Constraining system for constraining tube on tube processing machine and laser tube processing machine comprising said constraining system

Abstract

The present application relates to a restraint system (1) for restraining a tube (T) on a tube processing machine, the tube (T) extending along a longitudinal axis. The restraint system (1) comprises lateral restraint means (2) configured to restrain the tube (T) in a first direction (Y-Y) transverse to the longitudinal axis of the tube (T) and support means (3) configured to support the tube (T) in a second direction (Z-Z) both transverse to the first direction (Y-Y) and transverse to the longitudinal axis of the tube (T). The lateral restraining device (2) comprises a pair of restraining bodies (20) configured to be arranged on opposite sides of the tube (T) along a first direction (Y-Y), where each restraining body (20) is eccentrically rotatable about a respective axis of rotation (A-A) to contact opposite lateral portions (TL) of the tube (T) and restrain the tube (T) along the first direction (Y-Y).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of devices and components for constraining tubes on tube processing machines.

[0002] Specifically, the present invention relates to a constraint system configured to support and laterally constrain tubes on tube processing machines, particularly laser tube cutting machines.

[0003] The present invention also relates to laser cutting machines that include such a constraint system. Background Technology

[0004] Laser cutting is a well-known technique that uses a laser beam to melt and / or evaporate material to create 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] The laser tube processing machine includes: a processing station in which a laser is configured to perform a cutting operation on the tube to be processed; 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 processing station.

[0007] Specifically, the known support system comprises several subsystems arranged along the machine base. Each subsystem is equipped with a support element configured as a connecting tube portion and applying a reaction force against gravity.

[0008] Some of the known support elements, such as those disclosed in EP3840915B1 and EP3292944B1, are also configured to laterally constrain the tube, i.e., to provide a reaction force in the lateral direction transverse to the tube's axis and the direction of gravity.

[0009] Specifically, EP3840915B1 discloses a double-helix support element configured to collectively define a semi-circular constraint region suitable for receiving a tube to be processed. The characteristic dimensions (diameter / radius) of the semi-circular constraint region are adjusted according to the tube size by rotating the helical support element about its respective axis of rotation. When the tube to be processed is arranged between the double-helix support elements, the tube is supported both by the central portion of the semi-circular constraint region and laterally constrained by the side portions of the semi-circular constraint region.

[0010] EP3292944B1 discloses a support element mounted at the free end of a pivot arm and having a cavity for receiving a tube to be processed. The cavity has a defined arcuate cross-sectional profile, the diameter of which depends on the angular position of the support element. By controlling the angular position of the support element about its axis of rotation, a cavity profile suitable for supporting a specific tube to be processed can be set. This support element can not only accommodate the size of the tube to be processed but also laterally restrain the tube.

[0011] As noted in paragraph

[0003] of EP3292944B1, known support elements designed to laterally restrict the tube are suitable for light and flexible tubes (i.e., tubes with small to medium cross-sections) rather than for heavy and larger tubes (i.e., tubes with large cross-sections). In fact, the variable semi-circular constraint region and cavity configuration of the support element described above are configured to receive a tube with a cross-section that can be inscribed within a circumference with a diameter smaller than a predetermined diameter.

[0012] Support systems equipped with roller-shaped support elements are also known in the prior art. Such roller-shaped support elements are suitable for supporting pipes with large cross-sections, but they cannot be used to support flexible pipes with smaller cross-sections, especially open cross-sections, that must be laterally restricted.

[0013] Therefore, it is clear that the known support system has the following disadvantages: it limits the range of tube sizes that can be processed by laser cutting machines equipped with the support system.

[0014] US document US2008139092A1 discloses a stable holding assembly having a pair of opposing clamping arms that selectively open and close around a rotating cylindrical workpiece. One end of each clamping arm includes a workpiece engaging member, while the opposite ends are pivotally connected to a fixed base portion. Each clamping arm has a precision-cut cam groove located between the two ends. A linear translational yoke carries a third workpiece engaging member and a pair of cam pins that slidably engage with these cam grooves to open and close the clamping arms. As the yoke moves toward the workpiece, the three workpiece engaging members close around the workpiece and center the workpiece.

