Support device, support system and laser tube working machine

Abstract

A support device (1) for supporting a pipe (T) on a pipe working machine (100). The support device (1) comprises: a base unit (2); a pivoting arm (3); an actuation unit (4) connected to the pivoting arm (3) and configured to act on the pivoting arm (3) to rotate the pivoting arm (3) between a working configuration and a rest configuration; an extended guide element (5) on which the base unit (2) is mounted to slide along a sliding direction (S-S); a drive unit (6) configured to drive the base unit (2) and adjust the angular position of the pivoting arm (3) when the pivoting arm (3) is in the working configuration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of equipment and components for supporting pipes on pipe working machines.

[0002] Specifically, the present invention relates to a support device and related support system for supporting tubes on tube working machines, particularly laser tube cutting machines.

[0003] Another object of the present invention is a laser tube working machine including such a support system. Background Technology

[0004] Laser cutting is a well-known technology that uses a laser beam to evaporate material, thereby creating cut edges or engravings.

[0005] This laser cutting technology has been combined with computer numerical control in CNC machines to automate the cutting operations of workpieces such as metal sheets or tubes.

[0006] Known laser tube working machines include: a workstation in which a laser is configured to perform a cutting operation on the tube to be worked; a support system configured to vertically support the tube; and a movable mandrel configured to clamp the rear end of the tube and feed the tube to the workstation.

[0007] The mandrel is also configured to rotate the tube about its axis, allowing the laser to perform cuts along the entire contour of the tube.

[0008] In order to perform the cutting operation along the entire contour of the tube, the tube axis must be kept at a constant height during the tube's rotation. For this purpose, the laser tube working machine is constructed to actively control the support system as the central shaft rotates the tube about its axis.

[0009] The laser tube working machine is configured to synchronize the support system with the rotation axis of the spindle, so that the support system follows the tube profile during tube rotation, thereby keeping the tube axis at a constant distance from the ground.

[0010] Various active support systems for pipe-operated machines are known.

[0011] For example, EP3292944B1 discloses a support system for a laser tube working machine, the support system including multiple support devices configured to jointly support the tube to be worked.

[0012] Each support device has: a pivot arm hinged to the base of the tube working machine; and a pneumatic cylinder configured to switch the pivot arm between a working configuration and a stationary configuration, in which the pivot arm supports the tube and in which the pivot arm is released from the tube in the stationary configuration.

[0013] It is worth noting that the pneumatic cylinder needs to be continuously supplied with compressed air from the air compressor.

[0014] The support system disclosed in EP3292944B1 also includes a rack and pinion system that interconnects the support devices to simultaneously adjust the tilt of the pivot arm of the support device. In use, a drive motor acts on the rack and pinion system to change the tilt of the pivot arm, thereby achieving active tube support.

[0015] When the rack and pinion system changes the tilt of the pivot arm, the pneumatic cylinder of the corresponding support device is compressed / extended. Therefore, in order to actively support the tube, the drive motor must continuously overcome the resistance of the pneumatic cylinder, and the air compressor must continuously supply a restorative compressed air flow to the pneumatic cylinder.

[0016] The resistance of the pneumatic cylinder and the need for a continuous supply of restorative compressed air flow result in significant energy waste and limit the dynamic behavior of the system.

[0017] Furthermore, the resistance generated by the pneumatic cylinder introduces additional mechanical stresses in the mechanical components of the support system, necessitating that these components be excessively large. Disadvantageously, this negatively impacts the dynamic behavior of the support system, thereby increasing the inertia of the moving parts. Summary of the Invention

[0018] In this context, the object of the present invention is to provide an energy-efficient support device and support system configured to support pipes on pipe working machines.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide a support device that can achieve high dynamics on components with relatively small forces and mechanical stresses.

[0020] The specified technical purpose and objectives are substantially achieved by a support device and support system that includes the technical features described in one or more of the appended claims.

[0021] The present invention provides a support device for supporting a tube on a tube processing machine, comprising: a base unit; a pivot arm pivotally attached to the base unit about a rotation axis; and an actuation unit connected to the pivot arm.

[0022] The actuation unit is configured to cause the pivot arm to rotate about the axis of rotation between a working configuration and a stationary configuration. In the working configuration, the pivot arm supports the tube, and in the stationary configuration, the pivot arm is released from the tube.

