METHOD AND PLANT FOR THE PRODUCTION OF PROFILED TUBES

Abstract

The method comprises: a step, in which all the processing data are set; a step, in which the processing cycle is processed with one or more processing steps; a step, in which the processing cycle is controlled, which consists in controlling the rotation of a tube (2) around its longitudinal axis and the contact of the outer face of the tube (2) with at least one tool (18 and 31) along part or the entire longitudinal length of the tube (2), while performing a continuous or timed comparison of the result reached during the processing cycle; and a step in which the end of the processing cycle is signaled if the final configuration of the profiling (corrugation or deformation) of the tube 2 is detected.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for the production of profiled tubes.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a plant for the production of profiled tubes.

[0003] The tubes may be either metallic or not. "Profiled tubes" means tubes which are either corrugated or deformed according to given conditions.

BACKGROUND ART

[0004] As known, the use of profiled tubes is expanding ever more in various sectors from heating systems to the food processing industry.

[0005] Rolling machines are currently marketed in which the rolls are provided arranged around a tube which translates and in contact with the outer surface of the tube itself. Furthermore, the rolls may rotate around the longitudinal axis of the tube. A plastic deformation of the tube is obtained by effect of such a contact.

[0006] The main drawbacks of the currently marketed machines is in that it is not possible to execute a high number of mutually different deformation or corrugation profiles and in that it is not possible to vary the deformation of corrugation profile of the tube during processing.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0007] It is the object of the present invention to make a method for processing profiled tubes which is free from the aforesaid drawbacks.

[0008] It is a further object of the present invention to make a system for processing profiled tubes which is easy to use and allows to make a plurality of deformation or corrugation profiles also on the same processed tube.

[0009] According to the present invention, a method for processing profiled tubes (corrugated or deformed tubes) is provided, characterized in that it comprises:

[0010] a first step, in which all the processing data are set, such as the final configuration to be obtained, the type of material of which said tube is made, and the dimensional data of said tube;

[0011] a second step, in which the processing cycle is processed in one or more processing steps;

[0012] a third step, in which the processing cycle is controlled, and which consists in controlling the rotation of said tube around its own longitudinal axis and the contact of the outer face of said tube with at least one tool along part or the entire longitudinal length of said tube, while performing a continuous or timed comparison of the result obtained and/or reached during the processing cycle; and

[0013] a fourth step, in which the end of processing cycle is controlled based on what was detected during the comparison and/or if the final configuration of the profiling (corrugation or deformation) of said tube is detected.

[0014] According to the present invention, a system for processing profiled tubes (corrugated or deformed tubes) is also provided, characterized in that it comprises:

[0015] a working surface, which is defined on a horizontal plane;

[0016] first means to support a tube along said working surface;

[0017] second means, which are suited to determine the rotation of said tube around its own longitudinal axis;

[0018] at least one first organ, which is defined by a first tool and by a first device, which is suited to control the translation of said tool against said tube until it comes into contact with the latter; and

[0019] third means, which are suited to determine the translation of said first organ along an axis that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] For a better understanding of the invention, an embodiment will be described by way of non-limitative example only, with the aid of the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] FIGS. 1 and 2 show a side view and a plan view of a system for processing the profiled tubes, respectively;

[0022] FIG. 3 is a partial plan view on enlarged scale of a part of the system in FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0023] FIG. 4 is a front view of the part of the system shown in FIG. 3;

[0024] FIG. 5 is a partial plan view on enlarged scale of a part of the system in FIGS. 1 and 2 with different organs from those shown in FIG. 3;

[0025] FIG. 6 is a front view of the part of the system shown in FIG. 5;

[0026] FIG. 7 is a partial, perspective view of the part of the system shown in FIG. 3;

[0027] FIG. 8 is a partial, perspective view of the part of the system shown in FIG. 5;

[0028] FIG. 9 is a flow-chart of a control unit of the system in FIGS. 1 and 2; and

