Pipe expanding device

Abstract

Pipe expansion device comprising a pipe receiving device and a sliding device, wherein the pipe receiving device has a pipe passage channel with an inlet opening and an outlet opening, wherein the sliding device has a stop area and an area with a through channel, and wherein the sliding device is designed to be positionable relative to the pipe receiving device such that in a first position the stop area at least partially closes the outlet opening of the pipe passage channel and in a second position the passage channel is arranged axially to the outlet opening of the pipe passage channel.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a pipe expanding device, which is also known as a flaring device or flaring apparatus.

[0002] Pipe expanding devices are known from the prior art, comprising two clamping jaws for fixing a pipe. The pipe is received in a groove formed by the two clamping jaws. To expand or flare the pipe end, a deformation element is inserted between the clamping jaws and into the pipe. Typically, the clamping jaws are provided with a viewing hole through which the pipe inserted into the groove can be viewed to visually check its position before the deformation element is inserted.

[0003] One disadvantage of known pipe expansion devices is that the pipe's positioning is solely determined by visual inspection through the viewing hole. This requires a perfectly perpendicular viewing angle, which is often impossible to achieve in practice. As a result, positioning is prone to errors and also time-consuming. Another disadvantage is the complex design required to connect the device for moving the deformation element to the clamping device that holds the pipe, making handling more difficult.

[0004] The object of the invention is to overcome the disadvantages known from the prior art. One object of the invention can therefore be considered to be providing a pipe expanding device that enables precise, simple, and rapid positioning of the pipe for carrying out the pipe expanding process. A further object can be seen as providing a pipe expanding device that enables simplified and time-saving positioning and coupling of the device by which the deformation-generating element is moved in the direction of the pipe to be expanded.

[0005] To solve the problem, a pipe expansion device is provided, comprising a pipe receiving device and a sliding device, wherein the pipe receiving device has a pipe passage channel with an inlet opening and an outlet opening, wherein the sliding device has a stop area and an area with a passage channel, and wherein the sliding device is designed to be positionable relative to the pipe receiving device such that in a first position the stop area at least partially closes the outlet opening of the pipe passage channel and in a second position the passage channel is arranged axially to the outlet opening of the pipe passage channel.

[0006] The pipe holding device is the component in which a pipe can be received and fixed for processing. It serves to hold the pipe in a defined position and, for this purpose, has a pipe passage channel. This channel runs through the pipe holding device and has an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The pipe can be inserted into the pipe passage channel through the inlet opening and pushed through until it protrudes from the pipe holding device at the outlet opening. The pipe passage channel is preferably designed as a straight channel without bends.

[0007] The sliding device is a component movably guided relative to the pipe receiving device and mounted to be displaceable in different positions. It has a stop area which, in a first position of the sliding device relative to the pipe receiving device, at least partially covers the outlet opening of the pipe passage channel. In this position, the pipe to be expanded within the pipe passage channel can only be advanced as far as the stop area. This enables the pipe to be inserted into a defined final position and ensures precise length positioning. When the pipe opening to be expanded rests against the stop area, it is ensured that the pipe is in the desired position to be expanded or flared by means of a deformation element. Preferably, the stop area completely covers the outlet opening.

[0008] Furthermore, the sliding device features a section with a through-channel. This through-channel is formed within the sliding device and arranged such that, when the sliding device is in its second position relative to the pipe holding device, the deformation-generating element can be inserted through the through-channel towards the pipe passage of the pipe holding device and further into the pipe to be flared. The through-channel thus enables targeted and precise feeding of the deformation-generating element into the previously correctly positioned pipe.

[0009] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the sliding device is locked in the first position and / or in the second position with the pipe receiving device in such a way that displacement relative to the pipe receiving device is inhibited.

[0010] In the first position, where the sliding device covers the outlet opening of the pipe receiving device, movement of the sliding device relative to the pipe receiving device is prevented. From this position, the sliding device cannot be moved to another position without overcoming a detent resistance. The same applies to the second position, where the passage channel of the sliding device is aligned with the pipe passage channel and the deformation-generating element can be inserted. In this position as well, the detent prevents unintentional movement of the sliding device and reliably secures its position.