[0015] Document US 20150321303A1 discloses a machine for machining tube ends. At least one centering device is associated with the machine, which centers a tubular workpiece relative to a rotational axis extending centrally from the machine for machining tube ends, the workpiece being stationary with a rotating tool head or rotating while the workpiece is secured in a machine chuck. Centering of the tubular workpiece is achieved by the centering device having a clamping housing (13; 130) open toward the rotational axis (D), the clamping housing being designed to include at least three means for contacting the tubular workpiece at its outer circumference and for clamping the tubular workpiece in a centering manner, these means being circumferentially distributed and mechanically independently adjustable to each other for a specific diameter of the workpiece to be machined.

[0016] US4157819A1 discloses an adjustable workpiece clamping system that allows a workpiece to be securely held on a machined surface. The workpiece clamping system employs a clamping member with a helical outer surface, which is preferably pivotally attached to the machined surface by a pin connected to the clamping member and received in one of the openings in a grid pattern provided in the machined surface. The clamping member may also employ other components, preferably adjustablely attached to the machined surface by pins, including baffles, adjustable clamping members combined with pivotally attached bases, and various other components described in the following application. By employing the clamping member and these other components, workpieces of virtually any material can be securely and quickly held in virtually any position on the machined surface for cutting, surface finishing, or assembly, and then easily removed after the operation is completed.

[0017] Scope of the Invention

[0018] In this context, one object of the present invention is to provide a constraint system for constraining tubes on tube processing machines, particularly laser tube processing machines, such as laser tube cutting machines capable of operating in a wide range of tube sizes.

[0019] In particular, one object of the present invention is to provide a constraint system for constraining small / medium cross-section tubes and large cross-section tubes that require lateral restraint on a tube processing machine.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a laser tube processing machine that is suitable for processing a wide range of tube sizes. Summary of the Invention

[0021] The constraint system of the present invention is configured to constrain a tube on a tube processing machine, the tube extending along a longitudinal axis.

[0022] The restraint system includes a lateral restraint device and a support device. The lateral restraint device is configured to restrain the tube along a first direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the tube, and the support device is configured to support the tube along a second direction transverse to both the first direction and the longitudinal axis of the tube.

[0023] In detail, the lateral restraint device includes a pair of restraint bodies configured to be arranged on opposite sides of the tube along a first direction. These restraint bodies are configured to rotate eccentrically about a corresponding axis of rotation to contact the opposite lateral portion of the tube, thereby restraining the tube along the first direction.

[0024] In the constraint system of the present invention, the pipe support and lateral constraint are provided by separate components (support components and lateral constraint components) and are therefore independently controllable, which differs from the support systems known from EP3840915B1 and EP3292944B1, in which the support and lateral constraint are provided and coupled by a single element.

[0025] The constraint system according to the invention allows for the use of lateral constraint devices to provide lateral constraint only when necessary, i.e., when the cross-sectional size of the pipe to be processed requires lateral constraint (small / medium cross-section pipes). Conversely, if the pipe to be processed does not require lateral constraint (large cross-section pipes), the lateral constraint devices are not used, and therefore, there is no limitation on the maximum cross-sectional size that can be processed by a pipe processing machine equipped with the constraint system.

[0026] Therefore, advantageously, the present invention allows for the provision of a constraint system for constraining both small / medium cross-section tubes requiring lateral restriction and large cross-section tubes on the same tube processing machine.

[0027] Furthermore, the present invention advantageously allows for the provision of laser tube processing machines suitable for processing a wide range of tube sizes.

