A system for restraining a mandrel bar in a pipe rolling mechanism and a method for operating this system.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system (100) comprising a mobile unit (110) and an activation unit (140). The mobile unit (110) is equipped with at least one actuating member (120), the actuating member (120) being operable by an actuator (130) arranged on the mobile unit. The activation unit (140) comprises an operating mechanism (150) for operating the actuator for the actuating member (120). In order to simplify, reduce costs and make the energy supply to the actuator for actuating the actuating member on the mobile unit more flexible, the present invention provides a system according to the above-mentioned known system in which the activation unit (140) is fixedly assembled on the mobile unit and the system comprises at least one pulling element (160) for transferring the kinetic energy of the operating mechanism (150) in the form of a pulling force to the actuator (130) arranged on the mobile unit (110) for actuating the actuating member (120).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system comprising a drivable unit and an activation unit fixed to the drivable unit. At least one actuating member is arranged on the drivable unit, and the actuating member is operationally controlled via an actuator. The actuator itself, and thus also the actuating member, is operated by an operating mechanism which is arranged on the activation unit, and the kinetic energy of the operating mechanism is transmitted to the actuator. The drivable unit is, for example, a mandrel bar restraint device by means of which a mandrel bar serving as an inner support for a hollow block to be rolled can be driven towards or away from a tube rolling mechanism. The mandrel bar restraint device may also be referred to as a mandrel thrust block. Instead of the mandrel bar for the functions mentioned, the mandrel bar may be an expansion mandrel or a piercing mandrel which expands or reduces the cross-section of the deformed primary product.

[0002] In the prior art, the operation of the actuator, and thus also of the actuating member, is typically carried out via an electric or hydraulic operating device which is arranged on the drivable unit, preferably in the immediate vicinity of the actuator to be operated. The energy supply for these operating devices on the drivable unit is, however, carried out via an energy guide chain, for example a cable carrier, or a tube supply, etc. Known energy supplies are limited in terms of their possible acceleration, speed and lifespan and have a not inconsiderable self-weight which has to be additionally moved with respect to the drivable unit. Therefore, in many cases, clearly more drive power has to be input than is necessary to dynamically move the drivable unit, and this also weighs on the cycle time.

[0003] The fundamental problem of the present invention is to develop the above-mentioned known system and the corresponding known method of operating this system so that the energy supply to the actuator for the working member on the drivable unit is simplified, cost-effective, and more flexible.

[0004] The above problems are solved with respect to the system by the scope of claim 1. Therefore, the system is characterized in that the activation unit is fixedly mounted to the moving unit, and the system comprises at least one tension element that transmits the kinetic energy of the operating mechanism to an actuator provided on the moving unit in order to actuate an actuating member.

[0005] The concept of "fixed" means having a fixed position.

[0006] The claimed tension element is far more robust to failures than conventional energy supply devices in the prior art, and therefore requires far less maintenance. The operation of the actuator on the mobile unit, and consequently the actuarial member, is achieved by the movement of the mobile unit superimposing the movement of the tension element caused by the operating mechanism. Otherwise, coupling of the driving force and the regulating force would not be achieved.

[0007] According to the first embodiment, the tension element is a rope, wire, chain, or belt, such as a toothed belt or V-belt. In this configuration, the tension element advantageously has a much lower weight than the supply devices known in the prior art. Based on the reduced mass, the drive power that must be applied to move the mobile unit and the energy supply device as a whole can be reduced compared to the prior art. Based on the reduced mass, greater acceleration and travel speed of the entire system are possible. In the given configuration, the tension element is also flexible. This flexibility allows the tension element to operate an actuator on the mobile unit at any arbitrary position of the mobile unit and at any point in the movement of the mobile unit, regardless of the direction of motion of the mobile unit. It is obvious that the tension element can also operate the actuator when the mobile unit is stopped. Finally, the tension element in this configuration is much cheaper than the energy transmission devices in the prior art.

[0008] In another embodiment, the tension element is attached to an actuator or to the actuator itself at the end of the tension element on the actuator side, and selectively fixed at the end of the tension element opposite to the actuator to a traversable unit, a fixed activation unit, or a third location. The operating mechanism of the fixed activation unit in this case functions as a tensioning and / or buffering device for the tension element and engages with the tension element between its ends. The operating mechanism is operated by a drive or manually. The operating mechanism functions as a tensioning device in that it applies a tensile force to the tension element, which is then transmitted to the actuator and actuator. Advantageously, the tension element is already under preload when the operating mechanism applies the tensile force to the tension element, in which case the tensile force is superimposed on the preload within the tension element. The operating mechanism acts as a buffer device in that, due to its structure, it incorporates or stores a certain length of the tensile element within itself.

[0009] The operating mechanism typically has at least one, often more, deflection rolls. When these fixed and / or movable deflection rolls exhibit a mass concentration at the center of the deflection roll, the deflection roll has a small moment of inertia. This is advantageous in that it keeps the operating force of the actuator low and reduces wear on the tension element.

