DEVICE FOR BENDING A PROFILE IN TWO BENDING DIRECTIONS

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for bending a profile in two bending directions. This bending device (1) comprises a base (2), at least one means (3) for gripping the profile, primary means (6) for rotatably mounting the at least one gripping means (3) such that it can rotate about a first axis of rotation (Xr1) relative to the base (2), primary drive means (7) for rotating the at least one gripping means (3) about this first axis of rotation (Xr1) relative to the base (2), a system (8) for laterally bearing against the profile, a system (9) for positioning the lateral bearing system (8) in at least two symmetric positions relative to the first axis of rotation (Xr1). This bending device (1) is characterised in that the positioning system (9) comprises, on the one hand, means for mounting in curvilinear translation the lateral bearing system (8) relative to the base (2) and, on the other hand, means (11) for driving in curvilinear translation the at least one lateral bearing system (8) relative to the base (2).

Description

Description Device for bending a profile in two bending directions

[0001] The invention relates to a device for bending a profile, in two bending directions.

[0002] This invention relates to the field of manufacturing tools which are configured to bend profiles, more particularly the field of manufacturing automated machines for bending tubes.

[0003] Devices for bending a profile in two bending directions are already known.

[0004] Such a bending device comprises, on the one hand, a base which rests on the ground, on the other hand, at least one means for clamping the profile, on the other hand, means for mounting such a clamping means in rotation around an axis of rotation as well as means for driving such a clamping means in rotation around this axis of rotation, in order to bend the profile.

[0005] Such a bending device further comprises, on the one hand, a lateral support system for bearing laterally against said profile, this during the bending of the profile and, on the other hand, a positioning system which is configured to position said lateral support system in at least two positions which are symmetrical with respect to said axis of rotation of said at least one clamping means.

[0006] Such a positioning system usually comprises first means for translationally mounting said lateral support system relative to the base in a first translation direction and second means for translationally mounting said lateral support system in a second translation direction which is perpendicular to the first translation direction. This positioning system then also comprises means for translationally driving said lateral support system relative to the base, in these two translation directions. Such translational drive means are usually of the pneumatic type.

[0007] The use of such pneumatic drive means has a number of disadvantages.

[0008] A first disadvantage is that such pneumatic drive means require the presence of a pneumatic installation (in particular comprising a pneumatic unit and a plurality of pipes for conveying the air) at least part of which is housed inside the base. Such a pneumatic installation is bulky, which means that the base itself is bulky and hinders the handling and / or bending of the profile. As a result, the possibilities of moving the profile relative to the base and the possibilities of bending such a profile are limited, which therefore does not allow such a profile to be given certain shapes, particularly complex shapes.

[0009] Another disadvantage is that pneumatic drive means do not always allow for movement and positioning of the lateral support system relative to the profile with sufficient precision and finesse, which can be detrimental to the quality of the bending of this profile.

[0010] Yet another disadvantage is that such pneumatic drive means only allow movement of the lateral support system with a movement speed which is substantially lower than the bending speed, which therefore limits the bending rate.

[0011] Documents EP1591174A1 and US20100180653Al disclose a device for bending, in two bending directions, a profile. This bending device comprises a base and, on the one hand, at least one clamping means which is configured to clamp said profile, on the other hand, primary rotational mounting means which are configured to mount in rotation about a first axis of rotation said at least one clamping means relative to the base and, on the other hand, primary rotational drive means which are configured to drive in rotation about this first axis of rotation said at least one clamping means relative to the base.This device also comprises a lateral support system which is configured to bear laterally against the profile as well as a positioning system, which is configured to position said lateral support system in at least two positions which are symmetrical with respect to said first axis of rotation, and which comprises, on the one hand, means for mounting in translation said lateral support system with respect to the base and, on the other hand, means for driving in translation said at least one lateral support system with respect to the base.

[0012] The present invention aims to remedy the bending devices of the state of the art.

[0013] The aim of this invention is to enable an improvement in the possibilities of moving the profile relative to the base as well as an increase in the amplitude of the movement of movement of this profile relative to the base, this with a view to enabling such a profile to be given more complex shapes and / or to more easily give such a profile a specific shape.

