US3765207A - Method and apparatus for working or finning tubing - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for working or finning tubing Download PDF

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Publication number
US3765207A
US3765207A US00141249A US3765207DA US3765207A US 3765207 A US3765207 A US 3765207A US 00141249 A US00141249 A US 00141249A US 3765207D A US3765207D A US 3765207DA US 3765207 A US3765207 A US 3765207A
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Prior art keywords
tubing
mandrel
head
tube
fin forming
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US00141249A
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English (en)
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R Winter
W Aylard
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NON FERROUS INT CORP
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NON FERROUS INT CORP
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
    • B21C—MANUFACTURE OF METAL SHEETS, WIRE, RODS, TUBES, PROFILES OR LIKE SEMI-MANUFACTURED PRODUCTS OTHERWISE THAN BY ROLLING; AUXILIARY OPERATIONS USED IN CONNECTION WITH METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL
    • B21C37/00—Manufacture of metal sheets, rods, wire, tubes, profiles or like semi-manufactured products, not otherwise provided for; Manufacture of tubes of special shape
    • B21C37/06—Manufacture of metal sheets, rods, wire, tubes, profiles or like semi-manufactured products, not otherwise provided for; Manufacture of tubes of special shape of tubes or metal hoses; Combined procedures for making tubes, e.g. for making multi-wall tubes
    • B21C37/15—Making tubes of special shape; Making tube fittings
    • B21C37/20—Making helical or similar guides in or on tubes without removing material, e.g. by drawing same over mandrels, by pushing same through dies ; Making tubes with angled walls, ribbed tubes or tubes with decorated walls
    • B21C37/207—Making helical or similar guides in or on tubes without removing material, e.g. by drawing same over mandrels, by pushing same through dies ; Making tubes with angled walls, ribbed tubes or tubes with decorated walls with helical guides
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01F—MAGNETS; INDUCTANCES; TRANSFORMERS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR MAGNETIC PROPERTIES
    • H01F7/00—Magnets
    • H01F7/06—Electromagnets; Actuators including electromagnets
    • H01F7/08—Electromagnets; Actuators including electromagnets with armatures
    • H01F7/16—Rectilinearly-movable armatures
    • H01F7/1607—Armatures entering the winding

Definitions

  • a mandrel initially positioned within the tubing presents a backup tool in the region of the fin forming head, the mandrel being formed from alternate sections of magnetic and nonmagnetic material and being held against axial movement by magnets surrounding the tubing and presenting alternate sections of magnetic and non-magnetic material so located that magnetic flux enters and leaves the mandrel at a plurality of locations along the length of each magnet.
  • the fin forming head is free to move axially to avoid stressing the fin forming elements which engage and form helical threads or fins on the exterior surface of the tubing. Initially, the speed of rotation of the fin forming head is adjusted so the rate of formation of fins on the tubing equals the linear speed at which the tubing is fed through the apparatus.
  • the finning head is free to move axially and actuates a control to either increase or decrease the speed of rotation of the head so fin forming proceeds at the new rate at which the tubing is fed.
  • Emergency shut off means are provided to shut off critical portions of the apparatus in the event of a malfunction such as axial movement of Claims, 9 Drawing Figures PATENTEB OCT 1 61973 .SHEET H 0F 5 INVENTORS May/4R0 M.
  • This invention relates to a method and apparatus for performing a work operation on an indefinite lenth of nonmagnetic material tubing. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for forming fins on the exterior surface of an indefinite length of small diameter tubing wherein a backup tool within the tubing is connected to a floating mandrel held against axial movement by magnetic forces.
  • the invention relates to an improved magnet arrangement for holding a floating mandrel disposed within non-magnetic or slightly magnetic material tubing against axial movement while moving the tubing axially and performing a work operation on the exterior of the tube with collapse of the tube resisted by a backup tool held by the mandrel.
  • the mandrel is formed from alternate magnetic and non-magnetic material sections, is held against axial movement by a plurality of electromagnets each including plural pole pieces surrounding the tubing and mandrel, and the mandrel holds a backup tool or anvil within the tubing which prevents crushing or other undesirable deformation of the tubing at a location where a tube finning head, which rotates about the tube, engages the tube to roll a form such as a deep thread or an annular or helical fin on the exterior of the tube.
  • the apparatus can be used to form any type of enhanced surface on a tube.
  • the invention relates to a method and apparatus for rolling helical fins on the exterior surface of a tube, or otherwise enhancing the surface of the tube, wherein the tube is advanced at a predetermined constant rate, the forming rolls are mounted on a forming head which rotates about the tube with the forming rolls in engagement with the tube, the forming head is on a floating support which permits axial movement of the head relative to a normal position, and control means responsive to movement of the head from the normal position either increases or decreases the speed of rotation of the head so the rate at which fins are formed on the tubing corresponds to the feed of the pedestal BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It is well known that fins or other surface deformations which increase the surface area of the outside of tubing improves the heat transfer characteristics of the tubing, and hence, tubing with fins formed thereon is extensively used in heat exchangers.
  • tubing coils of 500 feet and longer may be u s e d to maintain the number of start-stop operations at a minimum.
  • small diameter (%-l inch inside diameter) non-magnetic material tubing is continuously fed from a coil or other supply to a finning head and fins are formed on the exterior surface of the tubing in a continuous operation.
  • the tubing is fed from a coil containing perhaps 500 feet of the tubing.