[0010] In another embodiment, the tension element may be elastically configured and / or the tension element may include a damping element. Both of these configurations offer the advantage that force transmission can be carried out more uniformly and without fluctuation, and advantageously, the load on the components involved is reduced.

[0011] Providing interchangeable connection points for tension elements at at least one of the ends of a tension element offers the advantage that the tension element can be easily detached and easily replaced as a replacement part when needed.

[0012] In this regard, it is advantageous to provide another monitoring device that monitors wear, abrasion, or elongation of the tensile elements, thereby enabling timely replacement of the tensile elements.

[0013] Ultimately, it is advantageous to have a compensating element to compensate for undesirable length changes in the tensile element, such as "wear and tear" or length changes due to changes in ambient temperature.

[0014] Other advantageous configurations of actuators, tension elements, working members, and operating mechanisms are subject to dependent claims.

[0015] The present invention is accompanied by 12 figures. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 0] This figure shows an overview of the system according to the present invention. [Figure 1]This diagram shows a drivable unit in a perspective view, along with the mandrel bar restraint head, in an open state for inserting the mandrel bar. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows a movable unit, along with mandrel bars that are installed inside and fixed in the radial and axial directions (the rolling direction) for forward movement toward the pipe rolling mechanism. [Figure 3] This figure shows one embodiment of an activation unit according to the present invention having a movable deflection element. [Figure 4] This figure shows a first embodiment for an actuator that actsuates a first operating member. [Figure 5] This is a plan view of a second embodiment for an actuator that actsuates a second operating member. [Figure 6] This figure shows one embodiment of a compensation element according to the present invention for a tensile element. [Figure 7] This diagram shows the connection of the insert device to the head of the mandrel bar. [Figure 8] This diagram shows the connection of the insert device to the head of the mandrel bar. [Figure 9] This diagram shows the connection of the insert device to the head of the mandrel bar. [Figure 10] This diagram shows the disconnection of the insert device from the mandrel bar head. [Figure 11] Figure 1 shows a movable unit, along with a mandrel bar that is installed and fixed in forward and reverse directions of motion in the radial and axial directions for return motion from the pipe rolling mechanism.

[0017] The present invention will be described in detail below in the form of embodiments with reference to the drawings provided. In all figures, the same technical elements are denoted by the same reference numerals. Reference numerals followed by single or double quotation marks refer to the first or second embodiment of the respective technical element. When reference numerals are used without following quotation marks, the description associated with each reference numeral is valid in general, that is, valid regardless of any particular embodiment.

[0018] Figure 0 shows an overview of the system 100 according to the present invention. Visible are the two main components of this system: a mobile unit 110 and an activation unit 140 fixedly mounted to the mobile unit.

[0019] The mobile unit 110 has a mandrel bar restraint head 112, to which a mandrel bar 210 can be fixed or locked by an operating member 120. The operation of the operating member 120 is performed via an assigned actuator 130. The activation of the actuator 130 is performed by an operating mechanism 150 of an activation unit 140, and the kinetic energy of the operating mechanism 150 is transmitted to the actuator 130 via a tension element 160, and then to the operating member via the actuator. The tension element 160 may each be a rope, wire, chain, or belt, such as a toothed belt or a V-belt.

[0020] The mandrel bar 210 is first used to introduce the hollow block 220 into the hollow block 220 when the hollow block 220 is to be rolled into a pipe within the pipe rolling mechanism 300. The mandrel bar 210 is then used as an internal support for the hollow block. Alternatively, the mandrel bar may be a so-called plug bar or perforated mandrel bar, which expands or contracts the deformed cross-section of the primary product using a mandrel or perforated mandrel. In these cases, the mandrel bar restraint head 112 may also be referred to as a mandrel thrust block.

[0021] The mandrel bar 210 is translated linearly by an insert device 190 driven by an inserter drive 198 and positioned on the mandrel bar restraint head 112.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 0 and 1, the mandrel bar restraint head 112 is firmly coupled to the rack 114. The rack 114 and the mandrel bar restraint head 112 attached to the rack 114 are displaceable linearly in the axial direction of the rack 114 by a pinion drive 115 toward the tube rolling mechanism 300 and back from the tube rolling mechanism.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, three exemplary actuating members 120′, 120″, and 120′″ are arranged on the mandrel bar restraint head 112. Among these actuating members 120′, 120″, and 120′″, at least the first and second actuating members 120′, 120″ are operable by individually assigned actuators 130.

[0024] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment for an actuator 130′ according to the invention in the form of a transmission mechanism for the first actuating member 120′. As such a transmission mechanism, the actuator 130′ has a lever 132′ on the input side of the actuator 130′, and a first tension element 160′ is connected to the lever 132′. The lever 132′ can be configured in the form of a rope pulley, as shown in FIG. 1, or in the form of a drum or a guide nozzle when the first tension element 160′ is a rope or a wire. When the first tension element 160′ is a belt, particularly a toothed belt, it is recommended to form the lever 132′ in the form of a belt pulley.