[0014] Another objective of the present invention is to improve the accuracy of the positioning of the lateral support system, with a view to improving the quality of the bending.

[0015] Yet another objective of the invention is to increase the speed of movement of the lateral support system, with a view to improving the bending rate.

[0016] To this end, the invention relates to a device for bending a profile in two bending directions. This bending device comprises a base and, on the one hand, at least one clamping means which is configured to clamp said profile, on the other hand, primary rotational mounting means which are configured to mount said at least one clamping means in rotation about a first axis of rotation relative to the base and, on the other hand, primary rotational drive means which are configured to drive said at least one clamping means in rotation about this first axis of rotation relative to the base.This device also comprises a lateral support system which is configured to bear laterally against the profile as well as a positioning system, which is configured to position said lateral support system in at least two positions which are symmetrical with respect to said first axis of rotation, and which comprises, on the one hand, means for mounting in curvilinear translation said lateral support system with respect to the base comprising means for mounting in circular translation said lateral support system with respect to the base and, on the other hand, drive means. in curvilinear translation of said at least one lateral support system relative to the base.

[0017] This bending device is characterized by the fact that the circular translation mounting means comprise, on the one hand, a plate, on the other hand, secondary rotation mounting means which are configured to mount said plate in rotation around a second axis of rotation relative to the base and, on the other hand, tertiary rotation mounting means which are configured to mount the lateral support system in rotation around a third axis of rotation which is parallel to the second axis of rotation relative to said plate.

[0018] An additional feature relates to the fact that the circular translation mounting means comprise transformation means which are configured to transform a rotational movement around the second axis of rotation of said plate relative to the base into a rotational movement around the third axis of rotation of said lateral support system relative to the plate.

[0019] The bending device also comprises, on the one hand, axial translation mounting means which are configured to mount said lateral support system in translation along a translation axis which is at least perpendicular to the first axis of rotation relative to the base and, on the other hand, axial translation drive means along this translation axis relative to the base.

[0020] Thus, the bending device according to the invention comprises a system for positioning said lateral support system which comprises means for mounting in curvilinear translation as well as means for driving in curvilinear translation said lateral support system relative to the base.

[0021] These characteristics advantageously make it possible to have a positioning system (by curvilinear translation) which is more compact than the positioning system (by translation in two directions) of the state of the art. These characteristics then make it possible to reduce the size of such a positioning system compared to the positioning system of the state of the art and, thus, to increase the amplitude of the movement of displacement of the profile. It is then possible to give such a profile more complex shapes and / or to give such a profile a specific shape more easily.

[0022] This positioning system (by curvilinear translation) also allows for faster and more fluid movement of the lateral support system (notably less jerky) than with a positioning system (by translation in two directions) of the state of the art. This results in an increase in the bending rate as well as the reliability of the bending device.

[0023] Furthermore, these characteristics advantageously allow the use of electric type curvilinear translation drive means to be considered, which also makes it possible to reduce the size of the base and, thus, to further increase the amplitude of the movement of displacement of the profile relative to the base, this with the same effects and the same results as those described above. The use of electric type curvilinear translation drive means also makes it possible to improve the precision of the positioning of the lateral support system and, thus, to improve the quality of the bending. Finally, the use of such electric type curvilinear translation drive means electric type allows to further increase the speed of movement of the lateral support system.

[0024] Other aims and advantages of the present invention will appear during the description which follows relating to embodiments which are given only as indicative and non-limiting examples.

[0025] Understanding of this description will be facilitated by referring to the attached drawings in which:

[0026] [Fig 1] is a schematic view of the bending device according to the invention.

[0027] [Fig 2] is a schematic and cutaway view of the bending device illustrated in Fig 1.

[0028] [Fig 3] to [Fig 6] are schematic views of the bending device according to the invention, in different positions of the lateral support system relative to the base.

[0029] The present invention relates to the field of manufacturing tools which are configured to bend profiles, more particularly the field of manufacturing automated machines for bending tubes.

[0030] The invention then relates more particularly to a device 1 for bending a profile in two bending directions.

[0031] Generally, such a profile extends along an extension axis, adopts a polygonal or (and preferably) circular section, and can adopt the form of a hollow tube. Such a profile is usually made of a metallic material.

