DEVICE FOR BENDING A PROFILE IN TWO BENDING DIRECTIONS

Description

The invention concerns a device for bending a profile in two bending directions.

This invention relates to the field of manufacturing tools which are configured to bend profiles, more particularly to the field of manufacturing automated machines for bending tubes.

Devices for bending a profile in two bending directions are already known.

Such a bending device comprises, on the one hand, a base which rests on the ground, on the other hand, at least one means for gripping the profile, and on the other hand, means for rotatably mounting such a gripping means about an axis of rotation, as well as drive means for rotating such a gripping means about this axis of rotation, in order to bend the profile.

Such a bending device also comprises, on the one hand, a lateral bearing system for laterally bearing against said profile, during bending of the profile and, on the other hand, a positioning system which is configured for positioning said lateral bearing system in at least two symmetric positions relative to said axis of rotation of said at least one gripping means.

Such a positioning system usually comprises first means for mounting said lateral bearing system in translation relative to the base in a first direction of translation, and second means for mounting said lateral bearing system in translation in a second direction of translation which is perpendicular to the first direction of translation. This positioning system also includes means for driving said lateral bearing system in translation relative to the base, in these two translation directions. Such translational drive means are usually pneumatic.

The use of such pneumatic drives has a number of disadvantages.

A first disadvantage is that such pneumatic drive means require the presence of a pneumatic installation (in particular comprising a pneumatic control unit and a plurality of hoses for conveying air), at least part of which is housed inside the base. Such a pneumatic system takes up a lot of space, which in turn means that the base itself takes up a lot of space, making it difficult to handle and/or bend the profile. As a result, the profile's ability to move in relation to the base, and its ability to be bent, are limited, making it impossible to give the profile some particularly complex, shapes.

Another disadvantage is that the pneumatic drive means do not always enable the lateral bearing system to be moved and positioned relative to the profile with sufficient precision and finesse, which can be detrimental to the quality of the profile bending.

A further disadvantage is that such pneumatic drive means only enable the lateral bearing system to be moved at a speed that is substantially lower than the bending speed, thus limiting the bending rate.

EP1591174 A1 and US20100180653 A1 disclose a device for bending a profile in two bending directions. This bending device comprises a base as well as, on the one hand, at least one gripping means which is configured to grip said profile, on the other hand, primary means for rotatably mounting said at least one gripping means about a first axis of rotation relative to the base and, on the other hand, primary drive means for rotating said at least one gripping means about this first axis of rotation relative to the base. This device also comprises a lateral bearing system configured to bear laterally against the profile, and a system for positioning said lateral bearing system in at least two symmetric positions relative to said first axis of rotation, and which comprises, on the one hand, means for mounting in translation said lateral bearing system relative to the base and, on the other hand, means for driving in translation said at least one lateral bearing system relative to the base.

The present invention seeks to remedy the bending devices of the state of the art.

The aim of this invention is to improve the possibility of moving the profile in relation to the base and to increase the amplitude of the displacement movement of this profile in relation to the base, in order to enable such a profile to be given more complex shapes and/or to make it easier to give such a profile a specific shape.

Another aim of the present invention is to improve the positioning accuracy of the lateral bearing system, with a view to improving bending quality.

A further aim of the invention is to increase the speed of displacement of the lateral bearing system, in order to improve the bending rate.

For this purpose, the invention concerns a device for bending a profile in two bending directions. This bending device comprises a base as well as, on the one hand, at least one gripping means which is configured to grip said profile, on the other hand, primary means for rotatably mounting said at least one gripping means about a first axis of rotation relative to the base and, on the other hand, primary drive means for rotating said at least one gripping means about this first axis of rotation relative to the base. This device further comprises a lateral bearing system configured to bear laterally against the profile, and a system for positioning said lateral bearing system in at least two symmetric positions relative to said first axis of rotation, and which comprises, on the one hand, means for mounting in curvilinear translation said lateral bearing system relative to the base, comprising means for mounting said lateral bearing system in circular translation relative to the base and, on the other hand, means for driving in curvilinear translation said at least one lateral bearing system relative to the base.

This bending device is characterized in that the circular translation mounting means comprise, on the one hand, a plate, on the other hand, secondary rotational mounting means which are configured to rotatably mount said plate about a second axis of rotation relative to the base and, on the other hand, tertiary rotational mounting means which are configured to rotatably mount the lateral bearing system about a third axis of rotation which is parallel to the second axis of rotation relative to said plate.

An additional feature relates to the fact that the means for mounting in circular translation comprise transformation means which are configured to transform a rotational movement about the second axis of rotation of said plate relative to the base into a rotational movement about the third axis of rotation of said lateral bearing system relative to the plate.

The bending device also comprises, on the one hand, means for mounting in axial translation which are configured to mount in translation along an axis of translation which is at least perpendicular to the first axis of rotation said lateral bearing system relative to the base and, on the other hand, means for driving in axial translation along this axis of translation said lateral bearing system relative to the base.

