Device and method for shaping free end of hose section

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and a method for shaping a free end of a hose section. The device is provided with a conveying unit and a conveying unit for the hose sections and at least one processing station for the free ends of the hose sections. According to the invention, the processing station has a mold core onto which the free end of the hose section can be moved. Furthermore, the processing station has a forming die which can be positioned from the outside around the free end of the hose section such that the outer contour of the free end of the hose section can be deformed by the forming die. The free end of the hose section and / or the forming tool can be heated by the heating system. In the method according to the invention, the free end of the hose section is first introduced into the processing station by means of a linear movement. The free end of the hose section is guided onto the mold core. The free end of the hose section and / or the forming tool of the processing station is then heated and further moved into the forming tool by means of a linear movement in such a way that the outer contour of the free end of the hose section is reformed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device and method for shaping the free end of a hose section. Shaping the free end of a hose section may be particularly necessary for producing plastic cannulas with a tip and a head. Such plastic cannulas may be used, for example, for subcutaneous drug administration. Furthermore, shaping the free end of a hose section may also be necessary for other medical applications, such as urinary catheters, coronary heart catheters, central venous catheters, or various suction catheters. Background Art

[0002] The processing of hose sections or other flexible components typically takes place in multiple movement steps. Typically, the hose is first transported, cut, and then removed and aligned for subsequent processing. Alternatively, already cut hose pieces or semi-finished products can also be used. Removal and alignment of the hose sections can be performed, in particular, using grippers. EP 3 456 529 B1 discloses a device and a method in which the processing of hose sections can be performed while they are being transported, allowing the hose sections to be processed continuously without having to change their orientation.

[0003] Known in corresponding shaping molds, the free end of the hose section is thermally deformed. Depending on the desired outer contour of the free end of the hose section, it may be necessary to, for example, separately shape the head and then cast it. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Starting from this known prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved device and an improved method for shaping the free ends of hose sections, making possible a fully automated production process in which particularly precise results can be achieved.

[0005] The device according to the invention for shaping the free end of a hose section is characterized by the features of main claim 1. The method according to the invention for shaping the free end of a hose section is characterized by the features of the independent claim 8. Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject matter of the further claims that are subordinate to these claims.

[0006] The apparatus for shaping the free end of a hose segment according to the present invention comprises a conveying unit for the hose segment, a transfer unit for the hose segment, and at least one processing station for the free end of the hose segment. According to the present invention, the processing station comprises a mold core onto which the free end of the hose segment is guided. This maintains the inner diameter of the hose segment's opening. The processing station comprises a forming die that can be positioned externally around the free end of the hose segment so that the outer contour of the free end of the hose segment can be deformed by the forming die. Furthermore, the processing station comprises a heating system that heats the free end of the hose segment and / or the forming die, thereby enabling deformation of the free end of the hose segment.

[0007] The outer contour of the free end of the hose section after deformation is therefore determined by the inner contour of the forming die. Therefore, the quality of the inner contour of the forming die determines the quality of the outer contour of the deformed hose end. The inner diameter of the deformed hose end is determined by the outer contour of the mold core. Therefore, the mold core can preferably be designed to be replaceable, allowing for easy adaptation to different inner diameters of the hose section. Preferably, the mold core and the forming die can be replaced independently of each other, thus ensuring the greatest possible variability in the possible contours of the deformed hose end. Therefore, the use of precision molds allows for very good surface quality of the deformed hose end.

[0008] The molds of the processing station, in particular the forming molds and the mold cores, are contamination-resistant and wear-resistant molds with a long service life. Generally, the reshaping process is carried out without adding any additional substances, so that the device according to the invention can also be operated under clean room conditions.

[0009] The transfer unit of the device according to the present invention preferably allows for linear movement of the hose segment within the processing station, in particular within the forming mold. Thus, the free end of the hose segment can be moved within the forming mold during the forming process, thereby enabling, for example, the free end of the hose segment to be reshaped inwards or outwards. This allows, for example, a flange to be formed directly from the free end of the hose segment.

