Bending system for forming corrugations and method for using the same

Abstract

The invention relates to a bending device for forming transverse corrugations in a metal sheet, the bending device (9) comprising: - drive means (11) which advance the metal sheet (1), and - a bending device (12) comprising: - a frame (13) which can be moved parallel to the direction of advance and between a rear position and a front position by means of a first actuator, and - a punch (16) which can be moved vertically on the frame (13) and between a rest position and a bending position by means of a second actuator (17), and - a control unit (29) which is configured to control the first actuator (14) and the second actuator (17) and which is configured to simultaneously move the frame (13) of the bending device (12) from the rear position to the front position and to move the punch (16) from the rest position to the bending position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a bending apparatus for forming corrugations in metal sheets.

[0002] The corrugated metal sheet obtained by means of such bending equipment is intended for use in the structure of a sealing membrane for a tank. The present invention also relates to the field of sealed and insulated membrane tanks for storing and / or transporting fluids, such as liquefied gases. Background Technology

[0003] Document KR20150100009 discloses an apparatus for forming corrugated sheets intended for use in liquefied natural gas tanks. This forming apparatus includes a forming roller and is capable of continuously forming longitudinal corrugations, i.e., corrugations extending parallel to the forward direction of the sheet. The sheet is then cut and fed into a press adapted to press the sheet and to form transverse corrugations, i.e., corrugations extending perpendicular to the longitudinal corrugations, in each stroke of the press. This system enables the production of corrugated sheets of considerable length.

[0004] However, the equipment is not entirely satisfactory. In particular, the transverse corrugations are not produced continuously, which reduces the efficiency of the corrugated sheet forming method. Furthermore, the transverse corrugations are produced by pressing rather than bending. Now, unlike bending, pressing has the effect of altering the thickness of the metal sheet at the corrugated layer, thus reducing the mechanical properties of the corrugated sheet. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One idea behind this invention is to provide a simple and efficient bending apparatus for forming transverse corrugations in metal sheets. Another idea behind this invention is to provide a bending apparatus capable of producing corrugations in a more productive manner. Yet another idea behind this invention includes providing a bending apparatus capable of obtaining corrugations without significantly altering the sheet thickness.

[0006] According to one embodiment, the present invention provides a bending apparatus for forming transverse corrugations in a metal sheet, the bending apparatus comprising:

[0007] - A drive mechanism that propels the metal sheet horizontally from rear to front in the forward direction, and

[0008] - A bending device, comprising:

[0009] A frame, mounted to be movable parallel to the forward direction and between a rear position and a front position, the frame being associated with a first actuator adapted to move the frame between the rear and front positions.

[0010] - A stamped part, which is elongated in a transverse direction orthogonal to the forward direction, is vertically movable on a frame and between a stationary position and a bent position, in which the stamped part deforms a sheet metal to form a transverse corrugation in a transverse corrugation section. The stamped part is associated with a second actuator adapted to move the stamped part between the stationary position and the bent position.

[0011] - A control unit configured to control the first actuator and the second actuator, and configured to simultaneously perform the following: moving the frame of the bending device from a rear position to a front position, and moving the stamping part from a stationary position to a bending position.

[0012] Therefore, this bending equipment can achieve continuous bending of the sheet to produce the corrugated section without significantly changing the thickness of the metal sheet.

[0013] This bending device has one or more of the following features.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the metal sheet is intended for use in forming a membrane for a tank used to store liquefied gases.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the control unit is configured to: control the drive device to cause the metal sheet to move forward from the rear to the front at a speed V1, and the control unit is configured to:

[0016] - The second actuator moves the stamped part along the direction of the bent position at the following speed:

[0017] in,

[0018] r represents the reduction in the dimension of the metal sheet along the forward direction f due to the bending operation, and

[0019] t represents time.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the control unit is configured to: control the drive device to move the metal sheet from the rear to the front at a speed V1, and the control unit is configured such that:

[0021] - The second actuator moves the stamped part at a speed V7 in the direction of the bent position, the speed V7 being between and Between and including and And this speed V7 is preferably equal to

[0022] in,

[0023] α represents the angle formed between one side of the cross-section of the stamped part and the horizontal axis.

