FR2484874A1 - Profiling machine for finished or semi-finished prods. - has transversely divided profiling tool, with adjuster for relatively movable sections - Google Patents

Abstract

The machine manufactures profiles of varying longitudinal cross sections. It has pairs of non-turnable profiling tools, fastened to driven or non-driven shafts. The tools are located in a row of profiling frames. At least one tool (4,5) is divided transverse to its rotary axis (3). During profiling, the divided tool sections may be adjusted relative to each other. An adjusting unit preferably engages the sections and is at least stationary. The tool sections are turnable relative to the stationary sections of the adjusting unit. The tool sections may be axially slidable on their respective shaft(s).

Description

MACHINE FOR PROFILING AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING PROFILES
The invention relates to a machine for profiling lengths or semifinished products having a variable cross-section along the length, said machine comprising profiling tools arranged in pairs on shafts, entrained or not, of which they are integral in rotation and which are mounted on one or more rows of profile cages placed one after the other.

 We already know tools or profiling rollers that are divided into several segments. These composite rolls can be modified in width by adding and removing segments to make profiles of different widths. The disadvantage is that, to effect a width change under these conditions, the profileuse must be stopped and the tool disassembled, at least partially.

 The object of the invention is to provide a profiling machine of the type which is capable of producing not only lengths or semi-finished products of constant cross section, such as, for example, cylindrical tubes, rack support posts, moldings. etc., but also variable section profiles depending on the length, for example variable width, variable diameter tubes such as nestable downhole pipe elements which are then mounted by telescopic engagement said profiles being produced without that it is necessary to stop the machine, or to interrupt the profiling process.

 The solution to this problem is that at least one of the profiling tools is sectionable perpendicular to its axis of rotation, the two parts of said tool being able to be moved away from or closer together during the profiling operation. The tool, thus rendered cabal, comérly use a positioning device actuating each of its two parts, said device being at least partially immobile, while said parts of the tool can rotate relative to the element This arrangement makes it possible to vary the width of the tool to be profiled during the profiling process, the cross-section of a profiled semi-finished product or a similar product being able to be modified during its course, without stopping the profileuse. It is particularly advantageous for the operation of the whole machine that the profiling tools, of variable width, are mounted on their respective shafts integral in rotation with the latter, while being able to slide axially. Thus, the shaft can cause each of the parts of each tool despite their axial offset, whatever their position in width.

 The adjustment device can, for this purpose, advantageously attack one of the profiling rollers of a pair of tools, while the two parts of the other profiling roll can follow the adjustment movement of those of the first roll. either as a result of the nesting of the profilings, or - or at the same time - by means of a pilot plate or a similar device, mounted on one of the adjustable rollers whose edges it exceeds the edges by entering the shift of the other.

 The device for adjusting the position of the profiling tools is usefully arranged in operation and mechanical drive, which allows to provide automatic actuation.

 Various embodiments and several constructive solutions, in particular for the mechanical device for adjusting the spacing, are the subject of other claims.

In order to be able to automatically take account of the desired variation of dimensions in the successive profiling stations traversed for example by a strip or the like, it is advantageous to provide one or more light barriers, stops or other detectors in the direction of travel of the part. This is particularly useful for setting> to the right of each pair of tools, a light barrier, a limit switch and so on. enabling the downstream profiling station to communicate in good time any change in dimensions made on the neighboring roll
The invention encompasses a method of manufacturing a profile with a variable cross-section along its length, said profile being produced during its course without any stop.

 This method essentially consists, according to the invention, of starting the profiling process with tools first set for a given width, then deca ler said tools, progressively during the course of the operation, shortly before the strap etc. or the blank to be profiled with a different section penetrates therein, at a speed corresponding to that of the scrolling of the strip or the roughing, conjugated with the expected enlargement rate.

The width can then be increased or reduced according to the expected sin of the profile during manufacture.

 A method for making a tube whose end has an enlarged section for interlocking with another tube-for example a method of manufacturing a gutter downcomer element-can be characterized. in that in the end portion of the later enlarged tube 9, small staple flanges and a wider envelope portion of the profiled semi-product are produced by means of, in this area, profiling tools set axially with respect to one another and that at the calibration of the section then bent in the form of casings the inner rollers in the enlarged zone of the tube are set in their axial spacing.

