Abstract
A radial press has at least six main jaws arranged concentrically and uniformly about a press axis to be moved radially in the direction of and away from the press axis by a drive unit. Each main jaw has a contact surface radially inwards and mechanical holding means for press jaws that can be attached in an exchangeable manner. A cutting tool is received in a tool installation area delimited outwardly by the main jaws. The cutting tool has multiple cutting attachments, each of which is attached to a main jaw and has a base structure. At least one of the cutting attachments has a cutting structure. Each base structure has a support surface which rests against the contact surface of the paired main jaw and at least one engagement element. The cutting structure protrudes from the paired base structure in the direction of the press axis.
Claims
1. A radial press with at least six base jaws (8), which are disposed uniformly and concentrically around a press axis (X), and which can be moved by means of a drive unit radially toward the press axis (X) and away from it, wherein the base jaws (8) are respectively provided on the radial inside with a contact face (9) as well as with mechanical retaining means for press jaws that can be mounted exchangeably on them, wherein a cutting tool (11) having the features described below is received in the tool mounting space bounded on the outside by the base jaws (8): the cutting tool (11) comprises a plurality of cutting attachments (12) mounted respectively on a base jaw (8); the cutting attachments (12) respectively comprise a base structure (13) and at least one of them further comprises a cutting structure (14); the base structure (13) respectively has a bracing face (15) bearing on the contact face (9) of the associated base jaw (8) as well as at least one engaging element cooperating with the mechanical retaining means of the associated base jaw (8); the at least one cutting structure (14) protrudes toward the press axis (X) from the associated base structure (13) and has a cutting edge (20) facing away from the bracing face (15) of the associated base structure (13); wherein the cutting tool (11) has linear guide elements (21), which guide two base structures (13) disposed diametrically opposite one another relative to one another with relative movability (B) perpendicular to the press axis (X).
2. The radial press of claim 1, wherein a cutting attachment (12) facing the press axis (X) and disposed opposite the cutting edge (20) of the cutting structure (14) of another cutting attachment (12) is provided with a backing structure having a workpiece contact face.
3. The radial press of claim 1, wherein at least two cutting attachments (12) have cutting structures (14) with cutting edges (20) that interact with one another in cutting relationship.
4. The radial press of claim 3, wherein, for a shearing action on the workpiece (W), the cutting edges (20) are disposed relative to one another, in a direction transverse to the direction of movement (B) of the cutting attachments (12) relative to one another, in parallel offset relationship.
5. The radial press of claim 3, wherein the cutting structures (14) have cutting edges (20) that correspond to one another and are disposed opposite one another in relative direction of movement (B) of the cutting attachments (12) relative to one another.
6. The radial press of claim 1, wherein it comprises two cutting attachments (12) mounted on base jaws (8) disposed opposite one another, preferably vertically one above the other.
7. The radial press of claim 6, wherein it is constructed as a yoke press with a lower yoke (2) and an upper yoke (3), wherein the spacing of the yokes (2; 3) relative to one another can be varied by means of the drive unit.
8. The radial press of claim 3, wherein every second base jaw (8) is equipped with a cutting attachment (12).
9. The radial press of claim 1, wherein the contact faces (9) of the base jaws (8) as well as the bracing faces (15) of the base structures (13) of the cutting attachments (12) are cylindrically curved in a manner corresponding to one another.
10. The radial press of claim 1, wherein the base structures (13) of the cutting attachments (12) project in circumferential direction over the associated base jaws (8).
11. The radial press of claim 1, wherein the at least one cutting edge (20) is oriented transverse to the press axis (X).
12. The radial press of claim 1, wherein the at least one cutting edge (20) is oriented obliquely or parallel to the press axis (X).
13. The radial press of claim 1, wherein the at least one cutting structure (14) is mounted, with respect to the orientation of its cutting edge (20), adjustably on the associated base structure (13).