[0023] The support device further includes: a guide element extending along the sliding direction, on which the base unit is mounted; and a drive unit connected to the base unit. The drive unit is configured to drive the base unit along the guide element in the sliding direction and adjust the angular position of the pivot arm about the arm's rotation axis when the pivot arm is in the working configuration.

[0024] In use, the drive unit acts on the base element to rotate the pivot arm and actively support the tube.

[0025] It is worth noting that, in order to actively support the tube, the drive unit rotates only the pivot arm acting on the sliding degree of freedom of the base unit without compressing any pneumatic cylinder, which needs to be continuously supplied with compressed restorative airflow to return to the extended position.

[0026] Therefore, advantageously, the present invention not only allows for the saving of energy required in prior art devices to overcome the resistance of the pneumatic cylinder, but also avoids the continuous waste of energy to generate a restorative compressed air flow.

[0027] Furthermore, advantageously, the present invention allows for higher dynamics to be achieved on components with less force and less stress, since it is not necessary to overcome the resistance generated by the pneumatic cylinder to actively support the tube.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the drive unit is configured to drive the base unit to slide relative to the actuation unit along a sliding direction. The relative motion of the base unit to the actuation unit allows the pivot arm to rotate precisely when it is in its working configuration.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the actuation unit has a mounting portion configured to be fixedly mounted relative to the guide element along the sliding direction. This fixed mounting portion relative to the guide element along the sliding direction increases the stability and reliability of the support device.

[0030] According to one embodiment, when the pivot arm is in the working configuration, the mounting portion is configured to rotate about a mounting rotation axis. This rotation of the mounting portion about the mounting rotation axis improves the dynamic behavior of the support device, and in particular, it allows for rapid changes in the angular position of the pivot arm.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the rotation axis is installed parallel to the arm's rotation axis.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the pivot arm has a connecting portion disposed between a first portion and a second portion, and the actuating unit has a connecting end connected at the connecting portion of the pivot arm. The connection of the actuating unit between the first and second portions of the pivot arm improves the compactness of the support device in the height direction when it is not used in the support tube (i.e., when the pivot arm is in a stationary configuration) and ensures proper travel of the first portion of the pivot arm in the height direction when the support device is in the support tube (i.e., when the pivot arm is in a working configuration).

[0033] According to one embodiment, the connecting end is hinged to the pivot arm at a fixed distance between the first part and the second part.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the connecting end is configured to rotate relative to the pivot arm about a connecting rotation axis oriented parallel to the arm's rotation axis.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the actuation unit includes an actuation member movable relative to the mounting portion between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration. The actuation member, in the extended and retracted configurations, defines a working configuration and a stationary configuration of the pivot arm, respectively. The relative movement of the actuation member relative to the mounting portion between the extended and retracted configurations allows the pivot arm, preferably using a hydraulic actuator, to rapidly switch between the working and stationary configurations without the need for specific sensors.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the base unit includes a first bracket and a second bracket, which are mounted on a guide element and are slidable relative to each other along a sliding direction. A second portion of a pivot arm is pivotally attached to the first bracket of the base unit about an arm rotation axis; a drive unit is connected to the second bracket to drive the second bracket along the sliding direction. The first and second brackets allow for increased compactness of the support device in the height direction when the support device is not used for the support tube and allow for simplified synchronization of two or more support devices in the support system.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the base unit includes a locking member configured to lock and unlock the first and second brackets from sliding relative to each other along a sliding direction. The locking member is switchable between a locking configuration and an unlocking configuration, in which the first and second brackets are locked relative to each other along the sliding direction, and in the unlocking configuration, the first and second brackets are freely movable relative to each other along the sliding direction.

[0038] Advantageously, the first and second brackets, along with the locking member, allow for prevention or significant restriction of rotation of the pivot arm when it is in a stationary configuration, thereby reducing component wear and increasing the compactness of the support device in the height direction when it is not used in the support tube. The first and second brackets, along with the locking member, allow for the disconnection of the working and stationary configurations of two or more support devices in the support system.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the locking member includes: a connecting element connected to a first bracket and a second bracket; and a locking element acting on the connecting element to adjust and lock the mutual distance between the first bracket and the second bracket along a sliding direction when the locking member switches from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration.