[0028] According to one embodiment, when the tube is constrained by the constraint system, the support device and the constraint body are configured to be arranged along a second direction on opposite sides of the tube. This arrangement allows for improved constraint of the tube, and therefore allows for improved machining accuracy of laser tube processing machines equipped with the constraint system.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the support device includes a support element configured to engage a first portion of the tube to support the tube along a second direction, while each constraint body is configured to engage a second portion of the tube, the second portion being opposite to the first portion along the second direction. This mutual arrangement of the support element and constraint bodies allows for stable constraint of the tube along the second direction by limiting the opposite portions of the tube.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the constraint body defines a semi-circular constraint region configured to form a connecting tube. This shape allows the constraint body to provide constraint in a second direction in addition to a constraint along a first direction. Therefore, the semi-circular constraint region defined by the constraint body allows for improved constraint levels in the tube, and thus improved machining accuracy of laser tube processing machines equipped with the constraint system.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the constraint body is configured to adjust the diameter of a semi-circular constraint region as it rotates about a corresponding rotation axis, in order to constrain pipes of different sizes. The adjustment of the diameter of the semi-circular constraint region enables the stable and accurate constraint of pipes with different cross-sections.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the constraint body is parallel to the second direction. This allows the angular position of the constraint body about the corresponding axis of rotation to be easily and accurately controlled.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the lateral restraint device includes two or more pairs of restraint bodies configured to engage different sections of the tube along its longitudinal axis. This allows for improved tube alignment by preventing the tube from rotating or deflecting in a direction transverse to its longitudinal axis.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the lateral restraint device includes a frame with a crossbar, on which a restraint body is rotatably mounted facing a support member. The crossbar is movable from and toward the support member along a second direction between a lateral restraint configuration and a parking configuration. In the lateral restraint configuration, the crossbar is arranged close to the support member along the second direction to engage and restrain the tube along a first direction. In the parking configuration, the crossbar is spaced apart from the support member along the second direction to allow the tube to be free along the first direction. The frame with the crossbar capable of moving from and toward the support member allows easy switching between a lateral restraint configuration, in which the restraint system is configured to restrain tubes with small / medium cross sections on a tube processing machine, and in the parking configuration, the restraint system is configured to restrain tubes with large cross sections on a tube processing machine.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the support device is configured to move the support element along a second direction into one or more, preferably two or more, support positions. This allows for active support of the tube, i.e., maintaining the tube with a non-circular cross-section at a constant height when the tube rotates about its longitudinal axis.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the support device defines a semi-circular support region, which together with a semi-circular constraint region defined by the constraint body forms a circular constraint region. This ensures complete constraint of the tube along the first and second directions.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the support device includes a pair, preferably two pairs, of support elements configured to be arranged along a first direction on opposite sides of the tube. Each of the pair of support elements is opposite a corresponding constraint body along a second direction. This arrangement allows for improved constraint on the tube and thus allows for improved machining accuracy of laser tube processing machines equipped with constraint systems.

[0038] The present invention also relates to a laser tube processing machine, comprising: a laser processing station including a laser head configured to process a tube; a tube-carrying carriage configured to feed the tube to the laser processing station along a feeding direction; and the aforementioned constraint system disposed between the laser processing station and the tube-carrying carriage.

[0039] Advantageously, the constraint system enables laser tube processing machines to process a wide range of tube sizes, from small / medium cross-section tubes that require lateral constraint to large cross-section tubes.

[0040] According to one embodiment, at least one lateral restraint member of the restraint system is located adjacent to the laser processing station. This arrangement minimizes the distance between the lateral restraint portion of the tube and the laser cutting head, thereby improving the processing accuracy of the laser tube processing machine.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the constraint system of the laser tube cutting machine includes two or more lateral members arranged along the feed direction FF between the laser processing station and the tube-carrying carriage. Multiple constraint systems allow for improved tube alignment along the tube feed direction, and thus improve the accuracy of the laser tube processing machine. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Other features and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the indicative and therefore non-limiting description of the preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of the constraint system and laser tube processing machine illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0043] - Figure 1 A front view of a constraint system according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0044] - Figure 2 A front view of a constraint system according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0045] - Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 and Figure 2 Some components of a constraint system for tubes with circular cross-sections;

[0046] - Figure 4a and Figure 4b They are shown respectively Figure 1 and Figure 2 The constraint system for some components of a tube having a square cross-section, the square cross-section having a first orientation and a second orientation;

[0047] - Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 A side view of the lateral constraint system;

[0048] - Figure 6 It shows Figure 1 and Figure 2 A bottom view of some components of a constraint system for a tube with a circular cross-section;

[0049] - Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 A three-dimensional view of the components;

[0050] - Figure 8a shows a perspective view of a laser tube processing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] - Figure 8b A perspective view of some components of the laser tube processing machine shown in Figure 8a is presented;

[0052] - Figure 9 A side view of some components of the laser tube processing machine shown in Figure 8a is displayed. Detailed Implementation

[0053] The present invention relates to a constraint system 1 for constraining a tube T on a tube processing machine 100, particularly a laser tube processing machine such as a laser tube cutting machine.

