Press machine with sensor system for workpiece identification

Description

1. Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a press machine for the plastic deformation of a tubular workpiece, in particular a fitting. The invention further relates to a method for operating such a press machine, press jaws for coupling to a press machine, and a tubular workpiece, in particular a fitting. 2. Technical Background

[0002] Several methods for joining tubular workpieces are known in the prior art. According to one of these methods, a smaller pipe is placed over a larger pipe, and then both are pressed together. In other cases, the pressing is carried out using a press fitting. Pressing machines, such as pipe pressing machines, can be used to connect a pipe to a press fitting. Such a fitting can, for example, be designed as a pipe fitting, which can be used as a connecting piece in a pipeline. A fitting can be made of various materials, such as copper, plastic, composite, stainless steel, and / or steel.

[0003] A pipe crimping machine can consist of metal crimping jaws, primarily made of steel, which may be interchangeable. These jaws apply force to the fitting, plastically deforming it to create a tight, secure, and tight seal against the pipe. The crimping jaws can be designed as pivoting arms, each equipped with a specific crimping jaw. When using such a machine, the jaws are pressed together to crimp a fitting onto the pipe. The crimping machine can be hand-operated or motor-driven.

[0004] Typically, when using conventional pressing machines, crimping is always performed at maximum force, regardless of the fittings used. However, this can be disadvantageous, as each type of fitting has its own characteristic crimping properties. A steel fitting, for example, should be crimped differently than a plastic fitting, in order to guarantee optimal form fit and long-term durability of the crimped fitting.

[0005] EP 2 794 191 A1 relates to a hand-held pressing device according to the preamble of claim 1 for joining two workpieces. The pressing device has at least one data acquisition element, wherein at least one data acquisition element is a camera. Furthermore, in a method, the camera is used as a data acquisition element for documenting pressing processes.

[0006] The present invention is therefore based on the objective of achieving the most optimal and material-friendly pressing of a fitting to a pipe. In particular, an improved (pipe) pressing machine is to be provided which enables such pressing. This and further objectives, which will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description, are achieved by a pressing machine according to claim 1 and a method for operating a pressing machine according to claim 13. 3. Content of the invention

[0007] The present invention relates to a press machine for the plastic deformation of a tubular workpiece. The tubular workpiece can, for example, be a fitting, which is used to press two pipes together. The tubular workpiece can also be a cable lug (hereinafter also referred to as a fitting), as used in the electrical industry for connecting cables or wires. The fitting can, for example, consist at least partially of copper, plastic, composite, and / or (stainless) steel. The press machine, in turn, can be configured to plastically deform such a tubular workpiece, such as a fitting, in such a way that it is connected to a pipe section arranged in the fitting. In particular, the press machine can be used to perform a pressing operation to permanently connect a fitting to a pipe by means of a positive and / or force-fit connection.The fitting can be specified, for example, according to prDIN EN 1254-7.

[0008] The press machine includes press jaws. These press jaws can be movable relative to each other, for example, closing and opening so that, in the opened position, a tubular workpiece can be positioned between them. The press jaws can be interchangeable and may include jaws for pressing, crimping, or cutting. For example, the press machine may have two press jaws.

[0009] The press machine also includes a motor designed to drive the press jaws and apply force to the workpiece. The motor allows the press jaws to be moved relative to each other, for example, to be forced into the closed position. The motor can provide at least some of the force necessary to deform the tubular workpiece, such as to connect a fitting to a pipe section. For this purpose, the motor can be connected directly to the press jaws or via a gearbox to transmit the motor's power. The force acting on the press jaws can be adjusted by varying motor parameters or other parameters (such as gearbox settings). The motor can also incorporate a hydraulic system to apply force to the workpiece. This system can, for example, control a pressure relief valve.

[0010] Furthermore, the press machine includes a sensor system designed to identify the workpiece, particularly the fitting. This sensor system can be configured to recognize an individual workpiece or to identify a workpiece by type. For this purpose, the sensor system can include a detection device (e.g., a sensor) as an interface to the workpiece, and corresponding evaluation devices, which may be implemented using a processor and / or memory with appropriate program code. The detection device can be provided separately from the evaluation device on the press machine. The sensor system can be powered by a power source located on the press machine, which may also power the motor. The sensor system can also be activated by a user / operator via a button to perform the identification process. This allows for precise control over how and when the identification should take place.

[0011] Identification does not necessarily mean that a single workpiece is identified as an individual piece. Rather, it is sufficient that it is identified or recognized as different from another workpiece. For example, during identification, the workpiece can be classified based on its model number. In this case, it can be recognized that a stainless steel fitting with a diameter of 15 mm is present. Resulting data from the sensor system, such as sensor data, can then characterize the identified workpiece.

