radial press system
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- UNIFLEX HYDRAULIC
- Filing Date
- 2017-08-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-23
AI Technical Summary
Existing radial press systems face challenges in efficiently and safely changing press jaws, particularly in large systems where the weight and complexity of the quick-change device make manual alignment and locking/unlocking operations cumbersome and time-consuming.
The system incorporates a two-stage centering mechanism with mutually corresponding centering elements and counterparts of different types to facilitate easier alignment and locking of the quick-change device, ensuring axial and angular centering without manual rotation, and includes a contactless unlocking mechanism for the locking devices.
This configuration significantly simplifies the process of changing press jaws, reducing the effort required and minimizing the risk of incorrect installation, especially in large radial presses, by ensuring precise alignment and secure locking/unlocking without manual handling of the heavy quick-change device.
Smart Images
Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] The present invention relates, as specified in the preamble of claim 1, to a radial press system comprising - a radial press with a housing, base jaws arranged around a press axis and movable radially relative to the housing and having press jaw receptacles, and a drive unit for the synchronized movement of the base jaws towards or away from the press axis, - a press jaw magazine with interchangeable press jaws stored in sets, each with suitable fixing projections for attachment to the base jaws of the radial press and - a quick-change device enabling common press jaw changes, with a handle and a press jaw holder concentric to a tool axis, wherein the quick-change device has corresponding centering elements suitable for interaction with counterparts provided on the radial press.
[0002] To enable the machining of workpieces of varying dimensions with radial presses, they can typically be reconfigured by fitting them with differently sized press jaws, allowing them to perform pressing operations with different diameters. The (interchangeable) press jaws are fixed radially inwards to the base jaws, which in turn are movable radially relative to the press axis by the drive unit. For the interchangeable attachment of the press jaws to the base jaws, the press jaws are provided with fixing projections (e.g., pins, studs, or bolts) that typically extend radially outwards from the press jaws, engage in receptacles provided on the base jaws, and interact with locking mechanisms on the base jaws. This applies regardless of the specific design of the radial press; for example, radial presses of the so-called hollow piston design (see...)for example DE 10149924 A1, EP 2420332 A1, EP 1610915 B1) are regularly designed to be convertible according to the described principle, as are radial presses according to the so-called yoke design (see for example DE 4135465 A1, DE 19912976 A1, DE 19817882 B4, EP 1252943 A1, DE 202016008097 U1, DE 20106100660 U1) and radial presses in other designs, for example the so-called pressure plate design (see for example DE 2844475 A1, DE 3611253 A1, DE 10047025 C2, DE 3331721 A1).
[0003] The pressing jaws are commonly placed onto the base jaws by radially moving each pressing jaw relative to the respective base jaw. The pressing jaws can be placed onto the base jaws individually by hand (from the radial inside). In contrast, when replacing all pressing jaws of a given set (su), the (simultaneous) radial movement of all base jaws and pressing jaws relative to each other is achieved by moving the base jaws radially inwards by the drive unit – corresponding to closing the radial press – until the locking mechanisms engage. The pressing jaws are removed (individually or as a set) in the opposite direction, whereby the locking mechanisms are appropriately unlocked.
[0004] When replacing all the jaws of a jaw set—typically comprising eight jaws—simultaneously, the jaw set to be removed and the set to be installed are handled as a single unit. This means that the complete jaw set, stored in a corresponding magazine, is removed from the magazine and inserted into the radial press, or removed from the press and placed back in the magazine. This not only reduces the time required to retool a radial press but also the risk of incorrectly fitting the press with different types of jaws. A quick-change tool with a handle and a jaw holder, which holds the jaws evenly and concentrically around the tool axis, facilitates the simultaneous handling of all jaws in a jaw set.
[0005] Various quick-change devices are known for the corresponding simultaneous exchange of all press jaws during radial movement of the press jaws and base jaws relative to each other, i.e., during the simultaneous movement of the base jaws to close the radial press. In the simplest case, the quick-change device with the press jaw set mounted on it can be freely positioned within the radial press by the operator (see, for example, US 6257042 B1 and DE 20109212 U1). However, it is more convenient for the operator if some kind of positioning aid is provided (see, for example, DE 202015002566 U1).EP 1610915 B1 and EP 2420332 A1, which disclose radial press systems of the generic type and whose entire disclosure content is incorporated by reference into the present patent application, aim to achieve a particularly convenient and safe press jaw change by using corresponding centering elements on the quick-change device and counterparts on the radial press to center the quick-change device on the radial press in such a way that the press jaws are positioned so that the corresponding connecting means of the press jaws and base jaws (i.e. the fixing projections and receptacles) are aligned with each other.