14. The radial press of claim 1, wherein the cutting tool (11) comprises two cutting attachments (12) disposed diametrically opposite one another and two wall elements (24) that extend substantially parallel to the press axis (X) and laterally bound the temporary space between the two base structures (13) when the cutting tool (11) is closed.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0024] Several preferred exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be explained in more detail hereinafter on the basis of the drawing, wherein
[0025] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view from the front/operator's side of the region relevant here according to a first exemplary embodiment of a radial press modified according to the invention,
[0026] FIG. 2 shows an enlarged view of the cutting tool, received in the tool mounting space and comprising two cutting attachments, of the radial press according to FIG. 1 in open position,
[0027] FIG. 3 shows the cutting tool, received in the tool mounting space, of the radial press according to FIGS. 1 and 2 in closed position,
[0028] FIG. 3a shows a modification of the cutting tool according to the first exemplary embodiment,
[0029] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the cutting tool, to be received in the tool mounting space of the radial press and comprising four cutting attachments, according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention in closed position,
[0030] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of one of the four cutting attachments of the cutting tool according to FIG. 4,
[0031] FIG. 6 shows an axial section through the cutting tool according to FIG. 4,
[0032] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the cutting tool, to be received in the tool mounting space of the radial press and comprising two cutting attachments as well as two centering and retaining attachments, according to a third exemplary embodiment of the invention in closed position,
[0033] FIG. 8 shows a half section through the cutting tool according to FIG. 7,
[0034] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the cutting tool, to be received in the tool mounting space of the radial press, according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the invention in closed position,
[0035] FIG. 10 shows an axial section through the cutting tool according to FIG. 9,
[0036] FIG. 11 shows a vertical section, offset parallel to the axial section according to FIG. 10, through the cutting tool according to FIGS. 9 and 10,
[0037] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of the cutting tool, to be received in the tool mounting space of the radial press, according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the invention in closed position,
[0038] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the cutting tool, to be received in the tool mounting space of the radial press, according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the invention in closed position and
[0039] FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of the cutting tool, to be received in the tool mounting space of the radial press, according to a seventh exemplary embodiment of the invention in partly closed position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0040] The radial press underlying the various exemplary embodiments of the invention presented in the drawing and constructed conceptionally as a kind of yoke press corresponds to the pertinent prior art with which the authoritative person skilled in the art is familiar. In this context, the invention is specifically illustrated on the basis of the HM 325 radial press of Uniflex-Hydraulik GmbH, 61184 Karben (Germany).
[0041] The radial press in question comprises a base 1, a lower yoke 2 that is stationary relative to it and an upper yoke 3, which can be moved vertically up and down relative to lower yoke 2. For this purpose, upper yoke 3 is guided displaceably in two guides 4 projecting from base 1. Also shown are upper end portions 5 of two hydraulic drive cylinders 6, which in known manner are part of the drive unit that brings about the relative movement of upper yoke 3 and lower yoke 2 relative to one another. And operator control unit 7, which among other purposes functions to set up the radial press by calling up a press program that runs in the machine control system and to adapt it for specific procedures, is also shown.
[0042] The radial press is equipped in known manner with base jaws 8, which are disposed uniformly and concentrically around a press axis X and which, by virtue of the relative movement of upper yoke 3 and lower yoke 2 relative to one another, can be moved synchronously in radial direction toward press axis X while upper yoke 3 is being lowered and in radial direction away from press axis X while upper yoke 3 is being raised. Base jaws 8 are respectively provided on the radial inside with a cylindrically curved contact face 9 for press jaws that can be mounted exchangeably on them. Furthermore, base jaws 8 comprisein their interiormechanical retaining means in the form respectively of a spring-loaded retaining pin which, when a press jaw is placed on the relevant base jaw 8, engages interlockingly in a corresponding groove of a retaining peg provided on the radial outside of the relevant press jaw and inserted into bore 10 of base jaw 8. Since the radial press used in the exemplary embodiments corresponds in the foregoing scope to the sufficiently known prior art, to which reference is made, more extensive explanations are unnecessary.
[0043] According to FIGS. 1 to 3, which illustrate a first exemplary embodiment of the invention, the radial press is equipped with a cutting tool 11. This is received in the tool mounting space, which is bounded on the outside by base jaws 8. It comprises two cutting attachments 12 mounted on base jaws 8 disposed opposite one another, namely a first cutting attachment 12.1 mounted on lower base jaw 8.1 (6 o'clock base jaw), which is fixed in position relative to lower yoke 2, and second cutting attachment 12.2, which is mounted on upper base jaw 8.2 (12 o'clock base jaw), which is fixed in position relative to upper yoke 3.