[0040] According to one implementation, the sliding direction is perpendicular to the arm's rotation axis.

[0041] The present invention also relates to a support system for a pipe working machine. The pipe working machine includes: two or more support devices arranged along a sliding direction; and a synchronization unit connected to a drive unit of each support device to synchronize the sliding of base elements on guide elements along the sliding direction.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the synchronization unit includes a synchronization element and a drive motor. The synchronization element extends parallel to the sliding direction and connects to the drive unit of each support device. The drive motor is configured to drive the synchronization element along the driving direction relative to the guide element of the support device. The synchronization element and drive motor allow for an economical and easily expandable support system.

[0043] According to one implementation, the drive motor is a single drive motor. Advantageously, a single drive motor allows for energy and resource savings.

[0044] The present invention also relates to a laser tube working machine. The laser tube working machine includes: the support system; a laser workstation having a laser working head configured to cut or engrave a tube supported by the support system; and a tube carrying bracket configured to feed the tube to the laser workstation in a longitudinal direction. Attached Figure Description

[0045] Other features and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the indicative and therefore non-limiting description of preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of the support device, support system, and laser tube working machine as illustrated in the accompanying figures, in which:

[0046] - Figure 1A side view of a support device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein a component (pivoting arm) is in a working configuration;

[0047] - Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A side view of the support device, in which the pivot arm is in a stationary configuration;

[0048] - Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the support device, in which the pivot arm is in the working configuration;

[0049] - Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 The kinematic scheme of the first embodiment of the support device;

[0050] - Figure 5a It shows Figure 1 The kinematic scheme of the second embodiment of the support device, wherein the pivot arm is in a working configuration and wherein some components (locking members) are in a locking configuration;

[0051] - Figure 5b It shows the static configuration. Figure 1 The kinematic scheme of the second embodiment of the support device, wherein the locking member is in an unlocked configuration;

[0052] - Figure 6 A perspective view of the support system according to the present invention is shown;

[0053] - Figure 7a A perspective view of a laser tube operating machine according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0054] - Figure 7b It shows Figure 7a A side view of the laser tube operating machine, with some parts removed. Detailed Implementation

[0055] The present invention relates to a support device 1 for supporting a tube T on a tube working machine 100, particularly a laser tube cutting machine.

[0056] In the context of this invention, the term "tube" is used to refer to an elongated structure extending between opposite ends along a tube axis XX. It is worth noting that the term "tube" is not limited to pipes—i.e., circular tubes—but also refers to any elongated structure having a hollow cross-section, such as a rectangle, square, or ellipse, as well as profiles with open cross-sections, such as C-shaped, U-shaped, V-shaped, X-shaped, T-shaped, H-shaped, or cross-shaped profiles.

[0057] Reference Figures 1 to 3The support device 1 includes a base unit 2 and a pivot arm 3 that is pivotally attached to the base unit 2 about the arm rotation axis RR.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the pivot arm 3 has a first portion 31 configured as a support tube T and a second portion 32 pivotally attached to the base unit 2 about the arm rotation axis RR.

[0059] The pivot arm 3 is movable between a working configuration and a stationary configuration by rotating relative to the base unit 2 about the arm's rotation axis RR. In the working configuration, the first part 31 is positioned as a support tube T; in the stationary configuration, the first part 31 is released from the tube T. The working and stationary configurations are respectively... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in the image.

[0060] In the working configuration, the first portion 31 of the pivot arm 3 contacts the tube T to support the tube T, i.e., to support at least a portion of the tube's weight. In the stationary configuration, the first portion 31 of the pivot arm 3 is released from the tube T. Therefore, in the stationary configuration, the first portion 31 of the pivot arm 3 does not support the tube T.

[0061] As the pivot arm 3 rotates around the arm rotation axis RR, the height of the first part 31 changes along the height direction VV. Specifically, in the working configuration, the distance of the first part 31 of the pivot arm from the base unit 2 along the height direction VV is greater than that in the stationary configuration.

[0062] Preferably, the pivot arm 3 is hinged to the base unit 2 about the arm rotation axis RR at the second part 32.

