Press ring and press tool

Abstract

The invention relates to a press ring for connecting to a press tool, comprising a first segment and a second segment movably connected to the first segment, wherein a press surface is formed by the first segment and the second segment, the first segment and the second segment each have receiving elements for connecting to corresponding connecting elements, which are provided on press jaws of the press tool, in order to transmit a pressing force to the press ring, and the press ring is designed to be positioned between the press jaws of the press tool.

Description

[0001] Pressrinq and pressing tools

[0002] The present invention relates to a press ring for connection to a pressing tool, to such a pressing tool, and to a pressing system comprising such a pressing tool and such a press ring. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a pressing device with such a pressing system.

[0003] Known pressing devices have a drive unit, which is particularly designed as an electromechanical or electrohydraulic drive unit. A tool holder is connected to the drive unit. A pressing tool is detachably or permanently connected to the tool holder. The pressing tool has two pressing jaws, which are moved towards each other by a movement of the drive unit into a closed position to generate a pressing force. It is known that the pressing tool, and in particular the pressing jaws themselves, provide a pressing contour through suitable pressing surfaces, and thus a workpiece, such as a press fitting, is pressed directly by the pressing jaws of the pressing tool.

[0004] Alternatively, it is known to transfer the pressing force generated by the pressing jaws of the pressing tool to pressing rings or pressing loops. The pressing contour or pressing surfaces are provided here by the pressing ring or the pressing loop. In this case, it is possible to first place the pressing ring or the pressing loop around the workpiece and then connect the pressing jaws of the pressing tool to the pressing ring or the pressing loop to press the workpiece. In particular, due to a possible change in the orientation between the pressing tool and the pressing ring or the pressing loop, it is possible to press workpieces even in inaccessible areas. Furthermore, the use of pressing rings or pressing loops makes it easy to use different pressing geometries / contours. All that is required is a different pressing ring ora different pressing collar can be used without having to replace the pressing tool.

[0005] The direct compression by the pressing jaws of the pressing tool allows for quick and easy application of the pressing tool to the workpiece or press fitting. This eliminates the additional step of applying the pressing ring or pressing collar to the pressing tool and subsequently connecting it to the pressing tool.

[0006] Previous solutions for a specific pressing tool always involve either direct pressing of the workpiece by the pressing jaws of the pressing tool or, alternatively, pressing using a pressing ring or a pressing collar. A combination of the advantages of direct pressing using the pressing jaws of the pressing tool and the use of a pressing ring or a pressing collar does not yet exist.

[0007] EP 4 059 629 A1 describes a solution in which a press ring consisting of two segments which are connected to one another in a hinge-like manner can be used in a first position as a press ring. In a second position, in which the axis of rotation of the hinged connection of the segments of the press ring coincides with a rotation axis / pivot axis of the pressing jaws, the press ring can be used as a pressing insert with which a workpiece is pressed directly. The pressing contour of the pressing tool is thus provided by the press ring. For this purpose, according to EP 4 059 629 A1, the press ring has two different receiving elements with which the press ring can be connected to the pressing device. A first pair of receiving elements is used when the press ring is used as a press ring and a second pair of receiving elements is used for the connection to the pressing tool when the press ring is used as a pressing insert.Thus, according to EP 4 059 629 A1, whenever the use of the pressing ring changes, the respective pair of receiving elements of the pressing ring must also be changed. To do this, the pressing ring must be removed from the pressing device and then reattached. This is cumbersome and hampers the flexible use of the pressing tool according to EP 4 059 629 A1.

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a pressing ring, a pressing tool and a pressing device which can be used flexibly and in particular overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] The object is achieved by a press ring according to claim 1, a pressing tool according to claim 12, a pressing system according to claim 18 and a pressing device according to claim 20.

[0010] The press ring for connection to a pressing tool according to the present invention has a first segment and a second segment movably connected to the first segment, in particular in a hinged manner. In this case, a pressing surface or a pressing contour is formed by the first segment and the second segment. During pressing, a workpiece to be pressed, such as a press fitting, rests against the pressing surface formed jointly by the first segment and the second segment and is pressed by moving the first segment and the second segment towards one another. For this purpose, the first segment and the second segment each have receiving elements for connection to corresponding connecting elements which are arranged on pressing jaws of the pressing tool for transmitting a pressing force to the press ring.Thus, pressing force is transferred from the connecting elements of the pressing jaws of the pressing tool via the receiving elements to the first segment and the second segment of the pressing ring to press the workpiece. The pressing ring is designed to be arranged between the pressing jaws of the pressing tool. Thus, the pressing ring can be used as a pressing ring due to the coupling between the receiving elements and the connecting elements and, in addition, the pressing ring can be used as a pressing insert. Thus, the pressing ring of the present invention combines the advantages of the various prior art systems. The pressing ring can be used as a pressing ring in difficult installation situations in which the orientation between the pressing device and the pressing ring must be adjusted.On the other hand, the pressing ring can be used as a pressing insert, whereby the workpiece is directly pressed by the pressing jaws using the pressing surfaces formed by the pressing ring, without the need for the pressing ring to be separately applied to the workpiece to be pressed. Rather, the workpiece can be gripped by both the pressing jaws and the pressing ring used as a pressing insert when the pressing jaws are open, and then pressed when the pressing jaws close.