[0054] In the context of this invention, the term "tube" is used to refer to an elongated structure extending along the longitudinal axis XX of a tube between opposite ends. 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, and profiles with open cross-sections, such as C-shaped, U-shaped, V-shaped, X-shaped, T-shaped, H-shaped, or cross-shaped profiles.

[0055] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the context of this invention, the term "size" refers to the dimension of the cross-section of a pipe as defined by a characteristic dimension. For circular pipes (pipes), the characteristic dimension is the diameter of the pipe, while for other types of pipes (e.g., rectangular profiles, square profiles, C-shaped profiles, U-shaped profiles, V-shaped profiles, X-shaped profiles, T-shaped profiles, H-shaped profiles, or cross-shaped profiles), the characteristic dimension is the diameter of the circumference of the cross-section of the inner pipe.

[0056] Pipes can be classified into small, medium, and large (large) based on their characteristic dimensions. Typically, small pipes have characteristic dimensions between 9 mm and 30 mm, medium pipes between 31 mm and 130 mm, and large pipes between 130 mm and 324 mm.

[0057] Small and medium-sized tubes have sections with low moments of inertia and are therefore considered to be easily bent. For this reason, in order to be precisely machined on tube processing machines, small and medium-sized tubes must be laterally constrained, that is, constrained in a lateral direction transverse to, and in particular perpendicular to, the longitudinal axis XX of the tube and the direction of gravity.

[0058] Unlike small and medium-sized tubes, large tubes have a high moment of inertia, which gives them high bending stiffness. For this reason, large tubes can be precisely machined without lateral constraints.

[0059] The constraint system 1 according to the invention is used to support and, if necessary, laterally restrict the tube T to be processed as it is fed along the feed direction FF (see, for example, FIG8a) to the laser processing station 101 of the laser tube processing machine 100.

[0060] Reference Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 4a and Figure 4b The restraint system 1 includes a lateral restraint device 2 configured to constrain the tube T along a first direction YY.

[0061] The first direction YY is transverse to the longitudinal axis XX of tube T and extends between the opposite lateral portions TL of tube T.

[0062] Preferably, the first direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis XX of the tube T.

[0063] Furthermore, the first direction YY is preferably transverse to, and in particular perpendicular to, the direction of gravity.

[0064] like Figure 3 As shown, the lateral restraint device 2 includes a pair of restraint bodies 20 configured to be arranged along a first direction YY on opposite sides of the tube T.

[0065] The constraint bodies 20 are preferably symmetrical and arranged side by side along the first direction YY, forming a gap 7 between the constraint bodies 20 configured to receive the tube T to be laterally constrained.

[0066] In the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the constraint body 20 is symmetrical about the vertical plane VP about the longitudinal axis XX passing through the tube T.

[0067] Each constraint body 20 is capable of eccentrically rotating about a corresponding axis of rotation AA to contact the opposite lateral portion TL of the tube T and constrain the tube T along the first direction YY. In other words, by rotating about the corresponding axis of rotation AA, the constraint body 20 changes the extent of the gap 7 along the longitudinal direction YY to adapt the gap 7 to the characteristic dimensions of the tube T.

[0068] Reference Figure 6 In the embodiment shown, each constraint body 20 extends about a corresponding rotation axis AA.

[0069] According to one aspect, each constraint body 20 has a contact surface 20a that is eccentrically rotatable about a corresponding rotation axis AA to contact the opposite lateral portion TL of the tube T and constrain the tube T along a first direction YY. Therefore, preferably, the contact surface 20a of each constraint body is configured to perform eccentric rotation about the rotation axis AA.

[0070] Reference Figure 6 In the embodiment shown, the contact surface 20a of each constraint body 20 extends eccentrically about the corresponding rotation axis AA.

[0071] Preferably, the rotation axis AA of the constraint body 20 is parallel.

[0072] Furthermore, the rotation axis AA of the constraint body 20 is preferably transverse to the first direction YY, and when the tube T is laterally constrained by the constraint body 20, the rotation axis AA is also transverse to the longitudinal axis XX of the tube T.

[0073] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment, the rotation axis AA of the constraint body is perpendicular to the first direction YY.

