DEVICE FOR BENDING A PROFILE IN TWO BENDING DIRECTIONS

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for bending a profile, in two bending directions.

[0002] This invention relates to the field of manufacturing tools configured for bending profiles, more particularly to the field of manufacturing automated machines for bending tubes.

[0003] We already know of devices for bending a profile, in two bending directions.

[0004] Such a bending device comprises, on the one hand, a base which rests on the ground, on the other hand, at least one means for clamping the profile, on the other hand, means for mounting in rotation around an axis of rotation of such a clamping means as well as means for driving in rotation around this axis of rotation of such a clamping means, in order to carry out the bending of the profile.

[0005] Such a bending device also includes, on the one hand, a lateral support system to bear laterally against said profile during the bending of the profile and, on the other hand, a positioning system which is configured to position said lateral support system in at least two positions which are symmetrical with respect to said axis of rotation of said at least one clamping means.

[0006] Such a positioning system typically comprises first means for mounting the lateral support system in translation relative to the base along a first direction of translation, and second means for mounting the lateral support system in translation along a second direction of translation perpendicular to the first. This positioning system also includes means for driving the lateral support system in translation relative to the base along these two directions of translation. Such drive means are typically pneumatic.

[0007] The use of such pneumatic-type drive systems presents a number of disadvantages.

[0008] A primary drawback is that such pneumatic drive systems require a pneumatic installation (including a pneumatic power unit and multiple hoses to carry the air), at least part of which is housed within the base. This pneumatic installation is bulky, which in turn makes the base itself bulky and hinders the handling and / or bending of the profile. Consequently, the profile's movement relative to the base and its bending capabilities are limited, thus preventing the creation of certain shapes, particularly complex ones.

[0009] Another drawback is that pneumatic drive systems do not always allow for precise and accurate movement and positioning of the lateral support system relative to the profile, which can be detrimental to the quality of the profile bending.

[0010] Yet another disadvantage concerns the fact that such pneumatic drive means only allow movement of the lateral support system with a movement speed that is substantially lower than the bending speed, which therefore limits the bending rate.

[0011] Documents EP1591174A1 and US20100180653A1 disclose a device for bending a profile in two directions of bending. This bending device comprises a base and, on the one hand, at least one clamping means configured to clamp said profile, on the other hand, primary rotational mounting means configured to rotate said at least one clamping means about a first axis of rotation relative to the base, and, on the other hand, primary rotational drive means configured to rotate said at least one clamping means about this first axis of rotation relative to the base.This device also includes a lateral support system which is configured to bear laterally against the profile and a positioning system which is configured to position said lateral support system in at least two positions which are symmetrical with respect to said first axis of rotation, and which includes, on the one hand, means for mounting said lateral support system in translation relative to the base and, on the other hand, means for driving said at least one lateral support system in translation relative to the base.

[0012] The present invention aims to remedy the bending devices of the prior art.

[0013] The purpose of this invention is to enable an improvement in the movement possibilities of the profile relative to the base, as well as an increase in the amplitude of the movement of this profile relative to the base, in order to enable such a profile to have more complex shapes and / or to more easily give such a profile a determined shape.

[0014] Another objective of the present invention is to improve the accuracy of the positioning of the lateral support system, in order to improve the quality of the bending.

[0015] Another objective of the invention is to increase the speed of movement of the lateral support system, in order to improve the bending rate.

[0016] To this end, the invention relates to a device for bending a profile in two bending directions. This bending device comprises a base and, on the one hand, at least one clamping means configured to clamp said profile, on the other hand, primary rotational mounting means configured to mount said at least one clamping means in rotation around a first axis of rotation relative to the base and, on the other hand, primary rotational drive means configured to drive said at least one clamping means in rotation around this first axis of rotation relative to the base.This device also includes a lateral support system which is configured to bear laterally against the profile and a positioning system, which is configured to position said lateral support system in at least two positions which are symmetrical with respect to said first axis of rotation, and which includes, on the one hand, means for mounting said lateral support system in curvilinear translation relative to the base, including means for mounting said lateral support system in circular translation relative to the base and, on the other hand, means for driving said at least one lateral support system in curvilinear translation relative to the base.