[0063] Preferably, the pivot arm 3 extends mainly along the arm direction PP between the first part 31 and the second part 32, which are therefore the end portions of the pivot arm 3.

[0064] Reference Figure 3 The arm direction PP is transverse to, and particularly orthogonal to, the arm rotation axis RR. As the pivot arm 3 rotates about the arm rotation axis RR, the orientation of the arm direction PP changes, thereby raising / lowering the first part 31 relative to the base unit 2 along the height direction VV.

[0065] Preferably, the first portion 31 of the pivot arm 3 includes a roller 30 configured to support the tube T when the pivot arm 3 is in the working configuration. The roller 30 is pivotally connected to the first portion 31 to support the tube T against gravity along the height direction VV and to allow the tube T to slide relative to the support device 1 along the tube axis XX.

[0066] The support device 1 also includes an actuation unit 4, which is connected to the pivot arm 3 and configured to rotate the pivot arm 3 between a working configuration and a stationary configuration.

[0067] Preferably, the actuation unit 4 has a connecting end 41 that connects to the pivot arm 3 at the connecting portion 33. The connecting portion 33 is preferably arranged between the first portion 31 and the second portion 32 along the arm direction PP.

[0068] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The connecting end 41 is hinged to the pivot arm 3 at a fixed distance between the first part 31 and the second part 32 about the connecting rotation axis R2-R2. This means that the connecting end 41 cannot slide along the arm direction PP from / towards the first part 31 and the second part 32.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the connecting end 41 is configured to rotate relative to the pivot arm 3 about the connecting rotation axis R2-R2 when the pivot arm 3 rotates about the arm rotation axis RR.

[0070] Preferably, the connecting rotation axis R2-R2 is parallel to the arm rotation axis RR.

[0071] according to Figures 1 to 3 In the embodiment shown, the actuation unit 4 has a mounting portion 42 configured to be fixedly mounted relative to the ground; preferably, the mounting portion 42 is configured to be attached to the base 101 of the pipe working machine 100.

[0072] Reference Figure 4 The mounting portion 42 of the actuation unit 4 is configured to be hinged around the fixed mounting rotation axis R1-R1. Preferably, the mounting portion 42 is hinged to the base 101 of the tube working machine 100 around the mounting rotation axis R1-R1, as in... Figure 7a It can be seen in the image.

[0073] When the pivot arm 3 rotates about the arm rotation axis RR and the connecting end 41 rotates about the connecting rotation axis R2-R2, the mounting part 42 rotates about the mounting rotation axis R1-R1.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the rotation axis R1-R1 is installed parallel to the arm rotation axis RR.

[0075] Reference Figure 1 The actuation unit 4 has an actuation member 40, which includes a connecting portion 41 and is slidably connected to the mounting portion 42 along the actuation direction AA.

[0076] When the actuating member 40 moves relative to the mounting portion 42 along the actuation direction AA, the actuating member 40 extends in the configuration ( Figure 1 ) and retracted configuration ( Figure 2The actuating member 40 switches between the extended and retracted configurations. In the extended configuration, the actuating member 40 defines the working configuration of the pivot arm 3, and in the retracted configuration, the actuating member 40 defines the stationary configuration of the pivot arm 3. Therefore, when the actuating member 40 moves relative to the mounting portion 42 between the extended and retracted configurations, the pivot arm 3 switches between the working configuration (…). Figure 1 ) and static configuration ( Figure 2 ) shift between.

[0077] In a preferred embodiment, the actuation unit 4 has a hydraulic cylinder or a pneumatic cylinder, which includes a connecting portion 41, a mounting portion 42, and an actuating member 40.

[0078] The support device 1 also includes a guide element 5 that extends along the sliding direction SS. The base unit 2 is mounted on the guide element 5 to slide along the sliding direction SS and preferably be oriented perpendicular to the arm rotation axis RR.

[0079] Preferably, the guide element 5 includes a track 50 on which the base unit 2 slides like a "bracket".

[0080] As in Figure 4 As schematically illustrated, when the pivot arm 3 is in the working configuration, the sliding of the base unit 2 along the sliding direction SS causes the first part 31 to be raised / lowered relative to the base unit 2 along the height direction VV. Specifically, the sliding of the base unit 2 adjusts the angular position of the pivot arm 3, thereby changing the height of the first part 31 along the height direction VV.