[0011] The locking mechanism thus serves as a general position lock, ensuring that the sliding device remains held in both operating positions, thereby preventing unintentional movement. Only after the resistance has been deliberately overcome, i.e., after the locking mechanism has been released, can the sliding device be moved further into another position.

[0012] The locking mechanism can be achieved by one or more locking elements, which preferably engage in corresponding recesses. Balls or locking pins can be used as locking elements. These can be spring-mounted.

[0013] Each detent position can have at least two detent devices and at least two corresponding recesses.

[0014] The locking means can be arranged on the pipe receiving device and the corresponding recesses on the sliding device. However, according to the invention, it is equally possible to arrange the locking means on the sliding device and the corresponding recesses on the pipe receiving device.

[0015] Preferably, there are more recesses than locking elements, in particular twice as many, so that one locking element can engage in different recesses and thereby form several defined locking positions. In this way, a single locking element can reliably secure a multiple functional positions of the sliding device.

[0016] The recesses are preferably arranged on the side of the sliding device facing the pipe receiving device.

[0017] The sliding device can be moved from the first to the second position. Preferably, it is guided and can be moved. The movement can thus occur in a guided linear motion, so that the sliding device moves in a defined path and lateral tilting is avoided.

[0018] The term "guided sliding" means that the sliding device is held in its direction of movement by means of appropriate guide structures on the pipe receiving device or on the sliding device itself. These guide structures can be, for example, guide grooves, strips, or rails that enable precise and reproducible movement between the first and second positions.

[0019] The guided sliding movement ensures an exact alignment of the passage channel of the sliding device relative to the pipe passage channel of the pipe receiving device.

[0020] The pipe receiving device can have engagement grooves, preferably extending transversely to the pipe passage. Preferably, the pipe receiving device has two engagement grooves, the openings of which are preferably facing each other.

[0021] The sliding device can be positioned relative to the pipe holding device such that two opposing side edges of the sliding device engage in the engagement grooves. This results in defined guidance of the sliding device, which enables precise movement between the first and second positions.

[0022] The engagement grooves can be designed to laterally enclose the sliding device or at least to engage it securely, thus ensuring reliable positioning and guided linear movement. Preferably, the engagement grooves have a cross-section adapted to the sliding device, for example rectangular, so that tilting during movement is avoided.

[0023] The sliding device can be plate-shaped. This plate-shaped design makes it particularly easy to guide the sliding device between guide grooves or rails of the pipe holding device, thus enabling a compact design and precise movement control.

[0024] Preferably, the through-channel formed in the sliding device extends in a direction opposite to the outlet opening of the pipe through-channel. This allows a deformation-generating element to be inserted into the sliding device from the side facing away from the outlet opening and guided precisely into the pipe to be flared. This arrangement simplifies handling, as the pipe can be positioned from one side while the deformation-generating element is inserted from the opposite side. Furthermore, it facilitates a compact overall design of the device.

[0025] The pipe holding device can have two clamping elements, each with a receiving groove. The two receiving grooves together form the pipe passage channel. Preferably, the clamping elements are designed such that their distance from each other is adjustable. By reducing the distance, the receiving grooves can positively or non-positively enclose a pipe, so that it is reliably clamped in the pipe passage channel and fixed in a defined position. In this way, unintentional displacement or rotation of the pipe during processing can be prevented.

[0026] The reduction of the distance can be achieved, for example, by a screw, lever or clamping mechanism.

[0027] The pipe passage channel of the pipe receiving device can be widened in the area of ​​the outlet opening. Preferably, the pipe passage channel forms a deformation zone in the area of ​​the outlet opening into which the pipe to be processed can protrude.

[0028] The deformation area can be designed in such a way that it defines the shape of the flared or expanded pipe end to be produced. In this way, the pipe is guided and supported during the flaring or expanding process, ensuring a reproducible geometry of the pipe end.