[0029] FIG. 10 is a flow-chart of the operation of the system in FIGS. 1 and 2.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, reference numeral 1 indicates as a whole a system for processing profiled tubes 2, where "profiled tubes" means tubes on which a deformation or a corrugation is performed. The system 1 comprises a base 3 having a working surface 4, defined on a horizontal plane and a plurality of supporting legs 5 of the working surface 4. The system 1 further comprises a first head 6 fitted on a first longitudinal end of the working surface 4 and suited to block a first longitudinal end of the tube 2, and a second head 7 fitted near the second longitudinal end of the working surface 4 and suited to block a second longitudinal end of the tube 2; the tube 2 has a horizontal longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the working surface 4. The head 6 is a vice (not shown) applied to the first longitudinal end of the tube 2. The head 7 is a vice (not shown) carried by a carriage 8 suited to translate along the longitudinal axis of the working surface 4.

[0031] As explained below, the processing of the tube 2 causes a variation of its longitudinal length, so that the head 7 translates from and towards the head 6, and this translation indicates the linear deformation to which the tube 2 is subjected. The head 6 is provided with a motor 9 which determines the rotation around the longitudinal axis of the tube 2 and thus the rotation of the tube 2. The head 7 is idly fitted so as not to obstruct the rotation of the tube 2.

[0032] The system 1 comprises a second carriage 11, carried by the working surface between the heads 6 and 7 and suited to translate along a horizontal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube 2. The carriage 11 comprises a plate 12 defined on a plane horizontal to an upper level of the working surface 4. The system 1 comprises drive means of the carriage 11 which, in this embodiment are represented by two guides 14 arranged along the working surface 4 parallel to the longitudinal axis of the latter, by shoes 15 carried by the lower wall of the plate 12 (FIGS. 4 and 6) and in contact with a respective guide 14, and by a motor 16 (FIGS. 1 and 2) suited to control the translation of the carriage 11 along the longitudinal axis of the working surface 4.

[0033] One or more tools according to the conformation to be obtained may be used in order to obtain the profiling (corrugation or deformation) of the tube 2. In FIGS. 3, 4 and 7, the carriage 11 supports an organ 17 defined by a tool 18 (a roll, in this case) and by a device 21 suited to control the translation of the tool 18 against the tube 2. Obviously, the axis along which the tool 18 translates is horizontal and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tube 2. In use, while the tube 2 rotates around its own longitudinal axis, the contact between the tool 18 and the outer face of the tube 2 determines a deformation of the tube 2. Furthermore, since the carriage 11 translates, the contact between the tool 18 and the tube 2 occurs on the entire outer face of the tube 2 or for the entire longitudinal length thereof. It is apparent that multiple passages of the tool 18 in contact with the tube 2 are needed to gradually confer the preferred shape to the tube 2.

[0034] During profiling, the length of the tube 2 varies (shortening or elongating) and thus the carriage 8 is substantially either recalled towards the head 6 or distanced from the head 6. The displacement of the carriage 8 is detected by a sensor 22 (diagrammatically shown) for the purposes which will be illustrated below. Furthermore, during profiling, the tube 2 undergoes a deformation along its own rotation axis (twisting on itself) in either the positive or the negative sense; deformation which is detected by a sensor (diagrammatically shown). In order to keep the tool 18 in contact with the outer face of the tube 2, the translation of the tool 18 towards the tube 2 must be controlled by means of the device 21. The translation and the correct position of the tool 18 are subordinated to the measures detected by the sensors 22 and 23. Substantially, the measures detected the sensors 22 and 23 indicate whether the obtained dimensions are those selected or if there are deformations which were not selected but which are due to the material of the tube 2 is made. In order to avoid bending of the tube 2 during the processing, the carriage 11 supports, on the opposite part of the organ 17, a second organ 24 defined by a contrast tool 25 (a set square, in this case) and a device 26 suited to control the translation of the tool 25 against the tube 2. Obviously, the axis along which the tool 25 translates is the same translation axis as the tool 18. The organ 24 is provided with a sensor 27 (diagrammatically shown) suited to detect the deformation of the tube 2.

[0035] In FIGS. 5, 6 and 8, the organs 17 and 24 are provided with two tools 31 defined by a respective roll and devices 21 and 26 which determine not only the translation the tools 31 but also the angle of the rotation axis of the rolls. In such a manner, the tools 31 with angle different from its rotation axis cause a deformation of the section of the tube 2 to confer an elliptical conformation to the latter (FIG. 6), and also determine a profiling (corrugation or deformation) of the outer face of the tube 2.