[0032] Said bending device 1 comprises a base 2 which is intended to rest on the ground, or even to be fixed to the ground.

[0033] This bending device 1 also comprises at least one clamping means 3 which is configured to clamp said profile.

[0034] According to a particular embodiment, the bending device 1 may comprise a plurality of clamping means 3.

[0035] Such a clamping means 3 adopts the form of a clamp and comprises, on the one hand, a first jaw which comprises a cradle which is configured to receive the profile and which has a shape which corresponds substantially to the shape of this profile, on the other hand, a second jaw which also comprises a cradle which is configured to receive the profile and which has a shape which corresponds substantially to the shape of this profile.

[0036] The bending device 1 then also comprises means 4 for mounting the first jaw in displacement (more particularly in translation along a translation axis Xtl) relative to the base 2 (or even relative to the second jaw) and / or the second jaw relative to the base 2 (or even relative to the first jaw), this between a position for clamping the profile and a position for releasing this profile. This bending device 1 also comprises means 5 for driving the first jaw and / or this second jaw in displacement (more particularly in translation along said translation axis), this between the clamping and release positions. Such primary means 5 for driving the first jaw and / or this second jaw may comprise a motor, in particular an electric motor.

[0037] The bending device 1 also comprises primary rotational mounting means 6 which are configured to mount in rotation about a first rotation axis Xrl said at least one clamping means 3 relative to the base 2, more particularly on said base 2.

[0038] In this regard, it will be observed that said first axis of rotation Xrl is at least parallel to (or even, and preferably, coincident with) the translation axis Xtl of the displacement mounting means 4 (more particularly in translation) mentioned above.

[0039] The bending device 1 then also comprises primary rotational drive means 7 which are configured to drive said at least one clamping means 3 in rotation about this first rotation axis Xrl relative to the base 2, more particularly on said base 2. Such primary rotational drive means 7 may comprise a motor, in particular an electric motor.

[0040] In this regard, it will be observed that the bending of said profile is then ensured by means of said at least one clamping means 3 (more particularly in the clamping position of this profile) as well as by the actuation of the primary rotational drive means 7 of said at least one clamping means 3 relative to the base 2.

[0041] The bending device 1 also comprises a lateral support system 8 which is configured to bear laterally against the profile.

[0042] Such a lateral support system 8 extends in a main direction D which is perpendicular to the extension axis along which the profile extends and / or which is perpendicular to the translation axis Xtl of the moving mounting means 4 and / or which is perpendicular to the first rotation axis Xrl.

[0043] Such a lateral support system 8 comprises, on the one hand, a tool holder 80, in particular in the form of a carriage, on the other hand, at least one first lateral support means 81 which is configured to bear laterally against the profile, on the other hand, at least one second lateral support means 82 which is configured to bear laterally against the profile and, on the other hand, fixing means 83 of the first lateral support means 81 and of the second lateral support means 82, this on either side of the tool holder 80, in particular symmetrically with respect to this tool holder 80 and so that the tool holder 80 is interposed between the two lateral support means (81; 82).

[0044] The bending device 1 also comprises a positioning system 9 which is configured to position said lateral support system 8 in at least two positions (figures 3 and 6) which are symmetrical with respect to said first axis of rotation Xrl.

[0045] Alternatively or (and preferably) additionally, this positioning system 9 is configured to position said lateral support system 8 at least on one of the two sides as well as on the other of the two sides of a plane, on the one hand, within which the first axis of rotation Xrl extends and, on the other hand, which is at least parallel to the extension axis along which the profile extends and / or which is perpendicular to the main direction D along which the lateral support system 8 extends.

[0046] According to the invention, the positioning system 9 comprises, on the one hand, means 10 for mounting said lateral support system 8 in curvilinear translation relative to the base 2 and, on the other hand, means 11 for driving said at least one lateral support system 8 in curvilinear translation relative to the base 2.

[0047] In this regard, it will be observed that, in such a curvilinear translation, on the one hand, the lateral support system 8 remains oriented in the same direction (which is, preferably, the main direction D in which this lateral support system 8 extends) and, on the other hand, at least a point of said lateral support system 8 (or even - and preferably - all the points of said lateral support system 8) has a trajectory which is a curve.