Thus, the bending device according to the invention comprises a system for positioning said lateral bearing system, which comprises means for mounting in curvilinear translation, as well as means for driving said lateral bearing system in curvilinear translation relative to the base.

Advantageously, these features enable a positioning system (by curvilinear translation) that is more compact than the positioning system (by translation in two directions) of the prior art. These features make it possible to reduce the overall dimensions of such a positioning system compared with the prior art positioning system, and thus to increase the amplitude of movement of the profile. It is then possible to give such a profile more complex shapes and/or to give such a profile a specific shape more easily.

This positioning system (by curvilinear translation) also enables a displacement of the lateral bearing system that is faster and smoother (in particular, less jerkily) than with a positioning system (by translation in two directions) of the prior art. The result is an increase in bending speed and the reliability of the bending device.

In addition, advantageously these features make it possible to envisage the use of electric curvilinear translation drive means, which also reduce the size of the base and thus increase the amplitude of displacement movement of the profile relative to the base, with the same effects and results as those described above. The use of electric curvilinear translation drive means also improves the positioning accuracy of the lateral bearing system, thereby enhancing bending quality. Finally, the use of such electric curvilinear translation drive means further increases the movement speed of the lateral bearing system.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent throughout the following description relating to embodiments which are provided only as indicative and non-limiting examples.

The understanding of this description will be facilitated by reference to the attached drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the bending device according to the invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic, cutaway view of a detail of the bending device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 to FIG. 6 are schematic views of the bending device according to the invention, in different positions of the lateral bearing system relative to the base.

The present invention relates to the field of manufacturing tools that are configured to bend profiles, more particularly to the field of manufacturing automated machines for bending tubes.

The invention then relates more particularly to a device 1 for bending a profile in two bending directions.

Generally speaking, such a profile extends along an axis of extension, adopts a polygonal or (and preferably) circular cross-section, and may adopt the shape of a hollow tube. Such a profile is usually made of a metallic material.

Said bending device 1 comprises a base 2 which is designed to rest on the ground, or even to be secured to the ground.

This bending device 1 also includes at least one gripping means 3 which is configured to grip said profile.

According to a particular embodiment, the bending device 1 may comprise a plurality of gripping means 3.

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

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

The bending device 1 also includes primary means 6 for rotatably mounting said at least one gripping means 3 about a first axis of rotation Xr1 relative to the base 2, more particularly on said base 2.

In this respect, it should be noted that said first axis of rotation Xr1 is at least parallel to (or even, and preferably, coincident with) the axis of translation Xt1 of the aforementioned displacement mounting means 4 (more particularly in translation).

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

In this respect, it should be noted that the bending of said profile is then ensured via said at least one gripping means 3 (more particularly in the gripping position of this profile) as well as by the actuation of the primary rotational drive means 7 of said at least one gripping means 3 relative to the base 2.

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

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

Such a lateral bearing system 8 comprises, on the one hand, a tool holder 80, in particular in the form of a carriage, on the other hand, at least one first lateral bearing means 81 which is configured to bear laterally against the profile, as well as at least one second lateral bearing means 82 which is configured to bear laterally against the profile and, on the other hand, attachment means 83 for the first lateral bearing means 81 and the second lateral bearing means 82, on either side of the tool holder 80, in particular symmetrically relative to this tool holder 80, so that the tool holder 80 is interposed between the two lateral bearing means (81; 82).

The bending device 1 also includes a positioning system 9 which is configured to position said lateral bearing system 8 in at least two positions (FIGS. 3 and 6) which are symmetrical relative to said first axis of rotation Xr1.

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

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

In this respect, it should be noted that, in such a curvilinear translation, on the one hand, the lateral bearing system 8 remains oriented along the same direction (which is, preferably, the main direction D along which this lateral bearing system 8 extends) and, on the other hand, at least one point of said lateral bearing system 8 (or even-and preferably-all the points of said lateral bearing system 8) has a trajectory which is a curve.

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

In this respect, it should be noted that, in such a circular translation, on the one hand, the lateral bearing system 8 remains oriented along the same direction (which is, preferably, the main direction D along which this lateral bearing system 8 extends) and, on the other hand, at least one point of said lateral bearing system 8 (or even-and preferably-all the points of said lateral bearing system 8) has a trajectory which is a circle.

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

According to another feature, the circular translation mounting means 12 comprise, on the one hand, a plate 13 which extends laterally relative to the first axis of rotation Xr1 and in a direction perpendicular to this first axis of rotation Xr1.

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

On the other hand, these circular translation mounting means 12 comprise tertiary rotation mounting means 15 which are configured to rotatably mount the lateral bearing system 8 about a third axis of rotation Xr3 (which is parallel to the second axis of rotation Xr2) relative to said plate 13, more particularly on said plate 13.

In these circular translation mounting means 12, the plate 13 extends in one plane, while the second axis of rotation Xr2 and the third axis of rotation Xr3 are perpendicular to the plane in which the plate 13 extends.