[0010] In this case, the transport unit can have a gripper unit, by which the hose section to be processed can be fixed. The gripper unit can be fixed to a linear unit so that it can be moved back and forth in a linear motion. Such a linear unit can be, for example, a linear slide mounted on a rail.

[0011] The conveying unit can, in principle, vary depending on the type of hose segments being conveyed. In a first embodiment, the hose segments can be unwound from a roll as a continuous material. In this case, the conveying unit can include at least one gripper unit, which gradually unwinds the continuous hose from the roll. In this case, the conveying unit should include a cutting unit, which can cut the continuous hose into hose segments of the desired length. If necessary, a pre-processing station can be provided in this case, where the continuous hose is straightened. This can be achieved, for example, by aligning the continuous hose.

[0012] Alternatively, the hose segments can also be transported individually or as bulk material. In this case, the hose segments can be manually attached to the conveying unit, for example. The conveying unit can also have a separating unit, by which the hose segments are first separated and aligned so that they can be automatically transferred to the conveying unit.

[0013] Before the hose segments are conveyed to the processing station and thus to the forming mold, they can first be conveyed to at least one upstream processing station. Such upstream processing stations can, for example, be heat treatment units and / or ionization units. Such upstream processing stations can be used, in particular, for straightening the continuous hose unwound from a material roll. Alternatively or additionally, at least one upstream processing station can include a blower unit to remove any particles from the hose segment to be deformed.

[0014] Preferably, at least one sensor unit can be provided, by which the hose section can be inspected. This allows, for example, the hose section to be checked for damage before reshaping. Hose sections to be deformed can also be monitored using this sensor unit, particularly for irregularities in the inner and outer diameters of the hose section. Deformed hose sections can also be inspected using this sensor unit. This allows for fully automated quality monitoring.

[0015] The heating system preferably operates according to the resistance heating method. The parameters of the heating process, for example, during the heating phase or the cooling phase, can be freely adjusted. Depending on the geometry of the forming mold, the heating zone can vary within the forming mold. Typically, heating occurs in the region of the annular groove of the forming mold, i.e., at the point with the smallest cross-section. If the point with the smallest cross-section is relocated to another area of ​​the forming mold, the heating zone can also be relocated.

[0016] The processing station preferably can have a cooling device. By this cooling device, the deformed hose end can be cooled especially quickly, thereby can realize especially short process time.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the forming die can have at least two forming parts. These forming parts can be moved toward and away from each other in a defined motion, thereby opening and closing the forming die. This facilitates the removal of the deformed hose end, particularly when the hose end is deformed outward or inward. The areas deformed outward and / or inward thus do not deform further and are therefore not damaged. The forming die can be opened in the radial direction or in the longitudinal direction, depending on the design of the individual forming parts. When opening the forming die radially, the individual forming parts can, for example, be constructed in the form of half shells and can be moved radially apart from each other. When opening the forming die longitudinally, the individual forming parts can be constructed as sleeves that can be nested and moved within each other.

[0018] The apparatus according to the present invention may preferably include a removal device. This device can be used to remove the hose segments with the deformed ends from the transport unit. Subsequently, in the case of continuous hoses, the hose segments can be cut. The removed hose segments can then be transferred to another station via the removal device for further processing. This other station can, for example, also be another apparatus according to the present invention, where the opposite free ends of the hose segments can then be deformed. This removal device can be, for example, a robot or an XY gripper.

[0019] In the method according to the present invention for shaping the free end of a hose section, the free end of the hose section is first introduced into a processing station using a linear motion. Here, the free end of the hose section is guided onto a mold core of the processing station. The free end of the hose section and / or the forming mold of the processing station are heated. After reaching the desired temperature, the free end of the hose section is further moved into the forming mold using a linear motion, thereby reshaping the outer contour of the free end of the hose section.

[0020] By pushing the free end of the hose section onto the mold core, the inner diameter of the hose can be prevented from fusing closed.

