Stretching machine, stretching method, and stretching mandrel

Abstract

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method, apparatus and drawing mandrel that allows the forming process to be monitored in as much detail as possible. This object is achieved by a drawing machine and a drawing method for producing or processing a tube extending in a longitudinal extension direction from a semi-finished product. The drawing machine comprises a drawing device for drawing a hollow workpiece formed in a longitudinal extent by the tube and the semi-finished product, a drawing ring, and a drawing mandrel. The drawing machine acts to shape the workpiece via the drawing mandrel and the drawing ring while the workpiece is drawn by the drawing device around the drawing mandrel and through the drawing ring. The drawing machine is characterized by a sensor located on the drawing mandrel, or by a physical property being measured inside the workpiece and / or on the drawing mandrel by a sensor provided on the drawing mandrel.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a drawing machine, a drawing method, and a drawing mandrel.

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to a drawing machine for producing or processing a tube consisting of a semi-finished product extending in a longitudinal direction of extension. The drawing machine comprises, in each case, a drawing device for drawing a hollow workpiece formed by the tube and the semi-finished product along the longitudinal direction of extension, a drawing ring, and a drawing mandrel. The drawing machine acts on the workpiece to form it, while the workpiece is drawn around the drawing mandrel and through the drawing ring under the control of the drawing device. The present invention also relates to a drawing method for producing or processing a tube consisting of a semi-finished product extending in a longitudinal direction of extension. The hollow workpiece formed by the tube and the semi-finished product is drawn along the longitudinal direction of extension using the drawing device. The workpiece is drawn by acting on the drawing ring and the drawing mandrel to form it, while the workpiece is drawn around the drawing mandrel and through the drawing ring under the control of the drawing device. The invention likewise relates to a drawing machine for producing or processing a tube extending in a longitudinal direction from a semi-finished product, and / or a drawing mandrel for use in the drawing process. [Background technology]

[0003] Such a drawing machine, a drawing method and a drawing mandrel are known from EP 0 780 171 A1, in which the vibrations of the drawing system are measured and monitored by inductive sensors arranged around the outside of the workpiece and / or by at least one strain gauge at the end of the restraining rod carrying the mandrel or in the holder of this rod. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] European Patent Application Publication No. 0780171 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The object of the invention is to make available a method and an apparatus of the type specified, which allows the formation process to be monitored in the best possible way. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The object of the invention is achieved by a method and an apparatus as well as a drawing mandrel with the features of the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments, if also applicable alone, are identified in the dependent claims as well as in the following description.

[0007] To make available a drawing machine that allows the drawing process to be monitored in the best possible way, a drawing machine for manufacturing or processing a tube consisting of a semi-finished product and extending in a longitudinal extension direction comprises a drawing device for drawing a hollow workpiece formed by the tube and the semi-finished product along the longitudinal extension direction, a drawing ring, and a drawing mandrel, and the drawing ring and the drawing mandrel are used to act on the workpiece to form it while drawing it around the drawing mandrel and through the drawing ring under the control of the drawing device. This drawing machine can be characterized by comprising an apparatus for transmitting data from inside the workpiece using a transmitter arranged inside the workpiece and a receiver arranged outside the workpiece, the receiver and the transmitter being capable of wireless communication with each other.

[0008] Furthermore, in order to make available an apparatus of the specified type capable of monitoring the forming process in the best possible way, a drawing machine for the manufacture or processing of a tube consisting of a semi-finished product and extending in a longitudinal extension direction comprises a drawing device for drawing a hollow workpiece formed by the tube and the semi-finished product along the longitudinal extension direction, a drawing ring and a drawing mandrel, and the drawing ring and the drawing mandrel are used to act on the workpiece to form it while drawing it around the drawing mandrel and through the drawing ring under the control of the drawing device. The drawing machine can be characterized in that the position in three-dimensional space and / or the temperature and / or the pressure and / or the acceleration can be measured by sensors arranged on the drawing mandrel.

[0009] In order to make available the specified method, which allows the forming process to be monitored in the best possible way, a drawing method for manufacturing or processing a tube consisting of a semi-finished product and extending in a longitudinal extension direction can be characterized in that a transmitter is arranged inside the workpiece, and the hollow workpiece formed by the tube and the semi-finished product is drawn along the longitudinal extension direction with a drawing device under the control of the drawing device, and is drawn around a drawing mandrel through a drawing ring, while acting on the workpiece with a drawing mandrel and a drawing ring to form the workpiece, and the transmitter transmits a signal with data emanating from the workpiece to a receiver arranged outside the workpiece, and the receiver and transmitter communicate with each other wirelessly.

[0010] Furthermore, in order to make available a method of the specified type that allows the forming process to be monitored in the best possible way, a method for manufacturing or processing a tube consisting of a semi-finished product and extending in a longitudinal extension direction is provided, in which a hollow workpiece formed by the tube and the semi-finished product is stretched along the longitudinal extension direction using a stretching device, and under the control of the stretching device, the workpiece is stretched around a stretching mandrel and through a stretching ring, while the stretching mandrel and the stretching ring act on the workpiece to form the workpiece. The method can be characterized in that a sensor arranged on the stretching mandrel measures the sensor's position in three-dimensional space, and / or temperature, and / or pressure, and / or acceleration.

[0011] In order to make available a drawing mandrel of the specified type that allows the forming process to be monitored in the best possible way, a drawing mandrel for use in a drawing machine and / or a drawing method for the manufacture or processing of a tube consisting of a semi-finished product extending in the longitudinal extension direction can be characterized in that the drawing mandrel is a floating drawing mandrel and that a sensor is arranged on the drawing mandrel.

