JP2004525773A - Apparatus and method for deforming a tube - Google Patents

Abstract

In a method of deforming the tube (4), a roller nip (10, 11) for rotating the tube (4) and a forming roller for deforming the cross-sectional shape of the tube (4) (for example, from a circle to an ellipse). An apparatus having an assembly (12, 13) is used.

Description

【Technical field】
[0001]
The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for deforming tubes, especially spiral wound lock seam tubes for ventilation tubing.
[Background Art]
[0002]
Patent Literature 1 discloses an apparatus called an overlyer for forming a circular pipe into an elliptical shape, that is, an apparatus for changing the cross section of a tube from a circular shape to an elliptical shape. In particular, the tube is a spiral duct, also referred to by those skilled in the art as a spiral wound tube.
[0003]
To achieve such tube deformation, the device comprises an elongated horizontal duct-forming assembly with two duct-forming members vertically spaced from each other. The two duct forming members are connected to each other by a power means configured to move them closer and further away from each other vertically.
[0004]
A circular tube to be deformed is placed on the duct forming assembly and the power means (several hydraulic cylinders) are activated. As the spacing between the duct formers increases, they press the inner surfaces of the tubes at opposite locations, respectively, causing the tubes to deform to an elliptical cross section. Each duct forming member has a semi-circular head pressed against the inner surface of the tube.
[0005]
However, such known techniques have several disadvantages, as discussed below.
[0006]
First, the pressing action on the inner surface of the tube deforms the tube wall and stretches the material. Such stretching can lead to tears and other defects in the tube wall.
[0007]
Second, if the tube is a spiral wound lock seam tube (the usual case), such a pressing action can lead to slipping or sliding within the lock seam, which in turn causes The dimensions in the part may be out of order. This makes it difficult to connect the tubes to the ventilation duct system.
[0008]
Third, the semi-circular head of the duct former must be replaced for each tube diameter. The replacement is time consuming and also requires that some duct forming heads be kept in stock. This increases costs.
[0009]
Fourth, this known device is less flexible because it can only be used to transform from a circle to an ellipse.
[0010]
Fifth, the deformed tube (oval) tends to return to its original shape (circular) due to the stresses in the tube wall induced by the deformation.
[0011]
Accordingly, there is a need for improved techniques for deforming tubes.
[0012]
With respect to the background art, so-called bending machines (bending machines) should also be described. The bending machine has a roller assembly into which a plate or sheet material is fed and formed into a desired shape, for example, a circular cross section. In the final stage, the tube is closed by axial welding along the tube wall. However, these bending machines cannot be used for tube-shaped deformation, for example from circular to elliptical, since the starting material is always a flat plate or sheet.
[Patent Document 1]
WO 99/51371 Pamphlet [Disclosure of the Invention]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
[0013]
It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved technique for deforming tubes, especially spiral wound lock seam tubes for ventilation tubing, thereby avoiding or at least mitigating the disadvantages discussed above. It is to be.
[Means for Solving the Problems]
[0014]
This object is achieved by a device having the features of the appended claim 1, the preferred embodiments of which are defined in the relevant dependent claims.
[0015]
According to this device, the problems of the prior art are solved. Due to the unique arrangement of the forming rollers and the moving means for moving them, the tubes can be deformed very easily. The deforming operation does not change the perimeter of the tube, so the tube material is not stretched. Therefore, no defect occurs in the wall of the tube.
[0016]
In addition, the device can be used to deform large numbers of tubes from circular to elliptical, elliptical to circular, and so on. In principle, any cross-sectional shape such as triangular, square, etc. can be achieved as long as the cross-sectional shape of the tube has rounded corners. The operation of the device according to the invention is thus very flexible.
[0017]
In a preferred embodiment, the forming roller is configured to apply a bending load to points of action spaced apart along an outer edge of the wall of the tube. As a result, a very smooth deformation operation can be achieved. It is preferable that the forming roller is configured to apply a bending load along a generatrix of the tube.