[0074] The rotation of the constraint body 20 around the corresponding rotation axis AA can be actuated, for example, by one or more servo motors 6.

[0075] A kinematic device (e.g., a drive belt, gearbox) actuated by one or more servo motors 6 and connected to the constraint body 20 can be used to mechanically synchronize the rotation of the constraint body 20 about its respective axis of rotation AA.

[0076] according to Figure 3 , Figure 4a and Figure 4b In one implementation, the constraint body 20 defines a semi-circular constraint region 70, the diameter of which determines the characteristic dimensions of the tube T that can be laterally constrained.

[0077] In an alternative embodiment, the constraint region defined by the constraint body 20 may be an arc-shaped constraint region having an angle between 90° and 180° at its center.

[0078] Preferably, the constraint body 20 is configured to adjust the diameter of the semi-circular (or arc-shaped) constraint region 70 when rotating about the corresponding rotation axis AA, so as to restrict the tube T at least along the first direction YY.

[0079] In a preferred embodiment, each constraint body 20 has a quadrant-shaped constraint surface that is eccentric relative to the associated axis of rotation AA.

[0080] According to one aspect, the quadrant-shaped constraint surface includes a helical profile in the form of a logarithmic spiral, which preferably includes an angle between 7° and 27°, preferably 17°, relative to the axis of rotation AA. The logarithmic spiral, by virtue of its geometry, provides a constant contact angle between the constraint body 20 and the tube T. This constant contact angle improves the lateral restraint of the tube T.

[0081] For example, quadrant-shaped constraint surfaces include helical profiles, particularly in the form of an Archimedean spiral or hyperbolic spiral, or a helical profile according to one of the Comu spiral theorem, Clotois spiral theorem, Fermat spiral theorem, or Lituo spiral theorem. These additional helical shapes also provide a continuous surface and thus provide good contact between the constraint body 20 and the tube T. Furthermore, helical curves or other forms of helical shapes can be adjusted according to the specific diameter or profile of the tube.

[0082] Quadrant-shaped support surfaces may include profiles with circular or helical segments. In this case, the support surface may be discontinuous due to the transitions between segments.

[0083] Preferably, the spiral profile of the constraint bodies 20 of the pair of constraint bodies 20 is symmetrical about the vertical plane VP.

[0084] Reference Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 4a and Figure 4b In addition to the constraint tube T along the first direction YY, the semi-circular (or arc-shaped) constraint region 70 also allows the constraint tube T along the second direction ZZ, which is transverse to the first direction YY and particularly perpendicular to the first direction YY.

[0085] When the tube T is laterally restricted by the constrained body 20, the longitudinal axis XX, the first direction YY, and the second direction ZZ are preferably perpendicular to each other.

[0086] To improve the alignment of the longitudinal axis XX of the pipe T along the feeding direction FF, the lateral restraint device 2 may include two or more pairs of restraint bodies 20 configured to engage different sections of the pipe T along the longitudinal axis XX. Specifically, as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, each pair of constraint bodies 20 is spaced apart from other pairs of constraint bodies 20 along the feeding direction FF.

[0087] The restraint system 1 also includes a support device 3, which is configured to support the tube T along the second direction ZZ.

[0088] Preferably, the second direction ZZ corresponds to the direction of gravity, and therefore the support device 3 is configured as a gravity-resistant support tube.

[0089] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 In one embodiment, when the pipe T is constrained by the constraint system 1, the support device 3 and the constraint body 20 are configured to be arranged on opposite sides of the pipe T along the second direction ZZ.

[0090] According to one aspect, the support device 3 includes a support element 30 configured to engage with a first portion T1 of the tube T to support the tube T along a second direction ZZ, while each constraint body 20 is configured to engage with a second portion T2 of the tube T, the second portion T2 being opposite to the first portion T1 along the second direction ZZ.

[0091] Preferably, the first portion T1 and the second portion T2 correspond to the lower and upper portions of the tube T, respectively. Therefore, in this case, the constraint body 20 is configured to engage with the opposite upper portion, for example, along the semi-circular (or arc-shaped) constraint region 70 described above.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the support device 3 is configured to move the support element 30 along the second direction ZZ into one or more, preferably two or more, support positions. This allows the longitudinal axis AA of the tube T having a non-circular cross-section to be maintained at a constant support height (active tube support) as the tube T rotates about its longitudinal direction AA by the laser tube processing machine 100.