[0012] Furthermore, in order to make available a drawing mandrel of the specified type which allows the forming process to be monitored in the best possible way, a drawing mandrel for use in a drawing machine and / or a drawing method for the manufacture or processing of a tube consisting of a semi-finished product extending in the longitudinal extension direction can be characterized in that the position of the sensor in three-dimensional space and / or the temperature and / or the pressure and / or the acceleration can be measured by a sensor.

[0013] In contrast to purely monitoring or determining the position of the drawing mandrel, in other words from the outside, by a device in which the sensors are not arranged directly on the drawing mandrel, the actual characteristics of the drawing mandrel can be determined and monitored by corresponding sensors on the drawing mandrel, thus making it possible for the first time to directly monitor the drawing mandrel so as to be able to influence the drawing process in a targeted manner.

[0014] It should be understood that the sensor may also interact with components located outside the workpiece, such as an externally located coordinate transmitter, as needed, to provide its measurements.

[0015] In particular, the transmitter may be configured to transmit or be capable of transmitting a signal comprising the data through the wall of the workpiece, for example by selecting a suitable transmission frequency that allows sufficient penetration of the wall of the workpiece.

[0016] On the other hand, it should be understood that the corresponding signal can also be transmitted along the longitudinal extension direction of the workpiece until it reaches the end of the workpiece so that it can be received by the receiver. Here again, it may be advantageous to select a suitable frequency adapted to the workpiece, which propagates along the corresponding hollow body with as large an amplitude as possible and is made available by the nature of the workpiece.

[0017] The corresponding selection of frequencies in this regard can be easily performed based on the material, wall thickness, extension and / or diameter of the corresponding workpiece, since based on this information, the depth to which the corresponding signal penetrates through the material and / or the frequency's ability to travel through the hollow body is known or can be determined by simple experimentation.

[0018] However, it has generally proven to be particularly advantageous if the transmitter transmits or is capable of transmitting a signal with data through the wall of the workpiece, if this is possible due to the corresponding wall thickness of the workpiece and its material, since this generally allows for a relatively simple construction of the transmitter and receiver.

[0019] It is therefore particularly advantageous if the receiver is arranged at the axial height of the transmitter relative to the direction of longitudinal extension. This allows for a short path distance between the transmitter and receiver, and is therefore advantageous in terms of signal strength. In this regard, it should be understood that a slightly larger distance between the transmitter and receiver perpendicular to the direction of longitudinal extension can be reliably provided, provided that sufficient signal strength is maintained. Furthermore, it can be assumed that sufficient signal strength will be determined in an operationally reliable manner for distances not exceeding three times the diameter of the workpiece in the direction of longitudinal extension, and that such a distance can also be considered as the "axial height."

[0020] It should be understood that the sensor preferably has a transmitter. This should be understood to mean that the sensor is connected to the transmitter, which constitutes part of the sensor. In particular, it is possible that the transmitter or parts of the transmitter and other modules of the sensor are structurally combined into one unit, which can be found, for example, on a microchip. Such a close connection between the sensor and the transmitter simplifies the construction and allows, for example, the sensor to directly address or control the transmitter.

[0021] Preferably, the transmitter is an electrical transmitter, or preferably an electronic transmitter. In this way, the measurements recorded by the sensor can be easily further processed or communicated, for example using a measurement recorder. Furthermore, such an embodiment allows the corresponding electrical or electronic signal to be transmitted quickly, in a relatively uncomplicated manner, and with associated operational reliability.

[0022] It should be understood that the sensor may comprise a measurement value recorder, which detects possible measurements. To allow further processing of the recorded measurements, these measurements may be transmitted by an electrical, or preferably electronic, transmitter. For example, transmitting the measurements by an electronic transmitter may be performed with the greatest possible accuracy and in a loss-free manner.

[0023] Alternatively or additionally, the sensor may also have a microcontroller, which allows measurements or signals to be edited or processed on the drawing mandrel. Thus, many sources of measurement error, such as extended data transmission, may be minimized as much as possible. It should be understood that the corresponding editing or processing does not necessarily have to be performed on the sensor or on the final drawing mandrel, but rather, further editing or processing steps may follow.

[0024] A sensor may thus correspond to any kind of measurement recorder. Furthermore, a sensor may comprise an entire device, for example consisting of a measurement recorder and / or signal editing and / or signal processing, for example by a microcontroller or similar device for signal editing or signal processing.

[0025] It is conceivable that a transmitter coupled to the sensor is disposed within the workpiece, and a receiver is disposed outside the workpiece, whereby the receiver and transmitter communicate with each other wirelessly. Wired communication between the transmitter and receiver is relatively immune to interference because a direct continuous connection between the transmitter and receiver is available, thereby enabling communication between the transmitter and receiver. Furthermore, wired communication between the transmitter and receiver can also be used for energy supply purposes, such as making energy available for other functions of the transmitter or sensor. For example, energy can be supplied to a measurement recorder, a microcontroller, or other units mounted on the drawing mandrel. Furthermore, wired communication between the transmitter and receiver also allows for an interface line, thereby ensuring various possibilities for use.

[0026] Additionally or alternatively, the receiver and transmitter can communicate with each other, particularly wirelessly. This is particularly advantageous in the case of very long workpieces or in the case of communication provided through the wall of the workpiece, since long wires are not required. In particular, in the case where the drawing machine is part of a heavy equipment structure, the workpieces may be very long, requiring correspondingly long wires between the transmitter and receiver, which may be disadvantageous for the device.

[0027] It is to be understood that in the present case the workpiece, which is a semi-finished product or a tube, is in particular a hollow body. This body may in particular correspond to a tube or a semi-finished product. A drawing machine of the specified type or a drawing method of the specified type can serve to manufacture or process said tube from the semi-finished product, both the tube consisting of the semi-finished product and the hollow workpiece extending along a longitudinal direction of extension.

