Method and system for reliably pressing press joints

Abstract

1. A method for securely pressing a press fitting, the method comprising the steps of providing a locked press apparatus, identifying the press fitting, unlocking the press apparatus in response to the identified press fitting, and pressing the press fitting with the unlocked press apparatus.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for reliably pressing a press joint and a system for carrying out the method. [Background technology]

[0002] In pipe connection technology, electric or electrohydraulic presses are used to press (crimp) press fittings into pipes. This requires that the press tool, e.g., in the form of a press jaw or a press collar, is compatible with the press fitting being used. Due to the high forces generated during pressing, using the wrong press fitting can lead to damage to the workpiece, damage to the press tool or press equipment, and even injury to the user. To ensure reliable pressing, manufacturers / distributors of presses or press jaws usually also provide press fittings that are precisely matched to each other. However, users may use other press fittings, especially press fittings from other manufacturers, which can pose the aforementioned risks. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and system for reliably pressing a press joint. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] This object is achieved by a method according to claim 1 and a system according to either claim 13 or 14.

[0005] A method for securely pressing a press fitting according to the present invention includes the steps of providing a locked press apparatus; identifying the press fitting; unlocking the press apparatus according to the identified press fitting; and pressing the press fitting with the unlocked press apparatus.

[0006] In particular, the press device has an electric or electrohydraulic drive. The movement and force of the drive are transmitted to a press tool. In particular, the press tool is a press jaw, a press ring, or a press collar. The press tool is used to transmit the press force of the press device to a press joint for pressing the workpiece. According to the present invention, the press device is initially locked. In this case, locking the press device prevents the press device from pressing. Locking can be performed mechanically, for example, by preventing the press tool from moving and thus preventing the press joint from pressing. Alternatively, locking can be performed electronically, for example, by disconnecting the drive from a power source such as a battery. This is significantly different from a press force or drive control adapted to the press joint device. In particular, such adaptation of the press force to the press joint does not prevent the press device from further moving, for example, according to standard parameters. This can lead to improper pressing, injury to the worker, or damage to the press device. Therefore, according to the present invention, a complete lock is performed, preventing any mechanical movement or operation of any press device. The press joint is then identified. Depending on the identified press fitting, the press device is unlocked and pressing can be performed with the press device. This ensures that pressing is only performed with the identified press fitting. The use of an incorrect press fitting or a press fitting from a manufacturer / distributor other than the manufacturer / distributor of the press device or press tool is ruled out. This ensures reliable pressing, since it ensures that the press device is compatible with the press fitting to be pressed and is matched to the press fitting in terms of press force, press stroke and other press parameters. In particular, the press force, press stroke and / or other press parameters can be adapted to the identified press fitting.

[0007] Preferably, the step of unlocking the press apparatus in response to the identified press fitting includes determining whether the identified press fitting is compatible with the press apparatus. If the identified press fitting is compatible with the press apparatus, the press apparatus is unlocked. However, if the identified press fitting is incompatible with the press apparatus, the press apparatus is not unlocked, preventing the incompatible press fitting from being pressed with the press apparatus.

[0008] Preferably, the press fittings and / or packaging units of press fittings have a marking for identifying the press fittings. This marking may be, for example, a barcode, a QR code, or an NFC / RFID tag. This allows for easy identification of the press fittings and / or packaging units of press fittings. A packaging unit is an outer package of press fittings. In particular, such a packaging unit contains one or more press fittings.

[0009] Preferably, the press fitting is identified using a press device, which may for example have a camera or an NFC / RFID chip for identifying the press fitting or a packaged unit of the press fitting.

[0010] Preferably, the press fittings and / or packaging units thereof are identified by a user terminal. The user terminal may be, for example, a smartphone. To identify the press fittings and / or packaging units thereof, the user terminal may be equipped with a camera. For example, the camera may be used to read a marking such as a barcode or a QR code to identify the press fitting. Alternatively or additionally, the user terminal may be equipped with an NFC / RFID chip, and the press fittings and / or packaging units thereof may have an NFC / RFID tag that can be detected by the NFC / RFID chip of the user terminal to identify the press fitting. Furthermore, the user terminal is connected to the press apparatus to unlock the press apparatus. In particular, the user terminal is connected to the press apparatus via a wireless connection, and this wireless connection is particularly configured as a Bluetooth (registered trademark) connection. Therefore, after the press fittings and / or packaging units thereof are identified, an unlock command is sent from the user terminal to the press apparatus, and the press apparatus is unlocked.