[0044] Each of the two cutting attachments 12.1, 12.2 comprises a base structure 13 and a cutting structure 14. This base structure 13 is provided respectively with a cylindrically curved bracing face 15 (see FIG. 4), which bears on contact face 9 of the associated base jaw 8 and corresponds to it; by analogy with the press jaws intended for use in the radial press, it further comprises an engaging element, which cooperates with the mechanical retaining means of the associated base jaw 8 and has the form of a retaining peg 16 (see FIG. 4) introduced into bore 10 of the associated base jaw 8. Base structures 13 of cutting attachments 12 project in circumferential direction over the respectively associated base jaw 8 (see FIGS. 2 and 3); thus, when the radial press is closed (and thus when cutting tool 11 is closed), they cover the gaps 17 (see FIG. 3) present between the relevant base jaws 8 that carry cutting attachment 12 and the two neighboring base jaws.
[0045] Cutting structure 14 protrudes respectively toward press axis X from base structure 13 of the relevant cutting attachment 12. This is constructed in the form of a prism with a base region 14A (having wall portions 18A oriented parallel to one another) and a cutting region 14B (having wall portions 18B intersecting one another at an acute angle). The cutting edge 19 of the last-mentioned wall portion 18B then defines a bladelike cutting edge 20. Cutting edges 20 of the two cutting attachments 12 are then disposed opposite one another in relative direction of movement B of cutting attachments 12, i.e. in the plane of movement of cutting structures 14. They correspond to one another, in that they are in contact with one another (in idealized manner) along a line of contact when the radial press is closed (FIG. 3). By virtue of the corresponding alignment of cutting structures 14, cutting edges 20 are then (also) oriented transverse to press axis X.
[0046] Cutting structures 14 consist of hardened steel. They are mountedvia conventional dowel pin connectionson the respectively associated base structure 13. This makes it possible to post-machine cutting structures 14 when they are removed from base structures 13 or to replace them in case of wear and tear. In addition, given suitable construction of base structures 13, this permits adjustable mounting of cutting structures 14 thereon in different angular arrangements, e.g. such as angles of 30, 45 and/or 60 relative to press axis X or parallel to it.
[0047] In the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 3, cutting tool 11 further has linear guide elements 21, which guide the two base structures 13 to one another with relative movability perpendicular to press axis X, i.e. in direction of movement B. These linear guide elements 21 are constructed in the form of four guide bolts 22, which are joined firmly with base structure 13 of lower, first cutting attachment 12.1 and during closing of the radial press are inserted into associated guide bores 23 constructed on base structure 13 of upper, second cutting attachment 12.2 (see FIG. 11).
[0048] In the modification, illustrated in FIG. 3a, of cutting tool 11 according to the first exemplary embodiment, cutting tool 11 additionally comprises two wall elements 24, which are mounted laterally on base structure 13 of lower, first cutting attachment 12.1 and extend substantially parallel to press axis X and which laterally bound the temporary space between the two base structures 13 when cutting tool 11 is closed. Furthermore, cutting tool 11 according to FIG. 3a has a workpiece holder 26, which is provided exchangeably on base structure 13 of first cutting attachment 12.1 in the region of front side 25 facing the operator, and which has the form of a metal sheet 28 having a cutout 27 for workpiece W (see FIG. 1).
[0049] According to the second exemplary embodiment illustratedonly within the scope of cutting tool 11in FIGS. 4 to 6, cutting tool 11, with which the radial press according to the first exemplary embodiment is to be equipped instead of with the cutting tool shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, is provided not with two but instead with four cutting attachments 12. Base structures 13 here correspond substantially to those of the first exemplary embodiment. In contrast, the configuration of cutting structures 14 is basically different. In particular, they are each constructed with an angled cutting edge 20, wherein the two portions of each cutting edge 20 come together at a 90 angle to form a pointed tip 29. In addition, FIG. 6 makes it obvious that the cutting angleof approximately 45is substantially smaller here than the cutting angle of cutting tool 11 according to the first exemplary embodiment.
[0050] For application of this cutting tool 11, one consideration is mounting of the four cutting attachments 12 on the base jaws 8 in 12 o'clock, 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions, as is also mounting turned by 45 relative to press axis X.