[0024] According to one implementation, the control unit is configured such that:

[0025] - The first actuator moves the frame of the bending device from the rear position to the front position at a speed of V2. During the movement of the stamp from the stationary position to the middle position where the stamp contacts the metal sheet, the speed V2 is equal to the speed V1, and during the movement of the stamp from the middle position to the bending position, the speed V2 is less than the speed V1.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the control unit is configured such that during the movement of the stamping part from the intermediate position toward the bent position, the first actuator causes the frame of the bending device to be positioned between... and Between and including and The velocity V2 moves from the rear position towards the front position. The velocity V2 is preferably equal to... The above speed range allows for consideration of parasitic phenomena, such as, in particular, slippage.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the control unit is configured such that when the second actuator moves the stamping part from a bent position toward a stationary position, the first actuator continues the movement of the frame toward a forward position.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the bending device includes:

[0029] - A lower subframe, mounted to be vertically movable on the frame of the bending device, and arranged facing the stamping part, the lower subframe being associated with a third actuator adapted to move the lower subframe between a stationary position and a bent position, and

[0030] - Two side dies, each of which has an upper support surface and a semi-embossed portion designed to receive a metal sheet. The two side dies are mounted on a lower subframe and slide horizontally between a separated position and a position close together, in which the semi-embossed portions together form an embossed portion having a shape complementary to the shape of the stamped part.

[0031] According to one embodiment, each side mold includes one or more grooves extending parallel to the forward direction and each groove is designed to receive a pre-formed longitudinal corrugation.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the control unit is configured such that during the movement of the stamping part from a stationary position toward an intermediate position where the stamping part contacts the sheet, a third actuator moves the lower subframe from a stationary position to a bent position.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the bending device includes a return member configured to return the lateral die to a separated position.

[0034] According to one embodiment, a stamped part is fixed to a plug-like member, which can be moved by a first actuator to move the stamped part between a stationary position and a bent position. The bending device includes two die pads arranged on corresponding opposite sides of the stamped part. Each die pad includes a clamping surface facing one of the lateral dies. Each die pad is mounted to be vertically movable on a corresponding die pad support, which is mounted to be movable on the plug-like member, parallel to the direction of travel, between a separated position and a position close together. This ensures that the corrugated sheet produced in this manner is flat.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the bending equipment further includes a forming device upstream of the bending apparatus, the forming device being configured to form at least one corrugated portion extending parallel to the forward direction. Therefore, the bending equipment is capable of producing sheets with corrugated portions perpendicular to each other.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the bending device further includes a conforming device downstream of the bending device, the conforming device being configured to trim the corrugated portion pre-bent by means of the bending device.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the compliant device includes:

[0038] A frame, mounted to be movable parallel to the forward direction and between a rear position and a front position, the frame being associated with a fourth actuator capable of moving the frame between the rear and front positions, and...

[0039] - A stamping element, which is mounted on the frame of a conforming device and can move vertically between a stationary position and a conforming position, in which the stamping element deforms a sheet metal to shape a transverse corrugation pre-formed by a bending device. The stamping element is associated with a fifth actuator adapted to move the stamping element between the stationary position and the conforming position.

[0040] According to one implementation, the control unit is configured to control the fourth and fifth actuators.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the control unit is configured to: control the drive device to advance the metal sheet from the rear to the front at a speed of V1, and the control unit is configured such that: the fourth actuator moves the frame of the conforming device from the rear position to the front position at a speed of V3, during the movement of the stamping member of the bending device from the rest position to the intermediate position where the stamping member of the bending device contacts the metal sheet, the speed V3 is equal to the speed V1, and during the movement of the stamping member of the bending device from the intermediate position to the bending position, the speed V3 is zero.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the present invention also provides a method for using the above-described bending device, the method comprising:

[0043] - Position the metal sheet such that the drive device propels the metal sheet forward, and

[0044] -The first actuator and the second actuator are controlled by means of the control unit to simultaneously perform the following: moving the frame of the bending device from the rear position to the front position, and moving the stamping part from the stationary position to the bending position.

[0045] An implementation of this method using a bending device includes one or more of the following features.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the second actuator is controlled such that:

[0047] - The second actuator moves the stamped part along the direction of the bent position at the following speed, which makes

[0048] in,

[0049] r represents the reduction in the dimension of the metal sheet along the forward direction f during the bending operation, and

[0050] t represents time.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the second actuator is controlled such that: the second actuator causes the stamping part to move at a speed V7 in the direction of the bent position, the speed V7 being between and Between and including and And this speed V7 is preferably equal to