[0011] Preferably, the pressing ring is arranged in a first position between the pressing jaws and connectable to the pressing tool. Furthermore, the pressing ring is connectable to the pressing jaws in at least one second position, wherein the pressing ring is arranged outside the pressing jaws in the second position. Thus, in the first position, the pressing ring is used as a pressing insert, whereas in the second position the pressing ring can be used as a conventional pressing ring. In particular, the pressing ring is rotatable relative to the pressing jaws about the connection point of the receiving elements of the pressing ring with the connecting elements of the pressing jaws into a plurality of second positions. In particular, the second position can be continuously variable.

[0012] Preferably, the first segment and second segment have exactly one receiving element. According to the present invention, it is not necessary to change the respective pair of receiving elements when changing the use of the pressing ring from a pressing ring to a pressing insert. In both the first position and the second position, the pressing ring remains connected to the pressing jaws at exactly one pair of receiving elements. This enables a simple change between the first position and the second position of the pressing ring relative to the pressing tool. Disassembly and reattachment or reconnection of the pressing ring to the pressing device or the pressing tool is precisely not required.

[0013] Preferably, the receiving element is designed as a spherical recess. This allows the pressing ring to rotate relative to the pressing tool around the receiving elements. However, other shapes of the receiving elements are also possible, whereby the shape of the receiving elements always corresponds to the shape of the respective connecting elements of the pressing jaws.

[0014] Preferably, the first segment is connected to the second segment by exactly one joint or a movable connection, by means of which in particular a rotation axis is formed. Alternatively, the first segment is connected to the second segment via two rotation axes. In other words, the first segment is connected to the second segment via two joints. This makes it possible to arrange the press ring between the press jaws without the joint-like connection of the first segment to the second segment coinciding with a pivot point or a pivot axis of the press jaws. The press ring can therefore be designed more compactly and can in particular be designed independently of the design of the rotation axis / pivot axis of the press jaws. In particular, the two axes of rotation are parallel to one another. The axes of rotation point in particular in an axial direction.Here and in the following, the axial direction refers to a direction perpendicular to a plane in which the pressing jaws or the pressing ring are moved, in particular from an open position to a closed position or vice versa. In other words, the axial direction is perpendicular to a direction of the pressing force.

[0015] Preferably, the first segment is movably connected to the second segment via a first tab. For example, the first segment can be movably or articulatedly connected to the first tab, for example by a fastening bolt which defines the first axis of rotation. Furthermore, the second segment is movably and in particular articulatedly connected to an opposite end of the first tab, for example by a fastening bolt which defines the second axis of rotation. The first tab thus forms two joints or two axes of rotation, which enable a movable connection between the first segment and the second segment. In particular, two first tabs are provided on opposite sides of the first segment and the second segment, respectively. The first segment and the second segment are thus arranged between the two first tabs.

[0016] Preferably, the rotational axis of the movable connection between the first segment and the second segment does not coincide with a rotational axis of the pressing jaws. If more than one rotational axis is provided, preferably none of these rotational axes coincides with a rotational axis of the pressing jaws. The rotational axes of the pressing ring are thus preferably independent of the rotational axes / pivoting axes of the pressing jaws of the pressing tool.

[0017] The press ring preferably has a width that is equal to or less than the width of the pressing jaws. The width here refers to the extension of the press ring or the pressing jaws in the axial direction, i.e. perpendicular to the direction of the force application. This makes it possible for the press ring to be arranged between the pressing jaws. In particular, the press ring does not protrude axially beyond the pressing jaws, which enables a compact design. Alternatively, the press ring has a width that is greater than the width of the pressing jaws. This means that the press ring can also be used to press press fittings that have an axial length that is greater than the axial width of the pressing jaws.