[0017] This bending device is characterized by the fact that the circular translation mounting means comprise, on the one hand, a plate, on the other hand, secondary rotation mounting means which are configured to mount said plate in rotation around a second axis of rotation relative to the base and, on the other hand, tertiary rotation mounting means which are configured to mount the lateral support system in rotation around a third axis of rotation which is parallel to the second axis of rotation relative to said plate.

[0018] An additional characteristic relates to the fact that the circular translation mounting means include transformation means which are configured to transform a rotational movement around the second axis of rotation of said plate relative to the base into a rotational movement around the third axis of rotation of said lateral support system relative to the plate.

[0019] The bending device also includes, on the one hand, means for mounting in axial translation which are configured to mount in translation along an axis of translation which is at least perpendicular to the first axis of rotation of said lateral support system with respect to the base and, on the other hand, means for driving in axial translation along this axis of translation of said lateral support system with respect to the base.

[0020] Thus, the bending device according to the invention includes a positioning system for said lateral support system which includes means for mounting in curvilinear translation as well as means for driving in curvilinear translation said lateral support system relative to the base.

[0021] These characteristics advantageously allow for a positioning system (by curvilinear translation) that is more compact than the prior art positioning system (by translation in two directions). These characteristics thus reduce the overall size of such a positioning system compared to the prior art system and, consequently, increase the range of motion of the profile. It is then possible to give such a profile more complex shapes and / or to more easily give it a specific shape.

[0022] This positioning system (using curvilinear translation) also allows for faster and smoother movement of the lateral support system (particularly less jerky) than with a state-of-the-art positioning system (using translation in two directions). This results in an increased bending rate and greater reliability of the bending device.

[0023] Furthermore, these characteristics advantageously allow for the use of electric curvilinear translation drives, which also reduces the base's footprint and thus further increases the profile's range of motion relative to the base, with the same effects and results described above. The use of electric curvilinear translation drives also improves the positioning accuracy of the lateral support system, thereby enhancing the bending quality. Finally, the use of such electric curvilinear translation drives further increases the lateral support system's movement speed.

[0024] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent during the following description relating to embodiments which are given only as indicative and non-limiting examples.

[0025] Understanding this description will be facilitated by referring to the attached drawings, in which: [ Fig 1 [ ] is a schematic view of the bending device according to the invention. Fig 2 ] is a schematic and cutaway view of the illustrated bending device Fig 1 . [ Fig 3] à [Fig 6 ] are schematic views of the bending device according to the invention, in different positions of the lateral support system relative to the base.

[0026] The present invention relates to the field of manufacturing tools configured for bending profiles, more particularly to the field of manufacturing automated machines for bending tubes.

[0027] The invention relates, more particularly, to a bending device 1, in two bending directions, of a profile.

[0028] Generally, such a profile extends along an axis of extension, adopts a polygonal or (preferably) circular cross-section, and can take the form of a hollow tube. Such a profile is usually made of a metallic material.

[0029] The said bending device 1 includes a base 2 which is intended to rest on the ground, or even to be fixed to the ground.

[0030] This bending device 1 also includes at least one clamping means 3 which is configured to clamp said profile.

[0031] According to a particular embodiment, the bending device 1 may include a plurality of clamping means 3.

[0032] Such a clamping means 3 adopts the form of a clamp and comprises, on the one hand, a first jaw which has a cradle which is configured to receive the profile and which has a shape which corresponds substantially to the shape of this profile, on the other hand, a second jaw which also has a cradle which is configured to receive the profile and which has a shape which corresponds substantially to the shape of this profile.