[0048] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the means 10 for mounting said lateral support system 8 in curvilinear translation relative to the base 2 comprise means 12 for mounting said lateral support system 8 in circular translation relative to the base 2.

[0049] In this regard, it will be observed that, in such a circular translation, on the one hand, the lateral support system 8 remains oriented in the same direction (which is, preferably, the main direction D in which this lateral support system 8 extends) and, on the other hand, at least one point of said lateral support system 8 (or even - and preferably - all the points of said lateral support system 8) has a trajectory which is a circle.

[0050] In particular, in such a circular trajectory, at least one point (more particularly the center, in particular of gravity) of said lateral support system 8 has a trajectory which is a circle whose center is crossed by the first axis of rotation Xrl.

[0051] According to another characteristic, the circular translation mounting means 12 comprise, on the one hand, a plate 13 which extends laterally relative to the first axis of rotation Xrl and in a direction perpendicular to this first axis of rotation Xrl.

[0052] On the other hand, these circular translation mounting means 12 comprise secondary rotation mounting means 14 which are configured to mount in rotation around a second rotation axis Xr2 said plate 13 relative to the base 2, more particularly on said base 2. This second rotation axis Xr2 is at least parallel to the first rotation axis Xrl, or even (and preferably) coincident with this first rotation axis Xrl.

[0053] Furthermore, these circular translation mounting means 12 comprise tertiary rotation mounting means 15 which are configured to mount in rotation around a third rotation axis Xr3 (which is parallel to the second rotation axis Xr2) the lateral support system 8 relative to said plate 13, more particularly on said plate 13.

[0054] In these circular translation mounting means 12, the plate 13 extends along a plane while the second axis of rotation Xr2 and the third axis of rotation Xr3 are perpendicular to the plane along which this plate 13 extends.

[0055] Yet another characteristic concerns the fact that the circular translation mounting means 12 further comprise transformation means 16 which are configured to transform a rotational movement around the second rotation axis Xr2 of said plate 13 relative to the base 2 into a rotational movement around the third rotation axis Xr3 of said lateral support system 8 relative to the plate 13.

[0056] In this regard, it will be observed that the transformation means 16 comprise, on the one hand, a proximal toothed wheel 160, which is fixed relative to the base 2, and relative to which the plate 13 is movable in rotation around the second axis of rotation Xr2. This proximal toothed wheel 160 has a center which is crossed by the second axis of rotation Xr2, or even (and preferably) by the first axis of rotation Xrl.

[0057] On the other hand, these transformation means 16 comprise a distal toothed wheel 161, which is fixed (at least in rotation) relative to the lateral support system 8, and which is movable in rotation around the third axis of rotation Xr3 relative to the plate 13. This distal toothed wheel 161 has a center which is crossed by the third axis of rotation Xr3.

[0058] Furthermore, these transformation means 16 comprise an intermediate toothed wheel 162, which is rotatable about a fourth axis of rotation Xr4 relative to the plate 13, which is interposed between the proximal toothed wheel 160 and the distal toothed wheel 161, and which is engaged with this proximal toothed wheel 160 as well as with this distal toothed wheel 161. This intermediate toothed wheel 162 has a center which is crossed by the fourth axis of rotation Xr4. This fourth axis of rotation Xr4 is parallel to the first axis of rotation Xrl and / or to the second axis of rotation Xr2 and / or to the third axis of rotation Xr3.

[0059] As mentioned above, the positioning system 9 comprises means 11 for driving said at least one lateral support system 8 in curvilinear translation relative to the base 2.

[0060] In fact, these means for driving in curvilinear translation 11 said at least one lateral support system 8 relative to the base 2 then comprise means for driving in circular translation 17 said at least one lateral support system 8 relative to the base 2. These means for driving in circular translation 17 comprise a motor (more particularly electric) which comprises, on the one hand, a stator which is fixedly mounted on the plate 13 and, on the other hand, a rotor which is engaged with the intermediate toothed wheel 162.

[0061] According to another characteristic, the bending device 1 also comprises axial translation mounting means 18 which are configured to mount said lateral support system 8 in translation along a translation axis Xt2 relative to the base 2.