[0028] The longitudinal extension direction is preferably also the direction in which the tube is produced or processed by the drawing machine, and therefore can also be the direction of the central axis of the tube, semi-finished product, or hollow workpiece.

[0029] As explained above, the workpiece may be a hollow body, and the transmitter coupled to the sensor is preferably located within the workpiece. Here, within the workpiece means the hollow space of a body or workpiece, the hollow space of a semi-finished product, or the hollow space of a tube. Therefore, within the body can be defined as the space existing between the central axis of the workpiece and the corresponding inner surface of the body.

[0030] It should be understood that the inner surface of a workpiece or tube is the surface facing the central axis of the workpiece or tube, while the outer surface of a workpiece or tube corresponds to the outward facing surface opposite the inner surface. By its nature, the outer surface of a tube is larger than the inner surface of the same tube.

[0031] Thus, the exterior of the workpiece also refers to the bounded area at the outer surface of the workpiece.

[0032] It is advantageous if the wireless communication between the transmitter and receiver is configured electrically, particularly capacitively. This is particularly advantageous for electrically, particularly capacitively, excited conductive workpieces, where it has been shown that the signal then travels, for example, from the inner workpiece surface to the outer workpiece surface. The corresponding electrical signal can then be transmitted to the receiver, particularly via a near-field or directly through the workpiece. In particular, capacitive communication can be advantageous in this regard. Wireless transmission between the sensor and receiver has proven to be quite difficult in the case of metallic workpieces, because depending on the material and dimensions of the workpiece, particularly its thickness, the signal may not be received at all by the receiver. Naturally, this is due to the physical properties of the corresponding workpiece and the fact that signal transmission methods do not always penetrate material.

[0033] Additionally or alternatively, magnetic, particularly inductive, communication can also be provided. Again, whether this form of communication can be used ultimately depends on the specific circumstances of the workpiece, such as diameter, material, and wall thickness. In the case of workpieces with a magnetic permeability close to 1, magnetic, particularly inductive, communication between the transmitter and receiver can be advantageous. Magnetic or inductive signals can penetrate the wall of the workpiece and be transmitted from the inside to the outside. Again, near-field properties in particular can be utilized in an advantageous manner.

[0034] Preferably, the wireless communication between the sensor and the receiver can also be configured electromagnetically, which is advantageous, for example, when the hollow body is used as a hollow conductor for transmitting the signal, or when the penetration depth of the electromagnetic signal into the workpiece material is sufficient to penetrate this material to the required extent.

[0035] It is advantageous if the transmitter is located on the drawing mandrel, so that it can be easily positioned relative to the sensor and a data or electrical connection can be easily made.

[0036] The type of drawing machine described may include a drawing ring and a drawing mandrel, and the drawing mandrel and the drawing ring may be used to act on the workpiece to form it. In this regard, the drawing ring is preferably disposed outside the workpiece, and the drawing mandrel is disposed within the workpiece. The drawing ring thereby acts on the outside of the workpiece to form it primarily by directly contacting the outside of the workpiece, while the drawing mandrel preferably acts on the inside of the workpiece to form it primarily by directly contacting the inside of the workpiece.

[0037] Thus, since the forming of the workpiece by the drawing mandrel is performed inside the workpiece and the transmitter can be installed inside the workpiece, it is advantageous to arrange the transmitter on the drawing mandrel, so that the transmitter is not damaged, for example, due to the forming performed inside the workpiece, since the transmitter can be positioned in a suitable position on the drawing mandrel in this regard. In this way, an effective positioning of the transmitter can be made available for a data connection or an electrical connection. Furthermore, this method can be performed without a separate or separate module that needs to be introduced into the workpiece.

[0038] This can be advantageous, since data transmission between a transmitter and a receiver through a workpiece can generally present difficulties due to losses. This can have an adverse effect when more energy is available to the sensor, or in particular the transmitter, so that operational capabilities can be improved. As the transmitter signal strength increases, the signal penetrating the workpiece increases as well. For this reason, the sensor or transmitter can be equipped with a storage unit, in particular for electrical energy, to make more energy available.

[0039] Preferably, the storage unit is configured as a battery or a rechargeable battery, since the storage unit can be recharged after every formation process if necessary, so that maximum signal strength of the sensor or transmitter is always available, if possible, thereby improving the overall measurement quality.

[0040] The method and apparatus described above, which allow the forming process to be monitored in the best possible way, as well as the drawing mandrel, allow for the transmission of data from inside a hollow workpiece extending in the longitudinal extension direction, particularly for use in a drawing machine. The apparatus can be characterized in that a transmitter capable of transmitting a signal with data through the workpiece wall is provided inside the workpiece, and a receiver is provided outside the workpiece, preferably at the axial height of the transmitter relative to the longitudinal extension direction, and the receiver and transmitter can communicate with each other wirelessly. The above-described advantageous embodiment allows for advantageous communication, especially in the case of very long workpieces and in the case of communication through the workpiece wall, because long wires or long signal paths are not required. Since the wire needs to be led from the transmitter through the entire length of the already formed workpiece, this wire must be inconveniently long for very long workpieces, all the way to the receiver located outside the workpiece.

[0041] The drawing machine includes a drawing device for drawing the workpiece around the drawing mandrel and through a drawing ring, which act on the workpiece to form the workpiece. The drawing direction in which the drawing device of the drawing machine draws the hollow workpiece formed of the tube and semi-finished product is preferably the same as the longitudinal expansion direction, which can preferably be the same as the direction of the central axis of the workpiece.

