RADIALPRESSE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a radial press with at least six base jaws arranged evenly and concentrically around a press axis, which base jaws can be moved radially towards the press axis and away from it by means of a drive unit, wherein the base jaws each have a contact surface radially on the inside and mechanical holding means for press jaws that can be exchangeably attached to them.

[0002] In particular, the present invention, as stated in the preamble of claim 1, relates to a radial press of the type specified above, in which a cutting tool comprising a plurality of cutting attachments each attached to a base jaw is received in the tool installation space delimited on the outside by the base jaws, wherein the cutting attachments each comprise a base structure and at least one of them further comprises a cutting structure, wherein the base structure further comprises a support surface lying against the contact surface of the associated base jaw and at least one engagement element cooperating with the mechanical holding means of the associated base jaw, and wherein, in addition, the at least one cutting structure projects from the associated base structure in the direction of the press axis and, facing away from the support surface of the associated base structure, has a cutting edge.

[0003] Radial presses, which are suitable for radial pressing of various types (e.g. the permanent attachment of connection fittings to the end of a hose piece for the production of a hydraulic hose line), are known in various concepts (e.g. hollow piston press, pressure plate press and yoke press) and various designs. Reference should be made, for example, to DE 20 2016 100 660 U1, DE 20 2016 008 097 U1, DE 10 2016 106 650 A1, DE 10 2014 014 585 B3, DE 10 2014 012 485 B3, DE 10 2014 008 613 A1, DE 10 2011 015 770 A1, DE 10 2011 015 654 A1, DE 10 2009 057 726 A1, DE 10 2005 041 487 A1, DE 10 2005 034 260 B3, DE 601 21 915 T2, DE 298 24 688 U1, DE 199 44 141 C1, DE 199 40 744 B4, DE 101 49 924 A1, DE 41 35 465 A1 and DE 35 13 129 A1.Regardless of their respective design and other technical features, all known radial presses have in common that a plurality of base jaws, approximately wedge-shaped in cross-section and evenly distributed around the press axis – eight base jaws are most commonly used – are moved radially in the direction of the press axis by means of a (typically hydraulic) drive. Press jaws can be attached radially inward to the base jaws, which have a pressing surface adapted to the geometry (particularly the diameter) of the workpiece to be pressed.

[0004] Radial presses of the type in question here involve considerable investment. This is especially true for modern, high-precision, high-performance presses. The associated costs can represent a significant financial burden, particularly for workshops and similar, smaller facilities in which the radial presses in question are used.

[0005] EP 3 178 579 B1 discloses a radial press with the features of the preamble of claim 1. Compared to conventional radial presses (see above), an increase in cost-effectiveness is possible insofar as, according to EP 3 178 579 B1, a radial press of the type in question can also be used to perform tasks related to the cutting and severing of workpieces when equipped—somewhat inconsistently—with a specific cutting tool adapted to the technical characteristics of the radial press. Workshops and similar, relatively small facilities in which radial presses are used can thus benefit from very significant efficiency-enhancing effects.The utilization of the radial press can be significantly increased; in typical workshops, various demanding cutting tasks arise that can be performed with a radial press equipped for cutting work. The increased economic efficiency also benefits from the fact that, ideally, the purchase of a specific, dedicated cutting or slitting machine (or even several such machines) can be avoided. This also eliminates the space requirements that would otherwise be required; and without a specific, dedicated cutting or slitting machine, the associated maintenance and service costs are also eliminated.

[0006] Compared to the prior art as described in EP 3 178 579 B1, the present invention is based on the object of increasing the economic efficiency even further, in particular by improving the service life of the radial press in question.

[0007] This object is achieved, as stated in claim 1, in that, in a generic radial press, the cutting tool has linear guide elements which guide two diametrically opposed base structures towards each other with relative mobility perpendicular to the press axis. By means of the linear guide elements implemented in the cutting tool itself, reaction forces or force components (transverse forces) occurring during cutting and acting between the two cutting edges in a direction oriented transverse to the cutting direction are returned within the cutting tool itself. Such a direct, closed internal force flow within the cutting tool prevents transverse forces acting on the base jaws of the radial press. This, in turn, is an effect of considerable importance for the service life of the radial press.The linear guide elements extending between the two base structures and coupling them together in a linear manner can also, if necessary, guide the workpiece or - after it has been severed - the two workpiece parts.