[0025] When only gravity is acting, the first actuating member 120' in the form of a flap automatically swings downward to the deactivated position of the first actuating member 120', as shown in Figure 1. In this case, the preload force is transmitted from the output side of the transmission mechanism to the input side of the transmission mechanism. Thus, in this case, a preload is applied to the tension element 160'. This effect of gravity applying the preload may be assisted or amplified by additional auxiliary means, such as springs, cylinders, etc.

[0026] However, as described above, when an additional tensile force is applied to the first tension element 160' by the first operating mechanism 150, the transmission mechanism transmits the tensile force exerted by the tension element 160' from the input side to the output side of the transmission mechanism, thereby causing the flap 120' to swing upwards at the output side of the transmission mechanism from the deactivated position of the flap 120' shown in Figure 2 to the operating position of the flap 120' shown in Figure 11. If a preload is applied to the first tension element 160' as described, the applied tensile force is superimposed on the reverse-directed preload within the tension element 160'. This additional tensile force must be large enough to overcome the reverse preload and lift the flap.

[0027] The movable unit 110, and in particular the mandrel bar restraint head 112, is used to move the mandrel bar 210 into the hollow block 220 and to move the hollow block, together with the introduced mandrel bar 210, into the pipe rolling mechanism 300. For this purpose, the mandrel bar 210 can be fixed to the mandrel bar restraint head 112 by an actuating member 120. A trough 117 is configured in the mandrel bar restraint head 112 to accommodate the mandrel bar, into which the mandrel bar can be loaded or inserted. Within the pipe rolling mechanism 300, the hollow block 220 is deformed into a pipe having a desired outer diameter reduced from the hollow block 220. The hollow block 220 and the pipe produced from the hollow block 220 are preferably seamlessly connected.

[0028] Figure 2 shows the movable unit 110 shown in Figure 1, and in particular the mandrel bar restraint head 112, which is shown here together with the inserted mandrel bar 210.

[0029] As soon as the hollow block 220 is introduced into the pipe rolling mechanism 300 together with the mandrel bar 210, the pipe rolling mechanism 300 exerts a tensile force on the hollow block and the mandrel bar 210. That is, the mandrel bar 210 is pulled toward the pipe rolling mechanism 300. The first actuating member 120' in the form of a flap is, in this case, typically swung to disengage to its deactivation position as shown in Figure 2. The axial fixation of the mandrel bar 210 is, in this case, achieved on one side by a thickened end 216 provided on the head 214 of the mandrel bar. With this thickened end 216, the mandrel bar abuts against a stopper 119 provided in this case within the trough 117. This thickened end may be generated, for example, by narrowing the mandrel bar. The enlarged end portion 216 transmits the tensile force generated by the pipe rolling mechanism, preventing the mandrel bar from flying uncontrollably towards the pipe rolling mechanism and causing damage in the process.

[0030] After the hollow block 220 has finished rolling within the pipe rolling mechanism 300, the mandrel bar 210 is pulled back out of the pipe rolling mechanism by the mobile unit 110 and withdrawn from the hollow block being transported out in the rolling direction W within the pipe rolling mechanism.

[0031] Figure 2 shows how the mandrel bar 210 is fixed or locked to the mandrel bar restraint head 112 by at least the first actuating member 120' and the second actuating member 120''.

[0032] The first operating member 120' in the form of a flap is used to lock the mandrel bar 210 into the trough 117 when the mandrel bar restraining head 112 moves axially with the mandrel bar 210 back from the pipe rolling mechanism 300. For this purpose, at the start of the pull-back process, the flap 120' is swung by a tensile force applied to the first tension element 160' by the operating mechanism 150, causing it to swing from the stop position of the flap 120' shown in Figure 2 to the operating position of the flap 120', as shown in Figure 11, within the constricted section 212 provided around the outside of the mandrel bar 210. Similar to the thickened end 216, the flap 120' is used as a retaining element to prevent uncontrolled movement of the mandrel bar 210 during sudden deceleration of the deceleration force applied to the mandrel bar by the movable unit for pulling the mandrel bar 210 out of the hollow block in the pipe rolling mechanism. As the mandrel bar 210 travels toward the pipe rolling mechanism 300, the flap 120' is typically swung downwards based on gravity, as described above.