[0021] Preferably, the hose section can be inspected by a sensor unit before being introduced into the processing station. This can be done, in particular, to check for possible damage or bonding. The sensor unit can also be used to check the outer and inner diameters of the hose section. If the hose section to be formed is detected as defective during inspection, it can be removed before actual processing.

[0022] Alternatively or additionally, the hose sections can be pre-treated in a pre-processing station before being introduced into the processing station. Here, the hose sections can be slightly heated, for example, to straighten the continuous hose. Ionization can also be performed in this regard. Furthermore, any particles adhering to the hose sections can be blown off.

[0023] The free end of the hose section is introduced into a processing station with a forming die until it reaches a predetermined position. This predetermined position can be defined by the path traversed; alternatively, it can also be defined by the force required to push the free end of the hose section onto the die core. The respective process parameters for introducing the hose section into the processing station with the forming die can, in principle, be freely adjustable. These process parameters can include, for example, the speed during insertion, the acceleration at the start of the insertion process, the deceleration at the end of the insertion process, and / or a defined end position.

[0024] The process parameters for heating the forming mold can in principle be freely set.

[0025] After activating the heating system, the free end of the hose section is inserted further into the forming mold. Here, the free end of the hose section is reshaped, for example, by forming a tip or a head. Depending on the material of the hose section and the type of reshaping, the end of the reshaping process can be determined by the path traveled within the forming mold and / or by the force applied for the movement within the forming mold and / or by the time taken for the movement within the forming mold.

[0026] After the reshaping process is complete, the heating of the forming tool in the processing station is terminated by switching off the corresponding heating system. However, the free end of the hose section can still remain in the retracted position for a specific period of time. This results in a particularly precise reshaping result and minimizes the risk of subsequent undesirable deformation.

[0027] In order to cool the forming mold faster, the cooling device can be activated after the heating system is turned off. The cooling can be ended after a settable temperature threshold is fallen below and / or after a specific time period has passed.

[0028] In one advantageous embodiment, the forming die can have at least two forming parts, so that the forming die can be opened and closed. In this case, the forming die should be closed before the free end of the hose section is further advanced. After the outer contour of the free end of the hose section has been reshaped, the forming die can be opened again to facilitate removal of the deformed hose section. The forming die should be opened only after the forming die has cooled.

[0029] The forming mold can be opened pneumatically or electrically. Preferably, one of the forming parts can remain in place so that the deformed end of the hose section can be further supported and stabilized by it. The remaining forming part can then be removed from the fixed forming part.

[0030] In order to be able to remove the deformed hose section more easily from the forming tool, the forming tool can be briefly heated again during opening by a defined and controlled heating process.

[0031] In order to further process the deformed hose section, the deformed free end of the hose section can be removed from the forming die by linear motion. Thus, the free end of the hose section is easily accessible and can be removed by a removal device and, for example, handed over to another processing station.

[0032] The method according to the present invention can, in principle, be carried out fully automatically, semi-automatically, or manually. In a fully automated process, both the transport of the hose segments and the removal of the deformed hose segments are automated. In this case, the hose segments can also be cut before the actual removal of the deformed hose segments. In this case, the hose segments can be transported as a continuous hose, where the free ends of the hose segments can be processed and deformed even before the actual cutting. If the free ends of the hose are secured by a transport unit or removal device after the reforming process is complete, the hose segments can be cut, where the length of the hose segments can, in principle, be freely selectable. In a semi-automated process, for example, the transport of the hose segments can be automated (e.g., also from a continuous hose), while the removal of the deformed hose segments is performed manually. Alternatively, the transport of the hose segments can also be performed manually by securing each hose segment individually to a transport device. In this case, the hose segments can be stored as bulk material.

[0033] Typically, very high demands are placed on the forming quality and the maintenance of precise dimensions of the finished hose section. The reforming process is very sensitive to changes in individual process parameters, such as the hose section material, temperature, reforming time, speed of the linear movement, the forming tool including the mold core, and the geometry of the deformed hose section.