[0081] Preferably, the guide element 5 is attached to the base 101 of the tube working machine 100, and the mounting portion 42 is configured to be fixedly mounted relative to the guide element 5 along the sliding direction SS. In other words, the relative position of the connecting rotation axis R2-R2 and the guide element 5 along the sliding direction SS is fixed.

[0082] According to one embodiment, when the base unit 2 slides on the guide element 5, the base unit 2 moves along the sliding direction SS from / towards the connecting rotation axis R1-R1.

[0083] Reference Figure 3 The support device 1 also includes a drive unit 6, which is connected to the base unit 2.

[0084] The drive unit 6 is configured to drive the base unit 2 when the pivot arm 3 is in the working configuration, so that the base unit 2 slides along the sliding direction SS and adjusts the angular position of the pivot arm 3 about the arm rotation RR.

[0085] Therefore, in use, the drive unit 6 causes the pivot arm 3 acting on the base unit 2 to rotate along the guide element 5 to actively support the tube T on the tube working machine 100, that is, to keep the first part 31 of the pivot arm 3 in contact with the tube or profile T, which is especially important when the cross-section of the tube or profile is not annular.

[0086] Preferably, as in Figure 4 As shown in the kinematic scheme, the drive unit 6 is configured to drive the base unit 2 to slide relative to the actuation unit 4 along the sliding direction SS.

[0087] Specifically, the drive unit 6 is configured to drive the base unit 2 to slide along the sliding direction SS from / towards the mounting rotation axis R1-R1.

[0088] When the pivot arm 3 is in the working configuration and the drive unit 6 drives the base unit 2 along the sliding direction SS, the mounting portion 42 rotates about the rotation axis R1-R1 and the pivot arm 3 rotates about the arm rotation axis RR. Therefore, the base unit 2, the pivot arm 3, and the actuation unit 4 are kinematically connected and driven by the drive unit 6.

[0089] Specifically, when the mounting portion 42 rotates about the rotation axis R1-R1, the actuating member 40 remains fixed relative to the mounting portion 42 in the extended configuration.

[0090] exist Figure 5a and Figure 5b In the preferred embodiment, as illustrated in the schematic diagram, the base unit 2 includes a first bracket 21 and a second bracket 22, both of which are mounted on the guide element 5 and are capable of sliding relative to each other along the sliding direction SS. Therefore, the first bracket 21 and the second bracket 22 can move independently on the guide element 5, thereby moving closer to or further away from each other.

[0091] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The second part 32 of the pivot arm 3 is pivotally attached to the first bracket 21 about the arm rotation axis RR, while the drive unit 6 is connected to the second bracket 22 to drive the second bracket 22 along the sliding direction SS.

[0092] Preferably, the base unit 2 includes a locking member 7 configured to lock and unlock the mutual sliding of the first bracket 21 and the second bracket 22 along the sliding direction SS.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the locking member 7 is configured in a locking configuration ( Figure 5a ) and unlocked configuration ( Figure 5bThe first bracket 21 and the second bracket 22 can be switched between the two configurations. In the locking configuration, the first bracket 21 and the second bracket 22 are locked to each other along the sliding direction SS. In the unlocking configuration, the first bracket 21 and the second bracket 22 can move freely to each other along the sliding direction SS.

[0094] Reference Figure 5a When the locking member 7 is in the locked configuration, the first bracket 21 and the second bracket 22 move together as a single unit along the sliding direction SS. Therefore, the locking member 7 in the locked configuration prevents the first bracket 21 and the second bracket 22 from moving relative to each other along the sliding direction SS. This... Figure 5a The image is represented graphically by two moving arrows, A1 and B1, of the same length.

[0095] Reference Figure 5b When the locking member 7 is in the unlocked configuration, the first bracket 21 and the second bracket 22 can move independently along the sliding direction SS. Therefore, when the locking member 7 is in the unlocked configuration, the movement of the second bracket 22 will not cause the movement of the first bracket 21, and conversely, the movement of the first bracket 21 will not cause the movement of the second bracket 21. This is in... Figure 5b The diagram is presented graphically, in which the movement of the second bracket 22 (indicated by arrow A2) does not cause the stationary first bracket 21 to move.