 It should be noted that, in a large number of cases, the variation of the width of a profile also corresponds to the need to vary its height accordingly, which can be done by shifting the distance between the shafts of a couple's tools. this last offset being able to be controlled by the same photoelectric barriers as the width variation of each of the tools.

Other advantages and features of the invention will appear on reading the following description, given by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the appended drawing in which:
FIG. 1 is a view in axial section of a pair of tools comprising two profiling rollers of adjustable width.
- Figure 2 is a side view of a segmented tool in two axially adjustable parts, between which is a cam disc with a brake
FIG. 3 is a view of an alternative embodiment of a brake acting on the cam disk which adjusts the two parts of the tool
FIG. 4 is a view in axial section of a profiling tool in two parts that can adopt variable widths and comprises a series of cylinders with axial movement, arranged in a ring around the axis in order to effect the movement of setting 9
FIG. 5 illustrates, in the same manner, an embodiment example in which the rollers to be profiled are adjustable in width thanks to a control linkage.
FIG. 6 is a very schematic side view of a profiling machine comprising several pairs of tools, each of which is preceded by a light barrier triggering, if necessary, an automatic or programmable width variation.
FIG. 7 is a schematic top view of a strip which has been profiled over part of its length, with a different width
FIG. 8 is an end view and,
FIG. 9 is a plan view of a C-profile tapering in a conical configuration
FIG. 10 is an end view and,
FIG. 11 is a view of a tube to be stapled, with an enlarged section at its end;
FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration of the various phases of the manufacture of a tube to be stapled according to FIGS. 10 and 11;
FIG. 13 is an enlarged radial cross-sectional view illustrating the shaping of a normal perimeter stapling tube.
- Figure 14 is a view similar to that of Figure 13 illustrating the shaping of the tube to staple in the enlarged perimeter portion; and
- Figure 15 is a profiling cage having an adjustment of the distance between the two shafts of the tools.

A profiling machine shown diagrammatically in FIG. 6 and denoted by 1 as a whole, intended for manufacturing lengths or profiled semi-products 2 with a variable cross-section along their length, has profiling tools 4 and 5 arranged usually in pairs on their respective shafts 3, driven or not, d and n are solin dalres, said tools, which will also be referred to as "profiling rollers" in the following, being placed on one or more series of successive profiling cages 6 (see Figure 15) .Two of these tools or profiling rollers 4 and 5 conjugate form a pair of tools mounted on the cage profiling 6
According to the invention, the profiling tools 4 and 5 are cut along a plane perpendicular to their axes of rotation (FIG. 1) and their respective halves 4 a and
Sa can be moved away from or closer to each other, during the profiling operation, by a distance + A b, according to a method which will be described later, so that the profile or the semi-finished product 2 can be made with a variable width depending on the length, value (b + Q b). Each of the profiling tools 4 comprises adjusting devices which attack their halves 4a, at least a portion of said device being immobile and the months 4a of the tool 4 rotatable relative to said fixed elements of the adjusting device. Figures 2 to 4 illustrate more concrete exemplary embodiments of these adjustment devices.

 The profiling tools 4 and 5 are locked in rotation, but can slide axially on their respective shafts 3. In these shafts, distinctly recognizable longitudinal grooves 7 in which engage suitable lugs to ensure the angular connection with the halves d tools 4a and Sa.

 It is especially FIG. 1 which makes it possible to recognize that it is sufficient for the devices for adjusting the width of the tools 4 and 5 to act on one of the profiling rollers 4 of the pair of tools, the halves Sa of the second roll. 5 accompanying the adjustment movement of the halves 4a is gracie i nesting profiles, or at the same time by means of a pilot plate 8, fixed on one of the adjustable rollers, -in the example shown on the roller 4, - which flanges the extreme end face of the other. It is clearly seen that an enlargement of the tool 5 also results in the concomitant enlargement of the tool 5, through the intermediary of the profiling itself, while a narrowing of said tool 4 causes the concomitant narrowing of the other tool 5 under the action of the pilot plate 8 which clamps said tool 5.

As for the adjustment devices, described below, they operate and are driven without manual intervention, it should be noted, however, that any other offset arrangements could be provided, allowing relative rotation of the tool halves. 4a or
Its relative to the device.