[0012] Furthermore, the press machine includes a control unit designed to control the motor based on sensor data. Depending on the identified workpiece, the motor is controlled accordingly. For example, depending on the type of workpiece detected, the press jaws can be driven differently by the motor to optimally deform the workpiece.

[0013] The present invention thus allows the forming process to be carried out depending on the object being formed. This enables an individual pressing force to be applied by the motor, depending on the type of workpiece used, in order to achieve optimal and material-friendly forming. The use of the sensor system allows the workpiece to be automatically identified and the corresponding data to be transmitted to the motor, so that the user or operator of the press machine does not have to make any inputs and is therefore not subjected to any additional strain.

[0014] Preferably, the press machine includes a storage medium with a database. This database preferably contains control parameters for controlling the press machine for each of a plurality of workpieces. Based on the workpiece identification, corresponding control parameters can be loaded from the memory or database and used to operate the motor. For example, control parameters for stainless steel fittings and different control parameters for copper fittings can be stored in the database. Depending on whether a stainless steel or copper fitting has been identified by the sensor system, the corresponding control parameters can be loaded from the database and used by the controller to control the press machine and ultimately the motor. This allows for different characteristics of the workpieces (material, size, shape, etc.).The corresponding control parameters are stored in the database to enable optimal pressing or forming of the respective workpiece. In a preferred embodiment, the database can be accessed via a (wired or wireless) interface, for example, to update its contents.

[0015] In particular, the control parameters preferably include pressing parameters, which preferably comprise a maximum pressing force, a pressing speed, and / or a pressing duration. Depending on the workpiece type, specific pressing forces, pressing speeds, pressing strokes, and / or pressing durations can thus be specified, which the pressing machine is to use, for example, to press or deform the fitting with the pipe section. The pressing stroke can be described by the position of the working piston of the pressing machine. A person skilled in the art understands that, depending on the intended use of the pressing machine, appropriate control parameters are stored in the database. Furthermore, the control parameters can, in particular, include motor parameters, which especially include a motor speed, motor power, and / or an oil pressure.Depending on the workpiece type, various motor parameters can be stored in the database. These parameters can then be loaded based on the identified workpiece to ultimately deform it. Those skilled in the art understand that the press parameters or motor parameters can also include gearbox parameters that regulate the power transmission from the motor to the press jaws. Preferably, the parameters that occur can be compared with expected parameters. For example, the pressing speed occurring at a set maximum pressing force can be evaluated. The results can allow conclusions to be drawn about the wear and service life of the press jaws, thus preventing failures.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the sensor system comprises a camera, an optical scanner, an RFID reader, an NFC reader, and / or a Bluetooth module. The camera can be an optical camera with sufficient resolution and quality to identify the workpiece, at least by type. For example, the camera can identify a fitting with a diameter of 15 mm. Color values ​​can also be used to infer the material of the workpiece. The camera can, for example, uniquely recognize specific shapes of fittings, thus enabling the identification of the workpiece by type. The optical scanner, RFID reader, NFC reader, and / or Bluetooth module can detect data or identifiers, which can be provided, for example, by the workpiece itself, and allow the workpiece to be identified.For example, the optical scanner can recognize a barcode or QR code placed on the workpiece. To ensure identification using an optical camera or scanner, a light source can also be provided on the press machine to at least partially illuminate the area detectable by the camera or scanner. The sensor system can be connected to the press machine's power supply, so that, for example, only one power source (e.g., a battery) is needed to power both the motor and the sensor system.

[0017] Preferably, the communication range of the sensor system is limited to short distances. For example, the communication range of the sensor system can be between 0 and 5 meters, preferably between 0.001 and 4 meters, more preferably between 0.002 and 3 meters, more preferably between 0.005 and 2 meters, more preferably between 0.01 and 1 meter, and more preferably between 0.05 and 0.5 meters. The sensor system can thus only identify workpieces that are within the communication range. This ensures that only those workpieces that are actually intended to be deformed are identified. Accidental identification of distant workpieces that are not to be deformed is thereby at least partially prevented.Preferably, the sensor system is configured to detect a barcode on the workpiece, a QR code on the workpiece, an identifier in an RFID transponder on the workpiece, an identifier in an NFC transponder on the workpiece, and / or an identifier in a Bluetooth module on the workpiece. A person skilled in the art understands that the workpiece can be equipped with corresponding codes, transponders, or modules to provide the press machine with relevant data for identifying the workpiece—at least by type.