[0018] Preferably, a first driving element is arranged on the first segment and / or on the second segment, which in each case interacts with a corresponding second driving element on the pressing jaws, such that an opening movement of the pressing jaws is transmitted to the pressing ring. In particular, exactly one first driving element is arranged on each segment, which interacts with a corresponding second driving element of the pressing tool. While a closing movement of the pressing jaws is transmitted to the receiving elements of the pressing ring by the connecting elements of the pressing jaws, an opening movement is transmitted via the interacting first and second driving elements on the pressing ring and the pressing jaws. Thus, a corresponding movement is generated between the pressing jaws and the pressing ring, such that closing the pressing jaws leads to closing the pressing ring and likewise opening the pressing jaws leads to opening the pressing ring.The first and / or second driving elements can be designed, for example, as mechanical driving elements or magnetic driving elements.

[0019] Preferably, the first driving element is formed as one or more through holes, wherein a through hole in the pressing ring corresponds to a corresponding through hole in the connecting elements of the pressing tool for receiving a respective driving pin. Thus, to connect the pressing ring to the pressing tool, the connecting elements are first arranged in the receiving elements of the pressing ring, and then a driving pin is pushed through the shared through holes through both the respective segment and the respective connecting element of the pressing jaw. The driving pin transmits an opening movement from the pressing jaws to the pressing ring.

[0020] Alternatively, the first driving element is designed as an axial elongated hole or guide groove on the first segment and / or on the second segment, wherein an axial driving pin of the pressing tool can be received in the elongated hole. The movement of the driving pin due to a movement of the pressing jaws results in the movement being transferred via the elongated hole or guide groove to the respective segment. An opening movement of the pressing jaws is thus transferred to the pressing ring. Of course, the position of the elongated hole or guide groove and the driving pin can be swapped, so that an elongated hole or guide groove is arranged on the pressing jaws, whereas a driving pin is arranged on the first segment and / or the second segment.

[0021] Alternatively, the first driving element can be designed as a snap closure, so that a snap connection is created between the receiving element of the pressing ring and the connecting element of the respective pressing jaw. The snap closure transfers the opening movement from the pressing jaws to the pressing ring. In particular, the snap closure can be designed as a latching closure, in which case a simply designed plastic latch can be used. Preferably, the plastic latch on the pressing ring can latch with the respective pressing jaw, in particular the connecting element of the respective pressing jaw. Since only small forces need to be transferred from the first driving element to the pressing ring when the pressing tool is opened, a cost-effective design as a plastic element is possible.

[0022] Alternatively, the first driving element is designed as a wire loop, wherein the wire loop is connected to the pressing tool and encompasses the first segment or the second segment of the pressing ring. Of course, the wire loop can also be arranged on the pressing ring and encompass a respective pressing jaw or a corresponding element on the respective pressing jaw, so that an opening movement of the pressing jaw is transmitted via the wire loop to the pressing ring, which is also opened.

[0023] Alternatively, the first driving element is designed as a hook closure, wherein when the pressing ring is inserted into the respective pressing tool, the pressing ring and in particular the receiving element of the pressing ring is hooked with the connecting element of the pressing tool, thus enabling a joint opening movement of the pressing ring and the pressing jaws. A further aspect of the present invention relates to a pressing tool for connection to a pressing device and for receiving a pressing ring as described above. The pressing tool has two movably connected pressing jaws. In particular, the pressing jaws of the pressing tool are connected to one another in a hinge-like manner via a second tab. The connection to the second tab defines a rotation axis / pivot axis for the respective pressing jaw, about which the pressing jaws can be pivoted from an open position into a closed position to generate a pressing force.In particular, the axes of rotation of the respective pressing jaws are parallel to one another and point in the axial direction. Furthermore, the second tab can have a receiving opening for connection to a pressing device or a tool holder of a pressing device. The pressing jaws each have contact surfaces at a first end through which a movement of a drive unit is translated into a pivoting movement of the pressing jaws. At the opposite end of the pressing jaws, connecting elements are arranged for connection to the receiving elements of the pressing ring. A receiving space is formed between the pressing jaws, wherein the pressing ring is arranged in a first position in the receiving space between the two pressing jaws and is arranged outside the receiving space in at least a second position. Thus, by means of the pressing tool, the pressing ring can be used as a pressing ring or as a pressing insert.In particular, as described above, no adjustment of the connection between the pressing tool and the pressing ring is required.

[0024] In particular, the pressing tool and / or the pressing ring is further developed as described above in connection with the pressing ring.

[0025] The connecting elements are preferably spherical or partially spherical, so that the pressing ring can be rotated or pivoted relative to the connecting elements of the pressing tool and thus connected to the pressing tool in different positions. A limiting element is preferably provided to limit the receiving space. The limiting element thus axially limits the receiving space. A limiting element can be arranged on one side of the pressing jaws or on both sides of the pressing jaws, so that the receiving space is provided between the respective limiting elements.