[0008] Within the scope of the present invention, there is significant design freedom with regard to the implementation of the cutting tool, i.e., in particular, the cutting attachments attached to the base jaws of the radial press. As the following explanations demonstrate, their structural and design can be optimized for the respective cutting task, taking into account the functional and structural characteristics of the respective radial press concept. The fact that the radial press, even in its basic version, is designed to be equipped with different pressing jaws, so to speak, "out of the box," facilitates the flexible adaptation of the radial press to the respective cutting task with the least possible effort.

[0009] In a first preferred embodiment of the invention, a cutting attachment, facing the press axis and opposite the cutting structure of another cutting attachment, has a counterholder structure with a workpiece support surface. In a structurally particularly simple implementation of this development, the cutting tool inserted into the tool installation space accordingly comprises precisely two cutting attachments, which are mounted on two diametrically opposed base jaws. One of the two cutting attachments has a cutting structure, and the other, opposite it, has a counterholder structure. During operation of this radial press, the cutting edge of the cutting structure severs the workpiece supported on the workpiece support surface of the counterholder structure, wherein the workpiece support surface of the counterholder structure is typically adapted in terms of its geometry to the geometry of the cutting edge and possibly also to the workpiece.The counterholder structure can protrude from the associated base structure in the direction of the pressing axis. In extreme cases, however, the counterholder structure can be part of the base structure itself, with the workpiece support surface being formed by the surface of the base structure of the respective cutting attachment facing the pressing axis.

[0010] Another preferred development of the invention is characterized in that at least two cutting attachments - each projecting from the associated base structure in the direction of the press axis - have cutting structures whose cutting edges interact with each other in a cutting manner. Shearing is particularly considered as such a cutting interaction that causes the respective workpiece to be severed. For this purpose, in a corresponding particularly preferred embodiment of this development, the cutting edges of two cutting attachments are arranged parallel to each other - in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of the cutting attachments; if the cutting edges were oriented perpendicular to the press axis, they would thus be parallel to each other in the direction of the press axis. During the closing movement of the radial press, a shearing effect is exerted on the workpiece as a result of the said parallel offset of the cutting edges.

[0011] However, for various cutting tasks to be performed with the radial press prepared according to the invention, pinching is preferred as the cutting interaction by which the respective workpiece is severed, rather than shearing. For this purpose, in a particularly preferred alternative embodiment, the cutting structures have corresponding cutting edges, which are aligned relative to one another in the direction of movement of the cutting attachments. i.e. in the plane of movement. The cutting edges of the cutting structures of two cutting attachments correspond to each other in this sense if they meet (ideally) along a contact line at the end of the radial movement of the base jaws oriented towards the pressing axis or if they are spaced apart along their extension with a minimum distance (e.g. B.0.2 mm).

[0012] In this preferred implementation of the cutting attachments with cutting edges designed to correspond to one another, such that they ideally meet in a linear fashion when the cutting tool is fully closed, the relevant idealized contact line can be straight—through the straight design of the two cutting edges. However, this is by no means mandatory. Depending on the intended application, as explained in more detail below, cutting edge geometries that deviate from a straight line in one or two dimensions can also be considered—which also applies to the two offset cutting edges of a corresponding cutting tool (see above) that cause shearing of the workpiece in order to create a non-planar cut.By designing the cutting edges of the cutting attachments in such a way that they correspond to one another and are positioned opposite one another in the relative direction of movement of the cutting attachments, it is possible to avoid asymmetrical reaction forces acting on the base jaws supporting the cutting attachments, i.e., particularly those offset in the direction of the press axis, in contrast to the case with offset cutting edges that cause shearing of the workpiece. This can be of considerable practical importance because various typical radial presses of conventional design react to such asymmetrical load profiles with increased wear and thus a reduced service life. This would be counterproductive with regard to the present task, which is aimed at increased cost-effectiveness.