[0006] The present invention aims to provide a radial press system of the generic type that is further improved compared to the prior art described above, particularly with regard to handling during press jaw changes.
[0007] This problem is solved according to the present invention, as specified in claim 1, by providing corresponding centering elements and counterparts of a first type and corresponding centering elements and counterparts of a second type in such a way that the quick-change device is axially centered by interaction of the centering elements and counterparts of the first type while retaining rotation about the tool axis relative to the radial press, and angularly centered by interaction of the centering elements and counterparts of the second type relative to the radial press, wherein in a pre-centering position of the quick-change device the centering elements and counterparts of the first type are engaged, while the centering elements and counterparts of the second type are disengaged.
[0008] In other words, the radial press systems according to the invention are characterized by a design of the interacting centering elements of the quick-change device and the counterparts of the radial press such that – during the assembly of the press jaws – a kind of two-stage centering of the quick-change device (with the press jaws mounted on it) on the (open) radial press is achieved. In a first stage, the so-called "pre-centering position," only corresponding centering elements and counterparts of a first type are engaged, which are designed in such a way that while axial centering of the quick-change device and the radial press relative to each other is ensured, the quick-change device remains rotatable about the tool axis.As the insertion movement of the quick-change device continues, in a second stage the corresponding centering elements and counterparts of the second type engage. These are designed so that the quick-change device is also angularly centered relative to the radial press, meaning that rotation of the quick-change device is prevented. This substantially simplifies the change of press jaws compared to the prior art. This is particularly true for radial press systems with large radial presses, where the quick-change device together with the press jaw set mounted on it can weigh considerably more than 5 kg.In the radial press systems according to the invention, unlike in the prior art, the operator can place the quick-change device, including the press jaw set, in the pre-centering position, with the interacting centering elements and counterparts of the first type holding the quick-change device axially centered relative to the radial press. The operator no longer needs to hold the weight of the quick-change device and press jaw set to align the centering means that effect angular centering (by selectively rotating the quick-change device about the tool axis). Furthermore, the axial centering already achieved in the first stage ensures that several centering elements of the second type synchronously assume their positions aligned with their counterparts of the second type. Thus, unlike in the prior art, it is not necessary to simultaneously monitor the alignment of several widely separated centering elements.
[0009] Preferred embodiments and further developments of the invention will become apparent from the following explanations and the illustration of an exemplary embodiment in the drawing.
[0010] The quick-change device can be equipped with a release mechanism that unlocks the locking devices of the base jaws, which interact with the fixing projections of the press jaws. It is advantageous if this release only occurs when the quick-change device reaches its angular position, centered on the radial press and defined by the interacting centering elements and counterparts of the second type. Ideally, the release mechanism only becomes active when the quick-change device also assumes a predefined axial position. In this sense, the release mechanism can optionally also function as a depth stop (limiting the axial insertion of the quick-change device into the space between the base jaws of the open radial press).
[0011] However, other designs of a depth stop are also useful.
[0012] The unlocking elements of the unlocking assembly, which serve to release the locking devices, can be designed in a variety of suitable ways. Besides mechanically acting unlocking elements such as pins, bolts, or the like, non-contact unlocking elements, such as those based on magnets, are also suitable, depending on the design of the locking devices. A significant advantage of such non-contact unlocking elements is that damage during movement of the base jaws is eliminated. Furthermore, no openings for the engagement of mechanical unlocking elements need to be provided in the base jaws, which reduces the risk of impaired function due to contamination.Even such non-mechanical unlocking elements are expediently part of a unlocking arrangement mounted on the quick-change device.
[0013] To avoid any misunderstanding, it should be noted that the base jaws are not necessarily made of a single piece. They can also be multi-part, each comprising an intermediate jaw mounted on a base jaw, on which the press jaw support surface is located. It should also be mentioned that while the press jaw support surfaces of the base jaws and the mating surfaces of the press jaws intended to contact these support surfaces are typically shaped like a segment of a circular cylinder, this is not mandatory. Different geometric designs of the separating surfaces between the base and press jaws can also prove advantageous in specific cases.Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the context of the present invention, the statement that the base jaws are movable radially to the press axis is not to be understood restrictively as a purely radial movement in a plane perpendicular to the press axis; rather, as is common in certain radial press designs based on the pressure plate concept, the base jaws can also undergo a certain axial displacement during pressing, so that the movement of the base jaws as they approach and move away from the press axis can have an axial component in addition to the radial component.Furthermore, locking devices for the press jaws are not limited to mechanical locking mechanisms, in particular positive locking and / or latching mechanisms; rather, the “locking devices” can also ensure that the press jaws are fixed to the respective base jaw in other ways, for example by clamping action, by magnetic forces, or the like.