[0033] The bending device 1 also includes means for mounting the first jaw relative to the base 2 (or even relative to the second jaw) and / or the second jaw relative to the base 2 (or even relative to the first jaw) in a displacement 4 (more specifically, in translation along a translation axis Xt1), between a clamping position of the profile and a loosening position of the profile. This bending device 1 also includes means for driving this first jaw and / or this second jaw in a displacement 5 (more specifically, in translation along said translation axis), between the clamping and loosening positions. Such primary drive means in displacement 5 may include a motor, in particular an electric motor.

[0034] The bending device 1 also includes primary rotational mounting means 6 which are configured to mount in rotation around a first axis of rotation Xr1 said at least one clamping means 3 relative to the base 2, more particularly on said base 2.

[0035] In this regard, it will be observed that the said first axis of rotation Xr1 is at least parallel to (or even, and preferably, coincident with) the axis of translation Xt1 of the means of mounting in displacement 4 (more particularly in translation) mentioned above.

[0036] The bending device 1 also includes primary rotational drive means 7 which are configured to drive in rotation around this first axis of rotation Xr1 said at least clamping means 3 relative to the base 2, more particularly on said base 2. Such primary rotational drive means 7 may include a motor, in particular an electric one.

[0037] In this regard, it will be observed that the bending of said profile is then ensured by means of said at least one clamping means 3 (more particularly in the clamping position of this profile) as well as by the actuation of the primary drive means in rotation 7 of said at least one clamping means 3 relative to the base 2.

[0038] The bending device 1 also includes a lateral support system 8 which is configured to bear laterally against the profile.

[0039] Such a lateral support system 8 extends along a main direction D which is perpendicular to the extension axis along which the profile extends and / or which is perpendicular to the translation axis Xt1 of the moving mounting means 4 and / or which is perpendicular to the first rotation axis Xr1.

[0040] Such a lateral support system 8 comprises, on the one hand, a tool holder 80, in particular in the form of a carriage, on the other hand, at least one first lateral support means 81 which is configured to bear laterally against the profile, on the other hand, at least one second lateral support means 82 which is configured to bear laterally against the profile and, on the other hand, fixing means 83 of the first lateral support means 81 and of the second lateral support means 82, this on both sides of the tool holder 80, in particular symmetrically with respect to this tool holder 80 and such that the tool holder 80 is interposed between the two lateral support means (81; 82).

[0041] The bending device 1 also includes a positioning system 9 which is configured to position said lateral support system 8 in at least two positions ( figures 3 And 6 ) which are symmetrical with respect to said first axis of rotation Xr1.

[0042] Alternatively or (and preferably) additionally, this positioning system 9 is configured to position said lateral support system 8 at least on one of the two sides as well as on the other of the two sides of a plane, on the one hand, within which the first axis of rotation Xr1 extends and, on the other hand, which is at least parallel to the extension axis along which the profile extends and / or which is perpendicular to the main direction D along which the lateral support system 8 extends.

[0043] According to the invention, the positioning system 9 comprises, on the one hand, means for mounting in curvilinear translation 10 of said lateral support system 8 relative to the base 2 and, on the other hand, means for driving in curvilinear translation 11 of said at least one lateral support system 8 relative to the base 2.

[0044] In this regard, it will be observed that, in such a curvilinear translation, on the one hand, the lateral support system 8 remains oriented in the same direction (which is, preferably, the principal direction D in which this lateral support system 8 extends) and, on the other hand, at least one point of said lateral support system 8 (or even - and preferably - all the points of said lateral support system 8) presents a trajectory which is a curve.

[0045] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the curvilinear translation mounting means 10 of said lateral support system 8 relative to the base 2 comprise circular translation mounting means 12 of said lateral support system 8 relative to the base 2.

[0046] In this regard, it will be observed that, in such a circular translation, on the one hand, the lateral support system 8 remains oriented in the same direction (which is, preferably, the principal direction D in which this lateral support system 8 extends) and, on the other hand, at least one point of said lateral support system 8 (or even - and preferably - all the points of said lateral support system 8) presents a trajectory which is a circle.

[0047] In particular, in such a circular trajectory, at least one point (more particularly the center, especially of gravity) of said lateral support system 8 has a trajectory which is a circle whose center is crossed by the first axis of rotation Xr1.