[0013] Another major practical advantage of this design is that not only two cutting structures can be used to cut the workpiece, as with shearing, but also three cutting structures—for example, in a radial press with six base jaws—or four—for example, in a radial press with eight base jaws. The cutting edges can preferably each be angled with a pronounced tip, for example, with three cutting structures at an angle of 120° or with four cutting structures at an angle of 90°.These designs, which are characterized by the existence of more than two cutting structures, not only have the positive effect of preventing the workpiece from deflecting during cutting and facilitating the penetration of the cutting edges - which form a point - into the workpiece; the more uniform force introduction and the more favorable force flow in the radial press are also advantageous, especially in radial presses with hollow piston or pressure plate designs.

[0014] To avoid any misconceptions, it should be pointed out again that the cutting edges explained above, which are opposite one another in a cutting plane, do not necessarily have to touch one another at the end of the cutting movement, and certainly not along their entire length. Rather, for various cutting tasks, i.e. for cutting through different workpieces, designs in which the cutting edges maintain a distance from one another or define a free space between them - possibly over part of their length - which is designed to be suitable for the respective workpiece (e.g. round, oval or polygonal) are also advantageous. Furthermore, it should be pointed out that the base jaws equipped with the cutting attachments do not necessarily have to be moved synchronously; although this is appropriate in most applications of the invention, it can also be advantageous with a suitable design of the drive unit (e.g.by means of individually controlled individual drives) in individual cases, a radial movement of the base jaws that is offset in time (possibly overlapping) in a predefined sequence can also be considered.

[0015] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the contact surfaces of the base jaws and the support surfaces of the base structures of the cutting attachments are cylindrically curved in a corresponding manner. This can promote self-adjusting or self-locking mounting of the cutting attachments on the associated base jaws in the sense that lateral forces generated during the cutting process are better dissipated into the base jaws, which can contribute to relieving the holding means-engagement element pairs used to secure the position of the cutting attachments. Furthermore, this design contributes to a favorable force flow while reducing harmful stress peaks. Particularly preferably, the base structures of the cutting attachments project beyond the associated base jaws in the circumferential direction. Such projections form (at least partial) covers for the gaps existing between the respective base jaw and the two adjacent base jaws.This reduces the risk of workpiece splinters or other fragments created during the cutting process getting into the relevant gaps.

[0016] The effect outlined above is particularly evident when, according to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the two cutting attachments are attached to base jaws arranged vertically one above the other. Such an arrangement of the cutting attachments also benefits handling when using the radial press prepared according to the invention; because the workpiece to be cut can, if necessary, be placed on the cutting edge of the lower cutting attachment, which relieves the operator and allows for particularly precise cutting.

[0017] In connection with the above-described arrangement of the cutting attachments vertically one above the other, but also because of the inherent statics of the machine concept in question and the characteristic flow of force inherent in this, the present invention is particularly preferably implemented in radial presses designed as so-called yoke presses, i.e. in radial presses which have a lower yoke and an upper yoke, the vertical distance between which can be changed by means of at least one drive element (e.g. designed as a hydraulic cylinder). Here, particularly high cutting forces can be achieved by implementing the present invention. This applies in particular when the cutting attachments are placed on the two base jaws which are arranged stationary relative to the lower yoke and the upper yoke, respectively.

[0018] According to yet another preferred development of the invention, the cutting tool comprises two wall elements extending substantially parallel to the pressing axis, which laterally delimit the (intermediate) space between the two base structures when the cutting tool is closed. Thus, the area in which the workpiece to be cut is severed is laterally closed off - at least over a partial area of the cutting movement of the two cutting attachments relative to each other. This also contributes (see above) to reducing the risk of workpiece splinters or other fragments created during the cutting process getting into the gaps between the respective base jaw and the two adjacent base jaws. In a vertical cutting direction, said wall elements are particularly preferably attached to the base structure of the lower cutting attachment or form part of it.