[0052] in,

[0053] α represents the angle formed between one side of the cross-section of the stamped part and the horizontal axis.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the first actuator is controlled such that, during the movement of the stamping member from the intermediate position where the stamping member of the bending device contacts the metal sheet toward the bending position, the frame of the bending device moves from the rear position toward the front position at a speed V2, the speed V2 being between... and Between and including and And this speed V2 is advantageously equal to

[0055] According to one embodiment, the first actuator and the second actuator are controlled such that the movement of the frame toward the forward position continues during the movement of the stamping part from the bent position toward the stationary position.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the bending device further includes a conforming device downstream of the bending device, the conforming device being configured to trim the corrugated portion pre-bent by means of the bending device, the conforming device comprising:

[0057] A frame, mounted to be movable parallel to the forward direction and between a rear position and a front position, the frame being associated with a fourth actuator adapted to move the frame between the rear and front positions, and

[0058] - A stamping element, mounted on the frame of the conforming device and vertically movable between a stationary position and a conforming position, in which the stamping element deforms a sheet metal to shape a transverse corrugation pre-formed by a bending device, the stamping element being associated with a fifth actuator adapted to move the stamping element between the stationary and conforming positions, and a fourth actuator being controlled such that: the frame of the conforming device is moved at a speed V3 from a front position to a rear position, during which the speed V3 is equal to V1 during the movement of the stamping element of the bending device from the stationary position to an intermediate position where the stamping element of the bending device contacts the sheet metal, and during which the speed V3 is zero during the movement of the stamping element of the bending device from the intermediate position where the stamping element of the bending device contacts the sheet metal towards the bending position. Attached Figure Description

[0059] The invention will be better understood and other objects, details, features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent in the following description of specific embodiments of the invention, which are given by way of non-limiting illustration only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0060] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 This is a view of a corrugated metal sheet designed for use as a sealing membrane in liquefied natural gas storage tanks.

[0061] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a bending device in its initial state according to one embodiment.

[0062] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 It is in the second state from Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a bending device.

[0063] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 It is in the third state from Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a bending device.

[0064] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 It is in the fourth state from Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a bending device.

[0065] [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 It is in the fifth state from Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a bending device.

[0066] [ Figure 7 ] Figure 7 It is in the sixth state from Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a bending device. Detailed Implementation

[0067] Figure 1 A corrugated metal sheet 1 is shown, which is intended for use in forming a sealing membrane for storage tanks of fluids, such as liquefied natural gas.

[0068] The metal sheet 1 includes a first series of parallel corrugated portions 2 extending in the y-direction and a second series of parallel corrugated portions 3 extending in the x-direction. The x-direction and y-direction of the corrugated portion series are perpendicular. The corrugated portions 2 and 3 protrude from the inner surface of the metal sheet 1, which is intended to be placed in contact with the fluid contained in the container. Here, the edges of the metal sheet 1 are parallel to the corrugated portions 2 and 3.

[0069] The metal sheet 1 includes a plurality of planar surfaces 4 located between the corrugated portions 2 and 3. At the level of each intersection between the two corrugated portions 2 and 3, the metal sheet 1 includes a node region 5. The node region 5 includes a central portion 6 having a top that protrudes toward the interior of the can. Furthermore, the central portion 6 has a pair of concave corrugated portions 7 formed in the top of the corrugated portion 3 on one side and a pair of recesses 8 passing through the corrugated portion 2 on the other side.

[0070] The corrugated portions 2 and 3 of the metal sheet 1 enable the sealing membrane to be flexible, thereby allowing it to deform due to the thermal and mechanical loads generated by the fluid stored in the tank.

[0071] Metal sheet 1 can be made of stainless steel, aluminum, etc. Made of That is, the coefficient of thermal expansion is usually between 1.2 x 10⁻⁶. -6 K -1 With 2x10 -6 K -1 Iron and nickel alloys, or those with a coefficient of thermal expansion typically around 7 x 10⁻⁶. -6 K -1 Iron alloys with high manganese content. However, it is also conceivable to use other metals or alloys.

[0072] For example, the metal sheet 1 has a thickness of about 1.2 mm. Other thicknesses are also conceivable, but it should be known that increasing the thickness of the metal sheet 1 will lead to an increase in the cost of the metal sheet 1 and will generally increase the stiffness of the corrugated portions 2 and 3.

[0073] See below for reference Figures 2 to 7 A bending device 9 for forming parallel corrugations in a metal sheet 1 is described.

[0074] The device includes a spool 10 on which a strip of metal sheet 1 is wound.