[0093] exist Figure 5 In one embodiment, the support device 3 includes a pivot arm 31, and a support element 30 is mounted on the pivot arm 31 at the free end portion 31a. For example... Figure 5 As indicated by arrows F1 and F2, the pivot arm 31 is configured to pivot about the arm pivot axis RR, so that the support element 30 moves along the second direction ZZ to one or more support positions.

[0094] The rotation of the pivot arm 31 is actuated by a known actuating device 32, such as a hydraulic or pneumatic piston or an electric motor.

[0095] exist Figure 1 and Figure 5 In the first embodiment shown, the support element 30 is a roller mounted on the free end portion 31a of the pivot arm 31 in the idle state.

[0096] exist Figure 2 In the second embodiment shown, the support device 3 defines a semi-circular support region 80 that forms a circular constraint region with the semi-circular constraint region 70.

[0097] It should be noted that when the tube T is constrained in the circular constraint region, the diameter of the semi-circular support region 80 is equal to the diameter of the semi-circular constraint region 70.

[0098] Preferably, the support device 3 includes a pair of support elements 30, preferably two or more pairs of support elements 30, configured to be arranged along a first direction YY on opposite sides of the tube T.

[0099] Preferably, one of the pair of support elements 30 is symmetrical about the vertical plane VP.

[0100] Each of the pair of support elements 30 is opposite to the corresponding constraint body 20 along the second direction ZZ. Therefore, each support element 30 is associated with the corresponding constraint body 20.

[0101] according to Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, a pair of support elements 30 are symmetrical with respect to a corresponding pair of constraint bodies 20 along a horizontal plane OP passing through the longitudinal axis XX of the tube T.

[0102] exist Figure 2 In one embodiment, a pair of support elements 30 define a semi-circular support region 80 and are configured to adjust the diameter of the semi-circular support region 80 as it rotates about the axis of rotation AA of the constraint body 20 associated with the support element 30, so as to restrict the tube T at least along the first direction YY.

[0103] exist Figure 2 In this embodiment, each pair of support elements 30 is configured to support the tube T along the second direction ZZ and laterally constrain the tube T along the first direction XX. Therefore, the support element 30 is configured to engage with the opposite lower portion of the tube T.

[0104] Always refer to Figure 2 In one embodiment, each support element 30 has a quadrant-shaped support surface that is eccentric to the axis of rotation AA.

[0105] With necessary modifications, the above statements regarding quadrant-shaped constrained surfaces also apply to quadrant-shaped support surfaces. Therefore, quadrant-shaped support surfaces will not be described further.

[0106] Preferably, the quadrant-shaped support surface of each pair of support elements 30 is symmetrical about the vertical plane VP.

[0107] Furthermore, preferably, the quadrant-shaped support surfaces of a pair of support elements 30 and the quadrant-shaped constraint surfaces of a corresponding pair of constraint bodies 20 are symmetrical about the horizontal plane OP.

[0108] According to Figure 8a, Figure 8b and Figure 9 In the embodiment shown, the restraint system 1 includes a frame 5 having a crossbar 50 that is movable along a second direction ZZ from and toward the support device 3.

[0109] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown, the constraint body 20 is rotatably mounted on the crossbar 50 about the corresponding rotation axis AA; therefore, the crossbar 50, which moves along the second direction ZZ, transfers the constraint body 20 from the support device 3 and toward the support device 3.

[0110] Always refer to Figure 7 Preferably, two pairs of constraint bodies 20 are configured to be rotatably mounted on the crossbar 50 along different sections of the connecting tube T along the longitudinal axis XX.

[0111] By moving along the second direction ZZ, the crossbar 50 switches between a lateral constraint configuration and a parking configuration.

[0112] In the lateral constraint configuration, the crossbar 50 is arranged close to the support device 3 along the second direction ZZ, such that the constraint body 20 can constrain the tube T at least along the first direction YY. In other words, in the lateral constraint configuration, the relative position of the crossbar 50 to the support member 3 allows the constraint body 20 to engage the tube T and constrain the tube T as described above. Figure 5 ).

