WO2007055643A1

WO2007055643A1 - Device for rotational processing

Info

Publication number: WO2007055643A1
Application number: PCT/SE2006/001279
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kent Edlund
Original assignee: Kent Edlund
Priority date: 2005-11-13
Filing date: 2006-11-12
Publication date: 2007-05-18
Also published as: SE529597C2; SE0502489L

Abstract

Device and method for rotational processing of the ends of elongated hollow objects (1) as for example tubes or hollow profiles, comprised at least one controlled operation unit (2) which is disposed to transfer one rotating movement to an adjustable device (8) comprised at least one holder (9) for at least one processing tool (10). The holder for the processing tool is disposed to be adjusted in a radial, an axial and an angled direction in relation to the processed elongated hollow object's axial centre line (12). The invention is characterized in that the operation unit (2) is disposed to essentially be centred in the elongated hollow object's axial centre line (12) with the aid of at least one, to the operation unit connected, expandable body (16) which is brought to expand inside the elongated hollow object (1).

Description

DEVICE FOR ROTATIONAL PROCESSING

Technical Field

This invention relates to a device and method for processing on the ends of elongated hollow objects as tubes or hollow profiles. More specifically the invention relates to a device and method for rotational processing of tube ends alternatively ends on hollow profiles where the tool holder is centred by an expandable body inside the tube, alternatively hollow profile, as which will be processed.

Background of the Invention

Preparation of welding seams is performed to reach satisfactory welding results. Traditionally have preparation of seams of plates and tubes been performed with the aid of angle grinding machines and similar machines. Especially at preparation of tubes with angle grinding machines the work with preparation of seams, is very time consuming to reach a satisfactory result. Accept that the work is time consuming the worker who perform the preparation of seams is also exposed for health risks in form of grinding dust and risks for personal injuries at grinding disc explosion and other several health risks.

It is also well known that welding companies and schools in the branch of welding use mechanical treatments (turning, milling, and planning) for preparation of welding seams, at which a milling machine preferably is used for preparation of seams on tubes. One problem at preparations of seams on tubes in a milling machine could be the tubes length and weight. The tube can also be so tall or so heavy that it can be difficult, or also impossibly to move the tube to, respective tense up this in the milling machine. The problem many times with the preparation of seams on tubes in a machine is that the machine often is in an essentially other place than where the tubes are. This means that the tube must be transported to where the machine is which both can require a lot of time and be very costly. Further a problem is that preparation of seams on tubes in a machine is demanding a competent person which can run the machine. Many times is the person who will perform the welding work not competent in running the machine.

With the above discussion it's understood that manual preparation of seams and preparation of seams of hollow elongated object (as tubes) in machines by that means is not a costly effective method to preparation of seams. It exist by that means a need to a more effective machine and method to perform the preparation of seams.

Prior Art

Machines for preparation of seams on plates and tubes, referred to reduce the time consuming and hiring the quality, have been developed. One example on that kind of machine referred to preparation of seams on tubes is known via the Swedish patent SE 514704. In the patent describes a machine comprising two functions. Function one is referred to as preparing plate seams and the second function is referred to be used in relation with preparation of tube seams. At preparation of seams on tubes, the tube is braced in a chuck. The chuck is brought to rotate where after preparation of seams occurs with the aid of a plasma arc. The machine is controlled further by one operation unit. The construction fulfils very well there aims but is in there present embodiment not suitable to be used at preparation of seams of tall pipes.

Through patent US 4084789 is a construction referred to centre a flange in one tube with the aid of an expandable body, preferably in the form of a balloon. The expandable body is put inside the tube and the flange where after the expandable body brings to expand with the aid of compressed air. The balloon expansion results in that the tube and the flange are joint centred in relation to each other. The construction according to the patent separate in other essential from the presented invention then the construction is not referred to be used in relation with rotational processing, as preparation of seams, on the ends of elongated hollow objects as tubes.

Even if the above said constructions individually fulfils theirs aims none of these comprising the scope of the invention in present invention with a equipment for preparation of seams on elongated hollow objects, as for example tubes and hollow profiles, where the device is centred in relation to the elongated hollow objects centre (origin) with the aid of a expandable body. Detailed Description of the Invention

The present invention will be described in detail in the following with references to the enclosed schematic drawings as shows, in an exemplifying purpose, the current embodiments of the invention.