[0019] Regardless of their detailed geometry (straight-line or one- or two-dimensionally deviating from this; see above), the two cutting edges are particularly preferably oriented at least substantially transversely to the press axis for various typical applications of the present invention. This avoids as far as possible loads that could lead to asymmetrical stress profiles, which could potentially be detrimental to the service life of the radial press. In addition, this design of the cutting tool allows workpieces inserted into the tool with an orientation parallel to the press axis (e.g. hoses, rods, pipes, bars, chain links, etc.) to be severed with the smallest possible cutting surface and thus with optimized force. For optimal results in other applications (e.g. blasting pipes, sleeves, nuts, etc.), it is advantageous if the two cutting edges - again regardless of their detailed geometry (straight-line or one- or two-dimensionally deviating from this) -two-dimensionally deviating from this; see above) - are oriented at least substantially parallel to the pressing axis. For other applications, cutting edges oriented obliquely to the pressing axis prove advantageous. Against this background, a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the cutting structures are attached to the associated base structure in such a way that the orientation of the respective cutting edge is adjustable.

[0020] For handling the radial press prepared according to the invention, namely for performing cutting tasks with good reproducibility, it is particularly advantageous if the cutting tool, according to yet another embodiment of the invention, has at least one workpiece holder provided in the region of an end face of a base structure. Such a workpiece holder can, in particular, be attached to the associated base structure in an interchangeable manner, which allows the cutting tool to be specifically adapted to a wide variety of cutting tasks or workpieces with little effort - which promotes reproducibility. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the workpiece holder (which can be attached to the associated base structure in an interchangeable manner) is designed as a mandrel; this proves to be very advantageous, for example, when cutting chains, when a link of the chain to be cut is hooked onto the mandrel.If the mandrel is positioned far enough from the two cutting edges that the chain link to be severed is not hooked into the chain itself, but rather a link at a distance from it, the mandrel helps to hold the section of the severed chain in place after the cut and prevent it from falling off. This is also advantageous from an occupational safety perspective.

[0021] A largely comparable positive result can be achieved - according to an alternative preferred embodiment - if the workpiece holder (which may be replaceably attached to the associated base structure) is designed as a sheet metal having a recess, wherein the recess is dimensioned such that the chain link adjacent to the chain link to be severed is inserted into it.

[0022] According to yet another very advantageous development of the invention, centering and / or holding attachments are attached to at least two further base jaws of the radial press, with workpiece holders that are axially offset from the cutting structures of the cutting tool. The centering and / or holding attachments are particularly preferably flexible in such a way that workpiece contact surfaces of the workpiece holders can reduce their distance from the associated base jaws against preload. When the radial press is closed, i.e. when the base jaws move (preferably synchronously) radially in the direction of the press axis, the workpiece holders of the centering and / or holding attachments come into contact with the workpiece to be severed before or shortly after the cutting edges of the cutting tool have come into contact with the workpiece; in this way, they hold the workpiece in position during (further) cutting and prevent it from moving away or slipping.Slippage, which contributes to a clean cut. Another very beneficial effect of the centering and / or holding attachments can be that they hold the relevant section(s) of the workpiece to be cut or the cut section even after cutting, preventing them from falling and / or being catapulted out of the cutting tool. This, in turn, is very beneficial from an occupational safety perspective.