[0011] Preferably, the user terminal has a communication connection with the server. This communication connection may be configured as a wireless communication connection. This wireless communication connection may be, for example, WLAN, WiFi, GSM, 3G, 4G, LTE, 5G, or a successor standard. Identification data is generated by the user terminal to identify the press fitting and transmitted to the server. For example, the identification data may be an image of the press fitting, and the press fitting may be identified by image recognition. Alternatively, the identification data may be a marking, such as a barcode or QR code, attached to the press fitting and / or its packaging unit. Alternatively or additionally, the identification data transmitted to the server may be an NFC / RFID ID (identifier) ​​stored in an NFC / RFID tag attached to the press fitting and / or its packaging unit. The press fitting may then be identified on the server using this identification data. Alternatively, the identification may be performed on the user terminal, in which case the identification result of the press fitting itself is transmitted to the server as identification data. Here, the identification is performed by the user terminal, and the identification data is transmitted to the server only if a matching press fitting is verified.

[0012] Preferably, the user terminal has a communication connection with the server, and after the press fitting is identified, an unlock command is generated by the server and transmitted to the user terminal. For example, if the press fitting is identified using the identification data transmitted on the server, an unlock command is generated by the server, transmitted to the user terminal, and then transmitted from the user terminal to the press device to unlock the press device. In particular, the communication connection used is the same as the communication connection used when the identification data is transmitted to the server. For example, if the press fitting is identified on the user terminal, the identification result is still transmitted to the server as the identification data, and then an unlock command is generated by the server and transmitted again to the user terminal. This unlock command is then transmitted from the user terminal to the press device to unlock the press device. By having the server unlock the press device, the manufacturer of the press device can prevent unauthorized press fittings from being used on the press device. This also allows the manufacturer to prevent press fittings from being pressed in a defective lot and replace them with non-defective press fittings as part of a product recall. The manufacturer or operator of the server can prevent defective press fittings from being pressed unintentionally.

[0013] Preferably, press data is transmitted by the user terminal to the server for recording the pressing process. The press data includes, for example, the time of pressing, the ID of the press device, and an error status indicating a device or press error. This data can also be used, for example, to record the number of presses performed on the press device. If the number of presses performed on the press device exceeds a limit value and the press device requires maintenance, for example to ensure continued safe operation, the server can prevent the press device from being unlocked until the maintenance is performed. The same applies if an error is detected inside the device. These errors are recorded on the server and are simultaneously used to prevent the press device from being unlocked.

[0014] Preferably, press fittings are identified by identifying a packaging unit of the press fittings, which contains multiple identical press fittings. In this case, the press is unlocked for the number of presses. For example, if a packaging unit contains 10 identical press fittings, the press is unlocked for 10 presses. After the 10th press, the press is locked again and cannot be used again. Alternatively, if the press fittings are configured as sleeves, the press is unlocked for two presses per sleeve, e.g., 20 presses for 10 sleeves. As another example, if the press fittings are configured as tees, the press is unlocked for three presses per tees, e.g., 30 presses for 10 tees. Generally, the press is unlocked only the number of times necessary to fully press all press fittings in the corresponding packaging unit. This ensures that only approved press fittings, specifically supplied by the press manufacturer / distributor, are used. At the same time, it is unnecessary to individually identify each press fitting and unlock the press each time. Rather, approval is given for the number of presses corresponding to the number of press joints in a packing unit, which simplifies handling and speeds up operation.

[0015] Preferably, after the pressing or a predetermined number of pressings, the pressing device is locked again, thereby preventing the pressing device from pressing an incompatible press joint.

[0016] The invention also relates to a system comprising a press device, the press device comprising a processor and a memory unit storing instructions which, when executed by the processor, perform the steps of the above-mentioned method, in particular the press device comprising a device for identifying the press joint, which may for example be a camera, an NFC / RFID chip, etc.

[0017] The present invention further relates to a system comprising a press and a user terminal, the press having a communication interface for connection to the user terminal, the communication interface being a wireless communication interface formed, for example, by Bluetooth. The user terminal further comprises a processor and a memory unit, the memory unit storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, perform the steps of the above-mentioned method. In particular, the user terminal comprises a camera or an NFC / RFID chip for identifying the press joint.

[0018] Preferably, the two systems described above are further developed using the features of the methods described above, for example, the system comprises a server, and identification data is transmitted from the user terminal to the server to identify the press joint.