Figure 1 shows schematically the invention according to a first preferred embodiment with the operation unit placed outside the elongated hollow objects.

Figure 2 shows a second preferred embodiment of the invention where the operation unit substantial is placed completely or partly inside the elongated hollow objects.

With reference to figure 1 that shows a device for processing on the ends of an elongated hollowed object 1, as tubes or hollow profiles, according to the first preferred embodiment of the invention. The construction comprises one controlled operation unit 2 which consist of one motor 3 connected to one gear 4 which is connected together with an axle 5. The axle 5 constitutes of one tube, or other type of hollow profile, in whose cavity the motor and the gear is put in at which the covering on the gear is fixed inside with the hollow axle 5. The fixing of the gear to the axle occur in such a way that a turning moment can be transferred from the gear 4 to the axle 5. The motor 3 constitutes preferably of one electrical motor. In alternatively embodiments the motor can be pneumatic or hydraulic driven. The motor 3 is connected via a gear 4 whose gear change is chosen so that a, for the purpose suitable rotating speed is received. For example the motors rotation speed will amount to 3000 rpm which is gear reduced to a rotation speed on preferably 7 to 10 rpm. The gear constitutes suitable of one planet gear, but the gear can also be of other for the purpose suitable type.

The gears outgoing axle 6 is connected together with axle 7 with the aid of a coupling 8. The coupling preferably constitutes of a quick coupling which render possible a fast connection and disconnection of the axle. The quick coupling can be of bayonet type or of other for the purpose suitable quick coupling. The device becomes easier to handle and to disconnect with the quick coupling.

The operation unit 2 is connected with an adjusting device 9 which comprises, and is connected with, at least one holder 10 for at least one processing tool 11.

The adjusting device render possible that the holder position in relation to the elongated hollow objects 1 axial centre line 12 can be adjusted in radial direction. Further the holder's radial angle α can in relation to the elongated hollow objects axial centre line is adjusted. The adjusting device can be constructed according to a majority of different variations. Al variations of possible adjusting devices as comprise a function where the holder is disposed to be radial, axial or angled adjustable in relation to the processed elongated hollow objects axial centre line, can constitutes an adjusting device according to the present invention. In a specially preferred embodiment of the invention the adjusting device comprised of one arm 13 which in its one end is flanged and connected to the axle 5 as apart of the operation unit 2. Alternatively the arm 13 can constitutes of one separate part which is connected to the axle 5 with a suitable coupling device (not shown in figure). Alternatively the arm 13 is connected with the axle 5 with the aid of welding or similar. In the other end of the arm 13, it is joint linked with the axle 14 and arm 15. The arm 15 is connected with a holder 10. The axle 14 and the arm 15 can be constituted of, or comprised of, racks or similar which easier adjusting of holder 10 position. The holder 10 consists of a tool carrier for the processing tool 11 as for example a plasma nozzle. Alternatively can the processing tool constitute of a welding nozzle, tool for applying of material or any other type of conceivable processing tool.

In that case the processing tool constitutes of a plasma nozzle that is a known variant of plasma nozzle with belonging equipment, why this not describes more in this patent application.

To centre the operation unit 2, and the connected adjusting device 9, substantial in the elongated hollow objects axial centre line, the operation unit is connected with an expandable body 16 which can expand substantial in the elongated hollow objects radial direction. The expansion occurs preferably with compressed air but can alternatively occur with any form of pressured liquid or combinations thereof. Alternatively should a mechanical construction, as can expand in radial direction, can be used for the centring. Through the expansion the expandable body, the operation unit and the adjusting device is centred and fixed substantial in the elongated hollow objects axial centre line. When the pressure in the expandable body is reduced to normal atmospheric pressure the expandable body shrinks, in the elongated hollow objects radial direction, at which the expandable body can be removed from the elongated hollow objects. The expandable body 16 constitutes preferably of at least one hose-shaped body 17, blister, balloon or similar which slips on an axle 18 constituting of one tube or alternatively a homogeny pole. Alternatively can the expandable body constitute of several hose-shaped bodies as been connected together. The hose is preferably of elastic material as rubber or similar material suitable for the purpose. The hose (expandable body) is fixed against the axle with the aid of a clip 19 or other similar device. The pressure in the hose is chosen after the type of expandable body that is used. In the exemplified embodiment a hose is used of natural rubber which suitably is expanded with an overpressure in the interval of 2 to 3 kilograms. The expandable body shall be mounted to the axle in such a way that leakage is prevented or kept on a minimal level.