[0075] The bending device 9 also includes a drive unit 11, which drives the metal sheet 1 along... Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 Proceed in the direction indicated by the middle arrow f. (For example...) Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the drive unit 11 includes one or more pairs of rollers. Each pair of rollers includes a lower roller and an upper roller adapted to be vertically arranged on corresponding opposite sides of the metal sheet 1. The rollers and drums 10 are hinged about horizontal and parallel axes of rotation. One or more of the rollers are driven in a rotational manner by a motor to advance the metal sheet 1. Thus, the drive unit 11 is configured to advance the metal sheet 1 at a constant speed V1.

[0076] In another embodiment, the guiding device includes a spool 10 and a motor adapted to drive the spool 10 in a rotating manner and thus unwind the metal sheet.

[0077] In an embodiment not shown, the bending device 9 further includes a forming device configured to form one or more longitudinal corrugations in the metal sheet 1, i.e., corrugations extending parallel to the forward direction f. For this purpose, the forming device includes, for example, a forming roller, such as the forming roll described in document KR20150100009.

[0078] In another embodiment, the metal sheet 1 fed to the bending device 9 includes a pre-formed corrugated portion extending parallel to the forward direction f.

[0079] Furthermore, the bending device 9 includes a bending mechanism 12 designed to form a series of corrugations transverse to the direction of travel f. The bending mechanism 12 includes a frame 13 mounted parallel to the direction of travel and... Figure 2 The rear position shown is the same as Figure 5 The frame 13 moves between the front positions shown. For this purpose, the frame 13 is guided, for example, on a guide rail extending parallel to the forward direction f. Furthermore, the bending device 9 includes at least one actuator 14, such as a cylinder or motor, which enables the frame 13 to move between the rear and front positions.

[0080] The bending device 12 also includes a plug-like member 15 equipped with a stamp 16, which is designed to deform the metal sheet 1 to form a transverse corrugated portion. The stamp 16 is elongated in the transverse direction orthogonal to the forward direction f. Each stamp 16 includes a head with a generally triangular cross-section, i.e., a V-shaped cross-section, at its lower end. The plug-like member 15 is mounted on the frame 13 of the bending device 12 and... Figure 2 The top static position shown is the same as Figure 5 The bending device 12 moves vertically between the bottom bending positions shown, in which the stamping member 16 deforms the metal sheet 1 to form a transverse corrugation. The bending device 12 includes at least one actuator 17, such as a cylinder, which enables the plug 15 to move between a top stationary position and a bottom bending position.

[0081] Furthermore, the bending device 12 includes a lower sub-frame 18, which is mounted on the frame 13 of the bending device 12 and in... Figure 2 The bottom resting position shown is the same as Figure 5 The bending device 12 moves vertically between the top bending positions shown. The bending device 12 includes at least one actuator 19, such as a cylinder, which enables the lower subframe 18 to move between a bottom stationary position and a top bending position.

[0082] The bending device 12 also includes two lateral dies 20, 21 located at the rear and front, respectively, which are mounted to slide horizontally on the lower subframe 18 in a direction parallel to the forward direction f, for example by means of guide rails. The lateral dies 20, 21 include upper support surfaces for the metal sheet 1. Each of the two lateral dies 20, 21 also includes a concave semi-embossed portion formed in the edge facing the other lateral die 20, 21. When the two lateral dies 20, 21 are in a close-to-each position, the semi-embossed portions together form an embossed portion corresponding to the shape of the corrugated portion to be formed. According to one embodiment, if the longitudinal corrugated portion is formed upstream of the bending device 12, each of the lateral dies 20, 21 includes one or more grooves, each groove corresponding to the shape of one longitudinal corrugated portion in the longitudinal corrugated portion, each groove designed to receive the pre-formed longitudinal corrugated portion in the metal sheet 1. Side molds 20 and 21 are mounted on the lower subframe 18 and in Figure 2 The separated positions shown are Figure 5 Move between the positions shown that are close together.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the metal sheet 1 is pressed against the lateral dies 20 and 21, for example, by means of a die pad as described below. When the metal sheet 1 is bent, the metal sheet 1 transmits a traction force to the lateral dies 20 and 21, which thus moves the lateral dies 20 and 21 from a separated position toward a position closer together. Furthermore, the bending device 12 includes a return member (not shown), such as a mechanical spring or a gas spring, configured to return the lateral dies 20 and 21 from the position closer together toward a separated position.