[0026] Preferably, the limiting element is formed by the second tab itself. Thus, it is not necessary to provide an additional element. In particular, it is common practice to connect pressing jaws by second tabs, so that the second tab can simultaneously serve as a limiting element for the axial delimitation of the receiving space.

[0027] Preferably, the limiting element is arranged on the second tab and / or one of the or both pressing jaws.

[0028] The limiting element can preferably be designed as a movable limiting element. The movable limiting element can be moved into a first position in which the movable limiting element does not limit the receiving space between the pressing jaws. This makes it possible to pivot the pressing ring into the receiving space by rotating it about the connecting elements. The movable limiting element can then be moved into a second position in which the movable limiting element limits the receiving space between the pressing jaws. The axial limitation of the limiting element thus prevents the pressing ring from accidentally rotating out of the receiving space. In particular, the movable limiting element can be locked in the first position and / or the second position.For this purpose, a locking element in the form of a spring-loaded locking pin can be provided, which locks the movable limiting element in the first position and / or the second position. Preferably, the movable limiting element can be designed as a sliding closure that can be moved from a closed position to an open position and vice versa.

[0029] Preferably, the movable limiting element can be designed as a foldable element, which is in particular pivotally connected to the second tab. The foldable element can be folded from a first position to a second position to limit the receiving space.

[0030] The width of the pressing jaws is preferably greater than or equal to the width of the pressing ring. Here, the width refers to the dimension of the pressing jaws in the axial direction as defined above. In other words, the width is the width of the ring body. In particular, the pressing ring does not protrude axially beyond the pressing jaws, which enables a compact design. Thus, the pressing ring can be arranged completely between the pressing jaws and, in particular, the second tabs which connect the pressing jaws to one another can simultaneously represent an axial limitation of the receiving space. Alternatively, the width of the pressing jaws is less than the width of the pressing ring. This means that the pressing ring can also be used to press press fittings which have an axial length which is greater than the axial width of the pressing jaws.

[0031] Preferably, one or more second drive elements are connected to the pressing jaws, which interact with corresponding first drive elements on the pressing ring so that an opening movement of the pressing jaws is transmitted to the pressing ring. In particular, exactly one second drive element is arranged on each pressing jaw, which interacts with a corresponding first drive element of the pressing ring.

[0032] The second driving element is preferably designed as one or more through holes, wherein a through hole in the pressing ring corresponds to a corresponding through hole in the connecting elements of the pressing tool for receiving a respective driving pin. Thus, to connect the pressing ring to the pressing tool, the connecting elements are first arranged in the receiving elements of the pressing ring, and then a driving pin is pushed through the shared through holes through both the respective segment and the respective connecting element of the pressing jaw. The driving pin transmits an opening movement from the pressing jaws to the pressing ring.

[0033] Alternatively, the second driving element is designed as an axial elongated hole or guide groove on the first segment and / or on the second segment, wherein an axial driving pin, which is connected to a respective pressing jaw, can be received in the elongated hole. The movement of the driving pin due to a movement of the pressing jaws leads to a transmission of the movement via the elongated hole or guide groove to the respective segment. An opening movement of the pressing jaws is thus transmitted to the pressing ring. Of course, the position of the elongated hole or guide groove and the driving pin can be swapped, so that an elongated hole or guide groove is arranged on the pressing jaws, whereas a driving pin is arranged on the first segment and / or the second segment.

[0034] Alternatively, the second driving element can be designed as a snap closure, so that a snap connection is created between the receiving element of the pressing ring and the connecting element of the respective pressing jaw. The snap closure transfers the opening movement from the pressing jaws to the pressing ring. In particular, the snap closure can be designed as a latching closure, in which case a simply designed plastic latch can be used. Preferably, the plastic latch on the connecting element of the pressing jaw can latch with the pressing ring, in particular the receiving element of the pressing. Since only small forces need to be transferred from the second driving element to the pressing ring when the pressing tool is opened, a cost-effective design as a plastic element is possible.Alternatively, the first and second carrier elements can be designed as a snap closure, wherein the first carrier element engages with the second carrier element or vice versa.

[0035] Alternatively, the second driving element is designed as a wire loop, wherein the wire loop is connected to the pressing tool and encompasses the first segment or the second segment of the pressing ring. Of course, the wire loop can also be arranged on the pressing ring and encompass a respective pressing jaw or a corresponding element on the respective pressing jaw, so that an opening movement of the pressing jaw is transmitted via the wire loop to the pressing ring, which is also opened.