The connection of compressed air occur through at least a tube 20 or a hose or similar which stretch from the outside of the hose to the inside of the hose. In the exemplified embodiment of the invention is a tube drawn along the axle from the inside of the hose (the balloon) to the outside of the hose (the balloon). The tube is on the outside provided with a connection valve 21 through which the compressed air, gas or liquid or combinations thereof, is connected, regulated and turned on and off. Preferably is the connection provided with a manometer (not shown in figure) showing the pressure in the hose.

To protect the expandable body against damage and that leakage comes up because of sharp surfaces as flashes or similar the expandable body can be covered with a durable elastic covering (not shown in figure). The material in the cover is chosen so it tolerates heating from metal rests from the preparation of seams and welding spatter. For example can a net of Teflon or other material suitable for the purpose be used. To protect the expandable bodies end in direction toward the processing can this be covered with a protecting layer of mineral wool or similar.

To the engine cables 22 are stroked for supplying the engine with electrical power. At different type of motors, necessarily connections, for the engine type in question, are connected as for example compressor air or hydraulic. The cables are drawn suitably inside the axle 5 where it is protected against damage, so that the cables do not "wind themselves" around the axle the cables can be wind up on a reel or similar. The cables can of course also only be wind up around the axle 5.

The engine is controlled by a control unit 23 with which the operation unit rotation speed and processing speed can be controlled. The control unit also constitute a clutch switch to the plasma arc. The control unit is suitable of similar type as used in the inventors earlier produced machine for preparation of seams FOGUS. Alternatively any suitable control system or of any other known type can, or in the future developed type, be used to control the device. To protect the outgoing gear axle and the quick coupling against eventually metal spatter as can comes up at certain processing types as at preparation of seams, this can be covered with a protection 24. The protective covering is preferably constituted of a tube pulled over on the axle 5. The tube to pull over is phase-locked in the axle with a screw union or with the aid of other suitable locking. Further, the arm 13 can be provided with a force absorbing bar 25 that reduces the load on the arm's 13 flanged part.

Figure 2 shows an alternatively embodiment of the invention. The embodiment is separated in relation to the first embodiment through that the operation unit substantial is placed completely or partly inside the elongated hollow objects 1 (for example tube or hollow profile) as shall be processed. In the figure the operation unit is consisting of one motor 3 connected to a gear 4 with an outgoing axle 6. The outgoing axle on the gear is connected to a coupling 8, which preferably constitutes of one quick coupling, connected to the arm 13 on the adjusting device 9. The adjusting device is in turn connected with the holder 10 for the processing tool 11. The processing tool can on corresponding way as in embodiment 1 be adjusted in radial, axial and on the ends of direction in relation to the elongated hollow objects axial centre line (origin). The equipment is controlled in the same way as in embodiment 1. The cables 22 drawn in embodiment 2 preferably partly through one hole in the axle 6 further through the axle 5 and coupling 8 and through parts of the arm 13 out through a hole in the arm 13. The hole provides suitable protection so the cables are not damaged by the edge. So that the cables do not wind themselves up, in too large extent, around the axle 6 and the arm 13 the rotational direction is changed regularly, preferably after every rotation. Alternatively a swivel can be connected so that the cable does not wind itself up around itself.