[0036] The system 1 described above may be provided with further devices which may improve and substantially make processing more efficient and allow to carry out such a processing in a shorter time. For example, it is possible to provide the system 1 with a device 41 (diagrammatically shown) suited to warm up the tube 2 during its processing so as to make its processing more efficient. Furthermore, the carriage 11 may be provided with more organs 17 and 24 arranged mutually side by side; each organ 17 and 24 has a tool thereof in contact with the outer face of the tube 2. For example, during the processing of the tube 2, a first organ 17 makes a first deformation and the second organ 17 confers a more pronounced deformation with respect to the first. Obviously, the same solution will be used also for the organs 24. It is apparent that the second deformation may be made only for some sections along the entire length of the tube 2 so as to make a tube 2 which has sections with mutually different profiling (corrugations or deformations). Obviously, instead of the variant described above, the system 1 could be provided with several carriages 11, each with its own organs 17 and 24. In a different variant of the system 1, each organ 17 and 24 is provided with an automatic tool change device so as to reduce times if a tool change is needed for the same tube 2 being processed or for processing a different tube 2.

[0037] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 9, the system 1 is provided with an electronic control unit 51 for all the organs, devices and motors installed in the system 1.

[0038] The control unit 51 comprises:

[0039] a unit 52, in which the data for the processing of the tube 2 according to different possible configurations of the profiling (corrugation or deformation) are stored;

[0040] a data setting unit 53, in which the operator can select a profiling (corrugation or deformation) configuration stored or set a new configuration;

[0041] a data processing unit 54 to process the data necessary to process the tube 2;

[0042] a control unit 55 to control the different organs, devices and motors installed in the plant 1;

[0043] a unit 56, which receives the data and the measures detected during the processing cycle; and

[0044] a displaying unit 57 to display the selected or set profiling (corrugation or deformation) configuration and the measures detected during the processing cycle of the tube 2.

[0045] With reference to FIG. 10, the operating cycle of the system 1 includes a start of processing block 61, from which is reached a block 62, in which the initial positioning of all the organs and the devices installed in the system 1 is controlled and in which the operation of all the organs and devices to start the processing cycle is controlled. Block 62 is followed by a block 63, in which the method detects whether the obtained deformations are those selected or whether there are deformations which are not selected but which are due to the material of which the tube 2 is made. Block 63 is followed by a block 64, in which the profiling obtained in the tube 2 is compared with the profiling obtained from those selected. If it is detected that the selected profiling is obtained, the method goes from block 64 to an end of cycle block 65, while in the opposite case the method goes from block 64 to a block 66, and from here back to block 62. All the data of a new processing cycle are controlled in block 66 and substantially the repositioning of all the organs and devices installed in the system 1 is controlled. If a tool change is needed during the processing cycle, block 64 compares the profiling obtained with that to be obtained in a given step of the processing cycle. If a second processing step is required for processing with a different tool from that of block 64, the method goes to a block 67 in which the method detects whether all the processing steps have ended. In the positive case, from block 67 we arrive to end of cycle block 65, while in the negative case from block 67 we arrive to block 68 in which the tool change, which may be either manual or automatic, as shown above, is controlled. From block 68 we arrive back to block 62.

[0046] The method which is the object of the present invention for processing profiled tubes (corrugated deformed) comprises:

[0047] a first step, in which all the processing data are set, such as the final configuration to be obtained, the type of material of which said tube 2 is made, the diameter of the tube 2, the thickness of the tube 2, the length of the tube 2;

[0048] a second step in which whether the final configuration to be obtained is already stored or to be processed is checked;

[0049] a third step, in which the processing cycle is processed with one or more processing steps;

[0050] a fourth step, in which the tools to be used for all or part of the processing cycle are selected;

[0051] a fifth step, in which the processing cycle is controlled and a continuous or timed comparison of the results reached during the processing cycle is performed; and

[0052] a sixth step, in which the end of the processing cycle is signaled if the final configuration of the profiling of the tube 2 is detected.