[0036] Alternatively, the second driver element is designed as a hook closure, whereby when the pressing ring is inserted into the respective pressing tool, the pressing ring and in particular the receiving element of the pressing ring are hooked into the connecting element of the pressing tool, thus enabling a joint opening movement of the pressing ring and the pressing jaws. Alternatively, the first and second driver elements can be designed as hook closures, whereby the first driver element hooks into the second driver element, or vice versa.

[0037] Preferably, no pressing surface is provided by the pressing jaws of the pressing tool. Rather, a workpiece or press fitting is pressed indirectly by means of the pressing ring, which is used either as a pressing insert or as a pressing ring according to the first position or the second position as described above. This creates a pressing tool that is versatile. In particular, the pressing ring can be easily adapted to different workpieces or press fittings. Adaptation of the pressing tool itself is not necessary. For example, a first pressing ring can be used for a first press fitting and, with the same pressing tool, a second pressing ring can be used for a second press fitting, whereby the first press fitting differs from the second press fitting and, accordingly, the first pressing ring differs from the second pressing ring.

[0038] Preferably, the pressing jaws have a rotational axis or pivot axis, whereby the rotational axes of the pressing jaws do not coincide with the corresponding rotational axes of the pressing ring. In particular, if the pressing ring has two rotational axes or two articulated connections by means of which the first segment is connected to the second segment, in particular via a first tab, the rotational axes can be designed independently of one another.

[0039] Preferably, the respective rotational axes of the pressing tool and the pressing ring are not supported or connected together. For example, EP 4 059 629 A1 describes that the pressing insert and the jaws are connected to one another by means of a common bolt. This is not necessary in the present invention, since the rotational axes of the pressing ring can be designed independently of the rotational axes of the pressing jaws of the pressing tool. Rotation of the pressing ring out of the first position between the pressing jaws is preferably prevented by appropriate limiting elements as described above.

[0040] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a pressing system comprising a pressing tool as described above and a pressing ring as also described above. In particular, the pressing ring is rotatably mounted around the connecting elements.

[0041] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a pressing device comprising a drive unit and a tool holder connected to the drive unit. The drive unit can be an electromechanical drive unit or an electrohydraulic drive unit, by means of which a pressing force is applied to a pressing tool permanently or detachably connected to the tool holder. The pressing device comprises a pressing system as described above, i.e., a combination of a pressing tool as described above and a pressing ring as described above.

[0042] Preferably, the receiving space between the pressing jaws of the pressing tool is delimited by the tool holder of the pressing device. Thus, it is not necessary to provide additional limiting elements. Rather, in the first position, the pressing ring is protected against rotation about the connecting elements of the pressing jaws by the tool holder, which axially limit the receiving space of the pressing tool. This limitation can be provided by the tool holder on both sides or only on one side. Furthermore, the limitations by the tool holder can be freely combined with a limiting element as described above, so that a limitation on one side can be provided by the tool holder, whereas a limitation on the opposite side can be provided, for example, by an additional limiting element or just the second tab itself.If the receiving space of the pressing tool is thus limited by the tool holder, the pressing tool is separated from the drive unit or the tool holder. The pressing ring, which is connected to the pressing tool, can then be moved to the first position, and the pressing tool can then be reconnected to the tool holder. This fixes the pressing ring in its first position.

[0043] The invention is explained in more detail below using preferred embodiments with reference to the attached figures.

[0044] They show:

[0045] Figure 1 shows a press ring according to the present invention, Figure 2 shows a press tool according to the present invention,

[0046] Figures 3A-3D show a combination of the pressing ring according to Figure 1 with a pressing tool according to Figure 2,

[0047] Figures 4A-4C show a first side view of a combination of a press ring with a pressing tool and a schematically illustrated press fitting,

[0048] Figures 5A-5C show a second side view of the combination of a pressing ring and a pressing tool according to Figures 4A-4C,

[0049] Figures 6A-6D show different positions of the pressing ring relative to the pressing tool,

[0050] Figure 7 shows a pressing tool according to a further embodiment,

[0051] Figure 8 shows a press ring according to a further embodiment,

[0052] Figure 9 shows a combination of a press ring according to Figure 8 with a pressing tool according to Figure 7,

