Device for machining pipes and / or pipe flanges

Abstract

A pipe machining apparatus (20) is provided that includes a frame (28), a tool carrier (32) coupled with the frame (28) and rotatable relative to the frame (28), a first machining apparatus (21) including a first tool support (48) and a first tool supported by the first tool support (48), and a second machining apparatus (23) including a second tool supported by the second tool support (48) and a second tool supported by the second tool support (48). The second machining device includes a bridge member (84), a second tool support (140) supported by the bridge member (84), and a second tool (27) supported by the second tool support (140). The first tool is configured to perform a first machining operation and the second tool (27) is configured to perform a second machining operation different from the first machining operation. The first machining device (21) and the second machining device (23) are interchangeably coupleable with the tool carrier (32) and rotatable with the tool carrier (32). Two tool supports (140) may be mounted on the bridge member (84).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the patent application with national application number 201780051582.8, application date August 23, 2017, international application number PCT / US2017 / 048111, and invention name “Device for mechanical processing of pipes and / or pipe flanges”.

[0002] Related Applications

[0003] This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. non-provisional patent application 15 / 682,752 filed on August 22, 2017, which claims the priority benefit of U.S. provisional patent application 62 / 379,419 filed on August 25, 2016, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] The present disclosure relates generally to machining devices, and more particularly to devices for machining pipes and / or pipe flanges. Background Art

[0005] There are various different types of pipe machining devices for performing various machining processes on pipes. One such process includes cutting the pipe while another process includes machining or resurfacing a flange (also known as flange surfacing). One must purchase different machines to perform the different machining processes, which can be costly if many machines must be purchased. In addition, a first pipe machining device must be coupled to a pipe or flange to perform the first machining process, the first pipe machining device must be removed after the first machining process is completed, and then a second pipe machining device must be assembled and coupled to the pipe or flange to perform the second machining process. All of this assembly, assembly, and disassembly is time consuming and wasteful.

[0006] In addition, conventional flange surface processing machines have limited travel distances, thus limiting the size of the flange that can be machined and / or limiting the amount of the flange that can be machined. In some instances, the flange surface processing machine must be disassembled and reassembled in different configurations just to complete a single machining process. For example, a ring joint has grooves defined in the opposite surfaces of the opposite pipe flanges. These grooves require machining of both edges or surfaces of the grooves. Conventional machines must be assembled to machine one edge or surface of the groove, disassembled and reassembled in different configurations to machine the other edge or surface of the groove. In addition, people may need to purchase various machining devices in order to machine flanges of different sizes. This is an expensive endeavor. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present disclosure is defined by the following claims, and nothing in this section should be taken as a limitation on those claims.

[0008] In one aspect, a pipe machining apparatus is provided.

[0009] In one aspect, a pipe machining apparatus is provided and configured to support a plurality of interchangeable machining accessories, each accessory configured to perform a different machining operation.

[0010] In one aspect, a pipe machining apparatus is provided and is configured to support a machining accessory capable of performing a first machining operation and a second machining operation different from the first machining operation.

[0011] In one aspect, a pipe machining device is provided and is configured to support a machining accessory, the machining accessory including a first tool support supporting a first tool and a second tool support supporting a second tool. The first tool and the second tool are configured to engage a flange of a pipe to perform a machining operation.

[0012] In one aspect, a pipe machining apparatus is provided and is configured to support a machining accessory, the machining accessory including a first tool support supporting a first tool and a second tool support supporting a second tool. The first tool is configured to engage a flange of a pipe to machine a first portion of a groove therein and the second tool is configured to engage the flange and machine a second portion of the groove.

[0013] In one aspect, the first portion of the groove is a first inclined side of the groove and the second portion of the groove is a second inclined side of the groove.

[0014] In one aspect, the first inclined side and the second inclined side of the groove form a generally "V" shape.

[0015] In one aspect, the first tool and the second tool are positioned on opposite sides of the pipe machining device.

[0016] In one aspect, the machining fitting further includes a bridging member supported at ends thereof by the support member and extending across the pipe machining device.

[0017] In one aspect, a first tool is supported at a first end of the bridge member and a second tool is supported at a second end of the bridge member.

[0018] In one aspect, a pipe machining device is provided and includes a frame, a tool carrier, and a first machining device, the tool carrier being coupled to the frame and rotatable relative to the frame, the first machining device including a tool support and a tool supported by the tool support. The tool is configured to perform a first machining operation. The pipe machining device also includes a second machining device, the second machining device including a bridging member, a second tool support supported by the bridging member, and a second tool, the second tool being supported by the tool support and configured to perform a second machining operation different from the first machining operation. The first machining device and the second machining device are interchangeably coupled to the tool carrier and rotatable with the tool carrier.

[0019] In one aspect, a pipe machining device is provided, and the pipe machining device includes a frame, a tool carrier, and a first machining device, the tool carrier is connected to the frame and is rotatable relative to the frame, and the first machining device includes a first tool support and a first tool supported by the first tool support. The first tool is configured to perform a first machining operation. The pipe machining device also includes a second machining device, the second machining device includes a bridging member, a second tool support supported by the bridging member, and a second tool supported by the second tool support. The second tool is configured to perform a second machining operation different from the first machining operation. The first machining device and the second machining device are interchangeably connected to the tool carrier and can rotate with the tool carrier.

[0020] In one aspect, the first machining operation may include at least one of surfacing a flange of the pipe and cutting through the pipe, and the second machining operation may include at least one of surfacing the flange of the pipe and cutting a groove in the flange of the pipe.

[0021] In one aspect, the second tool can be configured to perform a third machining operation different from the first machining operation and the second machining operation.