  • the tubing is uncoiled, straightened, fed to the finning head, and after the finning operation is completed, is either recoiled or the straight sections leaving the finning head, are cut to a desired length.
  • tubing from a coil is exhausted, it is of course necessary to feed the forward end of another coil of tubing through the apparatus.
  • the method and apparatus of this invention is used in conjunction with a tube forming mill, the tubing is of course fed continuously to the tube finning apparatus.
  • the fin forming head is of the type which engages the outside of the tubing and rotates around the tube at a location where the anvil or backup tool connected to the mandrel is located within the tube.
  • the fin forming head includes several grooved or threaded opposed rollers which are forced into the outside surface of the tube to extrude or roll helical fins of the desired height on the tube. During this rolling process the tube is compressed radially against the backup tool connected to the mandrel. Simultaneously, the tube is moved axially relative to the head so a continuous helical fin is formed on the outside of the tube.
  • the mandrel and backup tool are then properly positioned within the tube with the mandrel magnetically aligned with plural magnets that hold the mandrel against endwise movement and with the backup tool correspondingly in transverse alignment with the forming rolls of the finning head.
  • a lubricant is also forced into the interior of the tube so friction between the backup tool and the tubing at the finning head is maintained relatively low.
  • a swivel joint may be provided between the magnetically held portion of the mandrel and the backup tool. This swivel joint allows the backup tool to rotate in response to the progressive helical deformation of the tube against the backup tool as the finning head rotates and forms fins on the tube, without rotating the mandrel.
  • the finning head is driven by a hydraulic motor the rotational speed of which is controlled in response to the position of the floating finning head relative to its normal axial position.
  • a sensing device When the head is moved from its normal position in the direction of travel of the tubing, a sensing device operates to increase the flow ofucid to and correspondingly to increase the speed of rotation of the hydraulic motor which rotates the head. If the head is rotating too fast and tends to climb along the tube so it moves in a direction opposite to the direction of travel of the tube, the sensing device operates to decrease the speed of rotation of the head.
  • a hydraulic motor is used to control the speed of the head, other variable speed motors such as electric motors can also be used.
  • an object of this invention is a method and apparatus for forming a helical fin on tubing in a continuous manner by engaging the exterior surface of the tubing with a fin forming tool and wherein a backup tool initially placed within the tube is magnetically held against axial displacement by plural electromagnets which extend around the outside of the tube.
  • Another object is a method and apparatus for continually forming helical fins on the exterior surface of a tube of nonmagnetic material of indefinite length wherein a backup tool is disposed within the tube in opposed relation to a rotating finning head including rollers which are pressed against the outside of the tube,
  • Another object is a unique mandrel and magnet arrangement wherein the mandrel is comprised of plural sections vof magnetic and non-magnetic material secured together in end to end relation and in which the magnet has hollow alternate rings of magnetic and nonmagnetic material providing axially spaced pole pieces, which rings and alternate sections co-operate to provide a substantial magnetic force resisting axial movement of the mandrel during a continuous work operation on an axially moving indefinite length of nonmagnetic material tubing.
  • a further object is a unique electromagnet and mandrel construction where each of a plurality of electromagnets has plural pole pieces energized by a single coil, the mandrel is within tubing of non-magnetic material and is comprised of alternate sections of magnetic and non-magnetic material so spaced apart that plural magnetic forces are exerted by each electromagnet to resist axial movement of the mandrel with the tube, and the plural pole pieces and'mandrel sections co-operate'to provide a relatively axially short magnet and mandrel assembly.
  • a further object is a rotating thread or fin forming head which is freely axially movable within predetermined limits, with the tubing on which the helical fins are formed, and in which control means rotate the head at a rate related to the pitch of the threads formed on the tube and the speed of advance of the tube, such that the position of the head does not deviate significantly from a normal centered axial position, while axial stresses between the tube and the head are substantially eliminated.
  • a further object is a method and apparatus for continuously forming fins or threads on the exterior surface of an indefinite length of non-magnetic material tubing wherein a finning head is free floating axailly, the tubing is fed to the finning head at a constant rate and is restrained against rotation, the finning head is rotated at a speed related to the pitch of the thread formed on the tubing and the speed of travel of the tubing to maintain the finning head in a normally centered position on its floating support, and the speed of rotation of the head is automatically increased or decreased in response to movement of the head axailly from its normal position so the rate at which fins are formed is adjusted to correspond to the speed at which the tubing is fed.
  • FIGS. la and 1b show the tube working apparatus of this invention diagrammatically in front elevation with portions thereof cut away for purposes of explanation;
  • FIG. 2 shows the manner in which FIGS. la and 1b are related to each other
  • FIG. 3 is an enlarged view in vertical section with portions broken away showing the electromagnets, mandrel swivel and a fin forming element;
  • FIG. 4 is a partial view in section taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3
  • FIG. 5 is an enlarged front elevational view in partial section and with portions thereof removed, of the floating finning head assembly according to this invention
  • FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the finning head with the dust cover removed, showing the control for regulating its speed of rotation, and the automatic shut off for stopping the apparatus in the event that the finning heads moves too far axially;
  • FIG. 7 is a front elevational view in partial section showing additional details of the finning head
  • FIG. 8 is an end elevational view of the finning head with portions thereof in section and portions removed for purposes of explanation.
  • FIGS. la and 1b there is shown the apparatus, in accordance with this invention, for continuously forming a helical fin on the exterior surface of indefinite length tubing.
  • apparatus 1 At one end of apparatus 1 is a coil support and pay-off 2 adapted to receive a coil 3 of tubing to be finned by the apparatus, and from which the tubing is fed to the apparatus.