[0018] RFID (radio-frequency identification) enables the identification of workpieces using electromagnetic waves. The workpiece can be identified automatically and without physical contact using RFID technology. An RFID reader mounted on the press machine can read an identifier provided by a corresponding RFID transponder on the workpiece. This identifier can then identify the workpiece – at least by type.

[0019] Near-field communication (NFC) is an international transmission standard based on RFID technology for the contactless exchange of data via electromagnetic induction. Data transmission rates of up to 424 kbit / s can be achieved. Communication between NFC devices can be active-passive or active-active.

[0020] Bluetooth communication enables data transfer between devices over short distances using wireless technology. This communication is based on a correspondingly developed industry standard, such as IEEE 802.15.1.

[0021] Preferably, the sensor system is configured to detect characteristic features of the workpiece, in particular characteristic geometric features. For example, the sensor system can detect the shape and / or size of the workpiece. Based on these characteristic features, the workpiece can be identified, at least by type, and the motor can then be controlled accordingly to optimally deform the workpiece. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor system can also detect the lot and / or serial number (as characteristic features) of the workpiece. This allows the pressing process to be traceable.

[0022] In a first configuration of the press, the sensor system is at least partially covered, protected, and / or blocked by a component of the press. In a second configuration, this component exposes the sensor. One sensor of the system is covered by a part of the press housing, thus protecting it from contamination or other environmental influences. When the press jaws are moved apart, or opened, which corresponds to the second configuration, the sensor is (at least partially) exposed. The workpiece can then be identified using the sensor system. During the subsequent forming of the workpiece, the press jaws move towards each other, or back into the first configuration, allowing the sensor to be at least partially covered again by a part of the housing.This also ensures that identification via the sensor system only occurs when the workpiece is to be deformed. This prevents the accidental misidentification of a workpiece that is nearby (e.g., lying on a workbench). In a preferred embodiment, the sensor system is configured to identify the workpiece when the press jaws are moved apart, for example, to grip the workpiece. Consequently, the sensor system can be activated when the press jaws are moved accordingly to receive the workpiece for deformation. This also guarantees that the workpiece is only identified when it is about to be deformed.The sensor system can be activated mechanically, for example via a release mechanism which communicates with a bolt of the press machine and a corresponding form on one of the press jaws.

[0023] Preferably, the press jaws are free of the sensor system. Thus, according to this embodiment, no elements of the sensor system are arranged on the press jaws. The sensor system can therefore, for example, be arranged exclusively on a hand unit of the press tool. This allows for easy replacement of the press jaws. In another preferred embodiment, the sensor system is arranged at least partially on the press jaws, in particular in a recess of the press jaws (e.g., to protect the sensor system). The sensor system can be connected to the motor of the press tool via a coupling interface. The sensor system can generally be used to verify that the correct fitting is present. In one embodiment, pressing can only be enabled if the correct fitting has been detected.

[0024] The sensor system is at least partially mounted on the housing of the press machine, between the jaws. The sensor's field of view is specifically aligned longitudinally along the jaws. This arrangement also protects the sensor system from contamination or other environmental influences, as it is at least partially shielded by the jaws. The longitudinal direction can correspond to the press machine's thrust direction and / or represent the gripping direction for the workpiece using the jaws. The jaws partially cover the sensor system when the press jaws are closed. Furthermore, the jaws can expose the sensor system when they are opened to grip the workpiece. In the closed position, the jaws partially shield the sensor system to protect it from external influences.Preferably, the press machine includes a log memory configured for storing sensor and control data. This allows the deformation process to be traced. All or some data relating to the deformation process can be stored in the log memory to enable quality monitoring of individual deformations. The log memory can be accessed via a (wireless or wired) interface to read out the relevant data.

[0025] Preferably, the press machine is configured to compare an actual pressing curve with an expected pressing curve. Based on this comparison, the fitting can preferably be identified. The actual pressing curve can result from the pressure in the working cylinder over the stroke of the press machine's working piston, while the expected pressing curve results from the press jaws and the fittings stored for the press jaws. The present invention further relates to a method for operating a press machine according to the above descriptions for the plastic deformation of a tubular workpiece, such as a fitting. The method comprises the following steps: identifying the workpiece using the sensor system; gripping the workpiece using the press jaws; and generating a force through the press jaws on the surface of the gripped workpiece based on the workpiece identification.To generate the necessary force, the motor of the press machine can be controlled accordingly. Depending on the identification step, a reduced or increased pressing force can be set, depending on the type of workpiece identified.

[0026] According to the present invention, the inventive method can also be stored on a computer program which can cause a corresponding system to carry out the respective steps.