 In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 2, at least one cam disk 9 is inserted between axially adjustable halves 4a, profiling rollers 4 with adjustable width, said cam disk having a curved surface 10 and thickening on its front side. When the halves 4a are rotated relative to the cam disk 9, the oblique surface 10, of helical configuration cotidal, causes, in the direction of rotation performed, an adjustment of the halves 4a is in the direction of the widening of tool 4, in the direction of its narrowing. In the example of FIG. 2, rotation in the appropriate direction causes the tool 4 to expand from a starting position.

 The end faces of the halves 4a of the adjustable profiling roll 4 situated opposite the cam disk 9 also have a curved surface 11 which is antagonistic to the surface 10, which causes the aforementioned effect. For the manufacture and assembly of the elements, it is appropriate to have symmetrically couples of cam disks 9 whose oblique surfaces 10 are opposite to one another, each of said disks acting on one of the halves 4a of the roll, as shown in Figure 2.

 To obtain the desired relative displacement makes it possible to modify the width of the roll, it is important that the cam disk 9 is immobilized by a brake 12, brake with nags or ribbon according to the agencyzent of FIG. 2> able to fix the position of said disc acting in the direction of the arrows Pfl, so that the relative rotation of the halves of roll 4a remains and the curved faces 10 and 11 are combined to ensure the change of the width of the tool.

 FIG. 3 illustrates an immobilising brake variant 13 in which one or more clamping rings 14, which pivots gracefully to a pneumatic or hydraulic arrangement, can, by this movement, tighten the disc 9 by its periphery. According to FIG. 3, two clamping rings, preferably oblique with respect to each other in their starting position, pivot towards each other for clamping, around a junction point of a their edges 15, while their opposite edges can approach the arrows Pf2 or move away from each other using cylinders 16. This arrangement also allows to brake the cams 9 by blocking them in their position reached relative to the rotating tool 4, which has the effect of maintaining the width reached.

In FIG. 4, the variation in width of a profiling roll 4 is mechanically ensured by jacks 17 with axial movement, arranged between the halves 4a and surrounding the shaft 3 of said roll 4 and contained, according to the exe N.- ple ple executing cited, in a stationary common distributor 18 which receives the compression fluid along the arrow Pf3, said jacks bearing on the rotating halves 4a of the roller 4 by a thrust bearing 19. Thus, we obtain also a relative displacement between the stationary adjustment device, consisting of the distributor 18 and the cylinders 17, and the moving elements 4a When the pressure in the cylinders 17 is eliminated, the return of the device to its starting position can be carried out For this purpose, the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1 and 2, such as that illustrated in FIG. 4, provides for the axial return of the elements 4a, which are remote from each other, by return springs 20. , we re also known in Figure 4 the pilot plate 8 which traines the halves Sa of the second tool to profile 5. While stretched, the adjustment device can also act directly on the tool 5 which then ensures, in the same way as above , the elemental elements 4a
FIG. 5 illustrates that the "go" movement and, preferably, the "return" movement as well, of axially displaceable elements 4a of a profiling roller 4 can be provided by a control linkage 21 which entrains said elements by its end 22, sliding in peripheral ruts 23 formed in the decalable elements 4a. When the levers of the wheelhouses 21 move one hundred following the arrows Pf4> the ends 22 of their control arms pivot on their support points 24 by entraining the elements 4a.In the latter example the return of said elements 4a to a position of lesser The width can be made rigidly via the timers 21. However, it is still possible to have the appropriate return springs 20 coupled to either the linkages 21 or the elements 4a directly.

 FIG. 5 schematically shows how light barriers 25 are arranged upstream of each of the tools 4 and 5, in the direction of travel of the section 2 or of the parts to be profiled, according to the arrow Pf5, the excitation of said barriers causing the variation 4 or 5 profile widths to be profiled. Such a barrier 25 is combined with each pair of tools, so that a modification of dimensions performed on a roll triggers the proper modification of the roll at the downstream station in a timely manner.