[0023] In the following, various preferred embodiments of the present invention are explained in more detail with reference to the drawing. Fig. 1 in front / operator side perspective the relevant area of a radial press prepared according to a first embodiment of the invention, Fig. 2 in an enlarged view the cutting tool of the radial press accommodated in the tool installation space and comprising two cutting attachments according to Fig. 1in open position, Fig. 3 the cutting tool of the radial press accommodated in the tool installation space according to the Figures 1 and 2 in closed position, Fig. 3a a modification of the cutting tool according to the first embodiment, Fig. 4 in perspective view the cutting tool to be accommodated in the tool installation space of the radial press according to a second embodiment of the invention, comprising four cutting attachments in closed position, Fig. 5 in perspective view one of the four cutting attachments of the cutting tool according to Fig. 4 , Fig. 6 an axial section through the cutting tool according to Fig. 4 , Fig. 7 in perspective view the cutting tool to be accommodated in the tool installation space of the radial press according to a third embodiment of the invention, comprising two cutting attachments and two centering and holding attachments in the closed position, Fig. 8 the cutting tool according to Fig. 7in half section, Fig. 9 in perspective view the cutting tool to be accommodated in the tool installation space of the radial press according to a fourth embodiment of the invention in the closed position Fig. 10 an axial section through the cutting tool according to Fig. 9 , Fig. 11a to the axial section according to Fig. 10 parallel offset vertical cut through the cutting tool according to the Figures 9 and 10, Fig. 12 in perspective view the cutting tool to be accommodated in the tool installation space of the radial press according to a fifth embodiment of the invention in the closed position, Fig. 13 in perspective view the cutting tool to be accommodated in the tool installation space of the radial press according to a sixth embodiment of the invention in the closed position and Fig. 14 in perspective view the cutting tool to be accommodated in the tool installation space of the radial press according to a seventh embodiment of the invention in the partially closed position.

[0024] The radial press underlying the various embodiments of the invention shown in the drawings, which is conceptually designed in the manner of a yoke press, corresponds to the relevant prior art as is familiar to the relevant person skilled in the art. The invention is specifically illustrated using the HM 325 radial press from Uniflex-Hydraulik GmbH, 61184 Karben (Germany).

[0025] The radial press in question comprises a base 1, a stationary lower yoke 2, and an upper yoke 3, which is vertically movable up and down relative to the lower yoke 2. For this purpose, the upper yoke 3 is slidably guided in two guides 4 projecting from the base 1. Also visible are the upper end sections 5 of two hydraulic drive cylinders 6, which, in a known manner, are part of the drive unit causing the relative movement of the upper yoke 3 and the lower yoke 2 with respect to one another. Also visible is the operating unit 7, which, among other things, serves to set up the radial press by calling up a press program running in the machine control system and its specific adaptation.

[0026] The radial press has, in a known manner, eight base jaws 8 arranged evenly and concentrically around a pressing axis X, which, as a result of the relative movement of the upper yoke 3 and lower yoke 2, can be moved synchronously with one another - when the upper yoke 3 is lowered - radially in the direction of the pressing axis X and - when the upper yoke 3 is raised - radially away from the pressing axis X. The base jaws 8 each have a cylindrically curved contact surface 9 radially on the inside for interchangeable pressing jaws that can be attached to them. Furthermore, the base jaws 8 comprise - in their interior - mechanical holding means in the form of a spring-loaded holding pin which, when a pressing jaw is placed on the respective base jaw 8, engages in a corresponding recess of a holding pin provided radially on the outside of the respective pressing jaw and inserted into the bore 10 of the base jaw 9.Since the radial press used in the exemplary embodiments corresponds to the well-known prior art to which reference is made, further explanations are unnecessary.

[0027] According to the figures illustrating a first embodiment of the invention Figures 1 to 3 The radial press is equipped with a cutting tool 11. This is housed in the tool installation space delimited on the outside by the base jaws 8. It comprises two cutting attachments 12 attached to opposing base jaws 8, namely a first cutting attachment 12.1 attached to the lower base jaw 8.1 ("6 o'clock base jaw"), which is fixed in position relative to the lower yoke 2, and a second cutting attachment 12.2 attached to the upper base jaw 8.2 ("12 o'clock base jaw"), which is fixed in position relative to the upper yoke 3.