To reduce the load on the arm 13 it can be provided with a force absorbing bar 25. To protect the outgoing gear axle and the quick couple against eventually metal spatter as can comes up at certain processing types as at preparation of seams, this can be covered with a protective covering 26. The protective covering preferably constitutes of a tube to pull over as pulled on the axle 6. The tube to pull over is phase-locked in the axle alternatively the connected part of the arm 13 with a screw union or with the aid of other suitable locking. In the embodiment the engine and the gear are stationary while the axle is moving. Method for using the equipment

The device according to the present invention can be used in a majority of processing situations. Preferably the device can be used with processing of the type preparation of seams on tubes or hollow profiles. At preparation of seams the processing tool constitutes of a nozzle for plasma with which preparation of seams is performed. In the following text a survey description is given about how a work of preparation of seams is performed with the present device.

About using of the device, the expandable body is applied axial connected to the operation unit and adjustable device inside the elongated hollow objects that shall be processed. Thereafter the expandable body 16 brings to expand by, via a tube 20 connected, overpressure to expand against the elongated hollow objects inner wall at which the expandable body, the operation unit and the adjustable device substantial is centred and fixed along the elongated hollow objects axial centre line. Thereafter the holder and the processing tool are adjusted in relation to the elongated hollow objects axial centre and end. Thereafter the adjustable device of the operation unit is caused to rotate at which a rotational processing (circular processing) of the tubes end occur with the processing tool until a satisfactory processing is reached. Necessary turn on and off and controlling respective fine adjusting and similar of the processing tool as for example a plasma nozzle assumes as obvious for a person skilled in art and comprised in the method in that extent so its necessary. When the processing is completed the pressure is reduced in the expandable body, and the pressured expandable body and the device can be removed from the elongated hollow objects.

Advantages

Tubes that earlier have been difficult to move to one machine (milling machine) for preparation of seams is not needed to be moved now but can now be processed in place. Through the connection it's now possible to prepare seams for the welding work on tubes in place.

The machine constitutes the preparation of seams in a more cost efficiently way then existing methods for preparation of seams.

At preparation of seams on tubes with the aid from the present invention there exist clear safe working environmental advantages. For example the person who is doing the work is exposed for less grinding dust. At the same time the using results in that the risk for injuries in connection with grinding is eliminated.

Even if some preferred embodiments have been in detail described herein also variations and smaller changes inside the frame for the invention will be well known for those skilled in the art and al such cases will be considered inside the frame for enclosed claims. Thus the cable drawing can be varied in large extent.

Claims

1. Device for rotational processing of the ends of elongated hollow objects (1) as for example tubes or hollow profiles, comprised of at least one controlled operation unit (2) which is disposed to transfer a rotating movement to an adjustable device (9) comprised of at least one holder (10) for processing tools (11), which is disposed to be adjusted in a radial, an axial and an angled direction in relation to the processed elongated hollow object's axial centre line (12), and that the operation unit (2) is disposed to substantially be centred in the elongated hollow object's axial centre line (12) with the aid of at least one, to the operation unit connected, expandable body (16) which is brought to expand inside the elongated hollowed object (1) characterized by that the expandable body (16) consist of at least one hose-shaped body (17).

2. Device for rotational processing according to claim 1 characterized by that the rotational processing is comprised of the preparation of seams.

3. Device for rotational processing according to one or more of claims 1-2 characterized by that the hose-shaped body (17) consist of an elastic material.

4. Device for rotational processing according to one or more of claims 1-3 characterized by that the elastic material is rubber.

5. Device for rotational processing according to one or more of claims 1-4 characterized by that the expandable body is expanded with the aid of compressed air.

6. Device for rotational processing according to one or more of claims 1-5 characterized by the expandable body expands with the aid of compressed liquid.

7. Method for processing the ends of elongated hollow objects with a device for rotational processing according to one or more of claims 1-6 of characterized by that the expandable body, axially connected to the operation unit and that the adjustable device, is applied inside the elongated hollow object to be processed, where after the expandable body (16) is caused by a connected overpressure to expand against the inner wall of the elongated hollowed object at which the expandable body (16), the operation unit (2) and the adjustable device (9) are essentially centred in the elongated hollowed object's axial centre (12), where after the operation unit (2) transfers a rotating movement to the adjustable device (9) and holder (10) for the processing tool (11) at which a rotational processing of the tube's end occurs with the processing tool, where after the pressure is reduced in the expandable body when processing is completed, at which the pressured expandable body and the device in its entirety can be removed from the elongated hollow object.