[0029] Preferably the deformation area is conical, funnel-shaped or stepped, but can also have a rounded contour, depending on which final shape of the tube is to be produced.

[0030] The pipe expansion device may include a deformation generating element designed to be inserted into the passage channel of the sliding device.

[0031] The deformation element is designed to be inserted into the pipe positioned in the pipe passage channel in order to flare or expand its pipe end. It can be designed, for example, as a cone, mandrel, spreading element, or forming tool.

[0032] Preferably, the deformation-generating element is dimensioned and shaped such that it can be inserted into the tube in a defined position through the through-channel of the sliding device and there produces the desired deformation of the tube end. The guidance within the through-channel ensures precise alignment of the deformation-generating element relative to the tube, thereby achieving a uniform and reproducible tube expansion.

[0033] The through-channel of the sliding device can have an internal thread. The deformation-generating element can accordingly be provided with a corresponding external thread.

[0034] The threaded connection allows the deformation element to be easily screwed into the passage channel and fixed there in a defined position. This enables secure fastening as well as controlled axial movement of the deformation element towards the pipe passage channel.

[0035] Furthermore, the threaded connection facilitates the exchange of different deformation-generating elements, for example with different geometry or dimensions, so that different pipe end shapes can be produced with the same pipe expanding device.

[0036] The deformation-generating element can be equipped with a drive section designed for engagement with a drive tool, such as a ratchet, a rotary handle, or a cordless screwdriver. This allows the deformation-generating element to be screwed into the through-channel and moved axially with particular ease and minimal effort.

[0037] The pipe expanding device, in particular the pipe holding device, may include a handle for handling and guiding the pipe expanding device. The handle makes it possible to securely hold and align the device during positioning of the pipe and during the insertion of the deformation-generating element.

[0038] Preferably, the handle is detachably connected to the pipe holding device so that it can be removed if necessary. In a preferred embodiment, the handle can be attached to the pipe holding device via a coupling or plug connection. This allows it to be mounted or dismounted without tools. Alternatively, the handle can be detachably attached via a thread or a quick-release mechanism.

[0039] The invention will be explained again below using the figures as an example.

[0040] Fig. Figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a pipe expansion device 1. Fig. Figure 1A shows a side view of the pipe expanding device 1 with a pipe holding device 10 mounted on a handle 40. As shown in Figure 1A, the pipe expanding device 1 has a pipe holding device 10 mounted on a handle 40. Fig. Figure 1C, which shows the pipe receiving device 1 from above, shows that the pipe receiving device 10 comprises the clamping elements 16 and 17. The pipe expanding device 1 also includes a sliding device 20, which can be displaced relative to the pipe receiving device 10. The sliding device 20 can be arranged in a first position, as shown in Fig. Figure 1 shows that in this position, the through-channel 23 is not arranged axially to the pipe through-channel of the pipe receiving device 10. Rather, it is concealed by the sliding device 20, as shown in Figure 1. Fig. Figure 1B shows the pipe widening device 1 with a view of the through channel 23.

[0041] Fig. Figure 2 shows the pipe expansion device 1. Fig. 1, in which the sliding device 20 is arranged in the second position. In this position, the through-channel 23, through which a deformation-generating element can be guided, is arranged axially to the pipe through-channel 11, as in Fig. Figure 2B shows the pipe expansion device 1 with a view of the passage channel 23. From this viewpoint, a deformation generating element can be inserted through the passage channel 23 to expand a pipe whose end is located in the region of the outlet opening 13 of the pipe passage channel 11.

[0042] Fig. Figure 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of a clamping element 16 with a view to the pipe passage channel 11 ( Fig. 3A), in cross-section along the in Fig. 3A section line AA shown ( Fig. 3B), with regard to the deformation area 18 ( Fig. 3C) and from a perspective view ( Fig. 3D). The clamping element 16 forms part of the pipe passage channel 11. The pipe to be expanded can be pushed through from the inlet opening 12 to the outlet opening 13. The pipe passage channel 11 is widened in the area of ​​the outlet opening 13, so that a deformation zone 18 is formed into which the pipe end to be expanded can extend.