[0022] In one aspect, the first machining operation may include cutting through a pipe, the second machining operation may include surfacing a flange of the pipe, and the third machining operation may include cutting a groove in the flange of the pipe.

[0023] In one aspect, the tool carrier may include a first coupling location and a second coupling location. The first machining device may be coupled to the tool carrier at one of the first coupling location or the second coupling location, and the second machining device may be coupled to the tool carrier at both the first coupling location and the second coupling location.

[0024] In one aspect, the tool carrier may define an opening therein, and the bridge member may extend across the opening when the second machining device is coupled to the tool carrier.

[0025] In one aspect, when the first machining device is coupled to one of the first coupling position and the second coupling position, the counterweight may be coupled to the tool carrier at the other of the first coupling position and the second coupling position.

[0026] In one aspect, the pipe machining apparatus may further include a third machining apparatus, the third machining apparatus may include a third tool support and a third tool supported by the third tool support. The third tool may be configured to perform a third machining operation.

[0027] In one aspect, the first machining operation may include cutting through the pipe, the second machining operation may include at least one of surfacing a flange of the pipe and cutting a groove in the flange of the pipe, and the third machining operation may include surfacing the flange of the pipe.

[0028] In one aspect, the second machining arrangement may include a third tool support supported by the bridging member and a third tool supported by the third tool support. The third tool may be configured to perform a third machining operation different from the first machining operation.

[0029] In one aspect, the second machining operation and the third machining operation can be the same machining operation.

[0030] In one aspect, the second machining operation and the third machining operation may be surfacing of a flange of the pipe.

[0031] In one aspect, the second tool may surface a first portion of the flange and the third tool may surface a second portion of the flange.

[0032] In one aspect, the second machining operation and the third machining operation may be cutting grooves in the flange of the pipe.

[0033] In one aspect, the second tool can cut a first portion of the groove and the third tool can cut a second portion of the groove.

[0034] In one aspect, a pipe machining device is provided and includes a frame and a tool carrier, the tool carrier being coupled to the frame and rotatable relative to the frame. The tool carrier defines an opening therein. The pipe machining device also includes a machining device, the machining device including a bridging member, a first tool support, and a second tool support, the bridging member being coupled to the tool carrier and extending across the opening of the tool carrier, the first tool support being coupled to the bridging member and supporting a first tool, and the second tool support being coupled to the bridging member and supporting a second tool.

[0035] In one aspect, the first tool and the second tool may be configured to jointly perform a machining operation.

[0036] In one aspect, the machining operation may be at least one of surfacing the flange of the pipe and cutting a groove in the flange of the pipe.

[0037] In one aspect, when the machining operation is surfacing a flange, the first tool can be configured to surface a first portion of the flange and the second tool can be configured to surface a second portion of the flange. When the machining operation is cutting a groove, the first tool can be configured to cut a first portion of the groove and the second tool can be configured to cut a second portion of the groove.

[0038] In one aspect, the first tool and the second tool may be configured to jointly perform a plurality of machining operations.

[0039] In one aspect, the plurality of machining operations may include surfacing a flange of the pipe and cutting a groove in the flange of the pipe.

[0040] In one aspect, the pipe machining apparatus may further include an advancement mechanism coupled to the bridge member and configured to move the bridge member, the first tool support, the first tool, the second tool support, and the second tool relative to the tool carrier.

[0041] In one aspect, during movement by the advancement mechanism, the first tool may be moved from an outer diameter of a flange of the pipe toward an inner diameter of the flange, and the second tool may be moved from the inner diameter of the flange toward an outer diameter of the flange.

[0042] In one aspect, the first and second tool supports may be selectively coupled to a bridge member, and the positions of the first and second tool supports may be adjustable along the bridge member. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] The present disclosure may be better understood with reference to the following drawings and descriptions. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 1 is a front top perspective view of an example of a pipe machining device coupled to a pipe according to an embodiment, the pipe machining device being capable of supporting a plurality of machining accessories, the pipe machining device being shown as an example of a machining device capable of cutting a pipe.

[0045] Figure 2 According to one embodiment, the flange of the pipe is connected Figure 1 A front top perspective view of a pipe machining device shown in , which is capable of supporting a plurality of machining fittings, is shown as another example of a machining device capable of machining the surface of a flange.

[0046] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 and 2 An exploded view of a pipe machining device shown in FIG. 1 illustrates interchangeable coupling with a plurality of machining fittings according to one embodiment.

[0047] Figure 4 According to one embodiment Figure 2 An enlarged top perspective view of a portion of a machining accessory shown in and capable of machining the surface of a flange.

[0048] Figure 5 According to one embodiment Figure 2 The machined fitting shown in FIG. 1 is an elevation view of the machined fitting as viewed from one end of a bridging member or a supporting member.

[0049] Figure 6 According to one embodiment Figure 2 A top perspective view of one example of a tool support for a machining accessory is shown in FIG.

[0050] Figure 7 According to one embodiment Figure 6 A bottom perspective view of the tool support shown in FIG.

[0051] Fig. 8A According to one embodiment Figure 2 A portion of the pipe machining device, machining fittings and flanges shown in FIG. Figure 2 8A-8A in FIG. 1 , wherein the cross-sectional view shows a first tool supported by a first tool holder and configured to perform a first machining operation on a first side of a groove defined in a flange of a pipe.

[0052] Figure 8B According to one embodiment Figure 2 A portion of the pipe machining device, machining fittings and flanges shown in FIG. Figure 2 8B-8B in FIG. 8 , wherein the cross-sectional view shows a second tool supported by a second tool holder and configured to perform a first machining operation on a second side of a groove defined in a flange of the pipe.