[0096] Preferably, in the locking configuration, the locking member 7 transmits the action of the drive unit 6 on the second bracket 22 to the first bracket 21. That is, when the drive unit 6 drives the second bracket 22 along the sliding direction SS, the locking member 7 constrains the first bracket 21 to move together with the second bracket 22. In this way, the movement of the first bracket 21 causes the pivot arm 3 to rotate as described above. Figure 5a ).

[0097] When the locking member 7 is in the unlocked configuration, the action of the drive unit 6 on the second bracket 22 is not transmitted to the first bracket 21. Therefore, when the first bracket 21 is stationary, the movement of the second bracket 22 does not determine the rotation of the pivot arm. Figure 5b ).

[0098] The locking configuration of locking member 7 is related to the working configuration of pivot arm 3, such as in Figure 5a As shown in the diagram. In particular, when the locking member 7 is in the locked configuration and the pivot arm 3 is in the working configuration, the tube T is actively supported, thereby converting the sliding of the first bracket 21 and the second bracket 22 into the rotation of the pivot arm 3 about the arm rotation axis RR, which causes the first part 31 to move along the height direction VV.

[0099] On the other hand, the unlocking configuration of locking member 7 is associated with the stationary configuration of pivot arm 3, such as in Figure 5bAs shown in the diagram. This allows for the prevention (or significant restriction) of rotation of the pivot arm 3 when it is in a stationary configuration, thereby reducing component wear and increasing the compactness of the support device 1 in the height direction VV when it is not used to support the tube T. Increasing the compactness of the support device 1 when the pivot arm 3 is in a stationary configuration allows for a reduction in the size and cost of the tube working machine 100, and in particular allows for a smaller dimension along the height direction VV below the tube support bracket 13 (described below).

[0100] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 Preferably, the locking member 7 includes a connecting element 70 connected to the first bracket 21 and the second bracket 22.

[0101] Furthermore, preferably, the locking member 7 includes a locking element 73 that acts on the connecting element 70 to adjust and lock the mutual distance between the first bracket 21 and the second bracket 22 along the sliding direction SS when the locking member 7 switches from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration.

[0102] exist Figure 1 and Figure 3 In one embodiment, the connecting element 70 is a rod 70a constrained to the first bracket 21 and the second bracket 22 on opposite sides.

[0103] Preferably, the rod 70a is fixedly attached to the first bracket 21 and slidably connected to the second bracket 22 along the sliding direction SS.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the locking element 73 is configured to act on a portion of a rod 70a that is slidably connected—for example, pneumatically or hydraulically connected—to the second bracket 22 to adjust and lock the mutual distance between the first bracket 21 and the second bracket 22 along the sliding direction SS.

[0105] Another object of the present invention is to provide a support system 10 for supporting a tube T on a tube working machine 100, particularly a laser tube cutting machine.

[0106] Reference Figure 6 The support system 10 includes two or more of the support devices 1 described above, which are arranged along the sliding direction SS to individually or jointly support the pipe T along the pipe axis XX.

[0107] The support system 10 includes a synchronization unit 8 connected to the drive unit 6 of each support device 1 and configured to synchronize the sliding of the base unit 2 of the support device 1 along the sliding direction SS on the guide element 5.

[0108] Preferably, the synchronization unit 8 includes a synchronization element 80 that extends parallel to the sliding direction SS and is connected to the drive unit 6 of each support device 1.

[0109] Preferably, the synchronizing element 80 is configured to cause the base unit 2 of the support device 1 to move simultaneously along the sliding direction SS. The movement of the synchronizing element 80 causes the base unit 2 of the support device 1 to slide simultaneously along the sliding direction SS.

[0110] Synchronization element 80 allows the pivot arm 3 of support device 1 to rotate simultaneously about its corresponding arm rotation axis RR, thereby changing the position of the first part 31 of pivot arm 3 along the height direction VV.

[0111] exist Figure 6 In one embodiment, the synchronization element 80 includes a synchronization rod 80a connected to the base unit 2 and, in particular, to the second bracket 22 of the support device 1.

[0112] According to one embodiment, the synchronizing rod 80a is configured to connect the base unit 6 of the support device 1, thereby preventing them from moving relative to each other along the sliding direction SS.