[0042] The receiver can be placed at the axial height of the transmitter in the direction of longitudinal extension, because, based on the physical transmission method by the transmitter, the strongest signal can generally be received by the receiver in this way. In this way, the best possible transmission of the measurement value can be made available. As already explained above, it can be assumed that in the case of a distance not exceeding three times the diameter of the workpiece, sufficient signal strength will be determined in an operationally reliable manner, and such a distance can also be considered to be placed at the "axial height".

[0043] It is advantageous if the transmitter comprises a transmitting coil, for example, to enable inductive transmission, which has proven to be very advantageous, especially in the case of workpieces made of metallic materials with a magnetic permeability close to 1, so that an electromagnetic signal can be emitted from the inside of the workpiece to the outside by the transmitting coil.

[0044] To enable corresponding communication with a magnetically or inductively operated transmit / receive pair, the receiver can be provided with a receive coil surrounding the workpiece. The receive coil can therefore be arranged at the axial height of the transmit coil in the longitudinal extension direction, so as to enable optimal alignment between the transmitter and receiver in the case of transmitting an inductive signal. In the above-mentioned exemplary arrangement, the distance between the transmitter and receiver is as small as possible, i.e., the beam direction generated by the transmitter can be received by the receive coil in the best possible way.

[0045] It would be advantageous if the receiver could be equipped with a receiver that allows for simple implementation of signal amplification or noise suppression. Since large losses may naturally occur due to the walls of the hollow body and in particular due to interference during stretching, it may be necessary to amplify the signal for further processing and to suppress or filter out noise and / or interference. Depending on the characteristics and dimensions of the workpiece, only a few percent, or even a few millimeters, of the signal may be able to penetrate the walls of the hollow body and reach the outside of the hollow body, so the maximum possible amplification of the received signal may be advantageous.

[0046] Alternatively or additionally, the receiver may be equipped with a microcontroller so as to be able to edit or process the corresponding signals. Preferably, the evaluation of the data may also be carried out directly by the microcontroller.

[0047] Various physical properties, both within the workpiece and the draw mandrel, can be of interest in the drawing process because they can directly affect the behavior of the drawing, or the behavior of the workpiece, or the behavior of the draw mandrel. Therefore, various physical properties can also be important. For example, the direct physical properties within the workpiece, and therefore the draw mandrel, can be important to the drawing behavior so that they can be measured accordingly.

[0048] To enable relatively noise-resistant data transmission between the transmitter and receiver in embodiments, the transmitter can be located within the workpiece, transmitting data via wire to a receiver located outside the workpiece. Additionally, the transmitter or receiver can be supplied with energy via a wired connection. For example, a continuous interface line is also possible.

[0049] Alternatively or additionally, as already explained above, a transmitter located within the workpiece can transmit data wirelessly to a receiver located outside the workpiece. This has advantages in the case of very long workpieces: data transmission can be performed through the wall of the workpiece, so that long wires between the transmitter and receiver are not required, running the entire length of the already formed workpiece.

[0050] Preferably, data is transmitted electrically, particularly capacitively, between the transmitter and receiver. Capacitive transmission appears to be particularly advantageous for conductive workpieces that are capacitively excited and then transmit a signal from an internal workpiece surface to an external workpiece surface, as shown, for example, in corresponding experiments.

[0051] It is also conceivable that data may be transmitted magnetically, particularly inductively, between the transmitter and receiver. This is particularly advantageous for workpieces with a magnetic permeability close to 1, allowing magnetic or inductive signals to penetrate the workpiece wall from the inside to the outside.

[0052] Furthermore, data can be transmitted electromagnetically between a transmitter and a receiver, for example, when a hollow workpiece is utilized as a hollow conductor for transmitting signals, which allows for electromagnetically effective data transmission.

[0053] A microcontroller located at the draw mandrel can further process the sensor data so that the measurements or signal compilation or processing is immediately available at the draw mandrel. Further direct processing minimizes possible signal loss or measurement inaccuracies because the directly measured and nearly lossless signal is further processed directly at the sensor.

[0054] The method and apparatus of the specified type, which allows the forming process to be monitored in the best possible way, as well as the method for transmitting data from inside a hollow workpiece extending in the longitudinal extension direction in order to make the drawing mandrel available, can be characterized in that a transmitter is arranged inside the workpiece and transmits a signal with data through the wall of the workpiece, and a receiver is preferably arranged outside the workpiece at an axial height of the transmitter relative to the longitudinal extension direction, and the receiver and transmitter communicate with each other wirelessly. This wireless communication between the transmitter and the receiver is advantageous in transmission through the wall of the workpiece, especially in the case of very long workpieces, because the transmitter does not have to transmit data far to the receiver via long wires.

[0055] It is advantageous if the data is transmitted by means of a transmitting coil, which, by its very nature, allows for inductive transmission, which is advantageous when a workpiece, in particular made of a metallic material and having a magnetic permeability close to 1, is used to emit a magnetic signal to the outside.

[0056] It is advantageous if the data is received by a receiving coil of a receiver surrounding the tube, since this allows corresponding communication, in particular with magnetically or inductively operated transmitter / receiver pairs. The receiving coil can be positioned opposite the transmitting coil so that the magnetic field lines of the transmitting coil can be received by the receiving coil in the best possible way to take advantage of the best possible data transmission.

[0057] Because signal loss naturally occurs through the wall of a hollow body, the receiver can amplify the signal sent by the transmitter to compensate for the signal loss. In this way, even a signal that is attenuated to a few percent or even a few millimeters of its original strength can be amplified sufficiently so that the signal can be further processed and evaluated.

[0058] The data received by the receiver can also be transmitted as a signal to the receiver, allowing easy implementation of signal amplification or noise suppression, since, if applicable, large losses may occur due to the walls of the hollow body.