FIG. 7 provides, for example, the treatment of a strip of strip whose length L comprises a sector I of increasing width, the parts 2 thus constituted being limited by stamped notches 26 by which they will subsequently be separated. the uzes of the others
This arrangement makes it possible to apply a method in which the strips of strip or other blanks of the same type receive a preliminary marking, in this case the pressed notches 26, which the light barriers 25 will detect in passing. strip, still continuous, passes in front of a light barrier 25 by a notch 26, the profiling tools take an upper width, which then decreases to return to the normal width, until the next of the notches 26 arrives in turn at the first barrier of the profiling machine 1.

Gracie to the provision described above, the width of the profiling tools 4 and 5 can be changed during normal operation of the profileuse 1 and no longer requires his-stop. this results in a means for producing profiles 27, 28 with a variable section. Figures 8 and 9 show, for example, a C-profile which tapers gradually.The method of manufacturing such a profile can be characterized in that the profiling operation begins at a prescribed width of the tools 4 and that this width varies gradually during scrolling, the enlargement process starting immediately in this case, but may, in other cases, begin only shortly before the moment when the point of the blank from which the section is to increase, thanks to the concomitant modification of the width of the tools 4 and 5 whose couples successively trigger their offset movement according to the scroll of the part. FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate the fabrication of a stapled tube 28 comprising an enlarged end zone 28a in order to accommodate another similar tube which fits therein. The phases of manufacture of such a tube are shown schematically in Figure 12, while Figures 13 and 14 illustrate the last of these phases. Or.recorinatt to the 12 that, firstly, stapling flanges 29 are bent, their width being lower (discontinuous lines) in the part of the part that will receive the expanded diameter, while the envelope unrolled tube 30 is wider gracie at the spacing of the profiling tools 4 and 5, controlled during the scrolling of said part to be expanded; the blank thus prepared 2 is then bent under the usual conditions, in several steps, to give it the tubular profile 28, the flanges 29 can then be nested to perform the stapling.Ansuite, at the time of shaping to the With the aid of the calibrating rollers 31, the inner rollers 32 will be widened by axial adjustment of their elements while the portion to be widened of the tubes is being expanded, which is particularly apparent from the comparison between FIGS. 13 and 14. The method thus described provides, at the last manufacturing phase, the stapled tube 28 according to FIGS. 10 and 11, which has been produced by the method described, advantageously in a continuous process without interruption, although its end 28a has been enlarged to facilitate the telescopic interlocking of another tube.These stapled tubes serve for example to form downpipes of rainwater
In the profiling cage 6 shown schematically in FIG. 15, the drawing shows that the distance that separates the shafts 3 from a pair of tools can also vary, thanks to a fine tuning pin 33 driven by a drive member 34. , which allows, in addition to the previously described variations of the width of a profile to also vary its height by deflecting the stapling flanges without the need to art burner the profiler 1. It can therefore proceed advantageously to variations in height made necessary by possible variations in width, the two variations being able to take place practically at the same time during the profiling operation and the adjustment spindle allowing a practically continuous variation of the distance between Of course, the rollers used in the profiling downstream of the expanding station gun must have a suitable configuration so that the variable edge areas of the profile meet nt free rotation zones of the next roll.

 Finally, it should be noted that multi-roller cages with roller assemblies whose axes are perpendicular can also be provided, making it possible to make regular cross-section variations by varying the width and / or width. height. In total, we obtain a profileuse and profiling process allowing, without manual intervention, to modify during its course the section of a profile without interrupting the operation. This ability to vary the dimensions of the sections during the profiling operation without interrupting allows to greatly expand the scope of this technique, while lowering the cost of the profiles thus obtained.

 It is understood that the embodiments described above are in no way limiting and may give rise to any desirable modifications, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (18)