[0053] Figure 10 shows a further embodiment of the present invention and

[0054] Figures 11A-11C show another embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] The press ring 10 according to the present invention, shown in Figure 1, has a first segment 12 and a second segment 14, which are movably connected to one another. For this purpose, the first segment 12 is articulated to the second segment 14 via a first tab 18. The connecting bolts 16 respectively connect the first segment to the first tab 18 and the second segment 14 to the first tab 18, thereby providing the axes of rotation 20 for the movable connection of the first segment 12 and the second segment 14. The first segment 12 and the second segment 14 form a pressing surface 22, via which a pressing force is applied to a workpiece (workpiece 62 according to Figures 4A-4C and Figures 5A-5C). A receiving element 24 is arranged at the end of the first segment 12 opposite the first tab 18.As described further below, the receiving element 24 is designed to receive a corresponding connecting element 46 (Figure 2) of the pressing tool 30. A pressing force is transferred from the pressing tool 30 to the pressing ring 10 via the connecting element 46 and the receiving element 24 of the pressing ring 10, so that the workpiece 62 is pressed. The second segment 14 also has a receiving element 24 at its end opposite the first tab 18, which can be identically designed to the receiving element 24 of the first segment. In particular, the receiving elements 24 of the first segment 12 and the second segment 14 are designed as spherical recesses. The rotationally symmetrical design of the receiving elements 24 enables the pressing ring 10 to rotate around the connecting elements 46 of the pressing tool 30, so that the pressing ring 10 can be used in different positions.In particular, the first segment 12 and the second segment 14 have exactly one receiving element 24. No further receiving elements are required within the scope of the present invention. In particular, the press ring 10 can be used equally well as both a press ring and a press insert, with only one pair of receiving elements 24 being required on the press ring 10.

[0056] Furthermore, the pressing ring 10 has first driving elements 26, which are arranged on the axial surfaces of the first segment 12 and the second segment 14, respectively. The first driving elements 26 are designed as an elongated hole or guide groove, into which a corresponding second driving element 66 (Figures 6A and 6B), designed as an axial driving pin, engages and thus transmits an opening movement of the pressing tool 30 to the pressing ring 10.

[0057] Reference is made to Figures 2 and 3A-3D. The pressing tool 30 according to the present invention has a first pressing jaw 32 with a first end 32A and an opposite second end 32B. The pressing jaw 30 also has a second pressing jaw 34 with a first end 34A and an opposite second end 34B. The first pressing jaw 32 and the second pressing jaw 34 are connected to one another via a second tab 42. The first pressing jaw 32 and the second pressing jaw 34 are each connected to the second tab 42 via bolts 40. The bolts 40 define a rotation axis 43 about which the pressing jaws 32, 34 can be pivoted. Connecting elements 46 are arranged at the respective first ends 32A, 34A of the pressing jaws 32, 34, which, as described above, can be inserted into the receiving elements 24 of the pressing ring 10 for transmitting a pressing force from the pressing tool 30 to the pressing ring 10.A contact surface 44 is arranged at the respective second end 32B, 34B of the pressing jaws 32, 34. The pressing tool 30 can be connected to a tool holder of the pressing device via the second tab 42 through a connection opening 38. A pressing force can then be applied to the pressing tool via the contact surface 44, pivoting the pressing jaws 32, 34 about the rotation axes 43, so that the first ends 32A, 34A of the pressing jaws 32, 34 are moved toward each other.

[0058] The pressing jaws 32, 34 define a receiving space 48, wherein the pressing ring 10 is designed to be received in the receiving space 48 between the pressing jaws 32, 34. This is shown in Figures 3A and 3C. In a first position, the pressing ring 10 is located between the pressing jaws 32, 34 of the pressing tool 30 and thus functions as a pressing insert. The active pressing surfaces 22 for pressing the workpiece are thus provided by the pressing ring 10. In contrast, Figures 3B and 3D show that the same pressing ring 10 can also be arranged outside the receiving space 48 in a second position. In this case, the pressing ring 10 can be used like a conventional pressing ring. In particular, the pressing ring 10 is pivotable about the connecting elements 46, as shown, for example, in Figures 6A-6C.