[0059] Alternatively or additionally, the data received by the receiver can be further processed by a microcontroller, whereby the corresponding signal processing or data evaluation can be carried out directly.

[0060] It should be understood that, where appropriate, signals can be transmitted from the outside into the interior of the workpiece, for example to adapt a sensor in terms of its sensitivity to a particular situation, or to transmit other signals to the drawing mandrel, transmitter, or sensor. Accordingly, additional transmitters or receivers can be provided externally or internally. Alternatively, the transmitters or receivers described above can be configured as receivers or transmitters.

[0061] The internally conducted signal can also be used as an energy carrier to provide energy to an internally mounted transmitter or an internally mounted sensor.

[0062] The semi-finished product is preferably a hollow body extending in the direction of longitudinal extension.

[0063] In particular, the semi-finished product or tube, or the workpiece, may be made of metal.

[0064] The sensors may include a transmitter, a microcontroller, and / or a memory, and thus preferably operate independently.

[0065] The physical properties that can be measured by a sensor can vary considerably.

[0066] Preferably, the position of the sensor in three-dimensional space can be measured by the sensor, i.e., it is possible to measure the position of the sensor in three-dimensional space by the sensor. The position of the drawing mandrel is then tracked by this. Depending on the concrete implementation, the static position, the relative position or the position in an externally defined coordinate system can be measured, for example by an electric, magnetic or electromagnetic field. However, all known measurements for measuring the position are basically conceivable here.

[0067] In particular, the sensor may comprise a 9-axis position sensor, which, of course, provides very accurate position information.

[0068] Additionally or alternatively, the sensors can record spatial positions in Euler coordinates, which has the advantage that, especially after suitable calibration, sufficiently accurate measurements are possible, since such a drawing mandrel does not initially experience any excessively large positional changes during the forming process.

[0069] It is conceivable that the temperature, pressure, and / or acceleration can be measured by or the sensors measure the temperature, pressure, and / or acceleration. From these data, in turn, important data about the forming process can be obtained from the interior of the hollow body or from the drawing mandrel itself. These data have not been accessible until now.

[0070] All physical properties provide important information for the drawing process, since the behavior of the material also changes when the physical properties, such as temperature, pressure, and / or acceleration, change, so that it is possible to intervene appropriately in the drawing process to regulate it, if necessary. In particular, for a given position on the drawing mandrel, it is possible to draw conclusions about the drawing behavior.

[0071] It will be appreciated that all measured physical properties can be correlated to one another to obtain important data about the behavior of the stretching. For example, temperature rise can be correlated to a changing acceleration due to a change in pressure, etc. Correlations of physical properties obtained from measured data are within the general applicability of those skilled in the art. However, until now, it has not been possible to obtain these data in a simple manner for stretching machines of the type specified.

[0072] Preferably, the workpiece extends after passing the drawing mandrel or drawing ring for at least 2 meters in the direction of longitudinal extension. The present invention is particularly suitable for long hollow bodies where it is very difficult to obtain information about the position or other physical data from the inside, in particular from the vicinity of the drawing mandrel, and to communicate them to the outside.

[0073] The workpiece is preferably made of metal, preferably copper, aluminum, iron or steel. The invention is particularly suitable for metal hollow bodies, especially very long ones, where it is very difficult to obtain information about the position or other physical data from the interior, particularly in the vicinity of the drawing mandrel.

[0074] It is highly advantageous to measure the position of the draw mandrel to determine whether the draw mandrel has the intended position during the drawing process or whether the draw mandrel is deviating significantly based on, for example, changing physical properties, so that possible interventions in the process to regulate the process can be made at the earliest possible point.

[0075] In this case, the pipe is preferably an elongated hollow body, the length of which is generally significantly greater than the diameter. It is advantageous if the pipe is made of a relatively inflexible material. Generally, the pipe has a circular cross section, which represents the optimal structure for most common applications. It is also conceivable that the pipe can be produced with rectangular, oval, and other cross sections for use as a static element with increased rigidity. Preferably, the pipe can be used as a pipeline conveying channel for, for example, liquids, gases, or flowable solids. The pipe can also be used as a design element in mechanical engineering, such as an axle or shaft. It is also conceivable to use the pipe as a static element, for example, in the form of a lattice frame, various semi-finished products such as shock absorbers, or as a conveying channel in a pneumatic pipe delivery system. The optimal range of use of the pipe can be determined based on its properties, such as cross section, material, surface texture, diameter, and pressure level.

[0076] Generally, the preparatory materials, in particular semi-finished pipes and workpieces, or semi-finished products in their simplest form can be called semi-finished products. Semi-finished products can preferably and generally consist of a single material that has only been given a basic outline. For example, simple profiles, rods, tubes, and plates made of metal, plastic, or wood can be called semi-finished products.

[0077] The workpiece may also already be given an individual shape in a preliminary production step, and further production steps are then provided, in which case the workpiece may also be called a blank.

[0078] In production techniques involving drawing machines, the metal material is generally supplied as a semi-finished product.

[0079] Semi-finished products, especially metal products, are preferably not produced directly by casting or a similar forming method, but rather by a reshaping or cutting method, such as chip removal, in a second step, after which the semi-finished product can be further processed, either to produce a final product or to initially produce another semi-manufactured product.

[0080] Semi-finished products do not include raw materials such as bulk raw materials, granules, powders, liquids, or gases, because, in contrast to semi-finished products, they are not solid objects with a defined external shape, and therefore "semi-finishing" of the product has not yet been carried out. Ready-to-use components, ready-to-use structural elements, ready-to-use blocks, and modules are also not included in semi-finished products, because they are used to a large extent in their original shape.