  • Apparatus 1 includes first and second feed roller and straightening sections 5 and 6, a magnet section 7, a third roller section 8, a fin forming station 9, and a cutoff and discharge station 10.
  • First feed roller and straightening section 5 is located adjacent coil payoff 2.
  • Roller section 5 includes a pair of guide rollers 11 mounted for rotation about horizontal axes, a pair of pinch rollers 12 which perform a driving function and which are mounted for rotation on vertical axes, and a plurality of staggered straightening rollers 13 mounted for rotation on vertical axes and which function to straighten the tubing 18 in a vertical plane. It will be observed with reference to rollers 12, for example, that the periphery of each roller is concave so a substantial area of the exterior of the tubing is engaged by each roller.
  • roller section 6 which includes a plurality of upper rollers 14 and lower rollers 15. There are also pinch rollers 16 and 17. Rollers 14 are staggered relative to rollers 15 .and these rollers are all mounted for rotation about horizontal axes. The rollers 14 and 15 co-operate to straighten the tubing in a horizontal plane, whereas rollers 16 and 17 are drive rollers to propel the tubing.
  • the drive rollers 12, and the drive rollers 16 and 17 are each driven at a constant speed so tubing passing through the nips of these rollers are driven longitudinally through the apparatus at a predetermined speed. Guide rollers 11, straightening rollers 13, and straightening rollers 14 and 15, can also be driven, if necessary, to propel the tubing.
  • Each of the rollers 11-17 is adjustably mounted to permit precise adjustment of the location of the roller and the size of the nip between the drive rollers. Correspondingly, the pressure exerted on the exterior of the tubing by the several rollers '11-17 can be accurately adjusted.
  • An additional advantage of the adjustable rollers is that these rollers can be adjusted to accomodate several different sizes of tubing on which fins are to be formed, for example, in the range of 56-1 inch. Tubing fed through the apparatus travels along the path indicated by the center line 19, and the various portions of the apparatus are aligned relative to this centerline.
  • Magnet section 7 is comprised of eight identical electromagnets 20-27, each of which is generally cylindrical and has a centrally located opening therethrough. Magnets 20-27 are mounted with the axes of their openings aligned with the nips of the roller pairs ll-17. With the electromagnets in aligned end-to-end relation, a passage is defined through which tubing 18 moves axially during the operation of the appartus. Electromagnets 20-27 will subsequently be described in detail.
  • roller sections 8 which includes roller pairs 30-32. These roller pairs are pinch rollers identical to those previously described in section 6. Each roller of the roller pairs 30-32 is driven, and these rollers function to maintain the portion of the tubing within magnet assembly 7 substantially straight as well as to prevent any rotation of the tubing about its axis as a result of the rotating fin forming rollers at fin forming station 9.
  • the tubing travels to fin forming station 9 where helical fins are formed on the exterior surface of the tubing. From fin forming station 9 the tubing travels to cutoff and discharge station 10 where outfeed pinch rollers 34 are provided to convey the tubing away from apparatus 1.
  • a motor driven cutoff saw assembly 35 is provided at outfeed station 10. Cutoff assembly 35 is mounted on a support 36 for axial movement with the tubing at the same rate as the linear speed that the tubing travels through the apparatus. Cutoff assembly 35, when actuated, moves cutoff saw 37 into engagement with the tubing and simultaneously, the cutoff assembly 35 is moved axially so the tubing is out while it is moving.
  • cutoff assembly 35 is not used but instead, suitable apparatus (not shown) for coiling the tubing after it is finned, is substituted for the cutoff assembly.
  • Coil support and payoff 2 provides for feeding tubing 18 continuously to the apparatus from the coil 3.
  • Coil payoff 2 includes a support or table 40 having upstanding rollers 41 to feed tubing from the coil.
  • table 40 is provided with roller bearings (not shown) so the coil is free to rotate to feed tubing to roller section 5 at the inlet end of the apparatus.
  • an elongated mandrel 44 extends from a location beyond fin forming station 9 through magnet assembly 7. As shown at FIG. 3, mandrel 44 is within tubing 18 and is restrained against axial movement with the tubing by magnet assembly 7.
  • mandrel 44 is cylindrical and is comprised of an armature portion 56 including eight armature sections 46-53 which are located respectively within magnets 20-27. Connected to the armature portion 56 is an' anvil or tool portion 55. Slightly to the left of section 53 (FIG. 1b) is a swivel connection 54 which can be used to join anvil portion 55 of the mandrel with armature portion 56. The anvil portion 55 can also be directly connected to armature portion 56 in which case the swivel connection 54 is not used and the armature is rigid.
  • FIG. 3 shows the mandrel in greater detail, and also shows the details of the electromagnets 26 and 27.
  • mandrel 44 is located within tube 18 and that the sections 52 and 53 of the mandrel extend through the electromagnets 26 and 27 respectively.
  • Armature sections 46-53 of the mandrel are identical and each includes seven pieces of magnetic material 57-63 separated from each other by nonmagnetic material spacers 64-69. The end pieces 57 and 63 are longer axially than the intermediate sections 58-62.
  • nonmagnetic magnetic material separators 70 which are substantially longer than the spacers 64-69 and are essentially equal in length to the spacing between adjacent ones of the electromagnets, for example, the electromagnets 26 and 27 shown at FIG. 3.