[0033] The second actuating member 120'' is used to stop the mandrel bar 210 in the radial direction. For this purpose, the second actuating member 120'' travels / extends from the resting position shown in Figure 1 to the operating position shown in Figure 2, above the mandrel bar 210. The travel to the operating position is carried out by a compression spring 136, as will be described in more detail below with reference to Figure 5. In the operating position of the second actuating member, the second actuating member restricts the radial movement of the mandrel bar 210, that is, the second actuating member 120'' in particular prevents the mandrel bar 210 from lifting off the trough 117 or the third actuating member 120''''. The second actuating member 120'' is preferably configured in the form of an asymmetrical polygonal disc, as shown in Figure 2, or is adapted to the diameter of the mandrel bar 210 being used at any given time by shims or the like. Each of the linear sections surrounding the second actuating member has a different minimum distance from one another with respect to the central axis 124 of the second actuating member, which is suitable for restricting the radial degrees of freedom of motion of the mandrel bars 210, each having a different diameter. The second actuating member 120'' is advantageously advanced to the actuating position of the second actuating member 120'' shown in Figure 2, both when moving the mandrel bars 210 forward toward the pipe rolling mechanism 300 and when moving the mandrel bars toward the pipe rolling mechanism.

[0034] A third actuating member 120''', further shown in Figures 1 and 2, is configured in the form of an eccentric shaft, as schematically shown in Figure 1, to press the mandrel bar 210 from below against the extended second actuating member 120''. As long as the third actuating member 120''' is in its resting position, even when the second actuating member 120'' is extended, the radial support of the mandrel bar 210 within the trough 117 is not typically without play. This is because the second actuating member 120'', even in its extended operating position shown in Figure 2, does not necessarily contact the mandrel bar 210 within the trough 117, much less press the mandrel bar 210 into the trough. Only by acting the mandrel bar 210 from below by an eccentric shaft or similar adjustable device toward the extended second actuating member 120'' (radially) can the mandrel bar 210 be adjusted or aligned with the rolling center of the pipe rolling mechanism 300, thereby aligning the mandrel bar 210 in a straight line with the center of the pipe rolling mechanism. The eccentric shaft, acting as a third actuating member, is typically rotated manually from its resting position to its operating position and in the opposite direction.

[0035] Figure 3 shows an operating mechanism 150 according to the present invention. The mechanism shown therein preferably applies similarly to first and second embodiments for the operating mechanism. The operating mechanism 150 is used to apply a tensile force to a tension element 160. For this purpose, the operating mechanism 150 has at least one movable deflection element 152, preferably in the form of a deflection roll or guide nozzle. As shown in Figure 3, the movable deflection element 152 is displaceable by at least a component of motion in the vertical direction, i.e., laterally relative to the horizontal principal direction of the tension element, as indicated by the vertical bidirectional arrows. The operating mechanism 150 engages the tension element 160 such that the tension element wraps around the movable deflection element 152 by at least a predetermined angular range α. The movement of the deflection element 152 can be performed manually or by a drive device 156. As described above, the movable deflection element 152 moves, as shown in Figure 3, in at least the lateral component relative to the main extension of each tension element 160, for example, the extension in the horizontal direction, thereby applying or exerting a desired tensile force on the tension element 160. In addition to at least one movable deflection element 152, the operating mechanism may further have at least one, preferably, but two, other fixed-position deflection elements 134, as shown in Figure 3, the fixed-position deflection elements 134 are positioned upstream and / or downstream of the movable deflection element 152 in the direction of extension of the tension element 160, to which the tension element 160 is wrapped over at least a predetermined angular range β. Other relative positions of the directional elements and the resulting different winding angles are possible, which also allows for other directions of motion of the operating mechanism 150.

[0036] The operating mechanism shown in Figure 3 is a component of an activation unit 140, which has three deflection elements shown exemplify and is fixedly positioned on a movable unit 110. A deflection element 134, which is fixed in position but rotatably supported, is used to guide the tension element 160 toward and from the movable deflection element 152 with as little friction as possible. The deflection element 134 further ensures that as much kinetic energy, i.e., tensile force, introduced into the tension element 160 by the movable deflection element 152 as possible is introduced into the tension element 160 and not dissipated into undesirable displacement of the tension element 160.

[0037] In short, the operating mechanism 150 shown in Figure 3 is used, on the one hand, as a tensioning device for the tension element 160. This is because the operating mechanism 150 applies a tensile force to the tension element 160 through its movement or through the transmission of its kinetic energy. On the other hand, the operating mechanism 150 is also used as a buffer device for the tension element 160. This is because the operating mechanism 150 temporarily stores the partial length or length change of the tension element within itself as a strip length.

[0038] Figure 4 shows a side view of the mandrel bar holding head shown in Figures 1 and 2. Clearly visible is a transmission mechanism that controls the operation of a first actuating member 120' in the form of a flap, which is supported so as to be pivotable around a rotation axis D1. Further visible is a lever 132' or rope pulley, on which a first tension element 160' is wound to some extent. The rope pulley 132' is mechanically hinged to the flap 120' via the lever. As soon as a first tensile force F' is applied to the first tension element 160' by the operating mechanism 150 shown in Figure 3, the rope pulley 132' is rotated clockwise over a predetermined angular range, as seen in Figure 4. The mechanical coupling with the flap 120' causes the flap 120' to be pulled up from the detached, motion-stopped position of the flap 120', as shown in Figure 4, to the operating position of the flap 120', as shown in Figure 11, preferably into the constricted portion 212 provided on the surface of the mandrel bar 210, as shown in Figure 2.