[0028] Each of the two cutting attachments 12.1, 12.2 comprises a base structure 13 and a cutting structure 14. The base structure 13 has a support surface 15 which is cylindrically curved and bears against the contact surface 9 of the associated base jaw 8 and corresponds thereto (cf. Fig. 4 ); it further comprises - analogous to the pressing jaws intended for use in the radial press - an engagement element which interacts with the mechanical holding means of the associated base jaw 8 and is in the form of a holding pin 16 entering the bore 10 of the associated base jaw 8 (cf. Fig. 4 ). The base structures 13 of the cutting attachments 12 project in the circumferential direction beyond the respective associated base jaw 8 (cf. Figures 2 and 3); when the radial press is closed (and the cutting tool 11 is closed), they thus cover the gap 17 existing between the respective base jaw 8 carrying the cutting attachment 12 and the two adjacent base jaws (cf. Fig. 3 ).

[0029] The cutting structure 14 protrudes in the direction of the press axis X from the base structure 13 of the respective cutting attachment 12. It is prismatic in design with a base region 14A (with wall sections 18A oriented parallel to one another) and a cutting area 14B (with wall sections 18B intersecting one another at an acute angle). The cutting edge 19 of the latter wall sections 18B defines a cutting edge 20. The cutting edges 20 of the two cutting attachments 12 are opposite one another in the relative movement direction B of the cutting attachments 12, i.e. in the movement plane of the cutting structures 14. They correspond to one another in that, when the radial press is closed ( Fig. 3 ) are in contact with each other (ideally) along a contact line. Due to the corresponding alignment of the cutting structures 14, the cutting edges 20 are (also) oriented transversely to the pressing axis X.

[0030] The cutting structures 14 are made of hardened steel. They are attached to the respective base structure 13 via standard dowel pin connections. This allows for reworking of the cutting structures 14 removed from the base structures 13 or their replacement in the event of wear or tear. Furthermore, with a suitable design of the base structures 13, this allows for the adjustable attachment of the cutting structures 14 to them in different angular arrangements, e.g., at angles of 30°, 45°, and / or 60° to the press axis X or parallel to it.

[0031] In the embodiment according to the Figures 1 to 3the cutting tool 11 further comprises linear guide elements 21 which guide the two base structures 13 towards each other with relative mobility perpendicular to the press axis X, i.e. in the direction of movement B. The linear guide elements 21 are designed in the form of four guide bolts 22 which are firmly connected to the base structure 13 of the lower, first cutting attachment 12.1 and, when the radial press is closed, are inserted into associated guide bores 23 provided on the base structure 13 of the upper, second cutting attachment 12.2 (cf. Fig. 11 ) enter.

[0032] At the Fig. 3aIn the illustrated modification of the cutting tool 11 according to the first embodiment, the cutting tool 11 additionally comprises two wall elements 24 extending substantially parallel to the pressing axis X and laterally attached to the base structure 13 of the lower, first cutting attachment 12.1, which laterally delimit the space between the two base structures 13 when the cutting tool 11 is closed. Furthermore, the cutting tool 11 according to Fig. 3a a workpiece holder 26 provided in the area of the front side 25 facing the operator and replaceable on the base structure 13 of the first cutting attachment 12.1 - in the form of a recess 27 for the workpiece W (cf. Fig. 1 ) sheet 28 - on.

[0033] After the Figures 4 to 6 - only in the scope of the cutting tool 11 - illustrated second embodiment, the cutting tool 11 with which the radial press according to the first embodiment can be used instead of the cutting tool 11 shown in the Figures 1 to 3 The cutting tool shown in FIG. 1 has not two, but rather four cutting attachments 12. The base structures 13 essentially correspond to those of the first embodiment. The cutting structures 14', in contrast, are designed fundamentally differently. They are each designed with an angled cutting edge 20', with the two sections of each cutting edge 20' converging at a 90° angle in a tip 29. Fig. 6 also shows that the cutting angle - at approximately 45° - is substantially smaller than the cutting angle of the cutting tool 11 according to the first embodiment.

[0034] When using this cutting tool 11, the four cutting attachments 12 can be attached to the base jaws 8 in the 12 o'clock, 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions, but also an attachment rotated by 45° with respect to the pressing axis X.