[0081] Semi-finished products can be produced as key elements in efficient and cost-effective manufacturing and can be referred to as "semi-finished materials." They are generally designed to correspond as best as possible in terms of shape and size to the products to be produced. Preferably, the material and surface properties are optimized for the specific intended use and production method, e.g., the drawing method.

[0082] The stretching device of the stretching machine is necessary to stretch the workpiece along the longitudinal extension direction, around the stretching mandrel and through the stretching ring. The stretching device, by its nature, stretches the workpiece but does not drive it forward. In this case, the stretching device is preferably located behind the stretching mandrel or stretching ring. The stretching device engages the workpiece, in other words, engages the already formed workpiece. The stretching device can be configured, for example, as a track, stretching cylinder, or stretching carriage machine.

[0083] The drawing mandrel is preferably made of a wear-resistant, hard material and may have, for example, a circular cross section. The cross section of the drawing mandrel may preferably correspond to the cross section of the semi-finished product or formed tube. Thus, for example, a drawing mandrel having an oval cross section may be used for an oval tube.

[0084] Thus, the draw ring also preferably has a circular inner surface to form a circular semi-finished product to produce a circular tube. It is contemplated that the cross-sectional shape of the draw mandrel may be oval, rectangular, or configured in some other manner. It should be understood that the cross-sectional shape of the draw mandrel does not necessarily have to match the cross-sectional shape of the inner surface of the draw ring. However, draw mandrels and draw rings of similar cross-sectional shapes are typically used to achieve operationally reliable formation of the semi-finished product.

[0085] A stretching machine can be used to create or process a semi-finished product into a tube that is elongated in the longitudinal direction. The stretching method used by a stretching machine can also be called through-stretching. This is a production method and is part of the tension-compression forming method according to DIN 8584.

[0086] For example, a drawing machine can be used to draw wire. The initial wire produced by extrusion and subsequent rolling is drawn through a drawing ring. Furthermore, the production of copper tubes in particular is possible with a drawing machine, where the initial tube is produced, for example, by extrusion.

[0087] During the drawing of the tube, which is also the object of the present invention, a tool mounted on the tube, called for example a drawing mandrel or mandrel, is used together with a drawing ring or also called a die, to achieve a defined wall thickness. In the case of long tubes, especially if they are not drawn in a straight line, it is also conceivable to guide the drawing mandrel in a "flying" manner.

[0088] Depending on the particular embodiment, the outer diameter of the stretch mandrel may be slightly larger than the diameter of the stretch ring.

[0089] The draw mandrel can be fixed in place during the drawing process, particularly before the draw ring, and the tube being reduced in cross section "flows" through between the draw ring and the draw mandrel.

[0090] In the case of steel pipes and profiles made of steel and copper, drawing can serve primarily as a final treatment to achieve a high level of dimensional stability or a smooth surface.

[0091] Basically, various structural configurations of the drawing machine can be distinguished. Drum drawing machines are preferably useful for processing small material dimensions with large lengths, such as wires and tubes with small diameters. Here, the force introduction can be carried out by a drum around which the material strand is wound after the die. Furthermore, drawing machines can also be configured as drawing benches, which are advantageously used to produce and process relatively short tubes, in particular up to about 30 meters, or large cross sections, such as profiles and tubes with large diameters. In this regard, one or more workpieces of the same type can also be drawn through the die, where the force introduction is carried out on the starting workpiece.

[0092] Designing a stretching machine as a continuous stretching machine is also conceivable, which is generally suitable for a large range of workpiece lengths. They are preferably used for pipes of medium or small diameters and medium lengths. The functioning of these so-called continuous machines is based on the movement of multiple clamping devices to stretch the material in such a way that at least one clamping device is always engaged with the workpiece. An advantageous embodiment provides two clamping devices, for example in the form of a stretching carriage, controlled by special interlocking rolls. Another advantageous embodiment has clamping jaws attached to two chains that are attached to each other and move synchronously.

[0093] It is advantageous if the reduction in cross section during drawing, and thus the diameter of the drawing plate, is dimensioned so that the tensile strength or yield strength of the material is not exceeded by the drawing force. For this reason in particular, the drawing process can also be carried out in several steps. During the cold rolling of steel and yellow steel, softening annealing or patenting may be necessary between steps. This may not be necessary for copper.

[0094] The data and information made available in this way may also be useful, in particular for regulatory or equipment or corresponding process control.

[0095] It is to be understood that the features of the solutions in the above description and claims can also be combined where applicable to achieve additional advantages.

[0096] Further advantages, objects and characteristics of the present invention will be explained by the following description of exemplary embodiments which are also illustrated in detail in the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0097] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a stretching machine. [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic top view of the drawing machine according to FIG. 1; [Figure 3] 3 is a schematic side view showing, on an enlarged scale, the stretch ring and stretch mandrel of the arrangement according to FIGS. 1 and 2; FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0098] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, in the first embodiment, the drawing machine 11 includes a drawing device 51, a drawing ring 61, a drawing mandrel 71, and a device 90 for transmitting data.

[0099] The workpiece 1 is engaged with a stretching device 51, which, viewed in the operating direction 24, is mounted or positioned behind a stretching ring 61 and a stretching mandrel 71. The workpiece 1 extends along a longitudinal extension direction 21 oriented in the same direction as the operating direction 24.

[0100] The workpiece 1 presents itself as a semi-finished product 40 configured as a tube 41 .

[0101] The workpiece 1 is configured with a wall 39 .

[0102] Furthermore, the workpiece 1 has an interior 22 as well as an exterior 23 .

[0103] Additionally, the workpiece 1, seen in the working direction 24, is behind the drawing ring 61 or drawing mandrel 71 as a hollow body 30 or tube 31. The drawing device 51 thus engages with the tube 31, i.e. on it.