  • Magnet 27 includes a cylindrical body 71 with a side wall 72 which has inwardly extending integral end flanges 73 and 74 respectively, which provide an annular space 75 for an electromagnetic coil 76.
  • the inside of the coil and the openings through end flanges 73, 74 provide a smooth bore 77 to receive eight magnetic material pole piece sleeves 78-85 separated respectively by non-magnetic material spacer sleeves 86.
  • End pole piece sleeves 78 and 85 are longer axially than the intermediate pole piece sleeves 79-84.
  • the several magnetic and nonmagnetic material sleeves are retained in the bore 77 against axial movement by annular clamp rings 87 at the opposite ends of the magnet and which are secured to the ends of the magnet with bolts 88 to maintain the sleeves in tight abutting relation to each other and against axial movement within bore 77.
  • magnetic material piece 57 of the mandrel is in opposed relation to end pole piece 78 of the magnet and that the right hand end of piece 57 extends axially through the first spacer sleeve 86 to a position where it slightly overlaps magnetic material sleeve 79.
  • magnetic material section 63 of the mandrel is in opposed relation to end pole piece 85 of the magnet and the left hand end of section 63 extends axially through a spacer sleeve 86 and to a position so it slightly overlaps pole piece sleeve 86.
  • each of spacers 64-69 of the mandrel has a width slightly less than the width of pole'piece sleeves 79-84 and that in the working position of the magnet and mandrel, these spacers and pole pieces are aligned with each other in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the mandrel.
  • Magnetic material pieces 58-62 are each of the same width, which is slightly greater than the width of spacer sleeves 86 and, with the magnet and mandrel in the working position of FIG. 3, the several magnetic material sections 58-62 are transversely aligned with spacers 86.
  • magnet 27 By virtue of the construction of magnet 27, wherein pole pieces 78-85 are spaced apart from each other, and magnetic material sections 57-63 of mandrel 44 are spaced from each other and have their several magnetic material sections positioned substantially between the several pole piece sleeves, magnetic flux 90 generated by energizing the coil 76, (the coil energizes magnet 27 in an axial direction) enters and leaves each of the magnetic material sections 57-63 of the mandrel.
  • flux 90 enters and leaves the magnet at seven axially spaced locations to enhance the resistance of the mandrel to axial displacement from the aligned FIG. 3 position within the magnet.
  • each of magnets 20-27 is identical to the magnet 27.
  • each of sections 46-53 of the mandrel is identical to the section 53. There is a separator between each of the sections 46-53.
  • pole piece sleeves 78-85 of the magnet are formed from iron or steel with good magnetically conducting properties, whereas spacers 86 are formed from non-magnetic materials, such as copper or brass. As previously explained, pole piece sleeves 78-85 are held in abutting relation to spacers 86.
  • each of magnetic material sections 57-63 is formed from iron or steel with good magnetically conducting characteristics, whereas spacers 64-69 and separators 70 are formed from copper or brass. The several magnetic material sections, spacers, and separators are secured together, for example, by brazing, so that armature section 56 of the mandrel is rigid.
  • a brass spacer 93 Secured to the right hand end of magnetic material section 63 of the mandrel is a brass spacer 93 which extends to the right of magnet 27. Adjacent the outside of tube 18 in transverse alignment with non-magnetic material spacer 93 is a magnetic material proximity sensing device 94. In the event that mandrel 44 moves axially to the right as a result of a malfunction in the apparatus, magnetic material piece 63 also moves to the right and sensing device 94 senses the presence of the magnetic material. The output from sensing device 94 can be used to sound an alarm or alternatively, can be used to operate a master circuit breaker or control to shut down the apparatus.
  • armature section 56 of the mandrel can be connected to too] section 44 of the mandrel by a swivel joint 54.
  • swivel joint 54 is located downstream from magnet assembly 27, yet is a substantial distance upstream from fin forming station 9. So locating the swivel joint provides sufficient time to shut down the apparatus before the slightly larger diameter swivel joint 54 reach the fin forming apparatus where it could cause damage, should the mandrel 44 move axially.
  • the swivel joint includes a threaded sleeve 96 into which one end of the tool portion 55 of the mandrel is threaded and is secured against unthreading by a set screw 97.
  • the other end of the sleeve 96 has a smaller diameter opening 98 through which a threaded stud 99, having an enlarged head 100 extends.
  • Armature portion 56 of the mandrel is threadedly connected to stud 99 and is secured to the stud against relative rotation by a set screw 101.
  • Ball bearings 102, between the tapered axially facing surface 103 of sleeve 96 and the opposing surface of head 100 provide a low friction bearing connection which permits tool portion 55 of the mandrel to rotate freely relative to armature portion 56, but joins the portions against axial separation.
  • Opening 98 is made sufficiently large that armature portion 56 of the mandrel can also tilt slightly relative to tool portion 55.
  • armature portion 56 of the mandrel has a diameter which is only slightly less than the inside diameter of tube 18.
  • the outside diameter of tube 18 is only slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the opening 105 of the several pole piece and spacer sleeves of each magnet.
  • the coils of the magnets 20-26 are engergized with direct current conducted by wires 105 and 106 connected to a suitable direct current power supply.
  • the coils of the several magnets are connected across wires 105 and 106 so the coils are in parallel.
  • the wires are connected to the coils at junction boxes 107 adjacent each magnet.
  • a switch 108 in wire 106 is provided to control energization of the coils.
  • fin forming station 9 includes a fin forming mechanism 110 having a bore 111 therethrough and into which the tool end of tool portion 55 of the mandrel extends.