[0084] According to another embodiment, the bending device 12 includes Figures 2 to 5 A dedicated actuator, not shown, is used to move the side molds 20, 21 or auxiliary side molds 20, 21 between their separated positions and their close-to-each positions.

[0085] Furthermore, according to an embodiment not shown, the bending device 12 also includes die pads extending on corresponding opposite sides of the stamping 16, and each die pad includes a clamping surface facing one of the lateral dies 20, 21. The die pads are mounted to move vertically on die pad supports. Additionally, the bending device 12 includes an elastic member that tends to move the die pads relative to their respective die pad supports toward a bottom abutment position. The die pad supports are mounted to slide horizontally on the plug 15 in a direction parallel to the forward direction f and between a separated position and a position close together. The vertical movement of the die pads relative to the plug 15 enables the die pads to press the metal sheet 1 against the lateral dies 20, 21 in a middle vertical position of the plug 15 and then counteract the descent of the plug 15 between the middle position and the bending position.

[0086] According to one embodiment, a metal sheet 1 is clamped between a mold pad and side molds 20, 21. Movement of the plug 15 toward a bottom bending position causes the metal sheet 1 to bend, and the metal sheet 1 transmits a traction force parallel to the forward direction to the mold pad, thereby moving the mold pad support and thus moving the mold pad and side molds 20, 21 from a separated position toward a position closer together. In this embodiment, the bending device 12 includes a return member, such as a mechanical spring or gas spring, configured to return the mold pad from the position closer together toward the separated position. According to another embodiment, the bending device 12 may further include... Figures 2 to 5 A dedicated actuator, not shown, is used to move the mold pad or auxiliary mold pad between a separated position and a position where the mold pad is close together.

[0087] According to an embodiment not shown, when the metal sheet 1, which must have transverse corrugations, includes longitudinal corrugations, the bending device 12 includes a cutter configured to provide concave corrugations in each longitudinal corrugation and on corresponding opposite sides of the transverse corrugations to be provided. For example, such a cutter and a mechanism for actuating the cutter are described in application WO2017077214.

[0088] Furthermore, the bending device 9 optionally includes a conforming device 22, which is designed to impart its defined shape to the transverse corrugations pre-formed by the bending device. The conforming device 22 includes a frame 23, which is mounted, for example by means of a guide rail, parallel to the direction of travel and in… Figure 2 The rear position shown is the same as Figure 5The device moves between the front positions shown. It includes at least one actuator 24, such as a cylinder or motor, which enables the frame 23 to move between a rear position and a front position.

[0089] The conforming device 22 also includes a stamping member 25 having a shape corresponding to the final shape of the transverse corrugations. Therefore, the stamping member 25 of the conforming device 22 has a semi-elliptical shape, while the stamping member 16 of the bending device 12 has a generally triangular shape. The stamping member 25 is mounted in... Figure 2 The top static position shown is the same as Figure 5 The stamping member 25 moves vertically between the bottom conforming positions shown, in which the stamping member 25 deforms the metal sheet 1 to impart the final shape of the stamping member 25 with a transverse corrugation pre-formed by the bending device 12. The conforming device 22 includes at least one actuator 26, such as a cylinder, which enables the stamping member 25 to move between a top stationary position and a bottom conforming position.

[0090] The conforming device 22 also includes a die 27, which is configured to face the stamping part 25 and includes an embossing portion having a shape complementary to the shape of the stamping part 25. The die 27 is mounted on the frame 23 of the conforming device 22 and in Figure 2 The bottom position shown is the same as Figure 5 The mold 27 is moved between the top compliant position shown. The compliant device 22 includes at least one actuator 28, such as a cylinder, which enables the mold 27 to move between the bottom position and the top compliant position.

[0091] The bending device 9 includes a control unit 29, which is capable of controlling various actuators 14, 17, 19, 24, 26, and 28 and synchronizing the movement of the components of the bending device 9. For this purpose, each of the drive device 11 and actuators 14, 17, 19, 24, 26, and 28 described above is associated with a position sensor that transmits the following signals to the control unit 29: a signal indicating the forward speed V1 of the metal sheet 1; a signal indicating the position of the frame 13 of the bending device 12, the position of the stamping part 15, the position of the sub-frame 18, and optionally the position of the die pad and the positions of the lateral dies 20 and 21; and a signal indicating the position of the frame 23 of the conforming device 22, the position of the stamping part of the conforming device 22, and the position of the die 23 of the conforming device 22.