[0053] Fig. 9 is an elevation view of two exemplary opposing pipe flanges according to one embodiment, with grooves machined in each flange by a first machining operation, and sealing members aligned with and positionable in the two grooves to provide a seal between the two flanges when the flanges are coupled together.

[0054] Fig.10 According to one embodiment Figure 2 A top perspective view of a portion of a pipe machining device, the machining device, and a flange of a pipe, wherein a tool support and a tool are configured to perform a second machining operation on the flange of the pipe.

[0055] Fig.11 According to one embodiment Figure 1 and 2 A top perspective view of a pipe machining device coupled to a flange of a pipe and supporting another example of a machining fitting configured to perform a second machining operation on the flange.

[0056] Fig.12 According to one embodiment Fig.11 An exploded view of the pipe machining apparatus shown, showing the Figure 1 and 3 The tool support shown has a plurality of machined parts and Fig.11 Interchangeable coupling of machined fittings shown.

[0057] Fig.13 According to one embodiment Fig.11 An enlarged top perspective view of a portion of a pipe machining device and a machining fitting shown in and capable of performing a second machining operation on the surface of a flange.

[0058] Fig.14 According to one embodiment Fig.11 Another enlarged top perspective view of a portion of the pipe machining device and the machining accessories shown in . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] refer to Figures 1 to 3, one example of a pipe machining device 20 is shown and is configured to machine pipes P and flanges F having different sizes and diameters. In some examples, the pipe machining device 20 is configured to perform multiple machining operations or functions. In such examples, the pipe machining device 20 is configured to support multiple machining components or accessories, each of which is configured to perform a different machining operation.

[0060] For example, refer to Figure 1 , the pipe machining device 20 includes a pair of first machining devices or accessories 21, which are configured to perform a first machining operation. In this example, the first machining device 21 is a tool support, which is configured to support a cutting tool, and the combined tool support and cutting tool are configured to perform a first machining operation, including cutting through the pipe P. In this example, the pipe machining device 20 is coupled to the outer surface 22 of the pipe P and the tool initially engages the outer surface 22 of the pipe and advances inwardly to cut through the pipe P. The pipe machining device 20 includes a tool advancement mechanism conventional in the art.

[0061] In addition, for example, refer to Figure 2 , the pipe machining device 20 includes a second machining device or accessory 23, which is configured to perform a second machining operation. In this example, the pipe machining device 20 is coupled to an outer surface 25 of a flange F of the pipe P, and the second machining operation includes machining a surface 26 of the flange F. In this example, the second machining device 23 includes two tools 27 (see Figure 3 ), the tool engages the surface 26 of the flange F to cut a groove 29 in the surface 26 of the flange F. In some examples, the groove 29 cut by the second machining device 23 can be considered as part of the ring joint. Figure 1 The first machining device 21 shown in FIG. 2 and the second machining device 23 can be advanced by the same conventional tool advancement mechanism.

[0062] Reference Figure 3 , a plurality of machining devices 21, 23 may be interchangeably coupled to and supported by the pipe machining device 20 to interchangeably perform a plurality of machining operations. It should be understood that while the illustrated example shows two machining devices and two associated machining operations, the pipe machining device 20 is capable of including and supporting any number of machining devices capable of performing any number of machining operations. The machining device interchangeability feature of the pipe machining device 20 imparts a wide range of functionality to the pipe machining device 20, thereby eliminating the need to purchase numerous separate machines each having a single machining operation or machining capability.

[0063] Continue to refer Figures 1 to 3 , the illustrated example of the pipe machining device 20 is formed by two semicircular segments 24A, 24B joined together and forming a frame 28 and a tool carrier 32. The two segments 24A, 24B together form the frame 28 and the tool carrier 32, thereby including a first portion of the frame 28 and a first portion of the tool carrier 32 in one segment 24A, and a second portion of the frame 28 and a second portion of the tool carrier 32 in the other segment 24B. The frame 28 has a column 36 extending outwardly from the two semicircular segments 24A, 24B and accommodating a drive gear therein, which is adapted to be coupled to a suitable drive motor 44. The frame 28 is adapted to be coupled to and fixed relative to the pipe P and / or flange F, and the tool carrier 32 is rotatable relative to the fixed frame 28, pipe P and / or flange F. The motor 44 is adapted to rotate the tool carrier 32 relative to the frame 28 via a gear set in the column 36. The tool carrier 32 has an endless rack for meshing with a drive gear rotatably mounted in the column 36. In some examples, the drive gear may have an opening with a polygonal perimeter to receive a complementary shaped drive head of the drive motor 44. Thus, it can be seen that the drive motor 44 is adapted to rotate the tool carrier 32 relative to the frame 28 via the gear train provided by the drive gear in the column 36 and the endless rack on the tool carrier 32.

[0064] refer to Figure 1-3 , the pipe machining device 20 also includes a plurality of adjustable clamping members or coupling members 68 engageable with the outer surface 22 of the pipe P or the outer surface 25 of the flange F to couple the device 20 to the pipe P or the flange F and to position the device 20 concentrically with the pipe P or the flange F. In some examples, the coupling members 68 have suitable adjustability to properly position the pipe machining device 20 on the pipe P or the flange F.

[0065] refer to Figure 1 and 3 , the first machining device 21 includes one or more tool supports 48 (two tool supports are shown in the illustrated example) that support a tool to perform a first machining operation on the pipe P as the tool rotates circumferentially around the pipe P. The first machining operation performed by the tool can be a variety of different operations, including, but not limited to, forming a straight edge cut in the pipe P perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the pipe P, forming a bevel on the end of the pipe P that is transverse to the longitudinal extent of the pipe P and at an angle other than 90 degrees, or forming an edge of the pipe P that has any angle relative to the longitudinal extent of the pipe P.