[0113] In an alternative embodiment not shown in the accompanying drawings, the connecting rod 80a includes two or more sections on opposite sides that are connected to the base unit 2 of different support devices 1.

[0114] The synchronization unit 8 also includes a drive motor 9 configured to drive the synchronization element 80 along the drive direction YY relative to the guide element 5 of the support device 1.

[0115] Preferably, the drive motor 9 is configured to shift the synchronizing element 80 along the drive direction YY to determine the simultaneous sliding of the base unit 2 of the support device 1, and thus determine the simultaneous rotation of the corresponding pivot arm 2 about its arm rotation axis RR.

[0116] The drive motor 9 can be an electric drive motor, a pneumatic drive motor, or a hydraulic drive motor.

[0117] Another object of the present invention is a laser tube working machine 100, particularly a laser tube cutting machine, which includes a support system 10.

[0118] The working machine 100 includes a base 101 configured to be laid on the ground (not shown) and extend along the longitudinal direction LL between a first end region 100a and a second end region 100b.

[0119] The support system 10 is configured to be attached to a base 101 that extends along the longitudinal direction LL, preferably in a sliding direction parallel to the longitudinal direction LL.

[0120] According to one embodiment, the support system 10 is configured to support the tube T, and the tube T is arranged such that the tube axis XX extends along the longitudinal direction LL, preferably parallel to the longitudinal direction LL.

[0121] In addition, it is important to emphasize that the support system 10 resists gravity along the height direction VV to retain the tube T.

[0122] The laser tube working machine 100 includes a laser workstation 110 having a laser working head 110a configured to cut or engrave a tube T supported by a support system 10.

[0123] Preferably, the workstation 110 is connected to the base 101 at the first end region 100a of the laser tube processing machine 100.

[0124] The laser tube working machine 100 also includes a tube support bracket 130, which is movably mounted on the base 101 along the longitudinal direction LL so that the support system 10 can move along the height direction VV between the first end region 100a and the second end region 100b.

[0125] The pivot arm 3 of the support device 1 of the support system 10 switches from a working configuration to a stationary configuration so that the pipe support bracket 130 passes over the pivot arm 3 along the height direction VV. In other words, in use, when the pipe support bracket 130 moves from the second end region 100b to the first end region 100a, and thus moves toward the workstation 110, the pivot arm 3 of the support device 1 sequentially switches to the stationary configuration.

[0126] The pipe support bracket 130 is configured to grip the rear of the pipe T when the pipe T is supported by at least a portion of the support device 1 of the support system 10.

[0127] The pipe support bracket 130, which moves along the longitudinal LL direction from the second end region 100b to the first end region 100a—that is, toward the workstation 110—is configured to deliver the pipe T to the workstation 110.

[0128] The tube support bracket 130 includes a rotating mandrel 130a configured to rotate the tube T about the tube axis XX and allow the working head 110a to cut or carve the tube T about the surface of the tube T.

[0129] The laser tube working machine 100 also includes a control unit (not shown) configured to synchronize the rotation of the rotating spindle 130a with the synchronization unit 8 of the support system 10, such that during the rotation of the tube T around the tube axis XX, the support device 1 follows the contour of the tube T, thereby keeping the tube axis XX at a constant height, i.e., at a fixed distance from the ground.

[0130] In one embodiment, the laser tube working machine 100 includes a sensor (not shown) connected to a control unit and configured to inspect the configuration of the pivot arm 3 or the actuating member 40.

[0131] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that various modifications and variations can be made to the arrangement described above to meet occasional and specific needs. All such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A support device (1) for supporting a pipe (T) on a pipe working machine (100), the support device comprising: - Base unit (2) - A pivot arm (3) having a first portion (31) configured to support the tube (T) and a second portion (32) pivotally attached to the base unit (2) about an arm rotation axis (RR), the pivot arm (3) being configured to rotate about the arm rotation axis (RR) between a working configuration and a stationary configuration, in which the first portion (31) is positioned to support the tube (T), and in which the first portion (31) is released from the tube (T). - An actuation unit (4), which is connected to the pivot arm (3) and configured to act on the pivot arm (3) to cause the pivot arm (3) to rotate between the working configuration and the stationary configuration. The supporting device (1) is characterized in that it comprises: - A guide element (5) extending along a sliding direction (SS), the base unit (2) being mounted on the guide element (5) to slide along the sliding direction (SS). - A drive unit (6) connected to the base unit (2) is configured to drive the base unit (2) when the pivot arm (3) is in the working configuration so that the base unit (2) slides along the sliding direction (SS) and adjusts the angular position of the pivot arm (3) about the arm rotation axis (RR).