[0019] The present invention also relates to a system including a first press, at least one second press, and a user terminal. The first press and the second press have a communication interface for connection to the user terminal, and the user terminal is configured to identify press fittings and / or packaging units of press fittings. Furthermore, the user terminal is configured to selectively send an unlock command to the first press and / or the second press. This allows an owner of multiple presses to flexibly distribute their allocation of presses (number of presses) among the different presses. If the owner purchases a large number of press fittings, they are provided with an allocation of the corresponding number of presses, allowing them to fully press / use the corresponding number of press fittings. This does not have to be done on the same press, but can be done on different presses.

[0020] Preferably, the system comprises two or more press devices.

[0021] Preferably, the first press device and the second press device are connected to the same user terminal for unlocking.

[0022] Preferably, the first press device is connected to a first user terminal, and the second press device is connected to a second user terminal, where the first and second user terminals are different user terminals. Both user terminals are connected to a common server, which generates and sends a first unlock command to the first user terminal to unlock the first press device and / or generates and sends a second unlock command to the second user terminal to unlock the second press device. The owner's allocation can be stored on the server. This allocation can be flexibly distributed among multiple press devices, particularly for use by different terminal users. This is particularly advantageous, for example, when an owner owns multiple press devices to be used in different locations.

[0023] Preferably, the user terminal configured to identify the press fittings and / or packaging units is different from the user terminals configured to send unlock commands to the first press apparatus and / or the second press apparatus, particularly the first and second user terminals. This allows the press fittings and / or packaging units to be identified by a third user terminal. A press count allocation derived from this identification is stored in a server by the third user terminal, e.g., for a common owner, to fully press all press fittings within all identified press fittings and / or packaging units. This stored allocation can be reduced when an unlock command is sent from the server to one of the first, second, or third user terminals to unlock the press apparatus connected to that user terminal. This means that press fittings and / or packaging units no longer need to be identified and subsequently unlocked by the same person or the same user terminal. By centrally storing the corresponding allocations, all of the owner's press apparatuses can be unlocked and used by different users and their user terminals.

[0024] Furthermore, this system is further developed using the features of the methods and previous systems described above. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] The present invention will now be described in more detail using preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] In the drawings: [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic flow chart of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the method according to the invention; [Figure 3] 3 shows a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the method according to the invention; [Figure 4] 3 shows a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the method according to the invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Referring to Figure 1, in step S01, a locked press device is provided. In particular, the press device includes a drive and a press tool that can be used to press a press fitting. The press tool may be, for example, a press jaw, a press ring, or a press collar, through which the force and movement of the drive are transmitted to the press fitting.

[0028] In step S02, the press joint is identified, and in step S03, the press device is unlocked according to the identified press joint.

[0029] In step S04, the press joint is pressed using the unlocked press device.

[0030] Therefore, the press fitting must be identified in order to unlock the press. A locked press can be mechanically or electronically locked and cannot be used to press the press fitting in either case. Only after the press fitting has been identified and it has been determined that the identified press fitting is compatible with the press can the press be unlocked and a press can be performed. This ensures that only press fittings whose compatibility has been confirmed in advance are used with the press. After a press or a predetermined number of presses have been performed, the press is locked again and cannot be used for further presses.

[0031] Please refer to Figure 2. Figure 2 shows a press apparatus 10 comprising a press tool 12 and a press fitting 14. The press fitting 14 is provided with a marking 16, which may be, for example, a barcode or a QR code. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the press fitting 14 is identified by the press apparatus 10. For this purpose, the press apparatus 10 may be provided with, for example, a camera or the like for detecting the marking 16 (shown by dashed line 22). Once the press fitting 14 has been successfully identified, the press apparatus 10 is unlocked and ready to press the press fitting 14.

[0032] Reference is now made to Figure 3, in which identical or similar components are given the same reference numbers.

[0033] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 , the press fitting 14 is identified by a user terminal 18. The user terminal 18 may be, for example, a smartphone. Visual identification, as indicated by dashed line 22, may occur. At the same time, the user terminal 18 is connected to the press 10 via a wireless communication connection 20, for example, a Bluetooth connection. Once the press fitting 14 is successfully identified by the user terminal 18, an unlock command is sent by the user terminal 18 to the press 10, thereby unlocking the press 10 for pressing the press fitting 14. This means that pressing will only occur if a matching press fitting 14, specifically one supplied by the same manufacturer / distributor as the press 10, is actually present. Therefore, the manufacturer / distributor of the press 10 can easily control the press fitting 14 used by users. In particular, the user terminal 18 may include software / applications (apps) that run on the user terminal 18 and identify the press fitting 14 and send unlock commands to the press 10.

[0034] Reference is now made to Figure 4. In the embodiment of Figure 4, the same or identical components are again given the same reference numerals.