claims  1 - Machine for profiling lengths or semimpro ducts having a variable cross section along the length, said machine having profiling tools arranged in pairs on shafts, driven or not, which they are rotationally fixed and which are mounted on one or more rows of profiling cages placed one after the other, characterized in that at least one profiling tool (4, 5) is divided along a plane perpendicular to its axis of rotation ( 3) and that the corresponding tool halves (4as 5a) are adjustable by bringing them together or away from each other during the profiling operation.  2 - profiling machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the segmented profiling tool (4 or 5) has a position adjustment device which controls its two halves (4a> 5) and which is at least partially immobile the halves (4a, 5a) of the tool (4 or 5) being rotatable relative to the moving parts of the positioning device.  3 - profiling machine according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the tools of variable width (4, 5) are mounted on their respective rotational shafts (3) integral in rotation9 but with axial sliding.  6 - Profiling machine according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the position adjustment device ensuring the width variation of the tools controls one of the profiling rollers (4) of a pair of tools conjugate , the two halves (5a) of other rollers (5) being then adjusted by the interlocking of the profiling and / or by a pilot plate (8) or a similar member which clamps said roll (5) and which is mounted on the first variable width roller (4).  5 - profiling machine according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the position adjustment device is mechanical and / or operates without manual intervention and is preferably motorized.  6 - profiling machine according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least ua cam disk (9) or similar member, provided with a curved surface (10) which rises helico # dalement from its front face, is inserted between the axially adjustable portions of the adjustable width roller profiler.  7 - profiling machine according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the front face of the (or) part (s) (4a) of the roller profiling (4) axially adjustable, located opposite the curved surface (10) of the cam disc (9) has an opposing curvature (11) conjugate with said curved surface (10).  8 - profiling machine according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that two symmetrical cam discs (9) arranged in pairs and whose curved surfaces are opposite each other respectively act respectively on each of the two parts (4a) of the profiling roll (4).  9 - profiling machine according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that on the cam disc is provided a brake (12, 13) or a similar member, to allow relative movement between the rolls to profile and cam discs for axial adjustment.  10 - profiling machine according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the brake (13) is constituted by at least one clamping ring (14) or a similar member, such a ring being pivotable under the action of a hydraulic and / or pneumatic cylinder for clamping the perimeter of the cam disc (9).  11 ^ profiling machine according to one of claims 1 to 10> characterized in that two clamping rings (14), preferably oblique relative to each other in their starting position can rotate around a common point at their edges (15) for braking  12 - profiling machine according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the mechanical device ensuring the variation in width of a profiling roller is constituted by a set of pistons (17) inter tercalés between the halves (4a)> axially mcbiless said roller and surrounding ring their shaft (3), said pistons being incorporated, preferably in a distributor (18) common, including immobile, which conveys the driving fluid of the pistons (arrow Pf3), while the pistons rest on the rotating halves (4a) of the rollers (4) at their points of contact, preferably via a thrust bearing (19).  13 - Profiling machine according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the return of the axial fit of the movable halves (4a) of a profile roll ler (4), after their spacingS is provided by return springs (20).  14 - profiling machine according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the spacing movement of the axially adjustable parts <4a) of a profiling roller and, preferably, also the return movement , are provided by control links (21) whose output ends (22) engage, preferably, in peripheral grooves (23) where they can slide.  15 - Profiling machine according to one of claims 1 to 14> characterized by the presence of at least one light barrier (25)> stop or other member upstream of the tools in the direction of travel of the profile (2) to be treated including an adjustable position detector, the excitation of which triggers the variation in width of the adjustable tool (s) (4,5).  16 - Profiling machine according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that on each pair of tools is provided a light barrier (25), a limit switch or other similar member which, when a The rating change has been made at the neighboring profiling station, which is then transmitted to the downstream station in due course.  17 - profiling machine according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the distance between the conjugate tools is preferably adjustable continuously and without bearings, in particular mechanically adjustable during the profiling operation.  18 - A method of manufacturing a section whose cross section varies during longitudinal scrolling of the part, characterized in that the operation starts with profiling tools (4) set for a certain width and that, shortly before introduction of the part of the blank etc. If it is not to be profiled with a different section, without interro # mpre ltoperation, the tools are successively set to a different width as the part or profile scrolls and the prescribed section of said part varies.  19 - Process in particular according to claim 18> characterized in that the strips of strip and other blanks receive a preliminary marking in the vicinity of the part to be executed with a different width, in particular by stamping, said marking being subsequently detected by a light barrier or a similar organ.  20 - A method of manufacturing a tube having an enlarged end for the fermentation of another tube, characterized in that it is first made in the end portion of the tube which will be enlarged later, small flanges for stapling (29) and a wider casing part (30) of the profiled semi-product (2) to the means in this area, of profiling tools (4,5) axially adjusted with respect to the other than calibrating the profile (28) which is then bent in the form of a tube, the inner rollers (32) are, in the widened zone of the tube, adjusted in their axial spacing.