[0066] refer to Figure 2 and 3 , the second machining device 23 includes a pair of support members 72 coupled to the tool carrier 32 on opposite sides of the pipe machining device 20. Each support member 72 includes a base 76 securely coupled to the tool carrier 32 and a movable housing 80 supported by and movable relative to the base 76. The movable housing 80 is movable or translatable by a propulsion mechanism.

[0067] The second machining device 23 also includes a bridging member 84 that is coupled to one of the support members 72 near its first end 88 and to the other support member 72 near its second end 92. In the illustrated example, the bridging member 84 extends across the pipe machining device 20 from one side thereof to the other opposing side thereof. Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the bridging member 84 extends across the flange F of the pipe P and the opening in the pipe P.

[0068] Specific reference Figure 4 and 5 , the bridging member 84 is elongated in shape and has a longitudinal extent extending along a longitudinal axis 96, which in some examples extends through the center of the bridging member 84 and is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 100 of the pipe P. In other examples, the longitudinal axis 96 of the bridging member 84 is parallel to at least one of the surface 26 of the flange F and / or the surface 104 of the tool carrier 32. In other examples, the longitudinal axis 96 of the bridging member 84 can extend radially relative to the pipe P and / or the flange F. In one example, the bridging member 84 can define a plurality of holes or orifices therein. These holes can reduce the overall weight of the bridging member 84 while still giving the bridging member 84 the necessary strength and rigidity to achieve its proper performance. In other examples, the bridging member 84 may not include an orifice.

[0069] Specific reference Figure 5In the illustrated example, the bridge member 84 is symmetrical about a center plane 112 extending through the center of the bridge member 84 and is generally parallel to the opposing first and second surfaces 116, 120 of the bridge member 84. In the illustrated example, the bridge member 84 includes a first channel 124 defined therein in a first side of the bridge member 84 and extending along the length of the bridge member 84 and a second channel 128 defined therein in a second side of the bridge member 84 opposite the first side and extending along the length of the bridge member 84. On the first side of the bridge member 84, the bridge member 84 includes a first pair of inclined surfaces or converging surfaces 132 that are inclined or converge toward the first channel 124. On the second side of the bridge member 84, the bridge member 84 includes a second pair of inclined surfaces or converging surfaces 136 that are inclined or converge toward the second channel 128.

[0070] Continue to refer Figure 2 and 3 And further reference Figures 4 to 7 , the illustrated example of the second machining device 23 also includes a plurality of tool supports 140 coupled to and supported by the bridging member 84. It should be understood that the second machining device 23 is capable of supporting and coupling any number of tool supports 140 thereto (e.g., including one tool support or more than two tool supports), and all such possible solutions are intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example, each tool support 140 includes a coupling member 144 configured to couple the tool support 140 to the bridging member 84. Each coupling member 144 is adjustable to facilitate selective coupling and detachment of the coupling member 144 to and from the bridging member 84. In the illustrated example, the coupling member 144 includes a base 148 and a movable member 152 that is movable relative to the base 148. The base 148 includes a first inclined surface 156 configured to engage one of the inclined surfaces of the bridging member 84 on the first side of the plane 112, and the movable member 152 includes a second inclined surface 160 configured to engage the other inclined surface of the bridging member 84 on the same first side of the plane 112. In the illustrated example, the inclined surfaces of the bridging member 84 and the inclined surfaces of the coupling member 144 have complementary shapes to facilitate a secure and adequate engagement and coupling between the tool support 140 and the bridging member 84. In some examples, the engagement and / or coupling of the tool support 140 with the bridging member 84 may be referred to as a dovetail engagement and / or dovetail coupling.

[0071] The symmetrical shape of the bridge member 84 and the complementary shape of the coupling member 144 of the tool support 140 enable the tool support 140 to be coupled to the bridge member 84 at any location along the bridge member 84 and on either side of the center plane 112 of the bridge member 84 .

[0072] Reference Figure 4 , 6 and 7 , illustrate a tool support 140. The tool supports 140 are substantially similar in structure, configuration, and operation. Therefore, only one of the tool supports 140 is described in detail herein, but it should be understood that the description herein may apply to all of the tool supports 140. In addition to each tool support 140 including a connecting member 144 as previously described, each tool support 140 also includes a tool holder 164 configured to secure and support a tool 27. The tool 27 is configured to engage and machine a surface 26 of a flange F. The tool holder 164 can be adjusted to adjust the distance that the tool 27 extends from the tool holder 164. In addition, the angle or orientation of the tool 27 can be adjusted relative to the flange F to be machined. For example, in Figure 7 In the illustrated example shown in FIG. 1 , tool 27 has its longitudinal extent oriented in a generally vertical manner (as shown in the figure). Tool 27 can be adjusted so that its longitudinal extent is oriented in a direction similar to that of FIG. Figure 7 This adjustability allows adjustment of the manner in which tool 27 machines surface 26 of flange F.