[0027] The present invention further relates to press jaws for coupling to a press machine for the plastic deformation of a tubular workpiece, in particular a fitting. For example, these press jaws can be coupled to a press machine according to the above descriptions. The press jaws include a sensor system configured for identifying the tubular workpiece. The press jaws can be coupled to the press machine interchangeably. The above explanations regarding the sensor system apply analogously here as well.

[0028] The present invention further relates to a tubular workpiece, in particular a fitting, which is configured for plastic deformation by a press machine. The tubular workpiece can be deformed, for example, by a press machine according to the above descriptions. The workpiece, in particular the fitting, can be configured according to the above descriptions and may consist of, for example, copper, plastic, composite, and / or (stainless) steel. The tubular workpiece comprises a means configured for providing an identifier for identifying the workpiece. According to the above descriptions, the means can, for example, be configured as a barcode or QR code. In particular, the means can comprise a transponder, in particular an RFID or NFC transponder, which is configured for providing the identifier. 4. Description of preferred embodiments

[0029] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. Identical elements are designated with the same reference numerals. The figures show: Figure 1 a press machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 a press jaw arrangement with press jaws according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 a tubular workpiece according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 4 a tubular workpiece according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] In the Figure 1A pressing machine 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The pressing machine 10 comprises a handle 11, which can be operated manually by an operator or user. A pressing jaw assembly 20 can be detachably coupled to the handle 11. The pressing jaw assembly 20 comprises two pressing jaws 21 by means of which a fitting can be gripped and plastically deformed. For this purpose, a motor (which may be arranged in the housing) is provided in the handle 11, which can drive the pressing jaw assembly 20 via a coupling interface and ultimately move the pressing jaws 21 to deform the fitting. To deform the fitting, an operator can actuate a corresponding operating lever 12: By actuating the lever 12, the pressing jaws 21 are moved apart to grip a fitting and then pressed together to deform the fitting.

[0031] The press 10 is also equipped with a sensor system 13, which is arranged on the handle 11. In this embodiment, the sensor system 13 is partially implemented by a Bluetooth module. The Bluetooth module 13 is activated when the lever 12 is actuated to move the press jaws 21 apart in order to grip a fitting. In its activated state, the Bluetooth module 13 can recognize an identifier from a corresponding Bluetooth module provided on the fitting. The fitting can be identified by the sensor system 13 using this identifier. Furthermore, when the lever 12 is actuated, the motor is driven to exert a force on the fitting located between the press jaws 21. The motor is controlled depending on which workpiece or type of fitting has been identified.

[0032] In the Figure 2A press jaw assembly 20 with press jaws 21 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The press jaw assembly can be detachably coupled to a handpiece of a press machine. A sensor system 22 is arranged between the press jaws 21, which is concealed by the closed state of the press jaws 21 as shown here. When the press jaws 21 are moved apart to grip a fitting, the sensor system 22 is at least partially exposed. In the embodiment shown here, the sensor system 22 comprises an optical camera. When the press jaws 21 are moved apart, the optical camera 22 can detect, recognize, and ultimately identify the gripping fitting through the press jaws 21. After successful deformation of the fitting, the optical camera 22 is again concealed by the closed press jaws 21.

[0033] In the Figures 3 and 4Two possible configurations of tubular workpieces according to further embodiments of the present invention are shown. The workpieces shown are configured in the form of fittings 30. The fittings 30 comprise means 31, 32 for providing an identifier for identifying the respective fitting 30, for example to a press machine 10 according to Figure 1 , and / or via a press jaw arrangement 20 according to Figure 2 .

[0034] The one in Figure 3 Fitting 30, as shown, includes a Bluetooth module 31 on which an identifier is stored. This identifier characterizes Fitting 30, at least by its type. A corresponding Bluetooth module on a pressing machine, such as the one described above, can be used to connect the fitting. Figure 1 The Bluetooth module 13 described above can be used to read the identifier stored on the Bluetooth module 31 of the fitting 31 in order to identify the fitting 30.

[0035] At the in Figure 4The fitting 30 shown has a barcode 32 on it. The barcode 32 identifies the fitting 30, at least in terms of its type. This barcode 32 can be scanned, for example, using a camera or an optical scanner, such as the one described above. Figure 2 The optical camera 22 described above can be used to detect the fitting 30.

[0036] The person skilled in the art understands that individual elements of the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined or exchanged.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the press jaws 21 can, for example, be designed for steel fittings. If a fitting is identified as a copper fitting by the sensor system, an alarm or error message can be issued. Alternatively or additionally, the pressing force can be adjusted accordingly to optimally press the copper fitting using the press jaws designed for steel fittings. Those skilled in the art understand that this principle is not limited to steel and copper fittings.