[0092] The control unit 29 includes a memory and a microprocessor capable of storing and processing data according to the methods described in detail below. More specifically, the control unit 29 is configured such that the various components of the bending device 9 follow the kinematics described below.

[0093] exist Figure 2 In the initial state shown:

[0094] - The frame 13 of the bending device 12 and the frame of the conforming device 22 are located at the rear.

[0095] - The plug-like part 15 of the bending device 12 is in the top stationary position.

[0096] -The lower sub-frame 18 of the bending device 12 is in the bottom stationary position.

[0097] - Optional mold pads and side molds 20, 21 are located in separate positions from the mold pads and side molds 20, 21.

[0098] - The stamping part of the conforming device 22 is in the top stationary position, and

[0099] - The mold of the conforming device 22 is in the top stationary position.

[0100] In the first step, Figure 2 The initial state shown is the same as Figure 3 Between the intermediate states shown, the frame 13 of the bending device 12 and the frame of the conforming device 22 move toward the front positions of the frame 13 of the bending device 12 and the frame of the conforming device 22 at speeds V2 and V3, respectively, where speeds V2 and V3 are equal to the forward speed V1 of the metal sheet 1. Downstream of the bending device 9, the metal sheet 1 moves at a speed V4, which is also equal to V1 in the initial state.

[0101] Furthermore, the stamping part 25 and the die 27 of the conforming device 22 are moved toward the bottom conforming position and the top conforming position of the stamping part 25 and the die 27, respectively, while the stamping part 15 and the lower sub-frame 18 of the bending device 12 are moved toward the bottom bending position and the top bending position of the stamping part 15 and the lower sub-frame 18, respectively. The lower sub-frame 18 of the bending device 12 is moved when the stamping part 16 reaches... Figure 3 The stamping part 16 reaches the top bending position before or simultaneously with the intermediate position shown, at which point the stamping part 16 contacts the metal sheet 1 and thus begins to bend the corrugated portion. Similarly, the die 27 of the conforming device 22 reaches the top conforming position before or simultaneously with the intermediate position where the stamping part 16 contacts the metal sheet 1. Similarly, the actuator 24 is controlled such that the die 27 of the conforming device 22 is positioned facing the corrugated portion pre-formed by the bending device 9.

[0102] from Figure 3 The second state shown begins when the stamped part 16 reaches the middle position and begins to bend the corrugated portion, and continues until the stamped part 16 has reached the position shown. Figure 5In the bottom bending position shown, the actuator 17 that moves the stamping member 16 of the bending device 12 moves at a speed such that the forward movement of the metal sheet 1 is offset by the reduction in size due to the bending operation. Therefore, the speed of the metal sheet 1 downstream of the bending device 12 is zero.

[0103] In other words, the rate at which the size of the metal sheet 1 decreases along the forward direction f is approximately equal to the forward speed V1 of the metal sheet 1. Therefore, the speed of the actuator that moves the plug-like member 15 is determined based on the geometry of the cross-section of the stamping member 16 and in a manner that conforms to the following equation:

[0104]

[0105] in

[0106] r represents the reduction in the dimension of the metal sheet 1 along the forward direction f during the bending operation, and

[0107] t represents time.

[0108] More specifically, the vertical motion velocity V7 of actuator 17 can be determined such that:

[0109] Speed ​​V7 is between and Between and including and

[0110] And the speed V7 is preferably equal to

[0111] in,

[0112] α represents the angle formed between one side of the approximately triangular cross-section of the stamped part and the horizontal axis.

[0113] In addition, from Figure 3 As shown in the diagram, from the start of the first intermediate state until the stamped part 16 reaches the bottom bending position, the control unit 29 reduces the movement speed V2 of the frame 13 of the bending device 12. The new speed V2 of the frame 13 of the bending device 12 is between... and Between and roughly corresponding to:

[0114]

[0115] Based on the assumption that the bending device 12 does not include dedicated actuators for moving the lateral dies 20 and 21, during the bending of the metal sheet 1, the metal sheet 1 transmits a traction force to the lateral dies 20 and 21, which moves the lateral dies 20 and 21 from a separated position toward a position where they are close together. The moving speed of the lateral dies 20 and 21 relative to the frame 13 of the bending device 12 is equal to V2. Therefore, the absolute speed V5 of the rear lateral die 20 is approximately equal to V1, while the absolute speed V6 of the front lateral die 21 is zero.