[0059] According to the embodiments of Figures 2-6 of the pressing tool 30, the receiving space 48 is delimited in the axial direction (perpendicular to the force action of the pressing jaws 32, 34) by a limiting element 50 or two limiting elements 50 arranged on opposite sides. This limiting element 50 is connected to the second tab 42. On one side, shown in Figure 2, the limiting element 50 is formed directly by the second tab itself or is formed integrally with the second tab. On the opposite side, shown in Figures 3A, 3B, 4A-4C, a limiting element 58 is connected to the second tab 42, which can be folded away in particular by means of a joint 64 and can be folded away into a first position, shown in Figures 6A-6C. Subsequently, according to Figures 6A-6C, the pressing ring 10 can be pivoted about the connecting elements 46 into the receiving space 48.As soon as the pressing ring 10 is arranged in the receiving space 48 between the pressing jaws 32, 34 of the pressing tool 30, the foldable limiting element 58 can be folded into a second position, as shown in Figure 6D, and locked by means of a locking element 60, for example designed as a locking pin. Pivoting the pressing ring 10 out of the receiving space 48 of the pressing tool 30 is thus no longer possible. According to Figures 3A, 30, and 6D, the movement of the pressing ring 10 is limited on one side by the axial limiting element 50 formed by the second tab 42 itself, and on the opposite side by the foldable limiting element 58, which is locked in the second position. Reference is made below to Figures 4A-4C and 5A-5C, which show opposite sides of a pressing tool 30.After a workpiece 62 has been pressed, the pressing tool 30 and the pressing ring 10 are in a closed position. The pressing force of the pressing tool 30 is transferred to the pressing ring 10 by means of the connecting elements 46, which are arranged in the receiving elements 24 of the pressing ring 10, and via the pressing surfaces 22 to the workpiece 62. Subsequently, as shown in Figures 4B, 4C and Figures 5B, 5C, the pressing tool 30 is opened. For this purpose, the pressing tool 30 has second driving elements 66 (see Figures 6A and 6B), which are designed as axial driving pins. These axial driving pins 66 are arranged on contact elements 52 and extend into the first driving elements 26 of the pressing ring 10. The first driving elements 26 of the pressing ring 10 are designed as a guide groove or elongated hole. If the pressing ring 10 is pivoted into the receiving space 48, the pressing ring 10 comes into contact with the contact elements 52.At the same time, the axial drive pins 66 are inserted into the corresponding guide grooves of the pressing ring 10. When the pressing tool 30 opens, as shown in Figures 4C and 5C, the pressing ring 10 is also opened via the axial drive pins 66, and the workpiece 62 is released. Thus, while a closing movement is transmitted from the pressing tool 30 to the pressing ring 10 via the connecting elements 46, an opening movement of the pressing tool 30 is transmitted from the pressing tool 30 to the pressing ring 10 via the first drive elements 26, 66. The pressing ring thus opens and closes together with the pressing tool 30.

[0060] Reference is made below to Figures 7-9. These Figures 7-9 show an alternative embodiment of the first drive elements. Here, the first drive elements 72 on the pressing ring 10' are designed as through holes. Likewise, the connecting elements 46' on the pressing tool 30' have through holes. Thus, when the pressing ring 10' is connected to the pressing tool 30', the through holes 72 of the pressing ring 10' are aligned with the through holes 70 on the connecting elements 46' of the pressing tool 30'. Drive pins 74 can then be inserted, which then transmit an opening movement of the pressing tool 30' to the pressing ring 10'.

[0061] Reference is made below to Figure 10. Here, the pressing tool 30 is arranged together with a pressing ring 10 in a tool holder 80 of a pressing device. For example, a coupling bolt 82 can be pushed through an opening 38 (Figure 2) of the second tab 42 to couple the pressing tool 30 to the pressing device. For the sake of clarity, the drive unit is not shown in Figure 10, and the illustration in Figure 10 is limited solely to the tool holder 80. The tool holder 80 is provided in particular by a sleeve, wherein the sleeve extends at least partially beyond the receiving space 48 in the direction of the pressing tool 30 and thus serves as a limiting element for the pressing ring 10 in the first position. Rotation of the pressing ring 10 out of its position is not possible in the configuration shown in Figure 10.If the pressing ring 10 is now to be used as a pressing ring instead of the illustrated use as a pressing insert, the pressing tool 30 is separated from the tool holder 80, the pressing ring 10 is pivoted out of the receiving space 48 between the pressing jaws 32, 34 about the connecting elements 46, and the pressing tool 10 is subsequently reconnected to the tool holder 80. An axial limitation of the receiving space 48 between the pressing jaws 32, 34, for example by a limitation element 50 connected to the second tab 42, is no longer necessary. Nevertheless, the limitation elements described in Figures 2 and 3A-3D can be combined with the limitation of the receiving space 48 by the tool holder 80 shown in Figure 10.For example, on one side, a limitation can be provided by a limitation element 50, which is formed integrally with the second tab 42, whereas on the opposite side, the receiving space 48 is limited by the tool holder 80. Combinations are also possible. Reference is made below to Figure 11. Figure 11 shows a further embodiment of the pressing tool, in which the limitation element is designed as a sliding closure 90. The sliding closure 90 has a spring-loaded locking element 92, which is prestressed in a closed position, shown in Figure 11C. If the pressing ring 10 is now pivoted into the receiving space 48 between the pressing jaws 32, 34, the locking element 92 is first brought into an open position against its prestress (shown in Figure11B), the pressing ring 10 is pivoted into the receiving space 48 and then the locking element 92 is moved back into the closed position according to Fig. 11C. In the closed position of the locking element 92, the pressing ring 10 is locked in the receiving space 48 and cannot be pivoted out again as long as the locking element 92 remains in the closed position. In particular, the locking element 92 can have a beveled surface 94, wherein the bevel of the surface 94 points away from the receiving space. If the pressing ring 10 is thus pivoted in the direction of the receiving space 48, a force is applied by the pressing ring 10 via the surface 94 to the locking element 94 in order to move it into the open position. A manual movement of the locking element 92 into its open position is not necessary in this case.In particular, the pressing ring 10 can have a locking nose 96 which protrudes axially from the pressing ring 10 and compensates for any difference in the width of the pressing ring 10 to the pressing jaws 32, 34.