[0039] Figure 5 shows a second actuator 130'' that acts on the second actuating member 120'' in the form of the polygonal disc described above. In this embodiment shown in Figure 5, the second actuator has a compression spring 136. A second tension element 160'' is provided to compress the compression spring. The compression spring 136 applies a preload to the second tension element 160''. When a tensile force F'' superimposed on the potentially present reverse-directed preload is applied to the second tension element 160'' by a second operating mechanism, which may be configured to have the same structure as the first operating mechanism shown in Figure 3, the compression spring 136 is compressed, and the second actuating member in the form of the polygonal disc 120'' attached to its end face is pulled back from the operating position of the second actuating member shown in Figure 5 to the retracted position of the second actuating member shown in Figure 1. Conversely, reducing the tensile force, particularly eliminating the tensile force applied to the second tension element 160'', causes the compression spring 136 to relax, and consequently, the second actuator 120'' is displaced from the retraction position to the operating position above the mandrel bar 210, as shown in Figure 5. Since the compression spring is positioned laterally to the principal displacement direction of the second tension element 160'', as shown in Figure 5, the second actuator 160'' is provided with a fixed deflection element 134'' in the form of a deflection roll, which guides the tension element 160'' and the tensile force F'' applied to the tension element 160'' to change direction accordingly. A damping element 163 may be incorporated into the tension rope to dampen fluctuations in the force acting on the tension rope, if applicable. The same applies to the first tension element 160''.

[0040] Figure 6 shows the rack 114 to which the mandrel bar restraint head 112 is firmly attached. The rack 114 is moved translationally along its longitudinal direction by the pinion drive unit 115 shown in Figure 1. As the rack moves, the mandrel bar restraint head 112 attached to the rack is also moved along the longitudinal direction of the rack toward and away from the pipe rolling mechanism, as described above. In addition to the rack 114, Figure 6 also shows both tension elements 160. Furthermore, a compensation element 165 is shown, for example, in the form of a spindle, which applies a preload to the tension elements 160 (additionally to the weight-based force preload in the case of the first actuator 120' and / or additionally to the compression spring 136 preload in the case of the second actuator 120'') and / or compensates for undesirable length changes of the tension elements 160. The compensation element can be used to adjust the actuator.

[0041] For all deflection rolls, it is recommended to form them such that the deflection rolls exhibit a mass concentration at the center of each deflection roll. This is because, by designing them in this way, the inertial elements of individual deflection rolls can be kept small. The advantages of the damping element provided within the tension element, as mentioned above, may alternatively be achieved by the tension element being configured to be somewhat elastic.

[0042] Furthermore, it is advantageous if at least one end of the tension element 160 is provided with a replacement connection for easily detaching the tension element as a replacement part from the traversable unit, actuator or operating member and / or the ground, and for optional replacement.

[0043] The system may be advantageously assigned various monitoring devices. For example, monitoring device 170 may be configured to monitor the position, speed, or acceleration of the drivable unit 110. Another monitoring device 180 may be provided to monitor wear, abrasion, or undesirable elongation of the tensile element 160. All monitoring devices may be mechanically operated, optically operated, or electronically operated.

[0044] As mentioned above, the drawings illustrate the system as a first embodiment in the form of a mandrel bar restraint device within a pipe rolling mechanism 300, having a traversable unit 110 as a mandrel bar restraint head 112 having a trough 117 for housing the mandrel bar 210.

[0045] The system 100 according to the present invention is operated as follows: A tensile force is applied to at least one tension element 160 by at least one operating mechanism 150 that operates at least one actuator 130 for at least one actuating member 120, which is operated manually or by a drive unit 156. According to a first embodiment of the method of the present invention, the tensile force F can be applied to the tension element 160, specifically, regardless of the current relative positions of the movable unit and the activation device having the operating mechanism, both while the movable unit 110 is moving and while the movable unit 110 is stopped.

[0046] Figures 7 to 9 show the connection of the inserter 190 (also called an insert device) to the mandrel bar 210. The inserter 190 consists of a bar 193, to which a pivotably supported locking flap 192 is attached at one end. The insert device 190 is movable in the axial direction of the bar 193, for example, via a rack, by a drive device 198. The drive device 198 engages with the bar 193, particularly the rack. The inserter 190 is movable within a first inserter clutch device 191, at least at the end of the inserter 190 having the locking flap. The inserter clutch device 191 is preferably axially adjustable, mounted, for example, to a fixed activation unit 140. The inserter clutch device 191 is assembled to the activation device 140 such that the inserter 190 is supported within the activation device 140 so as to be movable parallel to the rack 114 of the traversable unit 110, in order to have stepless adjustability.