[0018]
The rotating means includes a roller nip assembly having two rollers facing each other, the rollers engaging the wall of the tube at the nip and rotating the tube about its longitudinal axis. Preferably, it is configured. Such a roller nip provides a reliable and smooth rotation operation. In order to simplify the control of the deformation operation, it is most preferable that the forming roller and the nip roller are parallel to each other. Furthermore, such an arrangement makes the structure of the device very compact.
[0019]
In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises a frame having two frame members facing each other and spaced apart such that the tube is arranged between the frame members during operation. Each frame member has a guide means to which the end of the forming roller is connected and which is arranged to effect the movement of the forming roller. These guiding means in the frame member provide very distinct control of the deformation movement of the forming rollers. No adverse inertia is involved.
[0020]
The guide means is preferably a groove provided in each frame member to receive an end of the forming roller. It is preferable that an actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder is mounted between the end of the forming roller and the frame member. As a result, a distinct movement of the forming rollers is achieved.
[0021]
In one aspect of the invention, a roller unit for deforming a tube having a constant cross-section and a vertical axis, wherein the first roller assembly is configured to rotate the tube about the vertical axis. And a second roller assembly configured to deform the transverse section of the tube by applying a bending load to the tube in a direction toward or away from the tube. A roller unit is provided.
[0022]
The advantages and preferred variants of the method of the invention are basically the same as discussed above in relation to the device.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0023]
The invention and its advantages are further described below with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings. The drawings illustrate currently preferred embodiments.
[0024]
With reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, an apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention comprises a frame 1 having two frame members 2, 3 facing away from each other. A tube 4 having a wall 5, an outer edge 6, an inner surface 7, an outer surface 8 and a longitudinal axis C is arranged between the frame members 2,3. The roller device includes two rotary nip rollers 10 and 11 and two rotary forming rollers 12 and 13. The nip rollers 10 and 11 provide means for driving the tube 4 to rotate about its longitudinal axis C, and the forming rollers 12 and 13 cause the tube 4 to deform. This is described further below.
[0025]
The tube 4 shown in this example is a spirally wound lock seam tube made of sheet metal, which is suitable for ventilation piping.
[0026]
All the rollers 10 to 13 are parallel to each other and also to the longitudinal axis C of the tube 4.
[0027]
The nip rollers 10, 11 are rotated by a motor M (schematically shown in FIG. 1) mounted on the frame 1.
[0028]
Each of the frame members 2 and 3 is provided with a mounting assembly for connecting the ends of the rollers 10 to 13 to the respective frame members. FIG. 1 shows only one mounting assembly. The assembly includes two arms 14 and 15 that are pivotally attached to the frame member 3 (as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 at 14a and 15a, respectively). The arm 14 is connected to an end shaft portion 12 a of the forming roller 12 inside the tube 4, and the arm 15 is connected to an end shaft portion 13 a of the forming roller 13 outside the tube 4. The pivoting movement of these arms 14, 15 (indicated by double arrows) is operated by actuator means, here shown as hydraulic cylinders 16, 17 mounted on the frame member 3.
[0029]
The upper nip roller 10 inside the tube 4 is rotatably connected to the frame members 2 and 3 by shaft portions 10a at both ends thereof. However, the nip roller 10 is "static" in the sense that it cannot move from its own position within the frame 1. However, the lower nip roller 11 is vertically movable with the aid of actuator means, here a hydraulic cylinder 18, mounted on the frame member 3.
[0030]
The working principle of this tube deforming device is shown in FIGS. A tube 4 with a circular cross section is arranged in the apparatus and is rotated clockwise by nip rollers 10, 11 which sandwich the tube wall 5 in a nip. The inner or upper forming roller 12 engages the inner surface 8 of the tube 4, while the outer or lower forming roller 13 engages the outer surface of the tube 4. The forming rollers 12, 13 are pressed against the tube wall 5 along the generatrix G of the tube 4.