[0113] In the parking configuration, the crossbar 50 is spaced apart from the support device 3 along the second direction ZZ, so that the tube T is free along the first direction YY. In other words, in the parking configuration, the relative position of the crossbar 50 to the support member 3 causes the restraint body 20 to be disengaged from the tube T.

[0114] Reference Figure 9It should be noted that the parking height H—that is, the distance between the crossbar 50 and the ground surface G on which the frame 5 is located and / or the ground surface G on which the laser cutting machine 100 on which the frame 5 is mounted—is limited such that the tube-carrying carriage 102 configured to feed the tube T along the feeding direction FF to the laser processing station 101 can pass under the crossbar 50 along the second direction ZZ.

[0115] In use, when the characteristic dimension of the tube T is larger than the maximum diameter that can be constrained by the restraint device 2, the crossbar 50 moves to the parking position. In this way, the tube T is vertically supported by the support device 3, but is not laterally constrained by the restraint device 2.

[0116] Conversely, when the characteristic dimensions of the tube fall within the range of tube dimensions that can be constrained by the constraint body 20, the crossbar moves into the working configuration.

[0117] According to one aspect, the constraint body 20 is configured to constrain small and medium-sized tubes T; therefore, when the tube T to be processed falls into the aforementioned large (large) tube, the crossbar 50 moves into the parking configuration, and when the tube to be processed is small / medium-sized, the crossbar 50 moves into the lateral constraint configuration.

[0118] Preferably, the frame 5 includes a linear actuator 51, such as a pneumatic cylinder, configured to move the crossbar 50 along a second direction YY between a lateral constraint configuration and a parking configuration.

[0119] Furthermore, the frame 5 preferably includes one or more uprights 51 extending along a second direction ZZ, and crossbars 50 are slidably mounted on the uprights 51 along the second direction ZZ, for example by means of a known guide device (not shown). Figure 8b In one embodiment, the frame 5 is C-shaped and configured to be attached to the ground surface G.

[0120] Another object of the present invention is a laser tube processing machine 100—for example, a laser tube cutting machine—configured to process a wide range of tube sizes from small to large.

[0121] Referring to FIG8a, the laser tube processing machine 100 includes: a laser processing station 101 having a laser processing head 101a configured to process (e.g., cut or engrave) a tube T; a tube-carrying carriage 102 configured to feed the tube T to the laser processing station 101 along the feed direction FF; and a constraint system 1 as described above, which is arranged between the laser processing station 101 and the tube-carrying carriage 102.

[0122] Preferably, the laser tube processing machine 100 includes a base 103 that extends along the feed direction FF between a first end portion 103a arranged near the laser processing station 101 and a second end portion 103b opposite to the first end portion 103a.

[0123] In the embodiment of FIG8a, the tube-bearing carriage 102 is slidably mounted on the base 103 between the first end portion 101a and the second end portion 101b along the feeding direction FF.

[0124] Furthermore, in the embodiment of FIG8a, the restraint system 1 includes a plurality of support devices 3 continuously mounted on the base 103 along the feeding direction FF between the first end portion 103a and the second end portion 103b, and at least one lateral restraint member 2 arranged between the first end portion 103a and the second end portion 103b.

[0125] In detail, preferably, at least one lateral restraint device 2 of the restraint system 1 is located adjacent to the laser processing station 101.

[0126] According to one embodiment, the lateral restraint device 2 is arranged such that it is no more than 2500, preferably 1200, from the laser cutting head 101a along the feeding direction FF.

[0127] In an embodiment not shown, the constraint system 1 of the laser tube cutting machine 100 includes two or more lateral constraint devices 2 arranged along the feeding direction FF between the laser processing station 101 and the tube carrying carriage 102.