[0062] It will be observed that this translation axis Xt2 is at least perpendicular to the first rotation axis Xrl, or even (and preferably) intersecting with this first rotation axis Xrl. In addition, this translation axis Xt2 is preferably coincident with the main direction D along which the lateral support system 8 extends. Furthermore, this translation axis Xt2 is perpendicular to the extension axis along which the profile extends and / or is perpendicular to the translation axis Xtl of the moving mounting means 4.

[0063] Additionally, the bending device 2 then also comprises axial translation drive means 19 along said translation axis Xt2 of said lateral support system 8 relative to the base 2.

[0064] In this regard, it will be observed that these axial translation drive means 19 (along said translation axis Xt2 of said lateral support system 8 relative to the base 2) can be actuated at the same time as the primary rotation drive means 7 (around said first rotation axis Xrl of said at least one clamping means 3 relative to the base 2) and the curvilinear translation drive means 11 (of said at least one lateral support system 8 relative to the base 2) which advantageously allows the lateral support system 8 to bear against the profile, this before and / or during and / or after the bending of this profile by means of said at least one clamping means 3 as well as by means of the primary rotation drive means 7 of said at least one clamping means 3.This operation then advantageously allows the lateral support system 8 to accompany the profile and to bear against this profile throughout the bending process.

[0065] As mentioned above, the circular translation mounting means 12 comprise tertiary rotation mounting means 15 which are configured to mount in rotation about the third rotation axis Xr3 the lateral support system 8 relative to said plate 13.

[0066] These are, then, more particularly, these tertiary means of rotational mounting 15 which comprise, on the one hand, the means of axial translation mounting 18 along the translation axis Xt2 of said lateral support system 8 relative to the base 2 and, on the other hand, the means of axial translation drive 19 along this translation axis Xt2 of said lateral support system 8 relative to the base 2.

[0067] In this regard, it will be observed that the tertiary rotational mounting means 15 may then comprise, on the one hand, a support 150 which is mounted to rotate about the third axis of rotation Xr3 on the plate 13 and which is integral in rotation (about the third axis of rotation Xr3) with the distal wheel 161, on the other hand, axial translational mounting means 151 along the translation axis Xt2, which is perpendicular to the third axis of rotation Xr3 (or even which is secant with this third axis of rotation Xr3), of said lateral support system 8 relative to the support 150 (more particularly on the support 150) and, on the other hand, axial translational drive means 152 along the translation axis Xt2 of said lateral support system 8 relative to the support 150.

[0068] The axial translation mounting means 18 according to the translation axis Xt2 of said lateral support system 8 relative to the base 2 are then constituted by the axial translation mounting means 151 according to the translation axis Xt2 of said lateral support system 8 relative to the support 150.

[0069] At the same time, the axial translation drive means 19 along the translation axis Xt2 of said lateral support system 8 relative to the base 2 are then constituted by the axial translation drive means 152 along the translation axis Xt2 of said lateral support system 8 relative to the support 150.

[0070] These axial translation drive means (19; 152) can then be constituted by a motor, in particular an electric motor.

[0071] The invention then also relates to an assembly which comprises, on the one hand, a profile which extends along an extension axis and, on the other hand, a bending device 1, in two bending directions, of such a profile. In this assembly, the bending device 1 has at least some of the characteristics described above.

[0072] Furthermore, in this bending device 1, the positioning system 9 is configured to position said lateral support system 8 on one of the two sides as well as on the other of the two sides of a plane, on the one hand, within which the first axis of rotation Xrl extends and, on the other hand, which is at least parallel to the extension axis along which the profile extends.

[0073] Finally, the invention relates to an installation for bending, in two bending directions, a profile which extends along an extension axis. This bending installation comprises, on the one hand, a device 1 for bending such a profile in two bending directions and, on the other hand, a device for positioning such a profile relative to the bending device 1.

[0074] In this installation, the bending device 1 again has at least one part of the characteristics described above.

[0075] In addition, in this installation, the positioning device can be made up of a robot, particularly a 6-axis one.