[0073] Reference Figure 2 , 8A 8B, the operation of the second machining device 23 will be described in more detail. In the example shown here, the second machining device 23 is capable of performing a second machining operation that includes machining or cutting a groove 29 in the surface 26 of the flange F, which groove is capable of receiving the sealing member 172 (see Fig. 9 ). This type of operation may be referred to as forming a ring joint groove. Because the second machining device 23 includes two tool supports 140 capable of supporting two tools 27, the second machining device 23 is able to machine the groove 29 at least twice as fast as with only a single tool support. That is, with reference to Fig. 8A , the first tool 27 supported by the first tool support 140 machines the first edge or first side 176 of the groove 29, and the reference Figure 8B, the second tool 27 supported by the second tool support 140 simultaneously machines the second edge or second side 180 of the groove 29. As the second machining device 23 is advanced by the advancement mechanism, the second machining device 23 moves in a single direction, thereby causing the two tool supports 140 to move in the same single direction. While traveling or moving in this same single direction, the first tool 27 machines the first side 176 of the groove 29 and the second tool 27 machines the second side 180 of the groove 29. In one example, because the tool supports 140 have similar structures, configurations, and operations, the first tool support 140 is coupled to the bridging member 84 on one side of the center plane 112 and the second tool support 140 is coupled to the bridging member 84 on the other side of the center plane 112.

[0074] In other instances, if the second machining device 23 includes only a single tool support 140 and a single tool 27, the tool support 140 will initially be positioned on the bridging member 84 to machine one of the sides of the groove 29, and then once the machining of one of the two sides of the groove 29 is completed, the tool support 140 should be removed from the bridging member 84 and repositioned on the bridging member 84 to machine the other side of the groove, and then the tool support 140 should be reconnected to the bridging member 84.

[0075] As described above, the tool 27 of each tool support 140 has a wide range of adjustability. This adjustability can provide the ability to machine grooves 29 having a variety of different depths, configurations, shapes, etc.

[0076] The second machining device 23 is also capable of machining flange surfaces of a wide range of various types and sizes. In some instances, the flange is relatively narrow, while in other instances the flange can be relatively wide. In addition, the flange of the pipe can be positioned in different orientations relative to the second machining device 23. The second machining device 23 is configured to machine flange sizes and orientations of a wide range. The propulsion mechanism can have a limited range of strokes. In one example, the propulsion mechanism can have a stroke of 3.5 inches. This travel distance may not be enough to machine the flange on the pipe. The second machining device 23 is configured to adjust this insufficient travel distance of the propulsion mechanism. For example, the tool support 140 can be connected to the bridging member 84 at any position along the bridging member 84. In this example, the tool support 140 can be positioned along the bridging member 84 at a position where the entire flange will be capable of being machined. In addition, for example, the width of the flange can be greater than 3.5 inches. In this example, the tool support 140 can be positioned in a first position along the bridge member 84 to machine a first portion of the flange, and then the tool support 140 can be simply repositioned in a second position along the bridge member 84 to machine a second portion of the flange. This repositioning of the tool support 140 is easy and quick, and multiple repositionings can occur as needed to completely machine the flange. In addition, in this example, where the width of the flange can be wider than the 3.5-inch stroke, multiple tool supports 140 can be connected to the bridge member 84, so that the first tool support 140 can be positioned to machine the first portion of the flange, and the second tool support 140 can be positioned to machine the second portion of the flange at the same time. The first and second tool supports 140 will machine the entire flange together. In this example, any number of tool supports 140 can be connected to the bridge member 84 to process the entire flange. In other examples, it may be necessary to process the surface of the flange across the centerline of the flange. In such an example, the tool support may be coupled to the bridge member 84 near the centerline on a first side of the centerline, and the travel distance of the advancement mechanism (eg, 3.5 inches) may push the tool support 140 past the centerline to a second side of the centerline.

[0077] Conventional pipe machining devices have a fixed amount of travel, and a specific type of pipe machining device must be used based on the size of the flange to be machined. In these instances, several machines must be purchased in order to machine a wider range of flange sizes. This is an expensive endeavor to machine a wide range of flanges.

[0078] The second machining device 23 of the present disclosure is capable of machining flanges of a wide range of sizes by itself. In addition, the second machining device 23 is configured to advance the tool 27 and the tool support 140 not only in the inside-outward direction but also in the outside-inward direction. For example, when you position the tool support 140 on one side of the centerline, the tool support 140 can move in the inside-outward direction, and when you position the tool support 140 on the other side of the centerline, the tool support 140 can move in the outside-inward direction. In some examples, the second machining device 23 can advance the tool support 140 in both directions. That is, if the first tool support 140 is coupled to the bridging member 84 on a first side of the centerline and the second tool support 140 is coupled to the bridging member 84 on a second side of the centerline, the first tool support 140 can move in the outside-inward direction and the second tool support 140 can move in the inside-outward direction.

[0079] refer to Fig. 9 , shows an example of a ring joint. In this example, the second machining device 23 is used to machine a groove 29 in the opposite surface 26 of the relative flange F. In some examples, the surface 26 defining the groove 29 can be a convex surface or a surface that protrudes outside the flange F in other ways. The sealing member 172 can be aligned with the groove 29 and positioned in the groove 29, and the thickness of the sealing member is greater than the depth of the combined groove 29. The flanges F are then moved together and coupled together. As the flanges F move together and / or when the flanges F are coupled together, the sealing member 172 is squeezed or otherwise deformed between the two flanges F, thereby providing a sufficient seal between the flanges F.

[0080] Reference Fig.10 , a portion of the second machining device 23 is shown, and is used to perform a third machining operation that is different from the first and second machining operations. In one example, tool 27 is used to machine the surface 26 of the flange F to make the surface 26 rough or otherwise non-smooth. This roughening operation can be performed and / or implemented in a variety of ways. In the illustrated example, the tool 27 is aligned with the edge of the surface 26 to be roughened (the inner edge or the outer edge, depending on the position of the tool support 140 on the bridging member 84), and the tool carrier 32 begins to rotate the second machining device 23. The tool 27 cuts a small groove 184 in the surface 26, and the second machining device 23 is advanced via an advancement mechanism to advance the tool 27 relative to the surface 26 to be roughened. In this example, as Fig.10 The result will be a score-groove type cut in the surface 26 of the flange F, as shown in FIG. In some examples, this type of flange surface machining may be referred to as flange surface machining.