[0043] Fig. Figure 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of a sliding device 20 from a perspective view ( Fig. 4A), looking towards the side that is intended to point towards the pipe receiving device ( Fig. 4B), in cross-section along the in Fig. 4B shown section line AA ( Fig. 4C). The sliding device has a stop area 21 which, in the first position of the sliding device 20, is designed to cover the outlet opening of the pipe passage channel of the pipe receiving device. The sliding device also has an area with the passage channel 22, 23. In the second position of the sliding device, the passage channel 23 is designed to be axially aligned with the pipe passage channel of the pipe receiving device, so that a deformation generating element can be moved through the passage channel 23 to the pipe end. The sliding device 20 has recesses 24 ( Fig. 1B), which are provided for locking means of the pipe receiving device. The two right-hand recesses 24 are the locking means in the first position of the sliding device and the two left-hand recesses 24 are provided for the locking means in the second position of the sliding device.

[0044] Fig. Figure 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of a deformation-generating element 30 in a side view ( Fig. 5A) and as a cross-sectional drawing ( Fig. 5B.). The deformation generating element 30 is designed to be inserted into the passage of a sliding device with its lower tip first. The deformation session segment 30 has a drive section 31 designed for engagement with a drive tool. Reference symbol list 1 Pipe expanding device 10 Pipe holding device 11 Pipe passage channel 12 Entrance 13 Exit 14 Resting agents 15 engagement grooves 16 clamping element 17 clamping element 18 Deformation range 20 sliding device 21 Stop area 22 Area with through channel 23 Through channel 24) Exceptions 30 Deformation generating element 31 Drive section 40 handle

Claims

[1] Pipe expanding device comprising a pipe receiving device and a sliding device, wherein the pipe receiving device has a pipe passage channel with an inlet opening and an outlet opening, wherein the sliding device has a stop area and an area with a through channel, and wherein the sliding device is designed to be positionable relative to the pipe receiving device such that in a first position the stop area at least partially closes the outlet opening of the pipe passage channel and in a second position the passage channel is arranged axially to the outlet opening of the pipe passage channel. [2] Pipe expansion device according to claim 1, wherein the sliding device is locked in the first position and / or in the second position with the pipe receiving device in such a way that displacement relative to the pipe receiving device is inhibited. [3] Pipe expansion device according to claim 2, wherein the locking is effected by one or more locking means, preferably in the form of balls or locking pins, which engage in corresponding recesses, preferably wherein the locking means are spring-mounted. [4] Pipe expansion device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein at least two locking means and at least two corresponding recesses are provided for each locking position. [5] Pipe expansion device according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the locking means are arranged on the pipe receiving device and the corresponding recesses are arranged on the sliding device. [6] Pipe expansion device according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sliding device is slidable from the first to the second position, preferably guided. [7] Pipe expansion device according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the pipe receiving device has engagement grooves which preferably extend transversely to the pipe passage channel. [8] Pipe expansion device according to claim 7, wherein the pipe receiving device has two engagement grooves, the openings of which are preferably facing each other. [9] Pipe expansion device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the sliding device can be positioned on the pipe receiving device such that two opposite side edges of the sliding device engage in the engagement grooves of the pipe receiving device. [10] Pipe expansion device according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the sliding device is plate-shaped and the passage channel extends in a direction opposite to the outlet opening of the pipe passage channel. [11] Pipe expansion device according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the pipe receiving device has two clamping elements, each with a receiving groove, wherein the two receiving grooves together form the pipe passage channel, and wherein the clamping elements are preferably designed such that their distance from each other is variable. [12] Pipe expansion device according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the pipe passage channel of the pipe receiving device is expanded in the area of ​​the outlet opening, preferably wherein the pipe passage channel forms a deformation area in the area of ​​the outlet opening. [13] Pipe expansion device according to one of claims 1 to 12, comprising a deformation generating element designed to be inserted into the passage channel of the sliding device.

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