[0034] In principle, both ends of a hose section can be processed and deformed using this device or method. For example, the short front end of the hose section can be deformed into a tip, while the short rear end of the hose section can be deformed into a head. Alternatively, both ends of the hose section can also be deformed into tips, whereby the two tips can be shaped identically or differently. Accordingly, both ends of the hose section can also be deformed into heads of identical or different shapes. Furthermore, it is also possible to process only one of the two ends of the hose section if only one of the two ends needs to be deformed accordingly.

[0035] The shape and geometry (internal and external geometry) of the tip and / or head are in principle freely selectable. Aspect the length of the hose section, the device and the method are also not restricted.

[0036] The method according to the invention provides a controlled forming process which leads to reproducible results. The forming process is position- and / or force-controlled and can therefore be easily adapted to different requirements.

[0037] With the device according to the invention or the method according to the invention, hose sections can be processed and reshaped from all materials that are, in principle, reshapeable.

[0038] Further advantages and features of the invention can be derived from the features further indicated in the claims and from the following examples. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] The present invention will be described and explained in more detail below by way of the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings:

[0040] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing a first embodiment of the device for shaping the free end of a hose segment according to the invention;

[0041] Figure 2 Shown according to Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a processing station of the device according to the present invention;

[0042] Figure 3 Shown according to Figure 2 A schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a forming die and die tip of a processing station; and

[0043] Figure 4 A schematic longitudinal section through a forming die and a die tip of a processing station of a second embodiment of the device according to the invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Figure 1 Schematically shown in FIG. 1 is a first embodiment of a device 10 according to the invention for shaping a free end 12 of a hose section 14 .

[0045] In the present example, the device 10 has a material roll 20 on which a continuous hose 22 is wound. In the present example, the free end 12 of the continuous hose 22 is guided over two fixed rollers 24, 26 and a movable roller 28. The movable roller 28 is arranged between the two fixed rollers 24, 26.

[0046] The free end 12 is then guided through two pre-processing stations 30 and 32. In the pre-processing station 30, the continuous hose 22 is heat-treated; in the pre-processing station 32, the continuous hose 22 is ionized. These two pre-processing stations 30 and 32 are intended to reduce the curvature of the continuous hose 22, thereby achieving a continuous hose 22 that is as straight as possible. Depending on the material of the continuous hose 22 and the selected process parameters, the processing stations 30 and 32 may be omitted.

[0047] Furthermore, further upstream processing stations can be provided in which, for example, any particles can be blown off the endless hose 22 .

[0048] A sensor unit, which can have a camera system, can be used before or after the processing stations 30, 32. This allows the continuous hose 22 to be checked for damage and welds. In this way, the outer and inner diameters of the continuous hose 22 can also be monitored.

[0049] In the present exemplary case, a fixed gripper unit 34 is arranged after the processing stations 30, 32. The gripper unit 34 is not required for unwinding the continuous hose 22 from the material roll 20, so the gripper unit 34 is open during the unwinding of the continuous hose 22. Therefore, the free end 12 of the continuous hose 22 initially passes only through this fixed gripper unit. A further gripper unit 40 is provided after the fixed gripper unit 34. The gripper unit 40 is fixed to a linear unit 42. Therefore, the gripper unit 40 can be moved linearly and, together with the linear unit 42, forms a transport unit 44 for the continuous hose 22. The transport unit 44 can unwind the continuous hose 22 from the material roll 20. The unwinding of the continuous hose 22 should preferably take place with a constant tension.

[0050] The free end 12 of the continuous hose 22 is held by the gripper unit 40. By means of a linear movement (double arrow 46), the free end 12 of the continuous hose 22 can be inserted into the processing station 50 (see in particular Figure 2 ). The processing station 50 has a forming die 52, which in the current example consists of two forming parts 54 and 56 in the form of half shells. In contrast to the embodiment shown here, the forming die 52 can also be implemented as a single piece. Alternatively, the forming die 52 can also have more than two forming parts. The free end 12 of the continuous hose 22 is inserted into the forming die 52 until a defined position or a defined force is reached. During this movement, the free end 12 of the continuous hose 22 is pushed onto the mold core 58 of the forming die 52. The diameter of the mold core 58 is adapted to the inner diameter of the continuous hose 22. Preferably, the mold core 58 can be constructed as a separate component so that the mold core 58 can be replaced independently of the forming die 52. Pushing the free end 12 of the continuous hose 22 onto the mold core 58 prevents the inner diameter of the hose from being fused and closed during the subsequent reshaping process.