[0081] Because the tool support 140 can be coupled at any position along the bridge member 84, the second machining device 23 can machine the surface 26 of the flange F in the direction from the outside to the inside or in the direction from the inside to the outside. This ability depends on the direction in which the second machining device 23 is advanced by the advancement mechanism, and the tool support 140 and the tool 27 are positioned near the appropriate end of the bridge member 84 and on the appropriate side of the center plane 112 of the bridge member 84. In some examples, the second machining device 23 can use two tool supports 140 and two tools 27 to perform this third machining operation. In this example, the first tool support 140 and the first tool 27 can be positioned near the edge of the surface 26 to be roughened, and the second tool support 140 and the tool 27 can be positioned near the middle of the surface 26 to be roughened. As the second machining device 23 advances, the first tool 27 can machine the outer half of the flange surface 26 and the second tool 27 can machine the inner half of the flange surface 26, and vice versa. The use of two tool supports 140 can significantly reduce the time required to machine the surface 26 of the flange F.

[0082] Reference Figures 11 to 14 , shows a pipe machining device 20 having an example of a third machining device 188 coupled thereto. As described above, the pipe machining device 20 may include a plurality of interchangeable machining devices or accessories. Similar to the first and second machining devices 21, 23, the illustrated example of the third machining device 188 may be interchangeably coupled to the tool carrier 32 of the pipe machining device 20. Fig.12 A third machining device 188 is shown interchangeably coupled to the pipe machining device 20 with the first machining device 21 in order to simplify the drawing; however, it should be understood that the third machining device 188 can be interchangeably coupled to the pipe machining device 20 with any number of machining devices. In this way, a system or tool kit is provided that includes the pipe machining device 20 and a plurality of machining devices or accessories 21, 23, 188 that can be interchangeably coupled to the pipe machining device 20 to perform a variety of machining operations. Traditionally, a user would have to purchase a different machine for each desired type of machining operation. For example, a user would have to purchase two or three different machines in order to perform the two or three exemplary machining operations described herein. Because each machine is expensive, purchasing multiple different machines can be an expensive endeavor for an individual.

[0083] Reference Fig.11 , 1314, the third machining device 188 includes a tool support 192 and a tool 196. Similar to the flange surface machining or surface roughening performed by the second machining device 23, the third machining device 188 can perform flange surface machining or surface roughening on the surface 26 of the flange F.

[0084] refer to Figures 11 to 14 , the pipe machining device 20 can have only one third machining device 188 coupled thereto. In these examples, the pipe machining device 20 can include a balance member 200 coupled to the tool carrier 32. The balance member 200 can have sufficient weight to balance the weight of a single third machining device 188 and ensure balanced operation of the pipe machining device 20. The illustrated example of the balance member 200 is only one example of many different configurations, shapes, styles, etc., and all of these examples are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example, the balance member 200 includes a base 202 that can be coupled to the tool carrier 32 in a manner similar to the first, second, and third machining devices 21, 23, 188. In one example, the balance member 200 can be adjusted or advanced relative to the base 202 and the tool carrier 32 in a manner similar to the first, second, and third machining devices 21, 23, 188. That is, similar to the third machining device 188, the balancing member 200 can be advanced by the advancement mechanism to coincide with the advancement of the third machining device 188. In this way, as the third machining device 188 is advanced to machine the flange F, an appropriate amount of balancing weight can be provided by the balancing member 200. In the illustrated example, the balancing member 200 includes a handle 204 to assist in manipulating and operating the balancing member 200. In another example, the balancing member 200 can be coupled to the tool carrier 32 and can not be advanced by the advancement mechanism. In this example, when the device 188 is advanced or moved relative to the tool carrier 32, the balancing member 200 remains fixed in place relative to the tool carrier 32.

[0085] The pipe machining device components and resulting functionality included herein are adapted to be included in any size pipe machining device to machine any size pipe and / or flange, and operate in the same manner, thereby giving the present invention modular functionality. That is, for example, whether the pipe machining device is adapted to cut 12 inch or 120 inch pipe, the components are adapted to be included in any possible size pipe machining device and operate in the same manner.

[0086] It should be understood that any orientation or directional terms used herein, such as, for example, "top," "bottom," "front," "rear," "backside," "left," "right," "side," etc., are not intended to imply only a single orientation of the objects associated therewith or to limit the present disclosure in any way. The use of such orientation or directional terms is intended to aid in understanding the principles disclosed herein and corresponds to the exemplary orientations shown in the accompanying drawings. For example, the pipe machining device can be used in any orientation and the use of such terms is intended to correspond to the exemplary orientations of the pipe machining device shown in the accompanying drawings. The use of these terms in association with the pipe machining device is not intended to limit the pipe machining device to a single orientation or to limit the pipe machining device in any way.

[0087] It should also be understood that the use of numerical terms, such as "first", "second", "third", etc., should not be interpreted as implying an order or sequence of components or functions. In addition, the use of these numerical terms is not intended to be related only to the components and / or functions with which they are used. Rather, the use of these numerical terms is only used to assist the reader in understanding the subject matter of the present disclosure. For example, one of the machining devices in the specification may be referred to as a "first machining device", but the same machining device may be referred to differently in the claims (e.g., a second or third machining device).