[0104] The draw mandrel 71 is positioned on the interior 22 of the workpiece 1, while the draw ring 61 is positioned on the exterior 23 of the workpiece. The draw mandrel 71 and the draw ring 61 each contact the wall 39 of the workpiece 1.

[0105] In the described embodiment, the sensor 80 is positioned on the drawing mandrel 71, and in this exemplary embodiment the sensor is positioned in front of the drawing mandrel 71 when viewed in the operating direction 24, so that the sensor is located in front of the drawing ring 61 in the non-forming area of ​​the workpiece 1 when viewed in the operating direction 24.

[0106] The sensor 80 of this exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1-3 works in conjunction with a microcontroller 81 and a memory 82, which allows it to operate relatively autonomously.

[0107] In particular, the microcontroller 81 and / or the memory 82 can be provided in the sensor 80 or in the transmitter 91. It is likewise conceivable that the transmitter 91 and the sensor 80 form a structural unit.

[0108] The device 90 for transmitting data comprises a transmitter 91 and a receiver 92. In this exemplary embodiment, the transmitter 91 is configured as a transmit coil 93. The receiver 92 is configured as a receive coil 94. It should be understood that in alternative embodiments, other configurations are possible here.

[0109] The receiving coil 94 is connected to a receiver 96 and a microcontroller 95 by means of electrical wires 97. The microcontroller 95 is switched after the receiver 96. In this exemplary embodiment, the receiver 96 serves for signal amplification while performing evaluation by the microcontroller 95. It should be understood that in alternative embodiments, other configurations are possible here.

[0110] The receive coil is positioned at the axial height of the transmit coil 93 in the direction of longitudinal extension 21 .

[0111] The transmitting coil 93 is connected to the sensor 80 by an electric wire 97 .

[0112] The drawing mandrel 71 has a circular cross section.

[0113] The stretching device 51 stretches the workpiece 1 in the longitudinal extension direction 21, thereby advancing the workpiece in the working direction 24. The stretching device 51 is configured as an endless track and engages the workpiece 1 and stretches the workpiece 1 through a stretch ring 61 and over a stretch mandrel 71. The stretch ring 61 or the stretch mandrel 71 then acts on the semi-finished product 40 to form the semi-finished product 40. It should be understood that in alternative embodiments, other stretching devices 51 can also be used in this regard, such as a carriage stretcher or a drum stretcher, for example.

[0114] The stretch ring 61 acts on the semi-finished product 40 to form the semi-finished product 40 and to define the outer shape of the hollow body 30 formed, thereby defining the inner diameter of the tube 31 .

[0115] The draw mandrel 71, by its outer diameter, defines the inner diameter of the tube 31 formed from the semi-finished product 40. The wall 39 of the workpiece is defined by the difference between the inner diameter of the draw ring 61 and the outer diameter of the draw mandrel 71.

[0116] Sensor 80 located on drawing mandrel 71 detects a physical property, particularly during the drawing process without interruption. Such property can be, for example, temperature, pressure, acceleration, and / or the exact location of sensor 80. Because sensor 80 is located on drawing mandrel 71, i.e., directly connected to or attached to drawing mandrel 71, and the exact dimensions of drawing mandrel 71 are known, the exact location of the entire drawing mandrel 71 can be fully determined.

[0117] Because the sensor 80 is positioned within the interior 22 of the workpiece 1, the sensor 80 also measures physical properties within the interior 22 of the workpiece.

[0118] The measurement data recorded by the sensor 80 is transmitted to the microcontroller 81, where it is further processed directly. Furthermore, the memory 82 supplies energy to the sensor 80, which in turn provides the sensor 80 with energy for the measurement process. The measurement data is then transmitted from the sensor 80 to a transmitting coil 93, which is also located nearby in the interior 22 of the workpiece 1 by an electrical wire 97. The energy of the memory 82 also enters the transmitting coil 93, enabling it to transmit a signal.

[0119] The transmitting coil 93 is arranged radially around the longitudinal extension direction 21 , i.e. coaxially with the workpiece 1 or semi-finished product 40 .

[0120] In this exemplary embodiment, measurement data is inductively transmitted by a transmitting coil 93 to a receiving coil 94, which generates a naturally occurring magnetic field.

[0121] It should be understood that in other exemplary embodiments, other transmitter / receiver combinations, such as capacitive or electromagnetic combinations, may alternatively or additionally be provided.

[0122] The receiving coil 94 receives the measurement data from the transmitting coil 93 and transmits them to a receiver 96 whose role is to amplify the received signals, since signal losses occur due to transmission through the wall 39 of the workpiece 1. The signals, once amplified again by the receiver 96, are transmitted to a microcontroller 95 which further processes the measurement data.

[0123] It is also conceivable that the device 90 for transmitting data can be configured as a hardwired connection, in which case a hardwired connection between the transmitter 91 and the receiver 92 must be available.

[0124] It is also conceivable that the transmission from transmitter 91 to receiver 92 could be carried out electrically, which would have to be carried out by a capacitive device.

[0125] In another possible embodiment, the transmission between the transmitter 91 and the receiver 92 can be performed electromagnetically, for example a hollow workpiece being used as a hollow conductor for transmitting the signal.