[0035] In addition to the embodiment of FIG. 3 , the embodiment of FIG. 4 further includes a server 24 configured, for example, as a cloud server. The user terminal 18 and the server 24 are connected to each other via a wireless communication connection 26. The wireless communication connection 26 may be, for example, a connection based on WLAN, WiFi, GSM, 3G, 4G, LTE, 5G, or other telephone or wireless communication standards. The user terminal can obtain identification data from the press fitting 14 and transmit it to the server. For example, the press fitting 14 is identified on the server 24. Once the press fitting 14 is successfully identified, an unlock command is generated by the server 24 and transmitted to the user terminal 18, which then transmits the unlock command to the press 10 via the wireless communication connection 20 to unlock the press 10. The press fitting 14 is then pressed on the press 10. Alternatively, as in the embodiment of FIG. 3 , the identification may already be performed on the user terminal 18. In this case, the identification data transmitted to the server 24 includes the already identified press fitting, and only the command to unlock the press 10 is subsequently generated by the server 24. This allows for centralized management on the server 24. For example, using marking 16 multiple times to unlock a press 10 or multiple presses 10 is precluded by centralized control at server 24. This prevents misuse and ensures that a press 10 is unlocked exactly once for each press fitting 14 present.

[0036] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2-4 , the press fittings 14 are identified by the press fitting itself. Alternatively, the press fittings 14 may be identified by their packaging unit. Multiple identical press fittings can be stored together in a packaging unit. This allows the press tool 10 to be unlocked when the packaging unit is identified, thereby pressing all of the press fittings 14 contained in that packaging unit. For example, if a packaging unit contains 10 press fittings, the press tool 10 is unlocked for 10 presses. After the 10 presses, the press tool is relocked and cannot be used again. Depending on the type of fitting (socket, tee, etc.), the press tool may be unlocked for multiple presses per press fitting. The press tool is unlocked the number of times necessary to fully press all of the press fittings in the corresponding packaging unit.

[0037] This ensures that the press tool 10 is only used with the press fittings 14 for which it was designed, tested, and inspected, eliminating the use of press fittings 14 from other manufacturers that present significant safety hazards, for example.

Claims

1. A method for reliably pressing a press joint, To provide a locked press device, Identifying the aforementioned press joint, Unlocking the press device according to the identified press joint, This includes pressing the press joint with the unlocked press device, method.

2. Unlocking the press device according to the identified press joint determines whether the identified press joint is compatible with the press device. If the identified press fitting fits the press device, the press device is unlocked. If the identified press fitting does not fit the press device, the press device will not be unlocked. The method according to claim 1.

3. The press joint and / or the packaging unit of the press joint has markings for identification, The aforementioned marking is a barcode or a QR code. The method according to claim 1.

4. The press joint is identified by the press device. The method according to claim 1.

5. The press joint and / or the packaging unit of the press joint are identified by the user terminal, The user terminal is connected to the press device in order to unlock the press device. The method according to claim 1.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the user terminal is connected wirelessly to the press device via Bluetooth.

7. The user terminal is connected to the server via a communication connection. Identification data is generated by the user terminal and transmitted to the server to identify the press joint. The method according to claim 5.

8. The user terminal is connected to the server via a communication connection, and after identification, an unlock command is generated by the server and transmitted to the user terminal. The method according to claim 5.

9. The server generates an unlock command and transmits it to the user terminal without identifying the press joint. The method according to claim 5.

10. For recording the aforementioned pressing process, Press data is transmitted to the server by the user terminal. The method according to claim 5.

11. The press joint is identified by identifying the packaging unit of the press joint, The aforementioned packaging unit includes a plurality of identical press fittings, The aforementioned press device is unlocked for the number of presses. The method according to claim 1.

12. The press device is blocked after a press or a predetermined number of presses have been performed. The method according to claim 1.

13. A system including a press device equipped with a processor and a memory unit, The memory unit, when executed by the processor, stores instructions for performing the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12. system.

14. A system including a press device and a user terminal, The press device is equipped with a communication interface for connecting to the user terminal. The user terminal comprises a processor and a memory unit, The memory unit, when executed by the processor, stores instructions for performing the steps of the method according to any one of claims 5 to 12. system.

15. A system comprising a first press device, at least one second press device, and a user terminal, The first press device and the second press device have a communication interface for connecting to the user terminal. The user terminal is configured to identify the press fitting and / or the packaging unit of the press fitting. The user terminal is further configured to transmit unlock commands to the first press device and / or the second press device. system.

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