[0051] For inserting the free end 12 into the forming die 52, the process parameters (particularly the maximum speed, acceleration, deceleration, target position, and the force applied during insertion) can in principle be freely set. This allows the process parameters to be quickly and easily adapted to continuous hoses 22 of different materials and sizes. This also allows for easy adaptation to different forming dies 52.

[0052] In addition, the processing station 50 has a heating system 60, by which the forming mold 52 can be heated directly or indirectly. In the present example, the heating of the forming mold 52 is achieved by a continuously controlled current via the forming mold 52. The heating system 60 has an electronic temperature control device 62, so that the parameters of the heating process (such as, in particular, the preset temperature, the heating ramp, the cooling ramp, the holding time of the respective temperature, and other heating control parameters) can be freely set. The heating of the forming mold 52 takes place in the annular groove area 64 of the forming mold 52 according to the principle of resistance heating. This annular groove area 64 is located in the area of ​​the smallest cross-section of the forming mold 52. By adjusting the geometric structure of the forming mold 52 (in particular with regard to the cross-section of the annular groove area 64 and the forming mold 52), the heating zone in the forming mold 52 can be varied and adapted to different conditions.

[0053] After activating the heating system 60, the free end 12 of the continuous hose 22 is further inserted into the forming die 52 after a defined period of time. During this process, the outer contour 70 of the free end 12 of the continuous hose 22 is reshaped. During the reshaping process, the outer contour 70 is adapted to the inner contour 72 of the forming die 52. Thus, the outer contour 70 of the deformed free end 12 of the continuous hose 22 is defined by the inner contour 72 of the forming die 52. The inner contour 72 of the forming die 52 can be manufactured to specifications, thereby essentially allowing any outer contour 70 to be achieved. The inner diameter of the free end 12 of the forming die 52 is defined by the selected mold core 58. If the outer diameter of the mold core 58 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the free end 12 of the continuous hose 22, the inner diameter of the continuous hose 22 is correspondingly reduced. The extent of this inner diameter reduction can be determined by the positioning of the mold core 58 within the free end 12.

[0054] During the reshaping process, the free end 12 can be inserted according to defined process parameters. These process parameters can be, for example, acceleration, deceleration, and / or thrust. These process parameters can be freely selected depending on the material and dimensions of the continuous hose 22 and thus adapted to the respective conditions.

[0055] The end of the reforming process can be determined by the path traveled by the conveyor unit 44 and / or by the force applied when the continuous hose 22 is inserted into the forming die 52 and / or by the time the reforming process takes. After the reforming process is complete, the heating system 60 is switched off, allowing the forming die 52 to cool. To accelerate the cooling of the forming die 52, a cooling device 66 is provided in the present example. This cooling device 66 can be activated after the reforming process is complete. While the forming die 52 cools, the free end 12 of the continuous hose 22 remains in the retracted position 74, preventing the retracted free end 12 of the continuous hose 22 from being accidentally damaged or re-formed. This retracted position 74 can be determined, for example, by the path distance traveled and / or by a defined thrust force.

[0056] The temperature of the forming mold 52 can be detected, recorded, and evaluated at any time using a temperature measuring device 76. The temperature measuring device 76 can include, for example, a resistance measuring device, a thermocouple, or a pyrometer. Furthermore, the temperature measuring device 76 and the temperature control device 62 allow precise adjustment of the heating process parameters at any time if the desired temperature is not reached or if the temperature deviates. This allows for a quick response to disturbances in the reshaping process, thereby reducing the production of defective products.