[0047] Figure 7 shows the inserter 190 with the open locking flap 192. The illustrated opening of the locking flap 192 is achieved by a guide pin 197 selectively sliding or rolling guide, which forces the locking flap 192 to be open in the position shown in Figure 7 within a first slide guide 195 provided on the inner surface of the first inserter clutch device 191 on both sides of the locking flap. To connect the inserter 190 to the mandrel bar, for example, the frustoconical head 214, the locking flap is further traveled within the first inserter clutch device 191 via the bar 193 toward the mandrel bar head 214. This is further shown in Figures 8 and 9. As the locking flap 192 approaches the mandrel bar head 214, it continues to descend from its open position by a preferred first slide guide 195 shown in Figures 7 to 9, until it is connected to and locked to the mandrel bar head 214.

[0048] For this purpose, the first slide guide 195 has a raised straight section in the insert direction (see arrow in the figure), so that the locking flap is always open when the guide pin 197 of the locking flap slides along this straight section. The first slide guide 195 has a ramped section at the trough 117 side end of the first slide guide 195 that is inclined downward in the insert direction, so that as the inserter approaches the head 214 of the mandrel bar 210, the locking flap descends onto the head 214 as described above.

[0049] In a subsequent method step, the mandrel bar 210 is then moved axially into the trough 117 of the movable unit 110 by the connected inserter 190. Figures 7 to 10 show this movement being carried out from right to left. Just before the mandrel bar 210 reaches the target position in the trough 117 where the mandrel bar 210 contacts the stopper 119 with its thickened end 216, the guide pin 197 of the locking flap 192 abuts against the starting end of the second slide guide 196 of the second inserter clutch device 194. The second slide guide 196 is configured such that when the inserter 190 is inserted into the second inserter clutch device 194 from the right, i.e., from the first clutch device 191, the guide pin 197, and thus the locking flap 192, is lifted. This lifting of the locking flap disengages the coupling between the inserter 190 and the mandrel bar 210, particularly the head 214 of the mandrel bar 210. The mandrel bar 210 can then certainly be inserted into the trough 117, still axially, into its original target position. However, when the inserter 190 is pulled back, the locking flap 192 of the inserter 190 remains open, initially until it is no longer engaged with the head 214 of the mandrel bar 210. Only after the inserter 190 has been traveled back to a position where the locking flap 192 is no longer above the head 214 of the mandrel bar does the locking flap 192 return to its lowered position.

[0050] The second slide guide 196 is configured to work in cooperation with the guide pin 197 of the locking flap to achieve the movement of the locking flap as described and desired. More precisely, for this purpose, the second slide guide 196 is equipped with a ramp section at its distal end from the trough, which first rises in the insert direction (from right to left in the figure), and this ramp section then transitions into a straight section of constant height as it approaches the trough 117. Within the ramp section, the guide pin 197, and consequently the locking flap as well, is raised to the height level defined by the straight section. As the inserter moves along the straight section, the locking flap remains constantly open.

[0051] Figures 7 to 10 show the insertion of the mandrel bar 210 into the trough 117 provided in the mandrel bar restraint head 112 in the insert direction. In this process, the first inserter clutch device is used to connect the inserter 190 to the mandrel bar 210, and the second inserter clutch device is used to disconnect the inserter from the mandrel bar. This process can, however, also be carried out in reverse, namely, the mandrel bar 210 is then pulled back from the trough 117. In this case, the second inserter clutch device is used to connect the inserter 190, and the first inserter clutch device is used to disconnect the inserter 190 from the mandrel bar 210. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 100 Systems 110 Mobile Units 112 Mandrel Bar Restraint Head 114 racks 115 Drive unit for rack and mandrel bar restraint head 117 Trough 119 Stopper 120 Operating member 120' First operating member, especially the flap 120'' Second working member, especially polygonal disc 120'' Third operating member, particularly the eccentricity adjustment part 124 Central axis of the second operating member 130 Actuator 130' First actuator 130'' Second actuator 132' Lever 134 Position-fixed deflection elements 134'' Position-fixed deflection element 136 springs 140 Activation Units 150 Operating mechanism 152 Movable deviant elements 152' Movable deviant element 156 Drive system, operating mechanism 160 Tensile elements 160' First tensile element 160'' Second tensile element 163 Damping elements 165 Compensation Factors 170 Monitoring equipment 180 Another monitoring device 190 Inserter (insertor) 191 First inserter clutch device 192 Locking flap 193 Inserter bars, racks 194 Second inserter clutch device 195 First slide guide 196 Second slide guide 197 Guide pin for locking flap 198 Inserter drive unit 210 Mandrel Bar 212 Narrowing of the mandrel bar 214 Mandrel Bar Head 216 Thickened end of mandrel bar head 220 Hollow Block 300 Pipe rolling mechanism α angle range β Angle range D1 Flap rotation axis D2 Lever 132' / Rope pulley pivot axis F Tensile force ← Insert direction toward trough 117 (= direction of rolling force W)