[0035] The Figures 7 and 8The third embodiment illustrated - again only in the scope of the cutting tool 11 - is explained, as far as the two cutting attachments 12 are concerned, from the explanations of the Figures 1 to 3shown first embodiment of the invention. Compared to this, the third embodiment is distinguished by the two additional centering and holding attachments 30, which - rotated by 90° with respect to the press axis X - are arranged between the two cutting attachments 12. Each centering and holding attachment 30 comprises a base structure 31 and a centering and holding structure 32. For the base structure 31 - particularly with regard to the attachment to a base jaw 8 of the radial press to be equipped with the cutting tool 11 - the above explanations concerning the base structure 13 of the cutting attachments 12 apply accordingly. The respective centering and holding structure 32 comprises two workpiece holders 33 in the form of holding jaws 34 with a recess 35 (workpiece contact surface 36) adapted to the geometry of the workpiece W to be severed.The holding jaws 34 are axially offset from the cutting structures 14 of the two cutting attachments 12 such that the cutting structures 14 are arranged between the holding jaws 34. The holding jaws 34 are resiliently mounted on the associated base structure 31 such that workpiece contact surfaces 36 of the workpiece holders 33 can reduce their distance from the associated base jaws 8 against preload. Combinations of guide pins 37 and preload springs 38 are used for this purpose. This enables the four workpiece holders 33 to close around the workpiece W to be severed at an early stage, ideally already at or shortly after the start of the cutting process.

[0036] The Figures 9 to 11 The fourth embodiment illustrated - again only in the scope of the cutting tool 11 - is explained, as far as the two cutting attachments 12 are concerned, from the explanations of the Figures 1 to 3The fourth embodiment is distinguished from the first embodiment of the invention shown. Compared to this, the fourth embodiment is characterized in that the two corresponding cutting edges 20 do not extend in a straight line, but rather along a circular arc. They are also limited to a portion of the width of the cutting structures 14, namely their central region.

[0037] Also in Fig. 12 The fifth embodiment illustrated - again only in the scope of the cutting tool 11 - is essentially explained by the explanations of the Figures 1 to 3shown first embodiment of the invention. Compared to this, the fifth embodiment is distinguished in that the two cutting edges 20 correspond to one another only in certain regions, namely in two outer sections, in the sense that, when the cutting tool 11 is closed, they (ideally) abut one another in a linear manner. In a central section, in contrast, the cutting edges 20 do not correspond to one another, but rather define a cutting opening 39 (illustrated here as an example with a round contour). Obviously, the geometry of the cutting opening 39 can be adapted to the geometry of the workpiece W to be severed.

[0038] Unlike the cutting tools according to the five embodiments explained above, those according to the Figures 13 and 14 not designed for cutting a workpiece by pinching, but rather for cutting a workpiece by shearing.

[0039] In the Fig. 13 In the sixth exemplary embodiment of the invention, again illustrated only in the scope of the cutting tool, the cutting tool 11 consists of two cutting attachments 12 and four linear guide elements 21. Each of the two cutting attachments 12 in turn comprises a base structure 13 and a cutting structure 14 protruding from this in the direction of the pressing axis. The above explanations apply without restriction to the respective base structure 13 and the four linear guide elements 21, to which reference is made to avoid repetition. The two cutting structures 14, on the other hand, are designed here as shear blocks 40 offset from one another in the direction of the pressing axis X. Each of the shear blocks 40 defines a cutting edge 20 in the form of a shear edge 41. These are straight in the sixth exemplary embodiment.

[0040] In the Fig. 14In the seventh exemplary embodiment of the invention illustrated, the shearing edges 41 of the shearing blocks 40, which form the cutting edges 20, are not rectilinear. Rather, they extend at multiple angles in a shearing plane perpendicular to the pressing axis X, in such a way that two outer sections 41.1 lie on a straight line orthogonal to the direction of movement B, while the two inner sections 41.2 lying between them are oriented in a V-shape relative to one another. The V-shaped arrangement of the inner shearing edge sections 41.2 is accompanied by a workpiece receiving groove 42, having a V-shaped cross-section, on that surface of the respective shearing block 40 which faces the base structure 13 of the respective other cutting attachment 12.