[0031]
Due to the rotation of the arms 14, 15 about the support axis, the forming rollers 12, 13 apply a bending load to the tube wall 5 at the points of action 19, 20 which are spaced apart from the outer edge 6 of the tube. The forming rollers 12 and 13 are moved relatively to each other, and are moved relatively to the nip rollers 10 and 11. Due to such features, the tube 4 can be deformed to an intermediate cross-sectional shape as shown in FIG. 3 and finally to a target elliptical cross-sectional shape as shown in FIG. . In operation, the movement of the forming rollers 12, 13 is precisely controlled by a computer (not shown). The interaction between the two forming rollers 12, 13 applying such a bending load to the tube wall 5 results in a smooth deformation of the tube 4.
[0032]
The first forming roller 13 serves to reduce the radius of curvature R of the tube 4, while the second forming roller 12 serves to increase the radius of curvature R of the tube 4. The outer forming roller 13 applies a bending load in a direction substantially toward the center of the tube 4, while the inner forming roller 12 applies a bending load in a direction away from the center of the tube 4. In operation, the two forming rollers 12, 13 cooperate to provide an appropriate bending action.
[0033]
It is preferable that the arms 14 and 15 rotate in a plane P orthogonal to the longitudinal axis C of the tube 4.
[0034]
The end points of the forming rollers 12, 13 are indicated by broken lines in FIG. As a matter of fact, their end positions can vary depending on the final shape of the tube 4 to be aimed.
[0035]
This example shows how a circular tube 4 is transformed into an elliptical tube, ie how to change the radius of curvature R of the tube. However, this device can also be used for deforming an elliptical tube into a circular shape. With respect to the initial or final cross-sectional shape of the tube, there are no specific restrictions on deformation.
[0036]
As shown in FIG. 1, the frame member 3 is positioned at 21 so that this portion of the frame 1 can be "opened" for feeding the tubes into the device and removing the deformed tubes from the device. It is attached rotatably to. Of course, when feeding tubes into or removing tubes from the device, the inner rollers 10, 12 must be separated from their mountings.
[0037]
The number of rollers is not so important for deformation. As an example, another embodiment is shown in FIGS. The rollers 10-13 are similar to the embodiment described above, but with the addition of an additional outer roller 22. Since the additional forming roller 22 and the outer forming roller 13 are arranged opposite to each other with respect to the outer nip roller 10, a very smooth and effective deformation operation can be achieved. By raising and lowering these two forming rollers 13, 21 in a correctly defined sequence (controlled by a computer), a very favorable deformation is achieved.
[0038]
A second embodiment of this device is shown in FIGS. The main difference between the present embodiment and the first embodiment relates to the means for attaching and moving the rollers 10 to 13. The device shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 has two sets of mounting means, one set on each side. In the following, only one set will be described.
[0039]
The end shaft portion 11a of the outer nip roller 11 is received in an elongated recess or groove 23 of the frame member 3. The end shaft portion 13 a of the outer forming roller 13 is received in an elongated recess or groove 24 of the frame member 3. These grooves 23, 24 constitute means for guiding the movement of the associated rollers 11, 13 by the actuator means, here the hydraulic cylinders 18, 17 (as in the first embodiment). . The design of the grooves 23, 24 must be calculated in relation to the desired movement and deformation operations. The grooves 23 and 24 are usually straight, but may be slightly curved (not shown).
[0040]
As in the first embodiment, the outer or lower nip roller 11 is vertically movable, while the inner or upper nip roller 10 is "static" (of course, it is rotatable). Is). Each of the inner and outer forming rollers 12 and 13 is movable in a direction that forms a certain angle with respect to the vertical movement direction of the lower nip roller 11. FIG. 9 shows that the two grooves 23 and 24 form a certain angle.