Claims

1. A system (100) for restraining a mandrel bar within a pipe rolling mechanism, A drivable unit (110) having at least one operating member (120) and at least one actuator (130) for the operating member (120), An activation unit (140) having at least one operating mechanism (150) for operating the actuator for the operating member (120), In a system (100) that includes, The activation unit (140) is fixedly assembled to the drivable unit, and The system (100) includes at least one tension element (160) that transmits the kinetic energy of the operating mechanism (150) in the form of a tension force to the actuator (130) provided on the movable unit (110) to actuate the actuating member (120), The tension element (160', 160'') is a rope, wire, chain, or belt, and is configured to be flexible. A system (100) characterized by the following.

2. The system (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that a first actuator (130') is configured in the form of a first transmission mechanism, a first actuating member (120') is disposed on the output side of the first transmission mechanism, and a first tension element (160') is attached to the lever (132') of the first transmission mechanism at the end of the first tension element (160') on the actuating member side, so as to cause the first actuating member (120') to be actuated by the first transmission mechanism.

3. The first actuating member (120') is in the retracted position when only gravity is acting on it, and The first operating member (120') is displaceable from the pull-back position to the operating position by a first tension element (160') driven by the kinetic energy of the first operating mechanism (150') and the first transmission mechanism. The system (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that...

4. The lever (132') is configured in the form of a rope pulley, drum, or guide nozzle when the first tensioning element (160') is a rope or wire, or The lever (132') is configured in the form of a belt pulley when the first tensioning element (160') is a belt. The system (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that...

5. The second actuator (130'') is configured in the form of a spring (136) to position the second operating member (120'') to the operating position by the spring force of the spring, and A second tension element (160'') is attached to the second actuator (130'') or the spring at the end of the second tension element (160'') on the working member side, and the second working member (120'') is displaceable from the working position to the retracted position against the spring force when the kinetic energy of the second operating mechanism (150) is transmitted by the second tension element (160''). The system (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that...

6. The second actuator (130'') has a position-fixed deflection element (134'') for the second tension element (160''), and The fixed-position deflection element (134'') is a rotatably supported roll, drum, or guide nozzle when the second tension element (160'') is a rope or wire, or The fixed-position deflection element (134'') is a pinion when the second tension element (160'') is a chain or a toothed belt. The system (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that...

7. The first tension element (160') and / or the second tension element (160'') are fixed to the end of the first tension element (160') and / or the second tension element (160'') opposite to the first actuating member (120') and / or the second actuating member (120''), and The first operating mechanism and / or the second operating mechanism (150) of the activation unit (140) are configured as a tensioning device and a buffer device for the first tension element (160') and / or the second tension element (160''), and are engaged with the tension element between the end of the first tension element (160') and / or the second tension element (160'') on the side of the operating member and the end opposite to the operating member. The system (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that...

8. Each of the first operating mechanism and / or the second operating mechanism (150) has at least one movable supported deflection element (152), The first operating mechanism and / or the second operating mechanism (150) engages the first tension element and / or the second tension element (160) such that the first tension element and / or the second tension element (160) wrap around the movable deflection element by at least a predetermined angular range (α), and At least one of the movable deflection elements (152) is supported to be movable by a manual or drive device (156) so as to apply a tensile force to each of the tensile elements. The system (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that...

9. The system (100) according to claim 8, wherein at least one of the operating mechanisms (150) or the activation unit (140) further comprises at least one additional fixed-position deflection element (134) in addition to the movable deflection element (152), the additional fixed-position deflection element being positioned upstream and / or downstream of the movable deflection element (152) in the direction of extension of the tension element (160), and the tension element (160) is wrapped around the additional fixed-position deflection element by at least a predetermined angular range (β).

10. The system (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that at least one of the other fixed-position deflection element (134) and / or the movable deflection element (152) exhibits a mass concentration at the center of the deflection element.

11. The system (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the tension element (160) includes a damping element (163).

12. The system (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one end of at least one of the tension elements (160) is provided with a replacement connector that allows the tension element (160) to be easily detached as a replacement part from the drivable unit (110), the actuator (130), the operating member (120), and / or the activation unit (140).

13. The system (100) according to claim 1, further comprising at least one monitoring device (170) for monitoring the position, speed, or acceleration of the drivable unit (110).

14. The system (100) according to claim 1, further comprising another monitoring device (180) for monitoring wear, abrasion or elongation of the tensile element (160).

15. The system (100) according to claim 14, characterized in that the monitoring device (170) and / or the other monitoring device (180) operate mechanically, optically, or electronically.