[0014] The present invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to a preferred embodiment shown in the drawing. This embodiment illustrates the invention by means of a modification of the prior art disclosed in EP 1610915 B1 that implements the invention. To the extent that the radial press system shown – without a press jaw magazine – corresponds to the prior art, a detailed explanation is omitted, and reference is instead made to EP 1610915 B1.
[0015] The radial press system includes a radial press 1 , a press jaw magazine (not shown) for storing different sets of press jaws and a quick-change device enabling the common replacement of press jaws 2 The radial press 1 It has a housing 3 , eight around a press axis X arranged around, relative to the case 3 radial to the press axis X movable base jaws 4 and a drive unit 5 for the synchronized process of the base jaws 4 towards the press axis X or away from it. Depending on the design of the radial press. 1 According to the hollow piston design, the drive unit comprises 5 thereby - by appropriately applying pressure to the hydraulic working spaces 6 , 7 - along the press axis X movable hollow piston 8, whereby the basic jaws 4 over to the press axis X inclined sliding surface pairs 9 on the hollow piston 8 support.
[0016] The basic jaws 4 feature press jaw mounts 10 open, so that each one is attached to a base jaw 4 a press jaw 11 The press jaws are interchangeable. 11 to this end their attachment to the base jaws 4 the radial press 1 serving, as radially outwards from the respective press jaw 11 protruding pins 12 executed fixing projections 13 on.
[0017] The quick-change device 2 includes a basic body 14 , a single movement 15 and one to a tool axis Y concentric press jaw holder 16 This one has eight around the tool axis. Y axially oriented pins arranged around them17 on, which have corresponding boreholes 18 the press jaws 11 They work together to maintain them. Furthermore, the quick-change device features 2 for cooperation with the radial press 1 Suitable corresponding centering elements are provided for the intended counterparts. The provision includes mutually corresponding centering elements and counterparts of a first type and mutually corresponding centering elements and counterparts of a second type.
[0018] The outer circumference (here preferably designed as a circle) serves as the centering element of the first type. 19 a disc-shaped area 20 of the base body 14 the quick-change device 2 It features a corresponding round recess. 21 together, which, as a counterpart to the disc-shaped area 20 of the base body 14the quick-change device 2 , through the inner circumference 22 a ring-shaped protrusion 23 is defined which - concentric to the press axis X - on the front side of the lid 24 of the case 3 the radial press 1 is executed. On the ring-shaped projection 23 is still - adjacent to the recess 21 - a feed cone 25 executed, which involves the insertion of the disc-shaped area 20 of the base body 14 the quick-change device 2 into the recess 21 relieved.
[0019] Several pins serve as centering elements of the second type. 26 , which - concentric around the tool axis Y around - on the disc-shaped area 20 of the base body 14 the quick-change device 2 are arranged and parallel to the tool axis YThey protrude. They interact with corresponding bores. 27 together, which, as a counterpart for each pen 26 , concentric to the press axis X front side of the lid 24 of the case 3 the radial press 1 are executed. The axial length of the pins 26 This refers to the axial extent of the recess 21 dimensioned so that during an axial movement of the quick-change device 2 (Arrow A ) initially only the disc-shaped area 20 of the base body 14 the quick-change device 2 in the recess 21 The intervention comes into play, but not the pens. 26 into the corresponding boreholes 27 intervene. This results in a pre-centered position of the quick-change device. 2 , in which the quick-change device 2 with remaining rotation about the tool axisY relative to the radial press 1 which is axis-centered.
[0020] By rotating the quick-change device 2 to the press axis X aligned tool axis Y will the pens 26 in to the boreholes 27 aligned positions so that the quick-change device 2 can be moved axially until the front face 28 of the disc-shaped area 20 of the base body 14 the quick-change device 2 on the corresponding counter-surface forming a stop 29 of the lid 24 of the case 3 the radial press 1 is attached. The pens 26 enter the corresponding boreholes. 27 one and cause an angular centering - and also an (additional) axis centering - of the quick-change device 2 relative to the radial press 1To facilitate finding the correct angle, the pins each have a generous chamfer at their free end areas.