[0041]
A slightly modified hydraulic cylinder 16 ′ is connected to the end shaft portion 12 a of the inner forming roller 12. The difference from the hydraulic cylinder 16 shown in FIG. 1 is that the hydraulic cylinder 16 ′ is detachably attached to the end shaft portion 12 a by a gripping member or a claw 25. Then, the cylinder 16 'can be removed from the forming roller 12 and swung about the support shaft 26 to the upright position, whereby the tube can be replaced. When the tube is fed into or taken out of the roller nips 10, 11, the nip roller 11 is lowered by the cylinder 18, the gripping member 25 is removed from the end shaft portion 12a, and the cylinder 16 'is raised. Rock to the position.
[0042]
As in FIG. 1, the frame member 3 is pivotally mounted at 21 so that this portion of the frame can be "open".
[0043]
The cylinders 16 ′, 17 and 18 are preferably arranged substantially in a common plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis C of the tube 4. This allows a very compact and reliable structure to be realized.
[0044]
In order to realize a smooth movement of the inner forming roller 12, its end shaft portion 12a is connected to the end shaft portion 10a by a link member 27. The link member 27 also serves to hold the upper nip roller 10 when the tube is removed from the nips 10 and 11 and replaced.
[0045]
As in the first embodiment, the first forming roller 13 decreases the radius of curvature R of the tube 4, while the second forming roller 12 increases the radius of curvature R. In FIG. 10, the inner forming roller 12 is shown at the highest position above the nip rollers 10 and 11. However, the forming roller 12 can be lowered in the direction of the cylinder 16 ′ to a position such that it cooperates with the outer forming roller 13 to apply a bending load to the tube wall 5. Then, the cylinder 16 'is rotated around the support shaft 26.
[0046]
Very good practical effects have been achieved with this device. The spiral wound lock seam tube used in the ventilation plumbing system has been transformed from circular to oval without any of the disadvantages of the prior art discussed as an introduction. According to the present invention, a simple and improved method of deforming a tube has been developed. In particular, it is preferable that the outer peripheral length of the tube is maintained without change during the deformation.
[0047]
Finally, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described herein, but many variations are possible within the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims. It should be emphasized that there is.
[0048]
For example, it should be noted that a different number of rollers than those described herein can be used, and that the invention is not limited to any particular tube type. Further, actuator means other than the hydraulic cylinder, such as a pneumatic cylinder and an electric drive unit (linear unit), can be used.
[0049]
Other means for rotating, mounting, and moving the rollers can also be used. For example, the cylinder 18 for moving the roller 11 can be replaced by a unit (not shown) having an axially operated cylinder that raises and lowers the roller 11 by a wedge assembly. Furthermore, the device 16 ', 25 for moving the roller 12 can be replaced by a gearing unit (not shown) connected to the roller 12 or its end shaft portion 12a. Due to the rotation of the gearing, the roller 12 moves along a sector as shown by a double-headed arrow in FIGS. The gearing is actuated by suitable means and is preferably electrically driven. With this gearing unit, the roller 12 can be swung between two end positions, for example along a semicircle.
[Brief description of the drawings]
[0050]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side view showing a deformation mechanism of the apparatus shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a side view showing a deformation mechanism of the device shown in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a side view showing a deformation mechanism of the device shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a view showing various positions of rollers included in the deformation mechanism.
FIG. 6 is a side view showing another deformation mechanism with an additional roller.
FIG. 7 is a side view showing another deformation mechanism with an additional roller.