Yet another feature concerns the fact that the circular translation mounting means 12 also comprise transformation means 16 which are configured to transform a rotational movement about the second axis of rotation Xr2 of said plate 13 relative to the base 2 into a rotational movement about the third axis of rotation Xr3 of said lateral bearing system 8 relative to the plate 13.

In this respect, it should be noted that the transformation means 16 comprise, on the one hand, a proximal gearwheel 160, which is fixed relative to the base 2, and relative to which the plate 13 is rotatable about the second axis of rotation Xr2. This proximal gear 160 has a center through which the second axis of rotation Xr2 passes, or even (and preferably) by the first axis of rotation Xr1.

On the other hand, these transformation means 16 comprise a distal gearwheel 161, which is fixed (at least in rotation) relative to the lateral bearing system 8, and which is rotatable about the third axis of rotation Xr3 relative to the plate 13. This distal gearwheel 161 has a center through which the third axis of rotation Xr3 passes.

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

As mentioned above, the positioning system 9 comprises means 11 for driving the at least one lateral bearing system 8 in curvilinear translation relative to the base 2.

In fact, these curvilinear translation drive means 11 of said at least one lateral bearing system 8 relative to the base 2 then comprise circular translation drive means 17 of said at least one lateral bearing system 8 relative to the base 2. These circular translation drive means 17 comprise a motor (more particularly an electric motor) which comprises, on the one hand, a stator which is fixedly mounted on the plate 13 and, on the other hand, a rotor which is engaged with the intermediate gearwheel 162.

According to a further feature, the bending device 1 also comprises axial translation mounting means 18 which are configured to mount said lateral bearing system 8 in translation along a translation axis Xt2 relative to the base 2.

Note that this translation axis Xt2 is at least perpendicular to the first rotation axis Xr1, or even (and preferably) intersects this first rotation axis Xr1. Furthermore, this translation axis Xt2 is preferably coincident with the main direction D along which the lateral bearing system 8 extends. In addition, this translation axis Xt2 is perpendicular to the extension axis along which the profile extends and/or is perpendicular to the translation axis Xt1 of the displacement mounting means 4.

In addition, the bending device 2 also comprises means for driving he lateral bearing system 8 in axial translation 19 relative to the base 2 along the translation axis Xt2.

In this respect, it should be noted that these axial translation drive means 19 (along said translation axis Xt2 of said lateral bearing system 8 relative to the base 2) can be actuated at the same time as the primary rotation drive means 7 (around said first rotation axis Xr1 of said at least one gripping means 3 relative to the base 2) and the curvilinear translation drive means 11 (of said at least one lateral bearing system 8 relative to the base 2), thus enabling, advantageously, the lateral bearing system 8 to bear against the profile, before and/or during and/or after the bending of this profile by means of said at least one gripping means 3 as well as by means of the primary rotation drive means 7 of said at least one gripping means 3. This operation then advantageously enables the lateral bearing system 8 to accompany the profile and bear against it throughout the bending process.

As mentioned above, the circular translational mounting means 12 include tertiary rotational mounting means 15 which are configured to rotatably mount the side support system 8 about the third axis of rotation Xr3 relative to said plate 13.

More specifically, these tertiary rotational mounting means 15 comprise, on the one hand, means for mounting said lateral bearing system 8 in axial translation 18 along the axis of translation Xt2 relative to the base 2 and, on the other hand, means for driving said lateral bearing system 8 in axial translation 19 along said axis of translation Xt2 relative to the base 2.

In this respect, it should be noted that the tertiary rotational mounting means 15 can then comprise, on the one hand, a support 150 which is mounted on the plate 13 so as to be rotatable about the third axis of rotation Xr3 and which is rotationally fixed (about the third axis of rotation Xr3) to the distal wheel 161, and, on the other hand, axial translation mounting means 151 along the axis of translation Xt2, which is perpendicular to the third axis of rotation Xr3 (or even intersects with this third axis of rotation Xr3), of said lateral bearing system 8 relative to the support 150 (more particularly on the support 150) and, on the other hand, means for driving in axial translation 152 along the axis of translation Xt2 of said lateral bearing system 8 relative to the support 150.

The means 18 of mounting in axial translation along the axis of translation Xt2 of said lateral bearing system 8 relative to the base 2 are then constituted by the means of mounting the lateral bearing system 8 relative to the support 150 in axial translation 151 along the axis of translation Xt2.

At the same time, axial translation drive means 19 along the translation axis Xt2 of said lateral bearing system 8 relative to the base 2 are then constituted by the axial translation drive means 152 along the translation axis Xt2 of said lateral bearing system 8 relative to the support 150.

These axial translation drive means (19; 152) can then be constituted by a motor, in particular an electric motor.

The invention then also concerns an assembly which comprises, on the one hand, a profile which extends along an axis of extension and, on the other hand, a device for bending 1, in two bending directions, such a profile. In this assembly, the bending device 1 has at least some of the features described above.

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

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

In this installation, the bending device 1 has at least some of the features described above.

In addition, in this system, the positioning device can consist of a robot, in particular a 6-axis robot.