16. The system (100) according to claim 1, further comprising at least one compensation element (165) for compensating for an undesirable change in the length of the tension element (160) compared to its condition at shipment and / or for adjusting the operating member.

17. The aforementioned movable unit (110) has a mandrel bar restraint head (112) having a trough (117) for housing the mandrel bar (210), The system (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that...

18. The first actuating member (120') is an axial locking element provided on the mandrel bar restraining head to prevent the mandrel bar (210) from moving axially within the trough (117), and the axial locking element is configured to engage with a constricted portion (212) provided around the outside of the mandrel bar (210), and / or The second operating member (120'') is a radial locking element provided on the mandrel bar restraining head to hold the mandrel bar (210) within the trough (117) against radial forces. The system (100) according to claim 17, characterized in that...

19. An inserter (190) inserts the mandrel bar (210) axially into the trough (117) provided in the movable unit (110), A first inserter clutch device (191) having a first slide guide (195) for connecting the inserter (190) to the head (214) of the mandrel bar (210) or for disconnecting it from the head (214), A second inserter clutch device (194) having a second slide guide (196) provided on the entry side of the trough (117) for disconnecting the inserter (190) from or connecting to the mandrel bar (210), The system (100) according to claim 17, characterized by the above.

20. The system (100) according to claim 19, wherein the inserter (190) has a bar (193), and the inserter (190) has a pivotable locking flap (192) at the trough (117) side, the locking flap (192) has a guide pin (197), and the guide pin (197) protrudes laterally from the locking flap (192) so as to engage with the first slide guide (195) and the second slide guide (196).

21. The first slide guide is attached to the activation unit (140) in a manner that allows for axial adjustment. The first slide guide (195), provided on the inner surface of the first inserter clutch device (191), has a straight section at a higher position, and the trough-side end of the first slide guide (195) has a descending ramp section, which is used to move the guide pin (197), which is guided on the first slide guide (195), from a higher level to a lower level, so as the inserter (190) is moved toward the trough (117) in the insert direction, the locking flap (192) is lowered onto the head (214) of the mandrel bar (210), and The second slide guide (196) is provided on the inner surface of the second inserter clutch device (194), and at the distal end of the second slide guide (196) is configured as a ramp that rises in the insert direction, the ramp reaching a raised level, which is used to lift the locking flap (192) and thereby detach the inserter (190) from the mandrel bar (210) when moving the inserter (190) toward the trough (117). The system (100) according to claim 20, characterized in that...

22. The system (100) according to claim 17, characterized in that the mandrel bar (210) is an expansion mandrel or a perforating mandrel that expands or reduces the deformed cross-section of the primary product.

23. A method for operating the system (100) according to claim 1, Steps of applying a tensile force to at least one of the tension elements (160) by operating at least one operating mechanism (150) that operates at least one of the actuators (130) for at least one of the actuating members (120), which is operated manually or by a drive unit (156), A method characterized by the following.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that the tensile force is applied to the tensile element (160) even while the movable unit (110) is in motion.

25. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that the tensile force is applied to the first tension element (160') to operate a first actuator (130') which moves the first operating member (120') in the form of a flap from a resting position to an operating position in which the flap engages with a constricted portion (212) provided on the outer surface of the mandrel bar (210).

26. Applying the tensile force to the second tension element (160'') to operate a second actuator (130'') that moves the second actuating member (120'') from an extended position above the mandrel bar (210) to a retracted position of the second actuating member (120''), or The tensile force applied to the second tension element (160'') is reduced or stopped so that the second actuating member (120'') moves from the retracted position to the actuating position of the second actuating member (120'') above the mandrel bar (210) in the trough (117). The method according to claim 23, characterized in that...

27. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that a third operating member (120'') in the form of an eccentric shaft is operated such that the mandrel bar (210) is held in the trough (117) at the rolling center of the pipe rolling mechanism (300) located downstream and lifted toward the second operating member (120'').

28. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that the mandrel bar (210) is inserted into the trough (117) provided in the system (100) by an insert device (190), and then the mandrel bar is fixed in the trough (117) by a first actuating member (120'), a second actuating member (120''), and / or a third actuating member (120''') so as not to move in the axial and / or radial directions within the trough (117).

29. The method according to claim 28, characterized in that the locking flap (192) is first moved toward the head (214) of the mandrel bar (210) in an open state by a first slide guide (195) provided in the first inserter clutch device (191), and then guided by a ramp section of the first slide guide (195) that descends in the insert direction, to be lowered onto the head (214) of the mandrel bar (210) and locked onto the head (214).

30. The method according to claim 28, characterized in that the guide pin (197) of the locking flap (192) is pushed up to a raised level on the ramp section of the second slide guide that rises in the insert direction, thereby causing the locking flap (192) to open and consequently the inserter (190) to be released from the mandrel bar (210), thereby disconnecting the inserter (190) from the mandrel bar (210) within the second inserter clutch device (194) assigned to the trough (117).

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