[0041] It is evident in Fig. 14Furthermore, within the scope of the present invention, the base structure 13 and the cutting structure 14 can also be two functional areas of a single component, i.e., the cutting attachment 12 in question can be constructed in one piece. This also applies, as expressly stated for the avoidance of misconceptions, to the other embodiments of the invention explained above.

Claims

1. Radial press with at least six base jaws (8), which are disposed uniformly and concentrically around a press axis (X), and which can be moved by means of a drive unit radially toward the press axis (X) and away from it, wherein the base jaws (8) are respectively provided on the radial inside with a contact face (9) as well as with mechanical retaining means for press jaws that can be mounted exchangeably on them, wherein there is received in the tool mounting space bounded on the outside by the base jaws (8) a cutting tool (11) with the following features: - the cutting tool (11) comprises a plurality of cutting attachments (12) mounted respectively on a base jaw (8); - the cutting attachments (12) respectively comprise a base structure (13) and at least one of them further comprises a cutting structure (14); - the base structure (13) respectively has a bracing face (15) bearing on the contact face (9) of the associated base jaw (8) as well as at least one engaging element cooperating with the mechanical retaining means of the associated base jaw (8); - the at least one cutting structure (14) protrudes toward the press axis (X) from the associated base structure (13) and has, facing away from the bracing face (15) of the associated base structure (13), a cutting edge (20); characterized in that the cutting tool (11) has linear guide elements (21), which guide two base structures (13) disposed diametrically opposite one another relative to one another with relative movability (B) perpendicular to the press axis (X).

2. Radial press of claim 1, characterized in that a cutting attachment (12) is provided, facing the press axis (X) and disposed opposite the cutting edge (20) of the cutting structure (14) of another cutting attachment (12), with a backing structure having a workpiece support face.

3. Radial press of claim 1, characterized in that at least two cutting attachments (12) have cutting structures (14) with cutting edges (20) that interact with one another in cutting relationship.

4. Radial press of claim 3, characterized in that, for a shearing action on the workpiece (W), the cutting edges (20) are disposed relative to one another, in a direction transverse to the direction of movement (B) of the cutting attachments (12) relative to one another, in parallel offset relationship.

5. Radial press of claim 3, characterized in that the cutting structures (14) have cutting edges (20) that correspond to one another and are disposed opposite one another in relative direction of movement (B) of the cutting attachments (12) relative to one another.

6. Radial press of one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises two cutting attachments (12) mounted on base jaws (8) disposed opposite one another, preferably vertically one above the other.

7. Radial press of claim 6, characterized in that it is constructed as a yoke press with a lower yoke (2) and an upper yoke (3), wherein the spacing of the yokes (2; 3) relative to one another can be varied by means of the drive unit.

8. Radial press of one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that every second base jaw (8) is equipped with a cutting attachment (12).

9. Radial press of one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the contact faces (9) of the base jaws (8) as well as the bracing faces (15) of the base structures (13) of the cutting attachments (12) are cylindrically curved in a manner corresponding to one another.

10. Radial press of one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the base structures (13) of the cutting attachments (12) project in circumferential direction over the associated base jaws (8).

11. Radial press of one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the at least one cutting edge (20) is oriented transverse to the press axis (X).

12. Radial press of one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the at least one cutting edge (20) is oriented obliquely or parallel to the press axis (X).

13. Radial press of one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the at least one cutting structure (14) is mounted, with respect to the orientation of its cutting edge (20), adjustably on the associated base structure (13).

14. Radial press of one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the cutting tool (11) comprises two cutting attachments (12) disposed diametrically opposite one another and two wall elements (24) that extend substantially parallel to the press axis (X) and, when the cutting tool (11) is closed, laterally bound the space between the two base structures (13).