[0048] According to another characteristic, the circular translation mounting means 12 comprise, on the one hand, a plate 13 which extends laterally with respect to the first axis of rotation Xr1 and in a direction perpendicular to this first axis of rotation Xr1.

[0049] On the other hand, these circular translation mounting means 12 include secondary rotation mounting means 14 which are configured to mount said plate 13 in rotation around a second axis of rotation Xr2 relative to the base 2, more particularly on said base 2. This second axis of rotation Xr2 is at least parallel to the first axis of rotation Xr1, or even (and preferably) coincident with this first axis of rotation Xr1.

[0050] Furthermore, these circular translation mounting means 12 include tertiary rotation mounting means 15 which are configured to mount in rotation around a third axis of rotation Xr3 (which is parallel to the second axis of rotation Xr2) the lateral support system 8 with respect to said plate 13, more particularly on said plate 13.

[0051] In these circular translation mounting means 12, the plate 13 extends along a plane while the second axis of rotation Xr2 and the third axis of rotation Xr3 are perpendicular to the plane along which this plate 13 extends.

[0052] Yet another characteristic concerns the fact that the circular translation mounting means 12 also include transformation means 16 which are configured to transform a rotational movement around the second axis of rotation Xr2 of said plate 13 relative to the base 2 into a rotational movement around the third axis of rotation Xr3 of said lateral support system 8 relative to the plate 13.

[0053] In this regard, it will be noted that the transformation means 16 comprise, on the one hand, a proximal gear 160, which is fixed relative to the base 2, and relative to which the plate 13 is mobile in rotation around the second axis of rotation Xr2. This proximal gear 160 has a center which is traversed by the second axis of rotation Xr2, or even (and preferably) by the first axis of rotation Xr1.

[0054] On the other hand, these transformation means 16 include a distal toothed wheel 161, which is fixed (at least in rotation) relative to the lateral support system 8, and which is mobile in rotation around the third axis of rotation Xr3 relative to the plate 13. This distal toothed wheel 161 has a center which is crossed by the third axis of rotation Xr3.

[0055] Furthermore, these transformation means 16 comprise an intermediate gear 162, which is free to rotate about a fourth axis of rotation Xr4 relative to the plate 13, which is interposed between the proximal gear 160 and the distal gear 161, and which meshes with this proximal gear 160 as well as with this distal gear 161. This intermediate gear 162 has a center through which the fourth axis of rotation Xr4 passes. This fourth axis of rotation Xr4 is parallel to the first axis of rotation Xr1 and / or the second axis of rotation Xr2 and / or the third axis of rotation Xr3.

[0056] As mentioned above, the positioning system 9 includes curvilinear translation drive means 11 of said at least one lateral support system 8 relative to the base 2.

[0057] In fact, these means of driving in curvilinear translation 11 of said at least one lateral support system 8 with respect to the base 2 include, then, means of driving in circular translation 17 of said at least one lateral support system 8 with respect to the base 2. These means of driving in circular translation 17 include a motor (more particularly electric) which includes, on the one hand, a stator which is fixedly mounted on the plate 13 and, on the other hand, a rotor which is taken with the intermediate toothed wheel 162.

[0058] According to another characteristic, the bending device 1 also includes axial translation mounting means 18 which are configured to mount in translation along a translation axis Xt2 said lateral support system 8 relative to the base 2.

[0059] It should be noted that this translation axis Xt2 is at least perpendicular to the first rotation axis Xr1, or even (and preferably) intersecting it. Furthermore, this translation axis Xt2 preferably coincides with the principal direction D along which the lateral support system 8 extends. In addition, this translation axis Xt2 is perpendicular to the extension axis along which the profile extends and / or is perpendicular to the translation axis Xt1 of the moving mounting means 4.

[0060] In addition, the bending device 2 also includes means for axial translation drive 19 along said axis of translation Xt2 of said lateral support system 8 relative to the base 2.