  • a dust cover 112 extends over the mechanism 110.
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 show the details of fin forming mechanism 110.
  • fin forming head 113 is at the left hand end of the assembly and is secured to a hollow drive sleeve 114.
  • Sleeve 114 is secured to a thick walled hollow drive shaft 115 mounted for rotation on a support pedestal 116 by bearings 117 and 118.
  • sleeve 114 and drive shaft 115 mount head 113 in overhanging cantilever fashion for rotation with the sleeve and shaft and against axial movement relative to the support pedestal 116.
  • Pedestal 116 is mounted for horizontal movement on a pair of spaced apart cylindrical slide bars 120 secured to base 121 against endwise movement. There are two bars 120 which are parallel to each other and are equally spaced on each side of a vertical plane passing through the center line of the fin forming assembly. Suitable bearings 122 are provided between pedestal 116 and slide bars 120 to maintain friction at a minimum and provide for free floating axial movement of finning head 113 with pedestal 116, relative to base 121.
  • Sleeve 115 is elongated and extends beyond end 123 of pedestal 116. Keyed to the end of hollow drive shaft 115 is a sprocket pulley 127 which is driven by a toothed timing belt 128 that connects the pulley 127 to a toothed drive pulley or drum 129 (FIG. 1b) on a variable speed hydraulic motor 130 located below the fin forming apparatus.
  • Sprocket pulley 127 has side flanges 131 which prevent timing belt 128 from moving axially relative to this pulley.
  • Drive pulley 129 is elongated axially and timing belt 128 moves axially along the drive pulley when the finning head moves axially so the head is continuously driven.
  • pedestal 116 and fin forming head 113 can freely move as a unit along slide bars 120 in an axial direction relativeto a tube fed through the apparatus while head 113 is driven by hydraulic motor 130.
  • FIGS. 5-8 show the details of fin forming head 113.
  • fin forming head 113 includes four fin forming rollers 137 (only two of which are shown at FIG. 7) in equally spaced circumferential relation on the head.
  • Each roller 137 is mounted for rotation on a shaft 138 supported by a support block 139.
  • the axis of shaft 138 is tilted slightly relative to a plane including the axis of tube 18 so rotation of head 113 while rollers 137 are in engagement with the exterior surface of the axially moving tube causes helical fins to be formed on the outside of the tube.
  • Support blocks 139 are mounted for limited radial movement in slots 140 of head support sleeve 114.
  • Each block 139 is normally urged outwardly away from tubing 18 by a spring 142.
  • Cam faces 143 at the outer surface of block 139, are provided to move the block inwardly so fin forming rollers 137 are forced into the outside surface of tube 1 18.
  • Blocks 139 are moved inwardly by a plurality of cam rollers 144 mounted on an actuating ring 145 arranged to move axially relative to support sleeve 114.
  • Actuating ring 145 is moved axially while it is rotating with the head by a yoke 146 which engages in a peripheral groove 147 of ring 145.
  • ring 145 is in its forward position where rollers 144 cam support blocks 139 inwardly to force rollers 137 into engagement with the exterior surface of the tube for form a deep thread of helical fin on the surface of the tube.
  • rollers 144 and the ring are moved axially so rollers 144 engage the inner cam faces 143 to allow support blocks 139 to move outwardly away from the surface of the tube under the action of the springs 142.
  • yoke 146 is moved to correspondingly move actuating ring 145 by the action of a hydraulic cylinder 148 having its piston rod pivotally connected to the upper end of yoke arm 149.
  • the outer end of cylinder 148 secured to a bracket 150 fixed to pedestal 116 so the cylinder and bracket move with the pedestal when head 113 moves axially.
  • An intermediate portion of yoke arm 149 is pinned as at 151 to an arm 152 adjustably secured to bracket 150.
  • the speed of rotation of finning head 113 is adjusted to maintain the head and pedestal between the front and rear limits of travel of the pedestal. This speed control is accomplished by changing the speed of rotation of the hydraulic motor 130 which rotates the finning head, and the speed of the motor is advantageously controlled in response to movement of the pedestal toward its front and rear limits of travel.
  • finning head 113 is rotated at a speed such that the rate at which threads are formed along the length of the tube equals the linear speed at which the tube if fed through the apparatus (thread forming rate equals thread pitch times speed of rotation of head 113). If the tube is fed at a linear speed greater than the rate at which the threads or fins are formed on the tube 18, finning head 113 will move pedestal 116 axially on the slide bars 120 in the direction of travel of the tube. Then, it is necessary to increase the speed of rotation of head 1 13 so the fins are formed at a faster rate on the tube. Conversely, if head 113 is rotating too rapidly, the head will tend to climb along the tube and move in a direction toward roller section 8 of the apparatus. It is then necessary to decrease the speed of rotation of the head so the rate of formation of fins on the tube precisely equals the lincar speed of the tube.
  • Such regulation of the speed of motor 130 and correspondingly, the speed of head 113, can be accomplished manually, or automatically.
  • Automatic control of the speed of rotation of the finning head is accomplished by automatically adjusting flow control valve 160 in response to the axial position of finning head 113 and pedestal 116 on the slide bars 120.
  • flow control valve 160 is connected in the hydraulic system 161.
  • Hydraulic system 161 includes a pump 162 driven by a motor 163.
  • Motor 163 can be of the variable speed type or alternatively, a variable speed drive can be used to couple the motor to the pump so the pressure and flow of hydraulic fluid from the pump can be regulated.