[0057] After the temperature falls below a defined temperature and / or after a defined time period has elapsed, the cooling device is switched off. Subsequently, the forming die 52 is opened. To this end, the movable forming element 56 is moved away from the fixed forming element 54 in a linear motion in the radial direction. The deformed free end 12 of the continuous hose 22 is retained in the fixed forming element 54, so that the fixed forming element 54 further stabilizes the free end 12. The linear movement of the movable forming element 56 can be driven pneumatically or electrically. To facilitate the separation of the movable forming element 56 from the deformed free end 12 of the continuous hose 22, the forming die 52 can be heated again during the opening process via a defined and controlled heating process to support the demolding process.

[0058] After the forming mold 52 is opened, the free end 12 of the continuous hose 22 is removed from the fixed forming part 54 by the transfer unit 44 until the free end 12 is in the removal position 78. In this removal position 78, the free end 12 can be handed over to a removal device (not shown in detail here). Such a removal device can be, for example, a robot arm or an XY gripper.

[0059] In the present example case, the continuous hose 22 is cut before or after being handed over to the removal device 78. The processing station 50 has a cutting device 80 for this purpose. By means of the cutting device 80, the continuous hose 22 can be cut into hose sections 14 of arbitrary length. The length of the hose section 14 is determined here in particular by the position of the transfer unit 44. Usually, the cutting is carried out after the free end 12 of the continuous hose 22 has been reshaped, in order to allow additional stabilization. However, in theory, the continuous hose 22 can also be cut before reshaping. In order to cut the continuous hose 22, the fixed gripper unit 34 is closed, so that the new free end 12 of the continuous hose 22 produced after the cutting is fixed in position and there is no need to realign the free end 12 of the continuous hose 22.

[0060] After cutting off, finished product can be handed over to another processing station by taking out device.At this, it for example also can be another device 10 according to the present invention, thereby also can the opposite end of hose section 14 be reshaped.

[0061] Figure 4A second embodiment of a forming die 52.4 is shown. Such a forming die 52.4 can be used in conjunction with Figure 3 The forming tool 52 is also used in the processing station 50 of the device 10 according to the invention.

[0062] In the present example, forming die 52.4 has two sleeve-shaped forming parts 80, 82. The two forming parts 80, 82 can be nested and moved within each other for a certain distance in the longitudinal direction 84. As described above, the free end 12 of the continuous hose 22 is pushed onto the mold core 58 of forming die 52.4 for reshaping. The diameter of the mold core 58 is adapted to the inner diameter of the continuous hose 22. Preferably, the mold core 58 can be configured as a separate component so that it can be replaced independently of the forming die 52.4.

[0063] After activating the heating system 60, the free end 12 of the continuous hose 22 is further inserted into the forming die 52.4 after a defined period of time. Here, the outer contour 70 of the free end 12 of the continuous hose 22 is reshaped. During the reshaping process, the outer contour 70 is adapted to the inner contour 72 of the forming die 52.4. Thus, the outer contour 70 of the deformed free end 12 of the continuous hose 22 is defined by the inner contour 72 of the forming die 52.4. The inner diameter of the free end 12 of the forming die 52 is defined by the selected die core 58.

[0064] After the reforming process is complete, the forming die 52.4 is opened. To this end, the movable forming part 82 is moved out of the fixed forming part 80 in a linear motion in the longitudinal direction. The deformed free end 12 of the continuous hose 22 remains in its reformed position in the area of ​​the fixed forming part 80, so that the free end 12 is further stabilized by the fixed forming part 80. The linear movement of the movable forming part 82 can be driven pneumatically or electrically. To facilitate the separation of the movable forming part 80 from the deformed free end 12 of the continuous hose 22, the forming die 52.4 can be heated again during the opening process in a defined and controlled heating process to support the demolding process.

[0065] The present embodiment is a fully automated process in which both the delivery of the continuous hose 22 and the removal of the finished reshaped product are automated.