[0088] The abstract of the present disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly identify the features of the present technical disclosure. The abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the above detailed description, it can be seen that in order to streamline the present disclosure, various features are grouped together in various embodiments. The method of the present disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting the meaning that the claimed embodiments require more features than those expressly recited in each claim. More precisely, as reflected in the following claims, the subject matter of the present invention lies in less than all the features of a single embodiment of the present disclosure. Therefore, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, and each claim is, in itself, a separately claimed subject matter.

[0089] Although various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other embodiments and implementations are possible within the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure should be limited only by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A pipeline machining device, comprising: frame; a tool carrier coupled to the frame and rotatable relative to the frame, the tool carrier comprising a first coupling at a first coupling location and a second coupling at a second coupling location; a first machining apparatus comprising a first tool support and a first tool supported by the first tool support, wherein the first machining apparatus is configured to perform a first machining operation; as well as a second machining device comprising a bridging member having a first support member at a first end thereof and a second support member at a second end thereof, a second tool support supported by the bridging member, and a second tool supported by the second tool support, wherein the second machining device is configured to perform a second machining operation different from the first machining operation; wherein the first tool support is configured to be coupleable to the first coupling when the first machining device is used, and wherein the first support member is configured to be interchangeably coupleable to the first coupling and the second support member is configured to be coupleable to the second coupling when the second machining device is used, and Wherein the first machining device is rotatable together with the tool carrier when coupled to the tool carrier, and the second machining device is rotatable together with the tool carrier when coupled to the tool carrier.

2. The pipe machining apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first machining operation comprises at least one of surfacing a flange of the pipe and cutting through the pipe, and wherein the second machining operation comprises cutting a groove in the flange of the pipe. 3 . The pipe machining apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the second tool is further configurable to perform a third machining operation different from the first machining operation and the second machining operation.

4. The pipe machining apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first machining operation comprises cutting through the pipe, the second machining operation comprises surfacing a flange of the pipe, and the third machining operation comprises cutting a groove in the flange of the pipe.

5. The pipe machining device of claim 1, wherein the tool carrier defines an opening therein, and the bridge member extends across the opening when the second machining device is coupled to the tool carrier. 6 . The pipe machining device of claim 5 , wherein the first coupling and the second coupling are located on opposite sides of the opening.

7. The pipeline machining device according to claim 1, wherein: When the first machining device is coupled to the first coupling, a counterweight is coupled to the tool carrier at the second coupling.

8. The pipe machining device according to claim 1 further includes a third machining device, the third machining device including a third tool support and a third tool supported by the third tool support, wherein the third tool is configured to perform a third machining operation, and wherein the third tool support can be connected to the tool carrier at one of the first connecting member and the second connecting member.

9. The pipe machining apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first machining operation comprises cutting through the pipe, the second machining operation comprises at least one of surfacing a flange of the pipe and cutting a groove in the flange of the pipe, and the third machining operation comprises surfacing a flange of the pipe.

10. The pipe machining device of claim 8, wherein the second machining device comprises a third tool support supported by the bridge member and a third tool supported by the third tool support, wherein the third tool is configured to perform a third machining operation different from the first machining operation.

11. The pipe machining apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the second tool and the third tool are configured to surface machine a flange of a pipe. 12 . The pipe machining device according to claim 11 , wherein the second tool surface machines a first portion of the flange, and the third tool surface machines a second portion of the flange.

13. The pipe machining apparatus of claim 10, wherein the second machining operation and the third machining operation are cutting grooves in a flange of the pipe.

14. The pipe machining apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first machining operation comprises cutting through the pipe, and wherein the second machining operation comprises at least one of surfacing a flange of the pipe and cutting a groove in the flange of the pipe.

15. The pipe machining device of claim 1, wherein the first tool support is movable relative to the bridge member to be arranged at various positions along the bridge member, and the second tool support is movable relative to the bridge member to be arranged at various positions along the bridge member.

16. A pipeline machining device, comprising: frame; a tool carrier coupled to the frame and rotatable relative to the frame, wherein the tool carrier defines an opening therein; as well as A mechanical processing device, the mechanical processing device comprising: a bridge member coupled to the tool carrier and extending across the opening of the tool carrier; and a first tool support coupled to the bridge member and supporting a first tool, wherein the machining device further comprises a second tool support coupled to the bridging member and supporting a second tool; and wherein the bridging member is symmetrical about a central plane extending through a center of the bridging member; wherein the bridging member includes a first pair of inclined surfaces that are inclined toward each other on a first side of the bridging member and extend along a length of the bridging member, one of the first pair of inclined surfaces being located on a first side of the plane and the other of the first pair of inclined surfaces being located on a second side of the plane; wherein the bridging member includes a second pair of inclined surfaces that are inclined toward each other on a second side of the bridging member opposite the first side and extend along the length of the bridging member, one of the second pair of inclined surfaces being located on the first side of the plane and the other of the second pair of inclined surfaces being located on the second side of the plane; wherein the first tool support includes a first coupling member configured to engage an inclined surface of the first side of the plane; and Wherein the second tool support includes a second coupling member configured to engage an inclined surface of the second side of the plane.

17. The pipe machining apparatus of claim 16, wherein the first tool and the second tool are configured to jointly perform a machining operation.

18. The pipe machining apparatus of claim 17, wherein the first tool and the second tool are configured to jointly perform at least one of surfacing a flange of the pipe and cutting a groove in the flange of the pipe.

19. The pipeline machining device according to claim 18, wherein: When the machining operation is surfacing a flange, the first tool is configured to surface machine a first portion of the flange and the second tool is configured to surface machine a second portion of the flange, and wherein, when the machining operation is cutting a groove, the first tool is configured to cut a first portion of the groove and the second tool is configured to cut a second portion of the groove.