  • Pressurized fluid from pump 162 flows to accumulator 163 and then to the inlet 164 of hydraulic motor 130 which rotates finning head 113. Then the hydraulic fluid flows through the outlet 165 of motor 130 to inlet 166 of valve 160.
  • Hydraulic fluid passes through valve 160 to the valve discharge 167 and thence through the return flow line 168 to resevoir 169 which is connected to the inlet 170 of pump 162.
  • a safety valve 171 in a return flow line 172 which connects between accumulator 163 and inlet 164 of motor 130. In the event ofa malfunction where it is desired to stop motor 130, valve 171 is opened thereby bypassing hydraulic fluid from the accumulator directly back to the reservoir 169.
  • a hydraulic circuit 173 connected in parallel across valve 160 and which includes a manually operable flow control valve 174 which is manually operable by manipulation of lever 175 to control the speed of motor 130 by regulating the flow of hydraulic fluid from the discharge 165 of the motor.
  • valve 160 is of the type shown schematically at FIG. 6 wherein the flow of hydraulic fluid through the valve is directly proportional to the position of the valve within its housing.
  • valve 160 includes a housing 176 and a flow control element 177 in the form of a spool.
  • an operating rod 178 provided with a cam roller 179 at its outer end.
  • Roller 179 engagesa tapered plate type cam 180 secured to pedestal 116 by studs or bolts 181.
  • Cam plate 180 has a tapered or slanted cam face 182 engaged by roller 179 and which face resists movement of the spool toward the cam under the action of spring 183.
  • Plate cam 180 is provided with elongated slots 184 which facilitate positioning the cam in a desired position axially along pedestal 116.
  • valve under the control of cam 180 is such that when tubing 18, which travels in the direction of arrow 185, is travelling faster than the rate at which fins are formed on the tubing by the rotating head 113, head 113 and pedestal 116 move in the direction of arrow 185.
  • cam 180 moves in the same direction thereby allowing spring 183 to further open the valve by maintaining cam roller 179 in engagement with face 182.
  • hydraulic fluid can flow faster from outlet of motor 130, and correspondingly, the speed of motor 130 and head 113 driven thereby increases.
  • Such increase in the speed of rotation of the head causes fins to be formed at the same rate as the tubing is fed through the apparatus, and correspondingly, no further axial movement of the head occurs.
  • manual control valve 174 can be regulated by manipulating the lever 175. Under some circumstances it may be desirable to control the speed of motor 130 wholly manually. Where complete manual control is desired, valve 160 is disabled so all the hydraulic fluid flowing through the motor discharges through the manual control valve 174. Under these conditions complete manual control of the speed of rotation of motor 130 is obtained.
  • the fins or teeth of fin forming rollers 137 form a deep thread or helical fin on the exterior surface of tube 18.
  • the action of the fin forming rollers 137 is to compress the tube radially into engagement with tool portion 55 of the mandrel, thereby simultaneously roll forming or extruding fins on the exterior surface of the tube and reducing the inside diameter of the tube.
  • the tube itself has a tendency to rotate, but such rotation is prevented by the roller pairs 30-32 of roller section 8 which grip and feed the tube at a location ahead of the finning head.
  • tool portion 55 also rotates, but without any detrimental effects.
  • the swivel 54 is used to join tool portion 55 of the mandrel with armature portion 56 of the mandrel, the tool portion 55 can freely rotate without rotating the armature portion of the tool.
  • This arrangement, including the swivel, can be used when necessary to reduce wear on the armature portion of the mandrel since this armature portion is not truly floating centrally of the magnets, but is usually drawn off center toward one side as shown at FIG. 4.
  • mandrel 44 is inserted in the tube so the several sections 46-53 of the armature are aligned respectively with the magnets 20-27.
  • the non-magnetic material portion 93 is opposite magnetic material proximity sensor 94 and tool portion 55 extends through head 113.
  • switch 108 is closed to energize the coils of magnets 20-27.
  • the rollers of roller sections 5, 6 and 8 are started to drive the tube axially through the apparatus.
  • cylinder 148 is actuated to move fin forming rollers 137 into engagement with the outside of the tube.
  • the rollers will only cut a shallow thread in the surface of the tube, but will subsequently be fully cammed against the tube to form threads or fins at the full desired depth.
  • Axial forces tending to displace tool portion 55 of the mandrel as a result of compressing the tube radially against the mandrel while moving the tube longitudinally, are resisted by the magnets 20-27. If the speed of rotation of head 113 is either slower or faster than the speed required to form threads on the tube at the rate of travel of the tube, the head will float axially so axial stresses in the fin forming elements are avoided, and there is no tendency for the elements to break.
  • cam 180 will move spool 177 to decrease the flow of fluid through valve 160, thereby reducing the speed of rotation of the hydraulic motor 130 which drives the head. If the speed of rotation of head 113 is too low, the head will travel with the tube, allowing spring 183 to further open the valve 160, thereby increasing the flow of hydraulic fluid from motor 130 and correspondingly, increasing the speed of rotation of the finning head.
  • the speed of rotation of head 113 can be manually regulated by manipulating lever 175 to adjust valve 174 to maintain the head 113 rotating at a speed to form fins at the rate of travel of the tubing.
  • proximity sensor 94 controls a relay 190 with contacts 191 in the power supply lines 192 for the portions of the apparatus.
  • motors 193, 194 and 195 are connected across the power lines.