[0066] Alternatively, a semi-automatic process can also be carried out. In this case, for example, already cut hose sections 14 can be delivered instead of the continuous hose 22. In this case, the hose sections can be fixed in the transfer unit 44 automatically or manually by manually placing the hose sections in the gripper unit 40.

[0067] In the semi-automatic process, the taking out of the finished product can be partially automated or manually carried out. Therefore, for example, the finished product can be taken out manually from the fixed forming part 54.

Claims

1. A device (10) for shaping the free end (12) of a hose section (14, 22), - a delivery unit for the hose section (14, 22), - a transfer unit (44) for the hose sections (14, 22), - a processing station (50) having at least one free end (12) for a hose section (14, 22), It is characterized in that the processing station (50) has a mold core (58) onto which the free end (12) of the hose section (14, 22) can be moved, the processing station (50) comprises a forming die (52, 52.4) which can be positioned from the outside around the free end (12) of the hose section (14, 22) so that the outer contour (70) of the free end (12) of the hose section (14, 22) can be deformed by the forming die (52, 52.4), The processing station (50) has a heating system (60) by which the free end (12) of the hose section (14, 22) and / or the forming tool (52, 52.4) can be heated.

2. The device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The transfer unit (44) allows a linear movement (46) of the hose section (14, 22) within the processing station (50), in particular within the forming mold (52, 52.4).

3. The device according to claim 2, It is characterized in that the transfer unit (44) has a gripper unit (40) by which the hose sections (14, 22) can be fixed, The gripper unit (40) is fixed to the linear unit (42) so that the gripper unit (40) can be moved back and forth in a linear motion (46).

4. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that At least one sensor unit is present, by means of which the hose section (14, 22) can be checked.

5. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that - The heating system (60) operates according to the resistance heating method.

6. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The processing station (50) has a cooling device (66).

7. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that - a forming die (52, 52.4) having at least two forming parts (54, 56, 80, 82), The at least two forming parts (54, 56, 80, 82) can be moved towards and away from each other, in particular in the radial direction or in the longitudinal direction (84), in order to close and open the forming tool (52, 52.4).

8. A method for forming a free end of a hose section, comprising the following method steps: - the free end (12) of the hose section (14, 22) is introduced into the processing station (50) by means of a linear movement (46), wherein the free end (12) of the hose section (14, 22) is guided onto the mold core (58), - heating the free end (12) of the hose section (14, 22) and / or the forming tool (52, 52.4) of the processing station (50), The free end (12) of the hose section (14, 22) is moved further into the forming tool (52, 52.4) by a linear movement (46), so that the outer contour (70) of the free end (12) of the hose section (14, 22) is reshaped.

9. The method according to claim 8, It is characterized by: - Before being introduced into the processing station (50), the hose section (14, 22) is checked by at least one sensor unit and / or pre-treated by a preceding processing station (30, 32).

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, It is characterized by: - ending the heating of the forming tool (52, 52.4) of the processing station (50) after the reshaping process has ended, After the reshaping process has ended and the heating of the shaping tool (52, 52.4) has ended, the free end (12) of the hose section (14, 22) remains in the retracted position (74) for a specific time.

11. The method according to claim 10, It is characterized by: After the heating of the forming tool (52, 52.4) has been completed, the cooling device (66) is activated.

12. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, It is characterized by: - closing the forming die (52, 52.4) before the free end (12) of the hose section (14, 22) is moved further in, After the outer contour (70) of the free end (12) of the hose section (14, 22) has been reshaped, the shaping mold (52, 52.4) is opened in order to remove the deformed hose section (14, 22).

13. The method according to claim 12, It is characterized by: - Warming up the forming mold (52, 52.4) during opening.

14. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 13, It is characterized by: The deformed free end (12) of the hose section (14, 22) is guided out of the forming tool (52, 52.4) by means of a linear movement (46).

15. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 14, It is characterized by: - delivering the hose section (14) as a continuous hose (22), - After the outer contour (70) of the free end (12) has been reshaped, a hose section (14) of the desired length is cut from the continuous hose (22).

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