20. The pipe machining apparatus of claim 16, wherein the first tool and the second tool are configured to collectively perform a plurality of machining operations.

21. The pipe machining device of any one of claims 16-20, further comprising a propulsion mechanism coupled to the bridging member and configured to move the bridging member, the first tool support, the first tool, the second tool support, and the second tool relative to the tool carrier.

22. The pipe machining device according to claim 21, wherein: During movement by said propulsion mechanism: The first tool moves from an outer diameter of a flange of the pipe toward an inner diameter of the flange, and The second tool moves from the inner diameter of the flange toward the outer diameter of the flange.

23. The pipe machining device of any one of claims 16-22, wherein the first and second tool supports are selectively coupled to the bridge member, and positions of the first and second tool supports are adjustable along the bridge member.

24. A pipeline machining device, comprising: frame; a tool carrier coupled to the frame and rotatable relative to the frame, wherein the tool carrier defines an opening therein; a bridge member coupled to the tool carrier and extending across the opening of the tool carrier; a first tool support mounted on the bridge member and supporting a first tool configured to perform a first machining operation when the tool carrier is rotated relative to the frame, the first tool support being movable relative to the bridge member to be disposed at various positions along the bridge member; a second tool support mounted on the bridge member and supporting a second tool, the second tool configured to perform a second machining operation when the tool carrier rotates relative to the frame, the second tool support being movable relative to the bridge member to be disposed at various positions along the bridge member; as well as An advancement mechanism is coupled to the bridge member and is configured to move the bridge member, the first tool support, the first tool, the second tool support, and the second tool relative to the tool carrier.

25. The pipe machining apparatus of claim 24, wherein each machining operation is at least one of surfacing a flange of the pipe and cutting a groove in the flange of the pipe.

26. The pipe machining device according to claim 24, wherein: During movement by said propulsion mechanism: The first tool moves from an outer diameter of a flange of the pipe toward an inner diameter of the flange, and The second tool moves from the inner diameter of the flange toward the outer diameter of the flange.

27. The pipe machining apparatus of claim 24, wherein each tool support includes a base coupled to the bridge member and a movable member coupled to the base, each movable member being movable relative to a respective base.

28. The pipe machining device of claim 24, wherein the bridge member is symmetrical about a center plane extending through a center of the bridge member and is generally parallel to opposing first and second surfaces of the bridge member.

29. The pipe machining device according to claim 24, further comprising a third tool support and a third tool supported by the third tool support, wherein the third tool is configured to perform a third machining operation, the third machining operation being different from the first machining operation and the second machining operation, wherein the third tool support is interchangeably connected to the tool carrier with the first tool support, the second tool support and the bridging member and is rotatable together with the tool carrier.

30. The pipe machining device of claim 29, wherein the tool carrier comprises a first coupling position and a second coupling position, wherein the third tool support is coupled to the tool carrier at one of the first coupling position or the second coupling position, and wherein the bridging member is coupled to the tool carrier at both the first coupling position and the second coupling position.

31. The pipe machining device according to claim 30, wherein: When the third tool support is coupled to one of the first coupling position and the second coupling position, a counterweight is coupled to the tool carrier at the other of the first coupling position and the second coupling position.

32. A pipeline machining device, comprising: frame; a tool carrier coupled to the frame and rotatable relative to the frame, wherein the tool carrier defines an opening therein; and a bridging member coupled to the tool carrier and extending across the opening of the tool carrier, a first tool support coupled to the bridge member and supporting a first tool configured to perform a first machining operation when the tool carrier is rotated relative to the frame; as well as a second tool support coupled to the bridging member and supporting a second tool configured to perform a second machining operation when the tool carrier is rotated relative to the frame, wherein when each machining operation is surfacing a flange, the first tool and the second tool are configured to surface machine the flange, and Wherein when each machining operation is cutting a groove, the first tool is configured to cut a first edge of the groove and the second tool is configured to cut a second edge of the groove.

33. A pipeline machining device, comprising: frame; a tool carrier coupled to the frame and rotatable relative to the frame, wherein the tool carrier defines an opening therein; and a bridging member coupled to the tool carrier and extending across the opening of the tool carrier, a first tool support coupled to the bridge member and supporting a first tool configured to perform a first machining operation when the tool carrier is rotated relative to the frame; as well as a second tool support coupled to the bridging member and supporting a second tool configured to perform a second machining operation when the tool carrier is rotated relative to the frame, Wherein the first machining operation is surfacing a flange of a pipe and the second machining operation is cutting a groove in the flange of the pipe.

34. A pipeline machining device, comprising: frame; a tool carrier coupled to the frame and rotatable relative to the frame, wherein the tool carrier defines an opening therein; a bridge member coupled to the tool carrier and extending across the opening of the tool carrier, the bridge member comprising a first pair of inclined surfaces inclined toward each other on a first side of the bridge member and extending along a length of the bridge member and a second pair of inclined surfaces inclined toward each other on a second side of the bridge member opposite the first side and extending along the length of the bridge member; a first tool support mounted on the bridge member and supporting a first tool, the first tool configured to perform a first machining operation when the tool carrier is rotated relative to the frame, the first tool support engaging the first pair of inclined surfaces when coupled to the bridge member; as well as A second tool support is mounted on the bridge member and supports a second tool, the second tool being configured to perform a second machining operation when the tool carrier is rotated relative to the frame, the second tool support engaging the second pair of inclined surfaces when coupled to the bridge member.

35. The pipe machining device of claim 34, wherein the bridge member is symmetrical about a center plane extending through a center of the bridge member and is generally parallel to opposing first and second surfaces of the bridge member.

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