[0116] According to another embodiment of the bending device 12, which includes a dedicated actuator for moving the lateral dies 20, 21, the actuator of the lateral die 20 is controlled to move the lateral die 20 forward relative to the frame 13 at a speed approximately equal to V2, while the actuator of the lateral die 21 is controlled to move the lateral die 21 relative to the frame 13 at a speed approximately equal to V2.

[0117] exist Figure 5 In the fourth state shown, the stamping part of the conforming device 22 has reached the bottom conforming position.

[0118] When the stamping part 16 of the bending device 12 reaches the bottom bending position, such as Figure 5 As shown, the frame 13 of the bending device 12 and the frame of the conforming device 22 are moved again toward the front position of the frame 13 of the bending device 12 and the frame of the conforming device 22 at speeds V2 and V3 equal to the forward speed V1 of the metal sheet 1.

[0119] like Figure 6 As shown, before the frames 13 of the bending device 12 and 22 reach their front positions, the stamping parts 16 of the bending device 12 and 22 rise toward their top stationary positions. Finally, in the final stage, the frames 13 of the bending device 12 and 22 are moved rearward to return to their rear positions, as shown. Figure 2 As shown in the diagram. Then, the same new cycle can be performed to produce another adjacent transverse corrugated section.

[0120] In addition, the device includes a cutter device (not shown) that enables the metal sheet to be cut downstream of the conforming device 22.

[0121] Although the invention has been described with reference to several specific embodiments, it is obvious that the invention is by no means limited to these embodiments, and that the invention covers all technical equivalents and combinations thereof if the described apparatus falls within the scope of the invention.

[0122] The use of the verbs “comprising” or “including” and their variations does not exclude the presence of elements or arrangements other than those described in the claims.

[0123] In the claims, any reference numerals between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claims.

Claims

1. A bending apparatus (9) for forming transverse corrugations in a metal sheet (1), the bending apparatus (9) comprising: - A driving device (11) that causes the metal sheet (1) to move horizontally from the rear to the front in the forward direction, and - Bending device (12), the bending device (12) comprising: - A frame (13) mounted to be movable parallel to the forward direction and between a rear position and a front position, the frame (13) being associated with a first actuator (14) adapted to move the frame (13) between the rear position and the front position. - A stamped part (16), which is elongated in a transverse direction orthogonal to the forward direction, is vertically movable on the frame (13) between a stationary position and a bent position, wherein in the bent position, the stamped part (16) deforms the metal sheet (1) to form one of the transverse corrugations, and is associated with a second actuator (17) adapted to move the stamped part (16) between the stationary position and the bent position, and - A control unit (29) configured to control the first actuator (14) and the second actuator (17), and the control unit (29) configured to simultaneously perform the following: moving the frame (13) of the bending device (12) from the rear position toward the front position, and moving the stamping part (16) from the stationary position toward the bending position. The control unit (29) is configured to control the drive device (11) to cause the metal sheet (1) to move from the rear to the front at a speed V1. And wherein the control unit (29) is configured such that: the first actuator (14) causes the frame (13) of the bending device (12) to move at a speed V2 from the rear position toward the front position, during the movement of the stamp (16) from the stationary position toward the intermediate position where the stamp (16) contacts the metal sheet (1), the speed V2 is equal to the speed V1, and during the movement of the stamp (16) from the intermediate position toward the bending position, the speed V2 is less than the speed V1.

2. The bending device (9) according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit (29) is configured such that: - The second actuator (17) causes the stamping (16) to move at a position between and Between and including and The speed V7 moves along the direction of the bending position. in, It represents the angle formed between one side of the cross section of the stamped part (16) and the horizontal axis.

3. The bending device (9) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The control unit (29) is configured such that, during the movement of the stamping member (16) from the intermediate position toward the bent position, the first actuator (14) causes the frame (13) of the bending device (12) to be at a position between V1 and V1 and including V1 and The velocity V1 moves from the rear position toward the front position.

4. The bending device (9) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The control unit (29) is configured such that when the second actuator (17) moves the stamping (16) from the bent position toward the stationary position, the first actuator (14) causes the frame (13) to continue moving toward the front position.

5. The bending device (9) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The bending device (12) includes: - A lower subframe (18) mounted to be vertically movable on the frame (13) of the bending device (12), and the lower subframe (18) configured to face the stamping part (16), the lower subframe (18) being associated with a third actuator (19) adapted to move the lower subframe (18) between a stationary position and a bent position, and - Two side dies (20, 21), each of which has a semi-embossed portion and an upper support surface designed to receive the metal sheet (1), the two side dies (20, 21) being mounted on the lower subframe (18) and moving horizontally in a direction parallel to the direction of travel and between a separated position and a position close together, in which the semi-embossed portions together form an embossed portion having a shape complementary to the shape of the stamp (16).