[0061] In this regard, it will be noted that these axial translation drive means 19 (along said axis of translation Xt2 of said lateral support system 8 with respect to the base 2) can be actuated at the same time as the primary rotation drive means 7 (around said first axis of rotation Xr1 of said at least one clamping means 3 with respect to the base 2) and the curvilinear translation drive means 11 (of said at least one lateral support system 8 with respect to the base 2) which advantageously allows the lateral support system 8 to bear against the profile, this before and / or during and / or after the bending of this profile by means of said at least one clamping means 3 as well as by means of the primary rotation drive means 7 of said at least one clamping means 3.This operation then allows, advantageously, the lateral support system 8 to accompany the profile and to bear against this profile throughout the bending process.

[0062] As mentioned above, the circular translation mounting means 12 include tertiary rotation mounting means 15 which are configured to mount in rotation around the third axis of rotation Xr3 the lateral support system 8 relative to said plate 13.

[0063] It is, then, more particularly, these tertiary means of rotational mounting 15 which comprise, on the one hand, the means of axial translational mounting 18 along the axis of translation Xt2 of said lateral support system 8 with respect to the base 2 and, on the other hand, the means of axial translational drive 19 along this axis of translation Xt2 of said lateral support system 8 with respect to the base 2.

[0064] In this regard, it will be observed that the tertiary means of rotational mounting 15 can, then, comprise, on the one hand, a support 150 which is mounted movably in rotation around the third axis of rotation Xr3 on the plate 13 and which is fixed in rotation (around the third axis of rotation Xr3) to the distal wheel 161, on the other hand, means of axial translational mounting 151 along the axis of translation Xt2, which is perpendicular to the third axis of rotation Xr3 (or even which is secant with this third axis of rotation Xr3), of said lateral support system 8 with respect to the support 150 (more particularly on the support 150) and, on the other hand, means of axial translational drive 152 along the axis of translation Xt2 of said lateral support system 8 with respect to the support 150.

[0065] The means of mounting in axial translation 18 along the axis of translation Xt2 of said lateral support system 8 with respect to the base 2 are, then, constituted by the means of mounting in axial translation 151 along the axis of translation Xt2 of said lateral support system 8 with respect to the support 150.

[0066] In parallel, the axial translation drive means 19 along the translation axis Xt2 of said lateral support system 8 relative to the base 2 are, then, constituted by the axial translation drive means 152 along the translation axis Xt2 of said lateral support system 8 relative to the support 150.

[0067] These means of axial translation drive (19; 152) can, then, consist of a motor, in particular an electric one.

[0068] The invention also relates to an assembly comprising, on the one hand, a profile extending along an extension axis and, on the other hand, a bending device 1 for such a profile, in two bending directions. In this assembly, the bending device 1 has at least some of the characteristics described above.

[0069] Furthermore, in this bending device 1, the positioning system 9 is configured to position said lateral support system 8 on one of the two sides as well as on the other of the two sides of a plane, on the one hand, within which extends the first axis of rotation Xr1 and, on the other hand, which is at least parallel to the extension axis along which the profile extends.

[0070] Finally, the invention relates to a bending installation, in two bending directions, for a profile that extends along an extension axis. This bending installation comprises, on the one hand, a bending device 1, in two bending directions, for such a profile and, on the other hand, a positioning device for such a profile relative to the bending device 1.

[0071] In this installation, the bending device 1 again exhibits at least some of the characteristics described above.

[0072] Furthermore, in this installation, the positioning device can consist of a robot, in particular a 6-axis robot.