  • Motor 193 drives the rollers of straightening roller sections and 6
  • motor 194 drives the rollers of feed roller section 8
  • motor 195 drives outfeed or pullout rollers 34.
  • Solenoids 196 and 197 are also connected across the lines. Solenoid 196 maintains valve 171, which is an exhaust valve in return pipe line 172 (FIG. 5), closed so long as solenoid 196 is energized.
  • Solenoid 197 operates an override valve 198 so connected to hydraulic cylinder 148 that the cylinder operates in its normal manner, as previously explained, so long as solenoid 197 is energized, but is extended to move fin forming rollers away from the tube 18 as soon as solenoid 197 is de-energized.
  • Relay 190 operates to maintain contacts 191 closed so long as proximity sensor 94 senses the non-magnetic material of section 93 6 of the mandrel.
  • microswitch 201 provides for shutting down the apparatus in the event that finning head 113 and pedestal 116 move too far axially from a predetermined central position.
  • microswitch 201 is positioned at one side of pedestal 116 and includes a roller follower 202 which engages a face 203 of a control plate 204 secured by bolts 205 to pedestal 116 for movement therewith.
  • Plate 204 has slots 206 to provide for axial adjustment of the plate on the pedestal within predetermined limits.
  • Face 203 is parallel with the axial direction of travel of pedestal 116.
  • the apparatus of this invention is capable of forming fins on relatively smaller diameter tubing, for example, 36-inch tubing, but can also be used to form fins on tubing up to 1 inch in diameter.
  • To form fins on tubing of different diameter it is of course necessary to change portions of the apparatus. However, this changeover can be quite quickly accomplished since it is only necessary to substitute a mandrel 44 of the proper diameter, substitute pole piece sleeves and spacers having a diameter only slightly greater than the outside diameter of the tube in the magnets, change forming head 113, and adjust the nips of the rollers in roller sections 5, 6 and 8.
  • finning head 113 can be varied by adjusting variable speed motor 130, the new head can be rotated at the proper speed for forming fins on the tubing, even though the thread or fin pitch is different, while maintaining the tubing feed at the previous linear speed.
  • Apparatus for forming fins continuously on a moving tube of indefinite length comprising in combination tube finning means adapted to engage the exterior surface of the tube to form fins thereon;
  • feed means to feed tubing from a source of supply continuously at a predetermined axial speed to the tube finning means
  • magnet means extending along the path of travel of said tubing and closely adjacent the exterior surface of the tubing, said magnet means including a plurality of aligned, spaced apart electromagnets each comprising a coil, and
  • a mandrel within said tubing having a first portion aligned with said magnet means and a second portion connected to the first portion and adjacent said tube finning means, said first portion comprising a multiplicity of magnetic material sections, and a multiplicity of non-magnetic material sections spacing said magnetic material sections from each other and joining said magnetic material sections against relative axial movement; said mandrel having its multiplicity of non-magnetic material sections longitudinally aligned respectively with said multiplicity of magnetic material pole pieces of said electromagnets; and means securing said electromagnets against axial movement; said electromagnets cooperating with said mandrel exert a strong magnetic retarding force to prevent axial movement of said mandrel during the tube finning operation.
  • said apparatus further includes means fixed with respect to said magnet means and between said magnet means and tube finning means for preventing rotation of the tubing by engaging its exterior surface,
  • bearing means mount said finning head for free movement within predetermined limits in a direction along the axis of said tube.
  • said feed means uncoils tubing from said coil, straightens the tubing, and feeds same to said tube finning means.
  • said tube finning means comprises a rotary head
  • variable speed drive means for rotating said head at a speed such that the axial rate of formation of fins on the tube approximately equals the linear speed of tubing fed to the finning head.
  • Apparatus according to claim 8 which further includes control means responsive to movement of said head axially to adjust the speed of rotation of said drive means for said head to form fins on said tube at the rate said tubing is fed.
  • Apparatus according to claim 8 which further includes control means responsive to movement of said head axially in the direction of travel of said tubing to increase the speed of rotation of said drive means, and responsive to movement of said head axially in the other direction to decrease the speed of rotation of said drive means.
  • a method for forming fins on the exterior surface of an indefinite length of non-magnetic material tubing comprising, in combination, the steps of continuously feeding tubing along a predetermined path adjacent a fin forming station from an indefinite length supply of the tubing, said tubing having at least one open end; inserting a magnetic material mandrel into said open end of said tubing, said mandrel carrying a tool engaging the inside surface of said tubing;
  • a method according to claim 11 wherein said step of continuously feeding tubing includes feeding the tubing with power means;
  • said step of rotating said fin forming head about said tubing includes rotating said head with power means
  • a method according to claim 11 wherein said step of removing finned tubing includes cutting said tubing into predetermined lengths while continuing feeding of the tubing.
  • Apparatus according to claim which further includes magnetically responsive sensing means outside said tubing for sensing axial movement of said mandrel;
  • control means responsive to sensed axial movement of the mandrel by said sensing means for actuating said means to simultaneously move the fin forming elements away from the tubing.
  • Apparatus according to c laim which further includes additional control means responsive to sensed axial movement of the mandrel by said sensing means for stopping said feed means.
  • each of said plurality of magnets has an opening therethrough of a diameter to receive said sleeves;
  • each of said plurality of magnets includes means for releasably securing the sleeves in the magnets so that the sleeves can readily be replaced with sleeves of a different diameter to enable forming fins on tubing of a different diameter.
