) belonging to said second end in a second hole of the connection piece.
11. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that pressure is exerted on the connection element (212) in such a manner as to cut the material upset by said connection element away from the strip (210) until the connection element takes the place of the upset and cutaway material (210'A, 210'B), and the upset and cut-away material is removed.
12. A method according to claim 11, characterised in that a connection element is used that is constituted by a connection piece (212) that is separate from the strip, with the outline thereof defining anchor and cutting edges (225, 227).
13. A swaging ring comprising a metal strip (10; 110; 210) that is rolled into a hoop, the ends thereof (10A, 10B; 110A, 110B; 210A, 210B) being connected together by a connection element (12; 22; 32; 42; 112; 142; 212) having at least one anchor edge (14; 25, 27; 34, 39; 43; 114; 144, 145, 147; 225, 227),
       the ring being characterised in that the connection element is connected to one end (10A, 10B; 110B; 210A, 210B) of the strip by at least one fixing member (15, 25', 27'; 35, 39'; 225', 227') formed against the anchor edge by putting said connection element into place, in that the connection between the strip (10; 110; 210) and the connection element (12; 22; 32; 42; 112; 142; 212) has no clearance, and in that the thickness (E) of the ring in the vicinity of the connection element is substantially equal to the thickness (E') of the strip.
14. A swaging ring according to claim 13, characterised in that the connection element is constituted by a connection piece (32) that is distinct from the strip and that includes at least one hole (34) placed astride the two ends (10A, 10B) of the strip.
15. A swaging ring according to claim 13, characterised in that the connection element is constituted by a connection piece (12; 22; 42) that is distinct from the strip and that includes at least two holes (14; 24; 44) in which two fixing studs (15) belonging to each of the two ends of the strip respectively are formed by upsetting.
16. A swaging ring according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterised in that the connection element is constituted by a connection piece (22; 32; 42; 212) having anchor edges (25, 27; 39; 43; 225, 227) formed in its surface.
17. A swaging ring according to claim 16, characterised in that the connection piece (212) is of a thickness (E212) substantially equal to the ordinary thickness (E) of the strip (210).
18. A swaging ring according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterised in that the connection piece (12; 22; 32; 42) has an average thickness (e) substantially equal to half the ordinary thickness (E') of the strip (10).
19. A swaging ring according to any one of claims 14 to 18, characterised in that the connection piece (12; 22; 42; 212) is of a width (L12; L22; L212) smaller than the width (L) of the strip (10; 210), and in that longitudinal margins (13A, 13B) of the strip are provided along longitudinal edges (12A, 12B) of the connection piece (12; 22; 42; 212).
20. A swaging ring according to claim 13, characterised in that the connection element (112; 142) is constituted by a first end (110A) of the strip (110) having at least one anchor edge (114; 145, 147), the first and second ends (110A, 110B) of the strip being flattened against each other, and a fixing member belonging to the second end (110B) being formed against said anchor edge.
21. A swaging ring according to any one of claims 13 to 20, characterised in that the connection element (12; 22; 32; 42; 112; 142; 212) has mechanical strength greater than mechanical strength of the end(s) (10A, 10B; 110B; 210A, 210B) of the strip with which it cooperates.
22. An installation for manufacturing a swaging ring comprising: means for rolling up a metal strip (10; 110; 210) into a hoop; and means for connecting together the ends (10A, 10B; 110A, 110B; 210A, 210B) of said strip by a connection element (12; 22; 32; 42; 112; 142; 212) having at least one anchor edge (14; 25, 27; 34, 39; 43; 114; 145, 147; 225, 227),
       the installation being characterised in that it further comprises means for placing the connection element against one end (10A, 10B; 110B; 210A, 210B) of the strip so that at least one anchor edge of said connection element is in register with said end, and a press tool (18; 18'; 28; 128; 218) for exerting pressure on the connection element (12; 22; 32; 42; 112; 142; 212) in such a manner as to upset the material of said end of the strip (10A, 10B; 110B; 210A, 210B) that lies beneath the connection element while providing in said end a fixing member (15; 25, 27'; 35, 39'; 225, 227) suitable for co-operating with said anchor edge in order to hold together the connection element and said end of the strip in such a manner that the thickness (E) of the ring in the vicinity of the connection element is substantially equal to the thickness (E') of the strip.
23. An installation according to claim 22, characterised in that the press tool (18; 18'; 28; 128; 218) has an active pressure face (18A; 18'A; 28A; 218A) of a shape that is analogous to the shape of the zone of the connection element (12; 22; 32; 42; 112; 142; 212) with which said active face is to co-operate.
24. An installation according to claim 23, characterised in that the connection element (12; 22; 32; 42; 112; 142) has at least one hole (14; 24; 34; 44; 114), and in that the active pressure face (18A; 18'A; 28A) has at least one indentation (19; 19'; 29) suitable for being put in register with the hole(s) (14; 24; 34; 44; 114; 144) of the connection element and at least one solid portion (18B; 18'B; 28B) suitable for being placed in register with the solid zone(s) of the connection element (12; 22; 32; 42; 112; 142; 212).
25. An installation according to any one of claims 22 to 24, characterised in that the means for rolling the metal strip (10; 110) into a hoop are suitable for shaping the strip by imparting given curvature thereon in the region of its ends (10A, 10B; 110A; 110B) prior to placing the connection element against one end of the strip, and in that the press tool (18; 28; 128; 218) has an active face (18A; 28A; 218A) of curvature substantially equal to said given curvature.
26. An installation according to any one of claims 22 to 25, characterised in that it includes means (130, 132) for shaping a first end (110A) of the strip (110) into a connection element (112; 142), said means comprising a punch tool (132) suitable for forming at least one anchor edge (114; 145, 147) in said first end.

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