Claims

1. Device (1) for bending a profile in two bending directions, this bending device (1) includes: - a base (2); - on the one hand, at least one clamping means (3) which is configured to clamp said profile, on the other hand, primary means (6) for mounting in rotation which are configured to mount in rotation, about a first axis of rotation (Xr1), said at least one clamping means (3) with respect to the base (2) and, on the other hand, primary means (7) for driving in rotation which are configured to drive in rotation, about this first axis of rotation (Xr1), said at least one clamping means (3) with respect to the base (2); - a lateral support system (8) that is configured to bear laterally against the profile; - a positioning system (9), which is configured to position said lateral support system (8) in at least two positions that are symmetrical with respect to said first axis of rotation (Xr1), and which includes, on the one hand, means (10) for mounting said lateral support system (8) in curvilinear translation with respect to the base (2) which include means for mounting said lateral support system (8) in circular translation (12) with respect to the base (2) and, on the other hand, means for driving in curvilinear translation (11) said at least one lateral support system (8) with respect to the base (2); - characterised by the fact that the means (12) for mounting in circular translation include, on the one hand, a plate (13), on the other hand, secondary means (14) for mounting in rotation which are configured to mount in rotation, about a second axis of rotation (Xr2), said plate (13) with respect to the base (2) and, on the other hand, tertiary means (15) for mounting in rotation which are configured to mount in rotation, about a third axis of rotation (Xr3), which is parallel to the second axis of rotation (Xr2), the lateral support system (8) with respect to said plate (13).

2. Bending device (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the means (12) for mounting in circular translation include transformation means (16) which are configured to transform a rotational movement about the second axis of rotation (Xr2) of said plate (13) with respect to the base (2) into a rotational movement about the third axis of rotation (Xr3) of said lateral support system (8) with respect to the plate (13).

3. Bending device (1) according to claim 2, characterised in that the transformation means (16) include, on the one hand, a proximal toothed wheel (160), which is fixed relative to the base (2), and relative to which the plate (13) is movable in rotation about the second axis of rotation (Xr2), on the other hand, a distal toothed wheel (161), which is fixed with respect to the lateral support system (8), and which is movable in rotation about the third axis of rotation (Xr3) with respect to the plate (13) and, moreover, an intermediate toothed wheel (162), which is movable in rotation about a fourth axis of rotation (Xr4) with respect to the plate (13), which is interposed between the proximal toothed wheel (160) and the distal toothed wheel (161), and which is engaged with this proximal toothed wheel (160) as well as with this distal toothed wheel (161).

4. Bending device (1) according to claim 3, characterised by the fact that the means for driving in curvilinear translation (11) said at least one lateral support system (8) with respect to the base (2) include means for driving in circular translation (17) said at least one lateral support system (8) with respect to the base (2) which include a motor which includes, on the one hand, a stator which is fixedly mounted on the plate (13) and, on the other hand, a rotor which is engaged with the intermediate toothed wheel (162).

5. Bending device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises, on the one hand, means for mounting in axial translation (18) which are configured to mount in translation along an axis of translation (Xt2) which is at least perpendicular to the first axis of rotation (Xr1) said lateral support system (8) with respect to the base (2) and, on the other hand, means for driving in axial translation (19) along this axis of translation (Xt2) said lateral support system (8) with respect to the base (2).

6. Bending device (1) according to claim 5, characterised in that the tertiary means for mounting in rotation (15) include, on the one hand, the means for mounting in axial translation (18) along the axis of translation (Xt2) of said lateral support system (8) with respect to the base (2) and, on the other hand, the means for driving in axial translation (19) along this axis of translation (Xt2) said lateral support system (8) with respect to the base (2).

7. Bending device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised by the fact that the lateral support system (8) includes, on the one hand, a tool holder (80), on the other hand, at least one first lateral support means (81) which is configured to bear laterally against the profile, on the other hand, at least one second lateral support means (82) which is configured to bear laterally against the profile and, on the other hand, means (83) for fastening the first lateral support means (81) and the second lateral support means (82), on either side of the tool holder (80).

8. Assembly that includes, on the one hand, a profile which extends along an extension axis and, on the other hand, a device (1) for bending such a profile in two bending directions, characterised by the fact that the bending device (1) complies with any one of the preceding claims and in that, in this bending device (1), the positioning system (9) is configured to position said lateral support system (8) on one of the two sides as well as the other of the two sides of a plane within which the first axis of rotation (Xr1) extends and which is at least parallel to the extension axis along which the profile extends.