[0126] The metrology data can then also be used, for example, for quality control or for controlling or regulating the drawing process. [Explanation of symbols]

[0127] 1 workpiece 11 Stretching machine 21 Longitudinal expansion direction 22 Inside of workpiece 1 23 Outside of workpiece 1 24 Operating direction 30 Hollow body 31 tube 39 Wall of Workpiece 1 40 Semi-finished products 41 tube 51 Stretching Device 61 Extension Ring 71 Drawing mandrel 80 sensors 81 Microcontroller 82 memory 90 Device for transmitting data 91 Transmitter 92 Receiver 93 Transmitting Coil 94 receiving coil 95 Microcontroller 96 Receiver 97 Electric wire

Claims

1. A drawing machine (11) for producing or processing a tube (31) consisting of a semi-finished product (40), comprising: the tube extends in a longitudinal extension direction (21), the stretching machine (11) comprises a stretching device (51), a stretching ring (61) and a stretching mandrel (71) for stretching the hollow workpiece (1) formed of the tube (31) and the semi-finished product (40) along the longitudinal extension direction (21); The drawing mandrel (71) and the drawing ring (61) are used to act on the workpiece (1) to form the workpiece (1), while the workpiece (1) is drawn around the drawing mandrel (71) and through the drawing ring (61) under the control of the drawing device; a sensor (80), a microcontroller, and a memory disposed on the drawing mandrel (71), the sensor (80) operable with the microcontroller and the memory to measure the position of the sensor (80) in three-dimensional space; the drawing mandrel (71) comprises a device (90) for transmitting data from the interior (22) of the workpiece (1) using a transmitter (91) located on the drawing mandrel (71) and a receiver (92) located outside the workpiece (1); The receiver (92) and the transmitter (91) are capable of wirelessly communicating with each other; A drawing machine (11), characterized in that the wireless communication between the transmitter (91) and the receiver (92) is configured inductively.

2. 2. The drawing machine (11) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor (80) is capable of measuring temperature and / or pressure and / or acceleration by a sensor (80) arranged on the drawing mandrel (71).

3. 2. The drawing machine (11) according to claim 1, characterized in that the transmitter (91) is capable of transmitting a signal carrying data through the wall (39) of the workpiece (1), and the receiver (92) is preferably arranged at an axial height of the transmitter (91) relative to the longitudinal extension direction (21).

4. A drawing machine (11) according to claim 3, characterized in that the transmitter (91) comprises a transmitting coil (93).

5. A drawing machine (11) according to any one of claims 1, 3 and 4, characterized in that the receiver (92) comprises a receiving coil (94) surrounding the workpiece (1).

6. A drawing method for producing or processing a tube (31) consisting of a semi-finished product (40), comprising: the tube extends in a longitudinal extension direction (21), and using a drawing device (51), the hollow workpiece (1) formed by the tube (31) and the semi-finished product (40) is drawn in the longitudinal extension direction (21); The workpiece (1) is acted upon by a drawing mandrel (71) and a drawing ring (61), forming the workpiece (1), while the workpiece (1) is drawn around the drawing mandrel (71) through the drawing ring (61) under the influence of the drawing device (51); a sensor (80), a microcontroller, and a memory disposed on the drawing mandrel (71), the sensor (80) operating in conjunction with the microcontroller and the memory to measure the position of the sensor (80) in three-dimensional space; a transmitter (91) disposed on the drawing mandrel (71) for transmitting a signal carrying data from the workpiece (1) to a receiver (92) disposed on the exterior (23) of the workpiece (1); The receiver (92) and the transmitter (91) are in wireless communication with each other; The method of claim 1, wherein the data is transmitted inductively between the transmitter (91) and the receiver (92).

7. 7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the sensor (80) is capable of measuring temperature and / or pressure and / or acceleration.

8. 7. The drawing method according to claim 6, characterized in that the transmitter (91) transmits a signal with data through the wall (39) of the workpiece (1), and the receiver (92) is preferably arranged at an axial height of the transmitter (91) relative to the longitudinal extension direction (21).

9. 9. A method according to claim 6 or 8, characterized in that the data is transmitted by a transmitting coil (93).

10. 10. A method according to any one of claims 6, 8 and 9, characterized in that data is received by a receiving coil (94) of the receiver (92), said coil surrounding the tube (31).

11. The method according to any one of claims 6, 8 to 10, characterized in that the receiver (92) amplifies the signal transmitted by the transmitter (91).

12. 12. The method of claim 6, 8 to 11, characterized in that the data received by the receiver (92) is transmitted to a receiver (96) of the receiver (92) and / or further processed by a microcontroller (95).

13. Stretching machine (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 or stretching method according to any one of claims 6, 8 to 12, characterized in that the semi-finished product (40) is a hollow body extending in the longitudinal extension direction (21).

14. A drawing mandrel (71) used in a drawing machine (11) and / or drawing method for producing or processing a tube (31) consisting of a semi-finished product (40) extending in a longitudinal direction of extension (21), comprising: the drawing mandrel (71) is a flying drawing mandrel, and a sensor (80), a microcontroller, and a memory are disposed on the drawing mandrel (71), and / or the sensor (80) is operable with the microcontroller and the memory to measure the position of the sensor (80) in three-dimensional space; the drawing mandrel (71) comprises a device (90) for transmitting data from the interior (22) of the workpiece (1) using a transmitter (91) located inside the workpiece (1) and a receiver (92) located outside the workpiece (1); The receiver (92) and the transmitter (91) are capable of wirelessly communicating with each other; A drawing mandrel (71), characterized in that the wireless communication between the transmitter (91) and the receiver (92) is configured inductively.

15. 15. The drawing machine (11) of claim 1, the drawing method of claim 6 or the drawing mandrel of claim 14, characterized in that the sensor (80) comprises a 9-axis position sensor and / or the sensor (80) records a spatial position in Euler coordinates.

16. Stretching machine (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and / or stretching method according to any one of claims 6 to 12, characterized in that the workpiece (1) extends over at least 2 m in its longitudinal extension direction (21) after moving through the stretching mandrel (71) or the stretching ring (61).

17. A drawing machine (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and / or a drawing method according to any one of claims 6 to 12, characterized in that the workpiece (1) is metal, preferably made of copper, aluminum, iron or steel.

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