2. The support device (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The drive unit (6) is configured to drive the base unit (2) to slide relative to the actuation unit (4) along the sliding direction (SS).

3. The support device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The actuation unit (4) has a mounting portion (42) configured to be fixedly mounted relative to the guide element (5) along the sliding direction (SS).

4. The support device (1) according to claim 3, wherein, The mounting portion (42) is configured to rotate about the mounting rotation axis (R1-R1) when the pivot arm (3) is in the working configuration.

5. The support device (1) according to claim 4, wherein, The mounting rotation axis (R1-R1) is parallel to the arm rotation axis (RR).

6. The support device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: - The pivot arm (3) has a connecting portion (33) arranged between the first part (31) and the second part (32). - The actuation unit (4) has a connecting end (41) connected at the connecting portion (33) of the pivot arm (3).

7. The support device (1) according to claim 6, wherein, The connecting end (41) is hinged to the pivot arm (3) at a fixed distance between the first part (31) and the second part (32).

8. The support device (1) according to claim 6, wherein, The connecting end (41) is configured to rotate relative to the pivot arm (3) about the connecting rotation axis (R2-R2), which is parallel to the arm rotation axis (RR).

9. The support device (1) according to claim 3, wherein, The actuation unit (4) includes an actuation member (40) that is movable relative to the mounting portion (42) between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration, wherein the actuation member (40) defines the working configuration and the stationary configuration of the pivot arm (3) in the extended configuration and the retracted configuration, respectively.

10. The support device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: - The base unit (2) includes a first bracket (21) and a second bracket (22), the first bracket (21) and the second bracket (22) being mounted on the guide element (5) and capable of sliding relative to each other along the sliding direction (SS). - The second portion (32) of the pivot arm (3) is pivotally attached to the first bracket (21) of the base unit (2) about the arm rotation axis (RR). - The drive unit (6) is connected to the second bracket (22) to drive the second bracket (22) along the sliding direction (SS).

11. The support device (1) according to claim 10, wherein, The base unit (2) includes a locking member (7) configured to lock and unlock the mutual sliding of the first bracket (21) and the second bracket (22). The locking member (7) is switchable between a locking configuration and an unlocking configuration in which the first bracket (21) and the second bracket (22) are locked to each other along the sliding direction (SS), and in the unlocking configuration, the first bracket (21) and the second bracket (22) are free to move to each other along the sliding direction (SS).

12. The support device (1) according to claim 11, wherein, The locking member (7) includes: - A connecting element (70) is connected to the first bracket (21) and the second bracket (22). - Locking element (73) acts on the connecting element (70) to adjust and lock the mutual distance between the first bracket (21) and the second bracket (22) along the sliding direction (SS) when the locking member (7) switches from the unlocking configuration to the locking configuration.

13. The support device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The sliding direction (SS) is perpendicular to the arm rotation axis (RR).

14. A support system (10) for a pipe-working machine (100), comprising: - Two or more support devices (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, said support devices (1) being arranged along said sliding direction (SS), - A synchronization unit (8) is connected to the drive unit (6) of each support device (1) to synchronize the sliding of the base unit (2) on the guide element (5) along the sliding direction (SS).

15. The support system (10) according to claim 14, wherein, The synchronization unit (8) includes: - A synchronization element (80), which extends parallel to the sliding direction (SS) and connects to the drive unit (6) of each support device (1), and - Drive motor (9), the drive motor (9) is configured to drive the synchronization element (80) along the drive direction (YY) relative to the guide element (5) of the support device (1).

16. A laser tube operating machine (100), comprising: - The support system (10) according to claim 14 or 15. - Laser workstation (110), the laser workstation (110) includes a laser head (110a) configured to cut or engrave a tube (T) supported by the support system (10). - A tube support bracket (130) configured to feed the tube (T) to the laser workstation (110) along the longitudinal direction (LL).

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