[0038] In a further preferred embodiment, the pressing machine can also issue an alarm or error message if an actual pressing curve deviates from an expected pressing curve. The actual pressing curve can result from the pressure in the working cylinder over the stroke of the working piston, while the expected pressing curve can result from the combination of pressing jaws and the fitting expected with respect to the pressing jaws used, and can be stored in the device. From such a deviation, the actual fitting can be determined, and the pressing force adjusted accordingly. For example, when using a 16 mm pressing jaw arrangement, a 15 mm fitting might be pressed, and this can be detected by comparing the pressing curves. Reference symbol list:

[0039] 10 Pressing machine 11 Handpiece 12 Sensor system with Bluetooth module 13 Operating lever of the pressing machine 20 Press jaw assembly 21 Press jaws 22 Sensor system with optical camera 30 Fitting 31 Bluetooth module on the fitting 32 Barcode on the fitting

Claims

1. Pressing machine (10) for plastically deforming a tubular workpiece (30), in particular a fitting, the pressing machine comprising: press jaws (21); a motor arranged to drive the press jaws (21) in order to apply a force to the workpiece (30); a sensor system (12, 22) arranged to identify the workpiece (30), wherein the sensor system (12, 22) is arranged at least partially on a housing of the pressing machine (10) between the press jaws (21); and a controller configured to control the motor based on the sensor data, wherein the viewing direction of the sensor system (12, 22) is aligned along the press jaws (21), characterized in that the press jaws (21) at least partially cover the sensor system when the press jaws (21) are closed, and wherein the press jaws (21) expose the sensor system (12, 22) when the press jaws (21) are moved apart to grip the workpiece (30).

2. Pressing machine (10) according to claim 1, comprising a storage medium with a database containing control parameters for a plurality of workpieces (30) for controlling the pressing machine (10) for each of the plurality of workpieces (30).

3. Pressing machine (10) according to claim 2, wherein the control parameters comprise pressing parameters, which in particular comprise a maximum pressing force, a pressing speed, a pressing stroke, and / or a pressing duration, and / or wherein the control parameters comprise motor parameters, which in particular comprise a motor speed, a motor power, and / or an oil pressure.

4. Pressing machine (10) according to one of claims 1-3, wherein the sensor system (12, 22) is designed to identify the workpiece (30) over a distance of 0 m to 5 m, preferably between 0.001 m and 4 m, more preferably between 0.002 m and 3 m, more preferably between 0.005 m and 2 m, more preferably between 0.01 and 1 m, more preferably between 0.05 and 0.5 m.

5. Pressing machine (10) according to one of claims 1-4, wherein the sensor system (12, 22) comprises a camera, an optical scanner, an RFID reader, an NFC reader, and / or a Bluetooth module.

6. Pressing machine (10) according to one of claims 1-5, wherein the sensor system (12, 22) is set up to recognize a barcode on the workpiece (30), a QR code on the workpiece (30), an identifier in an RFID transponder on the workpiece (30), an identifier in an NFC transponder on the workpiece (30), and / or an identifier in a Bluetooth module on the workpiece (30).

7. Pressing machine (10) according to one of claims 1-6, wherein the sensor system (12, 22) is designed for feature recognition of characteristic features of the workpiece (30), in particular characteristic geometric features of the workpiece (30).

8. Pressing machine (10) according to one of claims 1-7, wherein the sensor system (12, 22) is at least partially covered and / or protected and / or blocked by an element of the pressing machine (10) in a first configuration of the pressing machine (10), and in a second configuration of the pressing machine (10), the element at least partially exposes the sensor system (12, 22).

9. Pressing machine (10) according to one of claims 1-8, wherein the sensor system (12, 22) is arranged to perform the identification of the workpiece (30) when the press jaws (21) are moved apart.

10. Pressing machine (10) according to one of claims 1-9, wherein the pressing jaws (21) are free of the sensor system (12, 22), or wherein the sensor system (12, 22) is at least partially arranged on the pressing jaws (21), in particular in a recess of the pressing jaws (21).

11. Pressing machine (10) according to one of claims 1-10, further comprising a log memory designed to store the sensor data and control data.

12. Method for operating a pressing machine (10) according to one of claims 1-11 for plastically deforming a tubular workpiece (30), the method comprising: identifying the workpiece (30) by means of the sensor system (12, 22); gripping the workpiece (30) by means of the press jaws (21); and generating a force by means of the press jaws (21) onto the surface of the gripped workpiece (30) based on the identification of the workpiece (21).