Claims

Demands

1. Bending device (1), in two bending directions, for a profile, this bending device (1) comprises: - a base (2); - on the one hand, at least one clamping means (3) which is configured to clamp said profile, on the other hand, primary rotational mounting means (6) which are configured to mount said at least one clamping means (3) in rotation around a first axis of rotation (Xrl) relative to the base (2) and, on the other hand, primary rotational drive means (7) which are configured to drive said at least one clamping means (3) in rotation around this first axis of rotation (Xrl) relative to the base (2); - a lateral support system (8) which is configured to bear laterally against the profile; - a positioning system (9), which is configured to position said lateral support system (8) in at least two positions which are symmetrical with respect to said first axis of rotation (Xrl), and which comprises, on the one hand, means for mounting in curvilinear translation (10) of said lateral support system (8) with respect to the base (2) which include means for mounting in circular translation (12) of said lateral support system (8) with respect to the base (2) and, on the other hand, means for driving in curvilinear translation (11) of said at least one lateral support system (8) with respect to the base (2); - characterized by the fact that the circular translation mounting means (12) comprise, on the one hand, a plate (13), on the other hand, secondary rotation mounting means (14) which are configured to mount said plate (13) in rotation around a second axis of rotation (Xr2) relative to the base (2) and, on the other hand, tertiary rotation mounting means (15) which are configured to mount the lateral support system (8) in rotation around a third axis of rotation (Xr3), which is parallel to the second axis of rotation (Xr2) relative to said plate (13).

2. Bending device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the circular translation mounting means (12) comprise transformation means (16) which are configured to transform a rotational movement around the second axis of rotation (Xr2) of said plate (13) relative to the base (2) into a rotational movement around the third axis of rotation (Xr3) of said lateral support system (8) relative to the plate (13).

3. Bending device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the transformation means (16) comprise, on the one hand, a proximal toothed wheel (160), which is fixed relative to the base (2), and relative to which the plate (13) is movable in rotation about the second axis of rotation (Xr2), and on the other hand, a distal toothed wheel (161), which is fixed relative to the lateral support system (8), and which is movable in rotation about the third axis of rotation (Xr3) relative to the plate (13) and, on the other hand, an intermediate toothed wheel (162), which is mobile in rotation about a fourth axis of rotation (Xr4) relative to the plate (13), which is interposed between the proximal toothed wheel (160) and the distal toothed wheel (161), and which is engaged with this proximal toothed wheel (160) as well as with this distal toothed wheel (161).

4. Bending device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the means for driving curvilinear translation (11) of said at least one lateral support system (8) relative to the base (2) comprise means for driving circular translation (17) of said at least one lateral support system (8) relative to the base (2) which comprise a motor which includes, on the one hand, a stator which is fixedly mounted on the plate (13) and, on the other hand, a rotor which is taken with the intermediate toothed wheel (162).

5. Bending device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises, on the one hand, axial translation mounting means (18) which are configured to mount in translation along a translation axis (Xt2) which is at least perpendicular to the first axis of rotation (Xrl) said lateral support system (8) with respect to the base (2) and, on the other hand, axial translation drive means (19) along this translation axis (Xt2) of said lateral support system (8) with respect to the base (2).

6. Bending device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the tertiary means for rotational mounting (15) comprise, on the one hand, the means for axial translation mounting (18) along the axis of translation (Xt2) of said lateral support system (8) relative to the base (2) and, on the other hand, the means for axial translation drive (19) along this axis of translation (Xt2) of said lateral support system (8) relative to the base (2).

7. Bending device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lateral support system (8) comprises, on the one hand, a tool holder (80), on the other hand, at least one first lateral support means (81) which is configured to bear laterally against the profile, on the other hand, at least one second lateral support means (82) which is configured to bear laterally against the profile and, on the other hand, fixing means (83) for the first lateral support means (81) and the second lateral support means (82), this on both sides of the tool holder (80).

8. Assembly comprising, on the one hand, a profile which extends along an extension axis and, on the other hand, a bending device (1), in two bending directions, of such a profile, characterized in that the bending device (1) conforms to any one of the preceding claims and that, in this bending device (1), the positioning system (9) is configured to position said lateral support system (8) on one of the two sides as well as on the other of the two sides of a plane within which the first axis of rotation (Xrl) extends and which is at least parallel to the extension axis along which the profile extends.