6. The bending device (9) according to claim 5, wherein, The control unit (29) is configured such that, during the movement of the stamp (16) from the stationary position toward the intermediate position where the stamp (16) contacts the metal sheet, the third actuator (19) moves the lower subframe (18) from the stationary position toward the bent position.

7. The bending device (9) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bending device (9) further comprises a conforming device (22) downstream of the bending device (12), the conforming device (22) being configured to trim the corrugated portion pre-bent by means of the bending device (12).

8. The bending device (9) according to claim 7, wherein, The accommodating device (22) includes: - A frame (23) mounted to be movable parallel to the forward direction and between a rear position and a front position, the frame (23) being associated with a fourth actuator (24) capable of moving the frame (23) between the rear position and the front position, and - A stamping part (25) is mounted on the frame (23) of the conforming device (22) and is vertically movable between a stationary position and a conforming position, in which the stamping part deforms the metal sheet (1) to shape the transverse corrugations pre-formed by the bending device (12), the stamping part (25) is associated with a fifth actuator (26) adapted to move the stamping part (25) between the stationary position and the conforming position.

9. The bending device (9) according to claim 8, wherein, The control unit (29) is configured to control the fourth actuator (24) and the fifth actuator (26).

10. The bending device (9) according to claim 9, wherein, The control unit (29) is configured to control the drive device (11) to cause the metal sheet (1) to move from the rear to the front at a speed of V1, and wherein the control unit (29) is configured such that the fourth actuator (24) causes the frame (23) of the conforming device (22) to move from the rear position to the front position at a speed of V3, during which the speed V3 is equal to the speed V1 during the movement of the stamp (16) of the bending device (12) from the stationary position to the intermediate position where the stamp (16) of the bending device contacts the metal sheet (1), and during the movement of the stamp (16) of the bending device (12) from the intermediate position to the bending position, the speed V3 is zero.

11. A method for using the bending device (9) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the method comprising: - Position the metal sheet (1) such that the drive device (11) moves the metal sheet (1) forward, and - The first actuator (14) and the second actuator (17) are controlled by the control unit (29) to simultaneously perform the following: moving the frame (13) of the bending device (12) from the rear position toward the front position, and moving the stamping part (16) from the stationary position toward the bending position.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The second actuator is controlled such that: - The second actuator (17) causes the stamping (16) to move at a position between and Between and including and The speed V7 moves along the direction of the bending position. in, It represents the angle formed between one side of the cross section of the stamped part (16) and the horizontal axis.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The first actuator (14) is controlled such that, during the movement of the stamp (16) from the intermediate position where the stamp (16) of the bending device (12) contacts the metal sheet (1) toward the bending position, the frame (13) of the bending device (12) is positioned between V1 and V1 and including V1 and V1 moves at a speed from the rear position toward the front position.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The first actuator (14) and the second actuator (17) are controlled such that during the movement of the stamping member (16) from the bent position toward the stationary position, the movement of the frame (13) toward the front position continues.

15. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The bending device (9) further includes a conforming device (22) downstream of the bending device (12), the conforming device (22) being configured to trim the corrugated portion pre-bent by means of the bending device (12), the conforming device (22) comprising: - A frame (23) mounted to be movable parallel to the forward direction and between a rear position and a front position, the frame (23) being associated with a fourth actuator (24) adapted to move the frame (23) between the rear position and the front position, and - A stamping part (25) mounted on the frame (23) of the conforming device (22) and vertically movable between a stationary position and a conforming position, in which the stamping part (25) deforms the metal sheet (1) to shape the transverse corrugations pre-formed by the bending device (12), the stamping part (25) being associated with a fifth actuator (26) adapted to move the stamping part between the stationary position and the conforming position, and wherein the fourth actuator (24) is controlled such that: the The frame (23) of the conforming device (22) moves from the rear position toward the front position at a speed of V3. During the movement of the stamp (16) of the bending device (12) from the stationary position toward the intermediate position where the stamp (16) of the bending device (12) contacts the metal sheet (1), the speed V3 is equal to the speed V1. During the movement of the stamp (16) of the bending device (12) from the intermediate position where the stamp (16) of the bending device (12) contacts the metal sheet (1) toward the bending position, the speed V3 is zero.

Images