  • Apparatus for continuously forming a helical fin on an indefinite length of tubing comprising, in combination a source of supply of tubing;
  • fin forming means for forming a helical fin on the exterior surface of said tubing
  • said first portion including a multiplicity of magnetic material sections axially spaced apart and secured together by a multiplicity of nonmagnetic material spacers;
  • each of said plurality of magnets includes a housing having an opening therethrough
  • rotation restraining means engaging the exterior surface of the tubing at a location between said plurality of magnets and said fin forming means to prevent rotation of said tubing;
  • said fin forming means including a plurality of fin forming elements engaging the exterior surface of said tubing in opposed relation to said backup tool of the mandrel to roll form fins on the tubing;
  • control means to adjust the speed or rotation of said drive means in response to axial movement of said fin forming means, and comprising means to increase the speed of rotation of said drive means in response to movement of said fin forming means axially in the direction of travel of said tube, and

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Earth Drilling (AREA)
  • Excavating Of Shafts Or Tunnels (AREA)
US00141249A 1971-05-07 1971-05-07 Method and apparatus for working or finning tubing Expired - Lifetime US3765207A (en)

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US14124971A 1971-05-07 1971-05-07

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US (1) US3765207A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
JP (1) JPS5038400B1 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
CA (1) CA989603A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
DE (1) DE2222376A1 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
IT (1) IT955282B (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1999047287A3 (en) * 1998-03-18 1999-11-11 Huynh Oanh Tube-forming machine and method
WO2002062506A1 (de) * 2001-02-07 2002-08-15 Heinz Gruber Vorrichtung zum spanlosen umformen von langgestreckten werkstücken
WO2005087405A1 (de) * 2004-03-13 2005-09-22 Heinz Gruber Schaltvorrichtung für maschninelle anlagen
US20100277264A1 (en) * 2007-10-30 2010-11-04 John Clifford Charnley solenoid
US20140319859A1 (en) * 2013-04-29 2014-10-30 Tesla Motors, Inc. Extruded member with altered radial fins

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS52132100U (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) * 1976-04-01 1977-10-07

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US1474124A (en) * 1923-07-12 1923-11-13 Firm Mannes Mannrohren Werke Rolling mill
US2100587A (en) * 1936-07-06 1937-11-30 Kenneth M Chalker Apparatus for coating the interior of tubing and the like
US2600254A (en) * 1947-03-20 1952-06-10 Lysobey John Wall treatment of tubing
DE943044C (de) * 1953-06-10 1956-05-09 Siemens Ag Einrichtung zum Ziehen von Rohren aus zieh- und walzbaren Nichteisenmetallen, vorzugsweise aus Aluminium, ueber einen im Inneren des Rohres angeordneten, fliegenden Ziehdorn
GB962489A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) * 1961-05-17 1964-07-01 Hackethal-Draht-Und Kabel-Werke Aktiengesellschaft
US3149255A (en) * 1962-03-23 1964-09-15 H & T Electrical Products Electrical reciprocating motor
US3167176A (en) * 1961-12-04 1965-01-26 Babcock & Wilcox Co Method of and apparatus for correcting tube eccentricity
US3379042A (en) * 1965-12-27 1968-04-23 Nat Acme Co Method and machine for form rolling

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1474124A (en) * 1923-07-12 1923-11-13 Firm Mannes Mannrohren Werke Rolling mill
US2100587A (en) * 1936-07-06 1937-11-30 Kenneth M Chalker Apparatus for coating the interior of tubing and the like
US2600254A (en) * 1947-03-20 1952-06-10 Lysobey John Wall treatment of tubing
DE943044C (de) * 1953-06-10 1956-05-09 Siemens Ag Einrichtung zum Ziehen von Rohren aus zieh- und walzbaren Nichteisenmetallen, vorzugsweise aus Aluminium, ueber einen im Inneren des Rohres angeordneten, fliegenden Ziehdorn
GB962489A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) * 1961-05-17 1964-07-01 Hackethal-Draht-Und Kabel-Werke Aktiengesellschaft
US3167176A (en) * 1961-12-04 1965-01-26 Babcock & Wilcox Co Method of and apparatus for correcting tube eccentricity
US3149255A (en) * 1962-03-23 1964-09-15 H & T Electrical Products Electrical reciprocating motor
US3379042A (en) * 1965-12-27 1968-04-23 Nat Acme Co Method and machine for form rolling

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1999047287A3 (en) * 1998-03-18 1999-11-11 Huynh Oanh Tube-forming machine and method
WO2002062506A1 (de) * 2001-02-07 2002-08-15 Heinz Gruber Vorrichtung zum spanlosen umformen von langgestreckten werkstücken
DE10105827B4 (de) * 2001-02-07 2005-11-03 "Alwag" Tunnelausbau Gesellschaft Mbh Vorrichtung zum spanlosen Umformen von langgestreckten Werkstücken
WO2005087405A1 (de) * 2004-03-13 2005-09-22 Heinz Gruber Schaltvorrichtung für maschninelle anlagen
US20100277264A1 (en) * 2007-10-30 2010-11-04 John Clifford Charnley solenoid
US20140319859A1 (en) * 2013-04-29 2014-10-30 Tesla Motors, Inc. Extruded member with altered radial fins
US8887398B1 (en) * 2013-04-29 2014-11-18 Tesla Motors, Inc. Extruded member with altered radial fins

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE2222376A1 (de) 1972-11-30
CA989603A (en) 1976-05-25
JPS5038400B1 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1975-12-09
IT955282B (it) 1973-09-29

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