[0128] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that various changes and modifications can be made to the arrangement described above to meet occasional and specific needs. All such modifications and alterations fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A constraint system (1) for constraining a tube (T) on a tube processing machine (100), the tube (T) extending along a longitudinal axis (XX), the constraint system (1) comprising: - A lateral restraint device (2) configured to restrain the tube (T) along a first direction (YY) which is transverse to the longitudinal axis (XX) of the tube (T). - Support device (3), the support device (3) is configured to support the tube (T) along a second direction (ZZ), the second direction (ZZ) being transverse to the first direction (YY) and the longitudinal axis (XX) of the tube (T). in: - The lateral restraint device (2) includes a pair of restraint bodies (20) configured to be arranged along the first direction (YY) on the opposite side of the tube (T), each restraint body (20) being eccentrically rotatable about a corresponding axis of rotation (AA) to contact the opposite lateral portion (TL) of the tube (T) and restrain the tube (T) along the first direction (YY). The characteristic feature is that the support device (3) and the constraint body (20) are configured to be arranged on the opposite side of the tube (T) along the second direction (ZZ) when the tube (T) is constrained by the constraint system (1).

2. The constraint system (1) according to claim 1, wherein, Each constraint body (20) has a contact surface (20a) that is eccentrically rotated about a corresponding axis of rotation (AA) to contact the opposite lateral portion (TL) of the tube (T) and constrain the tube (T) along the first direction (YY).

3. The constraint system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The rotation axis (AA) of the constraint body (20) is transverse to the first direction (YY), such that when the tube (T) is constrained by the constraint body (20) along the first direction (YY), the rotation axis (AA) is transverse to the longitudinal axis (XX) of the tube (T).

4. The constraint system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: - The support device (3) includes a support element (30) configured to engage with a first portion (TI) of the tube (T) to support the tube (T) along the second direction (ZZ). - Each constraint body (20) is configured to engage with a second portion (T2) of the tube (T), the second portion (T2) being opposite to the first portion (T1) along the second direction (ZZ).

5. The constraint system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The constraint body (20) defines a semi-circular constraint region (70) configured to engage with the tube (T).

6. The constraint system (1) according to claim 5, wherein, The constraint body (20) is configured to adjust the diameter of the semi-circular constraint region (70) when rotating about the corresponding axis of rotation (AA) so as to constrain different tubes (T) at least along the first direction (YY).

7. The constraint system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, Each constraint body (20) has a helical profile (21) eccentric relative to the corresponding axis of rotation (AA).

8. The constraint system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The rotation axis (AA) of the constraint body (20) is parallel to the second direction (ZZ).

9. The constraint system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The lateral restraint device (2) includes two or more pairs of restraint bodies (20) configured to engage different sections of the tube (T) along the longitudinal axis (XX) of the tube.

10. The constraint system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: - The lateral restraint device (2) includes a frame (5) having a crossbar (50) movable from and toward the support device (3) along the second direction (ZZ) between the lateral restraint configuration and the parking configuration, the restraint body (20) being rotatably mounted on the crossbar (50) about a corresponding axis of rotation (AA) and facing the support device (3). - In the lateral constraint configuration, the crossbar (50) is arranged close to the support device (3) along the second direction (ZZ) so that the constraint body (20) constrains the tube (T) along the first direction (YY). - In the parking configuration, the crossbar (50) is spaced apart from the support device (3) along the second direction (ZZ) so that the tube (T) is free along the first direction (YY).

11. The constraint system (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein, The support device (3) is configured to move the support element (30) along the second direction (ZZ) into one or more, preferably two or more support positions.

12. The constraint system (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 11, wherein, The support device (3) defines a semi-circular support area (80), and the semi-circular support area (80) and the semi-circular constraint area (70) form a circular constraint area.

13. The constraint system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, The support device (3) includes a pair of support elements (30), preferably two pairs of support elements, arranged along the first direction (YY) on the opposite side of the tube (T), each of the pair of support elements (30) being opposite to the corresponding constraint body (20) along the second direction (ZZ).

14. A laser tube processing machine (100), comprising: - A laser processing station (101) including a laser processing head (101a) configured as a processing tube (T). - A tube-carrying carriage (102) configured to feed the tube (T) along the feed direction (FF) to the laser processing station (101). - The restraint system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the restraint system (1) is arranged between the laser processing station (101) and the tube bearing carriage (102).

15. The laser tube processing machine (100) according to claim 14, wherein, At least one lateral restraint member (2) of the restraint system (1) is adjacent to the laser processing station (101).

16. The laser tube processing machine (100) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein, The restraint system (1) includes two or more lateral members (2) arranged along the feed direction (FF) between the laser processing station (101) and the tube-bearing carriage (102).

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