[0053] A variant of the system 1 could include an automatic loading and unloading of the tube 2 from the system 1. In this case, the system 1 is provided with a loading and unloading device and the control unit 51 is suited to control such a loading and unloading device.

[0054] The advantages obtained by implementing the present invention are apparent and numerous.

[0055] In particular, a system and a method for processing profiled tubes (corrugated deformed) is made from which an endless plurality of profiling configurations (corrugation or deformation) may be obtained. Additionally, with the system 1 it is possible to obtain a tube 2 which has sections with different profiling (corrugation or deformation). As apparent, the system 1 is easy to produce and may be entirely automatic allowing a shorter processing time, and thus a consequent reduction of processing costs.

Claims

1. A method for the production of profiled tubes (2) (corrugated or deformed tubes), characterized in that it comprises: a first step, in which all the processing data are set, such as the final configuration to be obtained, the type of material of which said tube (2) is made, and the dimensional data of said tube (2); a second step, in which the processing cycle is processed with one or more processing steps; a third step, in which the processing cycle is controlled and which consists in controlling the rotation of said tube (2) around its own longitudinal axis and the contact of the outer face of said tube (2) with at least one tool (18 and 31) along part of the longitudinal length of said tube (2) or along the entire longitudinal length of said tube (2), while performing a continuous or timed comparison of the result obtained and/or reached during the processing cycle; and a fourth step, in which, based on what has been detected during the comparison and/or if the final configuration of the profiling (corrugation or deformation) of said tube (2) has been detected, the processing cycle is caused to end.

2. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that an intermediate step is provided between said first and second step, during which the operator checks whether the final configuration to be obtained is already stored in a memory unit (52) or has to be processed in a processing unit (54).

3. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that an intermediate step is provided between said second and third step, during which the operator selects the tools to be used for part of the processing cycle or for the entire processing cycle.

4. A plant for the production of profiled tubes (2) (corrugated or deformed tubes), characterized in that it comprises: a working surface (4), which is defined on a horizontal plane; first means (6 and 7) to support a tube (2) along said working surface (4); second means (9), which are suited to determine the rotation of said tube (2) around its own longitudinal axis; at least one first organ (17), which is defined by a first tool (18, 31) and by a first device (21), which is suited to control the translation of said tool (18, 31) against said tube (2) until it comes into contact with the latter; and third means (16), which are suited to determine the translation of said first organ (17) along an axis that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube (2).

5. A plant according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises at least one second organ (24), which is defined by a second contrast tool (25) and by a second device (26), which is suited to control the translation of said second contrast tool (25) against said tube (2) until it comes into contact with the latter; said second organ (24) being supported by a first carriage (11), which is moved by said third means (16) and also supports said first organ (17), and said second contrast tool (25) being coaxial to said first tool (18) and being arranged on the opposite side with respect to said tube (2).

6. A plant according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises at least one second organ (24), which is defined by a third tool (31), which is equal to said first tool (31), and by a second device (26), which is suited to control the translation of said third tool (31) against said tube (2) until it comes into contact with the latter; said second organ (24) being supported by a first carriage (11), which is moved by said third means (16) and also supports said first organ (17), and said third tool (31) being coaxial to said first tool (31) and being arranged on the opposite side with respect to said tube (2).

7. A plant according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises fourth means (22, 23 and 27), which are suited to detect the profiling (corrugation or deformation) defined on said tube (2) during the processing cycle.

8. A plant according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises fifth means (41), which are suited to warm up the section of said tube (2) while the latter is being processed.

9. A plant according to claim 4, characterized in that it is provided with an electronic control unit (51) comprising: a unit (52), in which the data for the processing of said tube (2) according to different possible configurations of the profiling (corrugation or deformation) are stored; a data setting unit (53), in which the operator can select a profiling (corrugation or deformation) configuration stored or set a new configuration and set the dimensional data of said tube (2); a data processing unit (54) to process the data necessary to process said tube (2); a control unit (55) to control the different organs, devices and means installed in the plant; a unit (56), which receives the data and the measures detected during the processing cycle; and a displaying unit (57) to display the profiling (corrugation or deformation) configuration selected or set and the measures detected during the processing cycle of said tube (2).

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