[0062] Thus, a versatile pressing tool and a versatile pressing ring are created, which can be used both as a pressing ring and as a pressing insert. To change the function of the pressing ring, it is not necessary to loosen the connection between the pressing ring 10 and the pressing tool 30. Rather, it is sufficient to pivot the pressing ring 10 into the receiving space 48 between the pressing jaws 32, 34. Nevertheless, the pressing ring 10 can be easily replaced with other pressing rings with different pressing geometries without requiring the replacement of the pressing tool 30. Thus, the pressing system according to the present invention can be easily adapted to different workpieces and intended uses.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Press ring for connection to a pressing tool, with a first segment and a second segment movably connected to the first segment, wherein a pressing surface is formed by the first segment and the second segment, wherein the first segment and the second segment each have receiving elements for connection to corresponding connecting elements which are arranged on pressing jaws of the pressing tool, for transmitting a pressing force to the press ring, and wherein the press ring is designed to be arranged between the pressing jaws of the pressing tool.

2. Press ring according to claim 1, characterized in that the press ring can be connected to the pressing tool in a first position between the pressing jaws and in at least one second position in which the press ring is arranged outside the pressing jaws.

3. Press ring according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the receiving element is designed as spherical recesses.

4. Press ring according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first segment is connected to the second segment with at least two axes of rotation.

5. Press ring according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by at least one first tab, wherein the at least one first tab movably connected to the first segment and movably connected to the second segment.

6. Press ring according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the press ring has a width which is equal to or less than the width of the press jaws or the press ring has a width which is equal to or greater than the width of the press jaws.

7. Press ring according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a first driving element is arranged on the first segment and / or on the second segment, which in each case cooperates with a corresponding second driving element on the pressing jaws, so that an opening movement of the pressing jaws is transmitted to the press ring.

8. Press ring according to claim 7, characterized in that the first driving element is designed as one or more through holes, wherein a through hole of the press ring corresponds to a corresponding through hole of the connecting elements of the pressing tool for receiving a driving pin in each case.

9. Press ring according to claim 7, characterized in that the first driving element is designed as an axial guide groove on the first segment and / or second segment, so that a driving pin of the pressing tool can be received in the guide groove or wherein the first driving element is designed as an axial driving pin which is received in a corresponding guide groove of the pressing tool.

10. Pressing tool for connection to a pressing device and for receiving a pressing ring according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the pressing tool has two movably connected pressing jaws, wherein a receiving space is formed by the pressing jaws, wherein the pressing ring in a first position in the receiving space between the two Press jaws are arranged and are arranged in at least one second position outside the receiving space.

11. Pressing tool according to claim 10, characterized in that the pressing jaws each have a connecting element for connection to the pressing ring, wherein the connecting elements are in particular spherical or partially spherical.

12. Pressing tool according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the pressing jaws are connected to one another via a second tab, wherein a limiting element is connected to the second tab for limiting the receiving space.

13. Press tool according to claim 12, characterized in that the limiting element is formed by the second tab itself or is formed as a movable limiting element, wherein the limiting element is movable from a closed position, in which the pressing ring is locked in the receiving space, into an open position, in which the pressing ring can be pivoted out of the receiving space or into the receiving space.

14. Press tool according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that one or more second driving elements are connected to the pressing jaws, which interact with corresponding first driving elements on the pressing ring, so that an opening movement of the pressing jaws is transmitted to the pressing ring.

15. Pressing system with a pressing tool according to one of claims 10 to 14 and a pressing ring according to one of claims 1 to 9.

16. Pressing system according to claim 15, characterized in that the pressing ring is rotatable around the connecting elements.

17. Pressing device with a drive unit and a tool holder, wherein a pressing system according to claim 15 or 16 is connected to the tool holder.

18. Pressing device according to claim 17, characterized in that the tool holder delimits the receiving space.

Images