[0051] The third exemplary embodiment illustratedagain only within the scope of cutting tool 11in FIGS. 7 and 8 can be understoodas far as the two cutting attachments 12 are concernedfrom the explanations about the first exemplary embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. In contrast to this, the third exemplary embodiment is characterized by the two additional centering and retaining attachments 30, whichturned by 90 relative to press axis Xare disposed between the two cutting attachments 12. Each centering and retaining attachment 30 comprises a base structure 31 and a centering and retaining structure 32. For base structure 31especially with respect to mounting on a base jaw 8 of the radial press to be fitted with cutting tool 11the foregoing explanations concerning base structure 13 of cutting attachment 12 are correspondingly applicable. The respective centering and retaining structure 32 comprises two workpiece holders 33 in the form of retaining jaws 34 having a cutout 35 (workpiece contact face 36) adapted to the geometry of workpiece W to be severed. These retaining jaws 34 are axially offset relative to cutting structures 14 of the two cutting attachments 12 in such a way that cutting structures 14 are disposed between retaining jaws 34. Retaining jaws 34 are mounted in resiliently flexible manner on associated base structure 31 in such a way that workpiece contact faces 36 of workpiece holders 33 are able to shorten their spacing from the associated base jaws 8 against a preload. Combinations of guide bolts 37 and preload springs 38 are used for this purpose. This ensures that the four workpiece holders 33 encircle workpiece W to be severed at a sufficiently early stage, ideally as soon as or shortly after the cutting process begins.
[0052] The fourth exemplary embodiment illustratedagain only within the scope of cutting tool 11in FIGS. 9 to 11 can be understoodas far as the two cutting attachments 12 are concernedfrom the explanations about the first exemplary embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. In contrast to this, the fourth exemplary embodiment is characterized in that the two cutting edges 20 corresponding to one another extend not as a straight line but instead according to a portion of a circular arc. In addition, they are limited to part of the width of cutting structures 14, namely its middle region.
[0053] The fifth exemplary embodiment illustratedagain only within the scope of cutting tool 11in FIG. 12 can be understood largely from the explanations about the first exemplary embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. In contrast to this, the fifth exemplary embodiment is characterized in that the two cutting edges 20 correspond to one another only in certain regions, namely in two outer portions, in the sense that they bear on one another in (idealized) linear relationship when cutting tool 11 is closed. In a central portion, on the other hand, cutting edges 20 do not correspond to one another but instead define a cutting opening 39 (illustrated by way of example here as a circular contour). Obviously the geometry of cutting opening 39 can be adapted to the geometry of workpiece W to be severed.
[0054] Unlike the cutting tools according to the five exemplary embodiments explained in the foregoing, those according to FIGS. 13 and 14 are intended not for severing a workpiece by crimping, but instead for severing a workpiece by shearing.
[0055] In the sixth exemplary embodiment of the invention illustratedagain only within the scope of the cutting toolin FIG. 13, cutting tool 11 consists of two cutting attachments 12 as well as four linear guide elements 21. Each of these two cutting attachments 12 comprises for its part a base structure 13 as well as a cutting structure 14 protruding therefrom toward the press axis. The above explanations, to which reference is made to avoid repetitions, apply without restriction to the respective base structure 13 as well as the four linear guide elements 21. In contrast, the two cutting structures 14 are constructed here as shearing blocks 40 offset from one another in the direction of press axis X. Each of the shearing blocks 40 defines a cutting edge 20 in the form of a shearing edge 41. These are explained in precisely that sixth exemplary embodiment.
[0056] In contrast, in the seventh exemplary embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 14, shearing edges 41forming cutting edges 20of shearing blocks 40 are not straight. Instead, they extendin a shearing plane disposed perpendicular to press axis Xrespectively in multiple-angled manner and, in fact, in such a way that two outer portions 41.1 lie on a straight line orthogonal to direction of movement B, while the inner portions 41.2 lying between them are oriented in V-shaped relationship with one another. The V-shaped arrangement of these inner shearing-edge portions 41.2 corresponds to a workpiece-receiving slot 42, which has a V-shaped cross section, on that face of the relevant shearing block 40 which faces base structure 13 of the respective other cutting attachment 12.
[0057] It is further evident in FIG. 14 that, within the scope of the present invention, base structure 13 and cutting structure 14 also comprise two functional regions of a single structural part, i.e. the relevant cutting attachment 12 can be constructed in one piece. As is stated expressly by way of precaution to prevent misconceptions, it is obvious that this also applies correspondingly for the other exemplary embodiments of the invention explained in the foregoing.