FIG. 8 is a side view showing another deformation mechanism with an additional roller.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a side view showing a deformation mechanism of the device shown in FIG. 9;

Claims (21)

Tube having a wall (5) with an outer edge (6), an inner surface (7), an outer surface (8), a longitudinal axis (C), and a cross section having at least one radius of curvature (R). An apparatus for transforming (4),
Rotating means (10, 11) configured to rotate the tube (4) around its longitudinal axis (C);
A first forming roller (13) parallel to the longitudinal axis (C) of the tube (4), configured to engage the outer surface (7) of the tube (4);
A second forming roller (12) parallel to the longitudinal axis (C) of the tube (4), configured to engage the inner surface (8) of the tube (4);
Changing the at least one radius of curvature (R) to apply a bending load to the tube wall (5) to deform the cross section of the tube (4); Moving means (14, 15; 16-18) configured to move the forming rollers (12, 13) relative to each other and to move with respect to the rotating means (10, 11);
An apparatus comprising: The forming rollers (12, 13) and the moving means (14, 15; 16-18) are on the tube wall (5) spaced apart from each other along the outer edge (6) of the tube wall (5). 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is adapted to apply a bending load to the point of application of the force. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the forming rollers (12, 13) are adapted to apply a bending load along a generatrix (G) of the tube (4). The rotation means includes a roller nip assembly having two rollers (10, 11) opposed to each other;
The rollers (10, 11) are configured to engage the wall (5) of the tube at the nip and drive the tube (4) to rotate about its longitudinal axis (C). Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: 5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the forming rollers (12, 13) are parallel to the rollers (10, 11) of the roller nip assembly. A frame (1) having two frame members (2, 3) spaced apart from each other;
At the time of work, the tube (4) is arranged between the frame members (2, 3),
Each frame member (2, 3) has a guide (12, 13a) connected to an end (12a, 13a) of the forming roller (12, 13) and a guide configured to effect the movement of the forming roller (12, 13). Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, comprising means (24, 16 ', 27). 7. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the guide means is a groove (24) provided in the frame member (2, 3) for receiving an end of the forming roller. 7. An actuator means (16, 17) mounted between an end (12a, 13a) of the forming roller (12, 13) and the frame member (2, 3). Or the apparatus according to 7. 9. Device according to claim 8, wherein the actuator means is a hydraulic cylinder (16, 17). The moving means includes arms (14, 15) connected to ends (12a, 13a) of the forming rollers (12, 13), and these arms (14, 15) are provided on the tube (4). 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is rotatable in a plane (P) substantially perpendicular to the vertical axis (C). Device according to claim 10, characterized in that actuator means (16, 17) are mounted between the arm (14, 15) and the frame member (2, 3) of the device. 12. The device according to claim 11, wherein the actuator means is a hydraulic cylinder (16, 17). Further comprising an additional forming roller (22);
The forming roller (22) is configured to engage an outer surface (7) of the tube (4) and along the outer edge (6) of the tube wall (5). Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is spaced from the roller (13). The additional forming roller (22) and the first forming roller (13) are included in rotating means (10, 11) for rotating the tube (4) around its longitudinal axis (C). Device according to claim 13, characterized in that it is arranged on both sides of the outer nip roller (11). A method for deforming a tube (4) having an inner surface (8), an outer surface (7), a longitudinal axis (C), and a cross section having at least one radius of curvature (R),
Rotating the tube (4) about its longitudinal axis (C);
Applying a bending load to the inner surface and the outer surface (8, 7) of the tube (4);
Changing the at least one radius of curvature (R) so as to deform the cross section of the tube (4);
A method comprising: The bending load is applied to points of action (19, 20) on the tube wall (5) spaced apart from each other along an outer edge (6) of the tube wall (5). 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the method comprises: 17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the point of application of the bending load moves along the outer edge (6) of the wall (5) of the tube while deforming the tube (4). The method according to claim 15, wherein the bending load is applied along a generatrix (G) of the tube (4). A roller unit for deforming a tube (4) having a constant cross section and a vertical axis (C),
A first roller assembly (10, 11) configured to rotate the tube (4) about the longitudinal axis (C);
The cross section of the tube (4) is deformed by applying a bending load to the tube (4) in a direction toward the tube (4) or away from the tube (4). A second roller assembly (12, 13);
A roller unit comprising: A tube deformed by the method of claim 15. Use of a roller device for deforming a rotating tube (4), wherein at least one forming roller (12) is arranged inside said tube (4), whereas at least one forming roller (12) is arranged inside said tube (4). Use of a roller device such that the roller (13) is located outside the tube (4).