[0021] It is clear to those skilled in the art from the preceding description of the function of the corresponding centering elements and counterparts of a first type and corresponding centering elements and counterparts of a second type that considerable design freedom exists for their geometric and structural configuration. For example, with suitable design and arrangement, one or two support projections arranged on the end face of the radial press suffice as the counterpart of the first type instead of an annular projection. These support projections, in conjunction with the corresponding centering element of the first type, ensure the axial centering of the quick-change device without impeding its rotation. 2 around the tool axis Yto prevent this. And similarly, under the same conditions, a centering element of the first kind is used – instead of a round, disc-shaped element. 20 - also elements of the quick-change device designed in a wide variety of other ways 2 Consideration. Another advantageous implementation of the invention, in modification of the embodiment illustrated in the drawing, provides for corresponding centering elements (of the quick-change device). 2 ) and counterparts (of the radial press 1 ) of the first kind such that the basic body 14 the quick-change device 2 adjacent to the disc-shaped area 20 with such a large, clear expanse of the breakthrough D of the lid 24 of the case 3 the radial press 1The corresponding diameter is designed so that in the pre-centering position of the quick-change device, the axis centering is achieved by the contact of the base body. 14 the quick-change device 2 on the radial inner surface F of the breakthrough D is achieved. The axial length of the correspondingly thickened area of the base body. 14 the quick-change device 2 is thus tailored to the length of the pencils 26 It was agreed that in the pre-centering position of the quick-change device the pins 26 not yet engaged with the associated boreholes 27 are.
[0022] The basic jaws 4 each show a recording 30 for the cone 12 the assigned press jaw 11 as well as a locking device 31 on. This includes one in a borehole 32movable, for engaging the contour of the respective pin 12 suitable slider 33 The quick-change device 2 includes a release device 34 with one on the base body 20 arranged ring 35 with magnets 36 In the position of the quick-change device as illustrated in the drawing 2 The magnets are effective 36 on the sliders 33 the locking devices 31 such that these are displaced – against the force of a (not shown) return spring – to such an extent that an unlocking is effected, i.e., the associated pin 12 will be released. If necessary, the ring can be used for this purpose. 35 the unlocking device 34 also on the base body 20 the quick-change device 2be movable (slidable and / or rotatable) in such a way that it can only be actively released from a position by the operator without unlocking the locking devices 31 effecting first position in its unlocking of the locking devices 31 The resulting second position is brought into play. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION
[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature
[0000] DE 10149924 A1
[0002] EP 2420332 A1 [0002, 0005] EP 1610915 B1 [0002, 0005, 0014] DE 4135465 A1
[0002] DE 19912976 A1
[0002] DE 19817882 B4
[0002] EP 1252943 A1
[0002] DE 202016008097 U1
[0002] DE 20106100660 U1
[0002] DE 2844475 A1
[0002] DE 3611253 A1
[0002] DE 10047025 C2
[0002] DE 3331721 A1
[0002] US 6257042 B1
[0005] DE 20109212 U1
[0005] DE 202015002566 U1
[0005]
Claims
[] Radial press system, comprising - a radial press (1) with a housing (3), base jaws (4) arranged around a press axis (X) and movable radially relative to the housing (3) to the press axis (X), having press jaw receptacles (10), and a drive unit (5) for the synchronized movement of the base jaws (4) towards or away from the press axis (X), - a press jaw magazine with interchangeable press jaws (12) stored in sets and having suitable fixing projections (13) for attaching them to the base jaws (4) of the radial press (1) and - a quick-change device (2) enabling the common change of press jaws, with a handle (15) and a press jaw holder (16) concentric to a tool axis (Y), wherein the quick-change device (2) has suitable corresponding centering elements for interaction with counterparts provided on the radial press (1), characterized by , that corresponding centering elements and counterparts of a first type and corresponding centering elements and counterparts of a second type are provided in such a way that the quick-change device (2) is axially centered by interaction of the centering elements and counterparts of the first type while retaining rotation about the tool axis (Y) relative to the radial press (1) and is angularly centered by interaction of the centering elements and counterparts of the second type relative to the radial press (1), wherein in a pre-centering position of the quick-change device (2) the centering elements and counterparts of the first type are engaged, while the centering elements and counterparts of the second type are disengaged.